New website
On this website, the folks of the Good Hope Ecclesia in Maumelle, Arkansas, would like to keep you updated on the goings-on of our meeting. Pictures, thoughts that we hope will inspire you, and general information will be available.
We'll see how things develop.
A schedule for our ecclesia is here. We meet at the Summit Software building at 9307 Maumelle Blvd, Maumelle, AR 72113. Contact Dyron Hamlin at dyronman@gmail.com
Memorial Day Weekend
Bible Study on the banks of the Buffalo River
Here are a few pictures from our Bible study weekend. The kids all had a fabulous time (we had to make them the central focus of the weekend because there were so many of them), and learned some more about God's wonderful creation!
Brother Kyle Tucker came out to Arkansas with his "Judaizers" class, and had some super presentations.
There were only 2 bathrooms amongst the 51 or so of us...yet there were no incidents or accidents of which I am aware. Just goes to show you what a "tight-knit" group we are! This extenuating circumstance did inspire us to make some "I survived" T-shirts, though...
To get all the full-sized pictures, click here.
Quick Note...
...for prospective visitors
The Good Hope Christadelphian Ecclesia will not be meeting at the Summit Software building either July 3 or July 10 due to the fact that a large preponderence of the folks that normally go will be at the Great Lakes Christadelphian Bible School near Sheboygan, WI. God Speed to all travelers, and may you have a wonderful week!
We're ba-ack!
refreshed and ready!
Well, the trip to 2005 GLCBS was FANTASTIC by all accounts (except maybe for the sleep - or lack of sleep - experienced by our RVers!). The week was great and uplifting - such a breath of fresh air in a non-stop world! Below are the first things that we Arkansans saw upon entering the registration area at the Lakeland College campus. It's just a small taste of the loving consideration that the people of Illinois showed us all week!
So we're all back in Central Arkansas, and ready to serve Yahweh however we can - we were inspired by our brothers from up north, and hope to pass that along here at home!
New Document
see link on right-hand-side
The Statement of Faith referenced in the "About" section is now available - click the permanent link in that section, or click here for a printable version.
Katrina's impact
points of discussion and action
According to a message from Bro. Bill Yake received in the last week, some relief efforts for a couple of Christadelphians in the Louisiana-Mississippi-Alabama areas are being coordinated by Sis. Annette Shelton, contact information as follows:
Annette Shelton
207 Wheeler Rd
Monroe, LA 71203-9420
(318) 343-1256
mashelton@jam.rr.com
In addition, I know we all are praying fervently that this disaster is somehow a signal that Jesus will return soon. That, as He taught us to pray, "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, as in Heaven, so also on the earth." Some have seen a link between the Gaza evacuation and the hurricane evacuation. We can see many potential signs, and discuss eagerly how they might be an important sign of Jesus' return. The important thing is that we discuss (Heb. 10:24-25), and that we watch for those signs (Mark 13:33-37).
Let us all pray for all people whose lives were uprooted by this disaster, that their newfound dependence on God will be permanent and not temporary, and that the disaster will serve as a daily reminder to us of His power and our reliance on Him. It's amazing how quickly we move on from such reminders....does anyone remember the tsunami that happened less than one year ago???
Our first baptism!
The Good Hope ecclesia has been in existence for about two years now and we have just been blessed with a new sister in Christ. Heather Harvey was baptised on Sunday, October 9, 2005.
We are so blessed by her recent conversion! She gave a confession of her faith on Sunday after services and was baptized by her Grandfather, Herchel Hill later that afternoon.
Her family in Christ gathered for this wonderful occasion to lend her encouragement and support for her new walk in Christ to the Kingdom of God. Our prayer is the Lord will soon return to the earth to rule from his throne in Jerusalem.
Rev 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth. For the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. And the sea no longer is.
Rev 21:2 And I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of Heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her Husband.
Rev 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of Heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God.
Rev 21:4 And God will wipe away all tears from their eyes. And there will be no more death, nor mourning, nor crying out, nor will there be any more pain; for the first things passed away.
Rev 21:5 And He sitting on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And He said to me, Write, for these words are true and faithful.
Rev 21:6 And He said to me, It is done. I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who thirsts I will give of the fountain of the Water of Life freely.
Rev 21:7 He who overcomes will inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son.
