Read about what's going on in our HopeGateWay Community Newsletter September 5, 2026.
If you don't find the information you're looking for in the newsletter, on this page or within the website, please send us an email!
Sundays at 10am EST
In person at 515 Woodford St in Portland, Maine
& on Zoom
Dial in audio: 1.929.205.6099
Meeting ID: 533 469 2118
Current Sermon Series: Shoulder To Shoulder, Brick By Brick
The book of Nehemiah in the Old Testament / Hebrew Bible tells the story of rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. This story serves as a blueprint for collective mobilization, strategic planning, addressing local injustices, and uniting people to accomplish a shared mission.
Author Brenda Salter McNeil explains it this way in her book, Empowered to Repair:
"Nehemiah was an effective organizer. He knew that the task was too large for any single individual, that he would need everyone's support and participation. Nehemiah needed all hands on deck: men and women, young and old, skilled and unskilled, experienced and inexperienced, working class and rulers... All the people were invested in rebuilding the wall because of their personal interest, but they were also keenly aware [that] everyone was vulnerable without it. In places where people would generally be divided, they collectively worked together because they needed each other."
We need each other today and we need to organize ourselves to work together to achieve shared goals. That's why HopeGateWay is engaged in the effort to bring a broad based organization in the IAF model to Maine.
During this series we will learn together about the story of Nehemiah and the benefits of working shoulder to shoulder, and rebuilding our communities brick by brick.
Picnic Lunch and Deering Center Porchfest Outing
for HGW Kids and families
Sunday, Sept 13 • following worship
HopeGateWay kids and families will kick off the school year with a picnic lunch and afternoon of music! Bring a lunch (and a blanket if you want) and we'll eat together around 11:30 after the service. Then, for anyone interested, we'll walk over (about 10 minutes) to Deering Center Porchfest, a free festival where local musicians play on neighbors' porches and lawns. Our lunch and walk is a family-friendly event, but HGW friends of all ages are invited!
Fall Work Day at 515 Woodford Street
Saturday, Sept 19 • 10 am – 2 pm
Mark your calendars for the upcoming Fall Work Day at 515 Woodford Street to get the yard and building in shape for the fall and winter. Come for a morning shift 10-12 or an afternoon shift 12-2, or plan to spend the day with us.
Greater Portland Community Sing
Sunday, September 20 • 6:00-7:30pm
HopeGateWay
Note timing is a little different this month!
Singing is one of our oldest social technologies to keep us united, connected, motivated, and regulated. We can regulate and activate our bodies and brains, feel a sense of belonging, connect with neighbors and friends, and fill our cups to sustain our work. We can channel grief and anger or elicit reverence and PLAY!
Through singing we practice bravery, vulnerability, and community care. We feel the power generated by joining our voices as ONE.
- Co-held by Emilia Dahlin in a perfection-free field.
- No Experience necessary.
- All ages welcome.
- Listen to your body and come another time if you’re feeling less than healthy. Masking is always welcome.
A Community Sing is an opportunity to sing with family, friends, and neighbors by learning very simple songs by ear (no written music).
Themes are focused on positive or affirming messages and our shared humanity. Sometimes there are multiple parts or harmonies, but it’s designed to be accessible to people of all ages and abilities, with an emphasis on building community, rather than sounding perfect.
Folks are welcome to bring a simple (very easy to learn), meaningful song to share. Please bring the name of the author, lineage, and any context to accompany it
Community Organizing Book Study
Wednesdays on Zoom • 6:30-8:00 pm
September 23 & 30 • October 14 & 21
Pastor Sara will lead a conversation based on the book Empowered to Repair: Becoming People Who Mend Broken Systems and Heal Our Communities by Brenda Salter McNeil.
Through this book the author guides us to join in God's work of transformation, repairing and rebuilding broken communities.
She goes beyond theories to offer practical tools for organizing, empowering, and activating people to work for personal and systemic change. She provides strategies for moving beyond superficial diversity and teaches the skills needed to engage in this important work for the long term.
Learning from Nehemiah, we can become emboldened to build congregations, organizations, and communities where all people can flourish and reach their full, God-given potential.
We have several copies of the book available. Fill our the form here to register.
Apple Picking: A HopeGateWay tradition!
