Tim speaks from Romans 15:13 — “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

He reminds us that this word was given to all people, and that through God’s promises and unchanging character, He offers a hope that sustains and strengthens.

Tim also draws from Romans 5:3–5, showing that through endurance, encouragement, and living in harmony with one another in Christ, we experience unity, joy, and peace.

He finishes with a beautiful picture of Hope Church — an abundant fruit basket overflowing for the community of Diss, a people who carry and pour out the life of the Holy Spirit.

Ruth spoke from Acts 12:1–25, reminding us that God is well able to move the scenery in our lives. Even when circumstances feel overwhelming, we are encouraged to keep looking forward with Him.

Peter was in prison, but the church was earnestly praying — and despite opposition, the church continued to flourish. There is real power in the “but God” moments of Scripture and in our own stories.

Ruth encouraged us to take little steps when we face difficult situations, asking God to guide us one step at a time and trusting Him to show the way.

She highlighted the two openings in Peter’s story:

• A gate that should never have opened — the iron gate that swung open miraculously.
• A door that opened slowly — where Peter had to keep knocking, not giving up until it finally opened.

Our present circumstances may look impossible, but as we take small, faithful steps with God, He will always make a way through the confusion of our lives. He takes us by the hand and leads us through the mystery of it all.

Joey spoke to us about what it feels like to be on the sidelines in our spiritual journey — watching the “game” but not feeling part of it. She reminded us that many people in Scripture began their stories on the margins, yet God drew them in and transformed their lives in remarkable ways.

She highlighted examples such as Elijah, Zacchaeus, Peter, other disciples, and Jonah — people who started in places of doubt, distance, or obscurity, but were brought into God’s purposes with power and grace.

Joey encouraged us to see that God does the same today: No matter where we feel we’re standing, God invites us into the centre of His story.

Matt shared how God has been leading him to speak on Joyful Unity — a unity that is not only felt, but seen, experienced, and transformative.

He described the characteristics of Joyful Unity as:

• Shared faith and purpose
• Spiritual fulfilment
• Community and support
• Transformative power

Matt closed with a powerful and challenging reminder:

Where joyful unity is present, the world sees Jesus.

Where joyful unity grows, the Church becomes radiant.

Where joyful unity thrives, the Gospel is made visible.

Joey spoke from Nehemiah 8:1–12, reminding us of the true meaning of joy.

We often confuse joy with happiness, but joy is something far deeper — an intense, steady contentment that isn’t shaken by circumstance. With joy mentioned around 400 times in Scripture, it’s clear that God considers it vital for our lives.

Joey encouraged us to see that our strength is measured by our joy, and that real joy is rooted not in ourselves, but in God’s joy.

• Our joy rests on God’s joy
• God delights in us
• The joy of the Lord is the strength we need

Steve Jefroy shares an encouraging update on all that’s happening at Hope Raisers and highlights the many ways we can get involved.

Imogen concluded our series “Smash the Idol, Build an Altar”, focusing this week on the subtle idol of religion.

Drawing from Mark 2:23–28, she showed us that religion can appear, on the surface, to be about Sabbath observance. At a deeper level, it’s about recognising Jesus’ authority. But ultimately, Imogen reminded us that true faith is about wholehearted devotion to God — not devotion to religion.

Diane continued our series “Smash the Idol, Build an Altar”, focusing this week on the idol of approval.

She reminded us that every one of us is created with deep emotional needs — security, self‑worth, and significance — and that we naturally seek human approval, no matter our stage or status in life.

Diane gently invited us to shift our focus and find:

• our security in God’s love
• our worth in God’s grace
• our significance in God’s calling