Scripture for Study and Reflection: Read Romans 15: 1-6, 12-13. 1. What does “hope” mean to you? Why is hope important? What is life like without hope? 2. What is your hope for Grand Lake UMC as we go forward? 3. Read Isaiah 43: 19. How does that verse make you feel? Can you see it relating to Grand Lake UMC? 4. Read Romans 8: 28. Does that verse give you hope? If so, in what ways? 5. Pastor Mick talks about hope in togetherness. What does he mean by this? Why is togetherness important? How can it give us hope? 6. Bill Hybels of Willow Creek Church says, “The local church is the hope of the world.” Do you agree with that? Why/why not? How are we at Grand Lake UMC providing hope to the world? 7. Pastor Mick talks about finding hope through Scripture. How do the Scriptures provide hope? 8. Read verse 13 again. How are we filled with joy and peace? What does this do for us? What might it also do for others around us? 9. In what ways is God the true source of all our hope? What do you need to do to tap into this hope more fully? How can you help others tap into this source of hope? Prayer for the Week: Almighty God, you are the source of all our hope. We find hope in the way you draw us together as a community of faith, the body of Christ, your church. We find hope for all of life’s ups and downs when we read the Scriptures. More than anything, we find hope in our relationship with you, as you fill us with joy and a peace that passes all understanding, regardless of our life circumstances. Remind us, Lord, that you are not done with us. You are always doing something new in us, whether we perceive it or not. For this, we give you thanks and praise. May our collective thanks and praise fill others with hope and draw them to you in a way that advances your kingdom and gives your glory. We pray all of this in the strong name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.