May God bless your walk Heather!
Sister's Day
A "Sister's Day" was held on January 28, 2006. Sister Hannah Fadelle came to Arkansas for the very first time in her life for the special occasion. Sis. Hannah is working on a new project with WCF to assess needs within the Christadelphain commiunity. The population she is specifically working with is the female population. The day was a success!!! There were about 20 women in attendance from four Arkansas ecclesias. We had some great discussion and conversations. Thank you to Hannah for making the trip down south.
Great kids!
We had our monthly hymnsing and supper at the Hamlin house in February. All of the kids play so well together. It's great to see all of the friendships developing among our children!
When the kids came down to join us in the "Lord's Prayer", they looked SO CUTE sitting on the stairs we had to snap a group photo! Thanks Sister Miranda for the great picture.
Mini Sunday School Program
On February 26th, the 3-4 year old class gave a small performance of material they had been learning since the beginning of the New Year.
They had been studying how to use their bodies to worship God. The main focus was on the song "Be careful little eyes..." - they learned how to use their eyes, ears, mouths, hands, and feet to serve God. They performed several songs, answered some questions, and said a memory verse.
Cody Reed also performed for everyone. He played "The Hope" on his cello - what an accomplished young musician!
Sister's Tea
Sister Liz White hosted a "Sister's Tea" on February 25th. It was a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon! Liz gave the four sisters who had January/February birthdays each a journal. She told us about the journal two sisters had brought to her after her husband, Wes, passed away. The sisters had written some inspirational Bible verses in her journal and she became inspired to add verses, quotes, thoughts, etc. that helped her get through each day.
We also exchanged our addresses, emails, phone numbers, etc. along with a prayer request to another sister in the group. We were to exchange with a sister we didn't know very well.
We also enjoyed some delicious food, coffee, and tea (of course)! What a blessing to have so many fabulous sisters get together and encourage one another!
Petit Jean Picnic
At the invitation of Sister Rose from the Morrilton ecclesia, the members of the Good Hope ecclesia headed to Petit Jean for a memorable day on Sunday, May 7th. Brother Dwight Kindred exhorted us on the meaning of fellowship. We all enjoyed a delicious potluck lunch. The Lewis family from the Fayetteville ecclesia also joined in the fun!
Sister Anna planned an afternoon of games for young and old. We participated in a number of hilarious relays - including passing lifesavers on toothpicks, passing balloons neck to neck, and a spirited three-legged race!
Later in the day, some played an exciting game of dominoes while others hiked to Cedar Falls.
Thanks to everyone who came and enjoyed a truly wonderful afternoon of fun and fellowship! A special thanks to Sister Rose for inviting us all.
Two new sisters!
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Our ecclesial family has been blessed with the addition of two new sisters! Sharon Newton and Lin Swain were baptized Friday evening (June 23rd) in the presence of many joyful witnesses. We are so happy to welcome them.
May God bless them with a fruitful walk to his Kingdom.
Memorial Day Gathering!
This entry is almost a month late - sorry!
Our second annual Memorial Day Bible Study weekend was an incredible success! We had almost 70 attendees and a wonderful weekend of bible study, praise in song, and fellowship.
Most attendees were from Arkansas but we were so happy to welcome the Stull family and Brother Mark Drabenstott from Kansas City. Dan and Beth Richards also brought their three children all the way from Chicago to be with us for the weekend! Sister Hannah Fadell also joined us.
Brother Mark gave us some wonderful classes on "The Five Gospels." We also enjoyed swimming in the resort pool, a fishing contest, a delicious cookout, a marshmallow roast, some beautiful singing, and being with our family in the Truth.
Hope to see everyone next year!
2006 Sisters' Retreat
Our first annual Sisters' Retreat was held August 25-26th. Sister Amanda McLeod from Illinois lead us in a series of classes/exercises beginning Friday night. Supper, name game, baby shower for Missy, personal information, What can I give? What would I like to receive?, prayer groups, and finally "Knowing God" - we traveled through seven circles (from casual to intimate) to reach a relationship with our Father in heaven.
We (as a group) were ready to give acceptance, friendship, encouragement, compassion, trust, fun, working hands, joy, purpose, and peace. We all shared inspirational scripture, how to make God more real in our every day lives, and ways to help and encourage others.
