FELLOWSHIP
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. — John 13:34-35
In both the Old and New Testaments, God reveals to us His desire that His covenant people live together in unity as an adopted family through the blood of Christ, united in His Holy Spirit. As Jesus Christ prays His great high priestly prayer, recorded in John 17:1-26, He specifically prays not only for His apostles, but also for the members of every confessing church throughout the ages, when He says:
I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they may also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.
— John 13:20-23
It is our privilege and joy, as well as our duty according to God’s revealed will, that we be community of believers, bound together in love and fellowship with one another. With this biblical understanding of faith and family always in our hearts and minds, Hope Presbyterian Church offers its members, friends, and visitors many opportunities to enjoy warm fellowship with one another.
Hope Church Fellowship Suppers
 Our church family-wide events include monthly fellowship suppers. These usually occur on Saturday evenings and may involve traditional covered dish style meals, or may feature particular themed dining – such as Italian, Mexican, or barbeque. These Hope gatherings also provide an opportunity for us to enjoy special programs, which often include; our local ministry programs, our missionaries, mercy opportunities, and recreation.
Hope Youth Group
Our Youth Group is a growing ministry at Hope that God is using to build a biblical world and life view and faith fellowship bridges among the next generation of leaders. Youth group blends teaching, mentoring, fellowship, and fun activities together, encouraging our high school and middle school young people to begin to explore their God-given leadership gifts.
Wednesday Night High School and College Group
 On Wednesday nights, beginning at 6:00, Hope offers high school and college youth opportunities to have fellowship within a context that promotes applying biblical principles to the very real issues these young people face in their individual lives and in the wider culture. During the summer this group is called “Volleyball and Verses,” and much of the format includes outdoor volleyball, followed by a time of teaching, sharing, and prayer. During the colder weather months, this group meets every other week at a local restaurant or coffee bar to discuss important topics in need of biblical reformation. The alternating Thursday nights the youth meet to view current or classic films or other visual media, in order to evaluate the meta-narratives or worldviews being presented and engage them with the Christian faith. This component of our high school and college group is known as “Video and Verses.”
Monday Morning Men’s Bible Study and Fellowship
Our assistant pastor, Ted Lester, leads an early morning Bible study and fellowship time with the men of our church on Monday mornings at 6:30. This gathering meets at Bojangles in Woodsock, located at the corner of highway 92 and Trickum Road.
Wednesday Evening Women’s Bible Study and Fellowship
Several of the ladies in our church gather twice monthly on Wednesday evenings for a time of fellowship and Bible study. This group enjoys meeting in the homes of some of the women who regularly lead or attend.
Women in the Church
The women of Hope have the regular opportunity to fellowship together and support the life and work of our congregation. Women in the Church coordinate fellowship events, raise funds for mercy and for church facility beautification projects, and promote relationships and mentoring among the women of our church. Regular activities during the year include a Mother-Daughter event and a Christmas tea.
Silver Hope
Our congregation’s Silver Hope group offers seniors ages 55 and above terrific opportunities to grow in grace and in relationship with each other. Regular monthly meetings and lunch together normally occur at the church on the second Wednesday at 11:00 am. One of the really enjoyable aspects Silver Hope offers our senior adults is the option to participate throughout the year in many special trips. Some of Silver Hope’s favorite excursions are to the Georgia peach orchards in July and to the Georgia apple orchards in October.
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. — Acts 2:42-44
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. — Ephesians 4:1-3
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