Read about what's going on in our HopeGateWay Community Newsletter October 23, 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.
HopeGateWay Annual Meeting
Sunday, November 22 • Potluck Lunch following worship
Our Annual Meetings are full of updates about various aspects of our life together in ministry. We hope you'll set aside this time to gather together and to participate in a potluck following worship, to be present to hear updates on aspects of HopeGateWay ministry we don't always have lots of time to talk about, to vote on our 2027 budget, and to have fun together, too.
HGW Kids Sunday Events
November 8 • December 6
This fall we're experimenting with different times and types of gatherings to see what works best for families!
Mark your calendars for future HGW Kids Sunday events:
• November 8: service project
• December 6: Advent-themed gathering
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!