Circle of Hope wants to be a place for people who are over the finger waggin’ Christianity they grew up with as kids and mostly grew sick of. We want to be an authentic expression of Jesus and we think we can do that without all the rules and judgment that seems to have scared a lot of people away from traditional churches. 1 John 4:18 says, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.” So we’ve set ourselves up to be perfected in love, even as the messed-up humans we are.

Tall order? Well, it is if Jesus isn’t actually alive making his presence known in our everyday lives. Good News! Jesus IS alive and we’ve found a way to serve and obey him in a fresh way.

We’re coming from a lot of different places, opinions and backgrounds. But Jesus is binding us together in love. We talk a lot because it’s our dialogue that keeps us together. On Sundays after the pastor talks, we all talk back. In our cells, circles of about ten people who meet in homes throughout the week, talking is the main agenda. It’s in that dialogue of love that we are finding new ways to move with God and including others in that movement. We’d love to include you, too.

Where is it?

We meet Sundays on Marlton Pike in Pennsauken, just one block off of Rte. 130 (Crescent Blvd) in a space that once housed a volunteer fire company. We’re easily accessible from Rte. 38, Rte. 70, and Rte. 130, just minutes away from Collingswood, Camden, Gloucester City, Merchantville, Maple Shade, Cherry Hill, Haddon Township, Oaklyn, Woodlynne, Audubon, Haddon Heights, Mt. Ephraim, Haddonfield, Moorestown, Cinnaminson, Palmyra, Westville, and Deptford.

What’s it like?

It’s an opportunity to explore and express God’s love. Take advantage of what you can. There’s usually singing to get us together, Singing helps our hearts and bodies move toward God in worship. There’s a speech when the pastor or someone else engages us in ways we can do that exploring and expressing. Often there’s a chance to talk back with questions and stories. It’s all up for grabs. Don’t feel like you have to do anything. Come as you are, be as you are, and see what God does.

Parking

Park in the rear parking lot and enter through the door in the back.

Public Transport

NJ Transit bus 406 has a stop across from the building. NJ Transit buses 409 and 414 stop a block away on Rte. 130 (walk northwest on Marlton Pike).

Childcare

Kids age 6 mos. through 11 years get to hang out with our team of dedicated caregivers and teachers. They get a snack and have fun, leaving their parents free to fully participate in the meeting. Of course, all caregivers are appropriately screened and vaccinated. All children who are able, are asked to wear a mask and all caregivers are asked to complete this health screen before dropping their kids off, Circle of Hope Kids Health Screening. Children will maintain as much social distancing as possible as we engage in fun activities that help them learn our stories of faith and most of all, learn how very loved they are by us and by God.

Afterhang

After our meetings we hang out to create community and conspire for goodness. Plan to stay after to join us.

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