Sunday, September 27 • 2 pm
Thompson's Orchard, New Gloucester
Celebrate the arrival of autumn with an afternoon of apple-picking and apple crisp baking! Spending time together in the orchard, followed by a pizza and apple crisp dinner is a longstanding HopeGateWay tradition! We'll gather for apple-picking at Thompson's Orchard in New Gloucester at 2 pm, fill our baskets, and return to Ali and Erica's home in Portland for apple crisp making (gluten and dairy free!) and community time together. Please bring a lawn chair to the Lovejoys for yourself / your family members if you are able to do so. Feel free to invite a friend!
Courage is Contagious: An Evening with Bishop Mariann Budde
Hosted by the Maine Council of Churches
Thursday, October 8 • 7:00 pm
at Merrill Auditorium, Portland
The Maine Council of Churches invites you to a special evening with Bishop Mariann Budde on Thursday, October 8 at 7:00 PM at Merrill Auditorium in Portland.
Bishop Budde (Episcopal Diocese of Washington DC) is a nationally respected faith leader, author, and advocate for justice, known for her courageous and faithful public witness. In this timely event, she will reflect on the role of faith in shaping moral leadership and building a more just and compassionate society.
This gathering is an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to come together and learn how to be brave, stand for justice, speak truth to power, and seek mercy for our most vulnerable and marginalized neighbors.
Tickets are $56 (includes service fee) and can be purchased any time online at this link or in person at the PortTix Box Office, 400 Congress Street, Portland, Monday–Friday, 11am – 3pm.
Proceeds will benefit the Maine Council of Churches, a coalition of denominations that speaks with a prophetic voice calling people to help build a more just, compassionate, and peaceful world.
Gather and Grow with HopeGateWay Small Groups
HopeGateWay offers a number of small groups. Recovery groups meet weekly on most nights of the week. We're always planning ahead for our next book study, film or podcast discussion. If you're interested in being part of a small group or if you have an idea for either a short-term or longer-term small group, email hello@hopegateway.com.
Community Care: Caring for One Another
At HopeGateWay, we follow Jesus' invitation to "love one another as I have loved you." Sometimes we offer our gifts and support and at other times we find ourselves on the receiving end. This is community, the kind of community that we want to be, graciously giving and receiving. If you need assistance with some home cooked meals, groceries, errands or a visit, please contact us as well!
Looking to serve in a new way in 2026?
Consider Volunteer Opportunities with Hope Acts!
Hope Acts is seeking new volunteers as housing mentors, English language program support, transportation needs, and more. Check Hope Acts' volunteer page for more information. If you prefer, please call the Hope Acts office at 207-274-6005 or 207-228-1140 to discuss volunteer opportunities. Contact Alice for the ASAP program, Sarah for HHELP and Martha for anything/everything else. Volunteering is an act of hope AND a gift of hope. Reach out today.
HopeGateWay Conversations and Sermon Podcasts
If you'd like to learn more about what's going on within our HopeGateWay community, simply connect to our podcast page. You will find our weekly sermon podcasts at the same link. We encourage you to stay connected; let us know if there's something you'd like to know about HopeGateWay. Art McClanahan puts his heart and soul into making these conversations come alive.
Gateways Daily Reflection
Gateways is a daily email offering inspiring words for your daily time with God from HopeGateWay. Each morning we send out a prayer, reflection, poem, or other thought-provoking work along with a question or observation to take with you into your day. If you would like to try adding this to your daily spiritual practice, please sign up and join us. Subscribe here.
Sing along with the HopeGateWay Virtual Choir
Do you ever have worship songs going through your mind long after worship? You can now sing along at home any day of the week! Kelly and the HopeGateWay Acapella Virtual Choir creates a new song recording for worship every week. So our library of songs is growing! You can listen at this link.
Thank you for your faithful Stewardship!
Your generosity fuels HopeGateWay's Micah 6:8 mission to "do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God." You can access all of the materials to make your pledge commitment for 2026 here. You may also make a one-time or recurring gift through our website or send a check to 515 Woodford Street Portland, ME 04103. We are grateful for your generous support of HopeGateWay's ministry and programs.
Grab a CLYNK Bag and Support HopeGateWay
Support the ministry and mission of HopeGateWay in a super easy way! Just pick up one of our Clynk bags in the green tote in our lobby, fill it with returnable bottles and cans, and return it to a Clynk collection site near Hannaford. If you have a personal Clynk account, you can also donate your balance to HopeGateWay!