Same God, Same Building, Different Name

Introducing RISING HOPE CHURCH

Since my university days, Psalm 121 has been a favorite of mine. It is a reminder that our true source of help in this life is found in God alone. During this pandemic, I have found myself lifting my eyes to the sky increasingly frequently. Living in Urbana, Il near a hospital during a pandemic, the sound of a helicopter has drawn my gaze upward. Each time I would hear helicopters during the early months of the pandemic, I would pray. I would cry out to God for the one being transported, for the pilots, for the doctors and nurses, for the families left outside alone… And every time I turned my gaze to God,  I found HOPE rising within me crowding out the threatening fear, despair, discouragement, or panic. Meriam Webster defines HOPE as  “desire accompanied by expectation of or belief in fulfillment” .  I love this definition of HOPE! It rings of promises fulfilled and reinforces that today’s circumstances are temporary. I have Rising Hope that the pandemic is ending. I have Rising Hope that God miraculously heals. I have Rising Hope that the violence in our community can decrease. God can heal and restore. I have seen Him do it this past year.

I have not been alone on this journey of renewed HOPE. We, the church, are  intentionally lifting our eyes, hearts, and minds to WORSHIP. Here at First Wesleyan Church-Urbana we are turning our fear to faith and our worry to worship. And God has begun to restore and revive our hearts. We have found the HOPE of Christ rising in us as individuals and as families and as a church. We have seen God answer prayers and perform miracles in our lives and in our church. God has given us a passion and a vision to let the RISING HOPE in our own hearts overflow to those in our communities. As we flourish as followers of Jesus, our HOPE is to SHARE His love, joy, peace, and healing in our community. For this reason, FWC-Urbana is being renamed RISING HOPE CHURCH. This new name reflects  WHO we ARE in CHRIST, and the impact we want to have in our community.

If you are looking for a place to belong, then we  invite you to join us. Let God restore you with HIS RISING HOPE for your life.

What’s in a name? Join us Sundays at 11am in person or on Facebook and find out.

“I lift my eyes up to the mountains. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, maker of heaven and the earth.”  Psalm 121:1-2

Pastor Amber