We all enjoyed our sleepover on Friday night - being able to talk late into the night and have some fun together was a renewal to our spirits!
Sister Hannah Fadelle accompanied Sister Amanda from Illinois - we so love our sisters from afar!
Everyone left uplifted and ready to share the Word of God with our family and friends!
Memorial Day Gathering 2008 Announcement
The Good Hope Ecclesia is pleased to announce our 5th Annual Memorial Day Gathering will be held on....
YOU GUESSED IT!!! Memorial Day Weekend, 2008! (May 23-26, 2008). We are blessed to have Bro. Joseph Fordham presenting our adult classes, and a young adult teacher TBA (we'll provide an update on this website shortly...). Bro. Joseph will be presenting a series of classes on "Building your Spiritual House."
You may view the campground we're using online at http://www.sirc4christ.org. You can also download the full version of our gathering announcement here.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email Sis. Missy Hill at hill2-at-alliancecable.net, Bro. Dyron Hamlin at dhamlin-at-cteh.com, or Sis. Mandie Smith at mandieblake-at-sbcglobal.net. (replace the -at- with @, of course)
Looking forward to seeing you all there!
Our Ecclesia
well, most everybody, anyway...
Here's the latest picture of our ecclesia. What a great group!!! Come see us anytime!
4.5-th Annual Memorial Day Gathering
...a huge success!
Our Memorial Day Gathering was yet again a great success. Brother Joseph Fordham (Arlington Ecclesia) exhorted us and led a workshop with us on the subject of “Building your Spiritual House.” He also gave us a lecture on “Encouraging One Another.” Sisters Mandie Smith and Missy Hill did a fantastic organizational job, and the weekend went off without a hitch! We held our gathering at the Shepherd’s Inn Retreat Center, and have high hopes to return next year. Much love – and welcoming, open arms – from the Good Hope Christadelphian Ecclesia to fellow believers everywhere!
Upcoming Gathering
May 15-17, 2009
May 15-17, 2009 *** NOT ON MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
Our gathering has been held on Memorial Day Weekend for the past 4 years, but this year, we are making a change due to venue availability. We are aware of the drawbacks (and benefits), but thought we'd give it a go this year and see how it works out.
So we are dubbing it the "non-Memorial Day Gathering," and we are holding it on May 15-17, 2009!
Our speaker this year will be the Esteemed Bro. Dwight Kindred. (He gave me permission to call him that, and said he wouldn't let it go to his head.)
His subject will be "Who Is This Woman That You Have Given Me?"
We will be staying at the Sylamore Creek Campground (http://www.sylamorecreek.com/). We have rented a number of the cabins; campsites and RV sites are also an option. Families will be accommodated in the cabins, with a host family arranging the best comforts of home so that your stay will be most pleasant.
The creek will be enjoyable, with Bro. Kenney's Famous Fishing Contest and subsequent Famous Fish Fry, swimming, and whatever else your imagination can conjure up (I will be bringing my wetsuit, and hope not to be hooked by aggressive fly-fishermen, for example). Blanchard Springs Caverns is an enjoyable trip for a rainy afternoon.
Please register with me if you know you can come, and we will make your visit an enjoyable one!
Please pass this announcement along to those whom you feel might be interested!
With much love, expressed at the least (and most) in our shared love of Yahweh and His kingdom,
Bro. Dyron
Facebook users see http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=131469825262.
CMaDFA blog
Good Hope is watching!
The folks at the Good Hope Ecclesia support the Christadeolphian Meal-a-Day Fund of the Americas as one of our charities. I just wanted to post a link to the Christadelphian Meal-a-Day Fund of the Americas website / blog for an upcoming trip upon which a couple of our fellow-believers and beloved brothers are going soon to embark. We send our best wishes, along with much love and prayers to our Heavenly Father for your success!
http://cmadfa.com/blog/
May Bible Study Weekend
Our May Bible Study weekend is set for May 21-23. Our adult teacher is Bro. Paul Zilmer. As always, there will be plenty to do (or not do, if relaxing is your thing), and classes for all ages.
We have set up a Facebook event page for it. Look for and respond to the information at Mandie Smith's or Marria Hamlin's page. Or, you can email any one of us. We look forward to seeing you there!
