Message from Reverend Linn Possell

Ministry Update Reverend Linn Possell    Hope Unites is creating the world in which we all want to live.  How are we doing this?  By showing up for one another.  At Hope Unites we show up for one another in countless ways.  In last week's Ministry Update I wrote about the financial deficit that we were experiencing and as a result of that, people are "showing up".    I have had many conversations with people who are committed to our mission and vision.  One friend of the church who lives in another state sent in a donation.  Another friend of the church called and asked about the deficit and is going to give a donation.  Seven people took time out of their busy work day to be on a conference call to help create a plan for the church.  Three people took time out of their day and pocketbooks to make sure that our church had new signs put up on the building. I had yet another conversation with someone who was struggling with the fact that they could not give financially, or commit to a project and therefore stated that they felt like they could not do anything for the church.  My response was..."You can show up."     It is important to remember what our vision is...to create a world in which we all want to live.  What do we all want from one another but to know that someone will show up for us?  Therefore, it is a great gift that you give to us when we see you at church on Sunday.   Hope Unites does a great job of showing up.  We visit our friends in the hospital, we feed the homeless on Sat mornings, we send emails to one another to coordinate efforts to get a friend who just received low income housing furniture and food, and we hold vigils for victims of hate crimes, and much, much more.  So I ask you all to keep "showing up".  Your presence is our greatest gift to and for one another. We show up so that we can give and receive energy, nourishment and love.  Thank you all for helping Hope Unites continue our mission and vision and giving us the ability to continue to be a presence of hope for our community.   Thank you all for "showing up."   Linn   Please be sure to post this to your FaceBook page by following the link below.  Help us in creating the world in which we all want to live.   If you feel inclined to give a Financial Donation to support our work, please CLICK HERE

From: Reverend Linn Possell can be reached at 407-247-5294 or by email at RevPossell@gmail.com.   Hope Unites meets for Worship and Celebration Sundays at 930am.  CLICK HERE for directions     A Little Bit About Hope Unites UCC   "The greatest degree of inner tranquility comes from the development of love and compassion. The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being."     +Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama     "We are a community of believers joined in friendship. Embracing the invitation to unity that God has made to all, we offer an inclusive place of worship and outreach. With Christianity as our path, Hope Unites welcomes all people on their personal spiritual journey. We seek to proclaim in word and deed the reconciliation and love of God."          +Hope Unites Mission Statement

Hope Unites United Church of Christ • 425 Columbia Street • Orlando, FL 32806

I love my church because it is like The Wizard of Oz – it’s about having a heart and a brain. And courage!

What I love most about my church is that it’s a place where we feel free to “think out loud together”.

You know why I love my church? Because for one hour a week I get reminded that life is more than getting up and going to work, dealing with problems, and worrying about everything under the sun.

I love the United Church of Christ because we’re giraffes not turtles; we aren’t afraid to stick our necks out. We were the first Mainline Christian Denomination to ordain the first African-American in the 18^th century, the first woman in the 19^th century, and the first openly gay person in the 20^th century. That helps me stick my neck out and take a risk every now and then.

I love my church because the sermons make me think about things I would probably normally not think about.

Why do I love Hope Unites?  Because it’s not about believing in Christ, it’s about following Jesus!