Hopeweavers

Members

Space to catch up with news from Members of the Community of Hopeweavers ...

Inauguration of the Community of Hopeweavers 6th December 2015

In 2015, 31 pioneer Members of the Community of Hopeweavers made an annual promise to live to the Hopeweaver Rule of Life, supporting the ministry through prayer and practical service. We are very fortunate to be supported by our Episcopal Visitor the Rt Revd Dr Jonathan Frost, Bishop of Southampton and our Warden the Venerable Caroline Baston.

Our Gathering in 2016 was at St Luke's Church,on Sunday 4th December with the Right Revd Dr Jonathan Frost, Bishop of Southampton

We welcomed 8 new Members who joined our existing Community Members who had renewed their annual promises, to walk together as disciples of Jesus Christ

We were led by the Revd Fi Gibbs, our Warden the Venerable Caroline Baston, and our Episcopal Visitor, the Right Revd Dr Jonathan Frost, Bishop of Southampton. Guests and families joined Members as they made a promise to live to our Rule of Life for a year. The Community of Hopeweavers has 38 Members, sharing lives and our ministry together as part of our Acknowledged Anglican Religious Community.

Being a Member of the Community of Hopeweavers

Most of our 38 Members are very involved in their home churches - as leaders and as active participants - over 20 different traditions and churches are represented within our current membership.

Each Member is part of a Community of Hopeweavers small group, that meet about 6-8 times a year to encourage and share the journey of living to a Rule of Life. These groups are seen as additional to local church membership. Members and Enquirers are also invited to be part of Cloister Days - (see below) - space set aside for the community to gather together.

Members and Enquirers participate and lead weekly times of prayer and Friday Midday Holy Communion in West End, alongside other forms of prayer and practical service.

Community of Hopeweavers Cross

Members of the Community of Hopeweavers carry a simple cross made of copper and aluminium rod - rod used by sculptors as the foundation for their work. Each cross is slightly different and made by community artists. It represents the risen Christ at the centre, bound in copper in three places to represent the Trinity. The cross and circular frame, like our Rule of Life, remind us of our focus as we seek to be followers of Jesus.

Enquirers

There are currently 10 people actively following a path to find out more about becoming a Member of the Community. We recognise them as Enquirers to the Community of Hopeweavers.

Supported by a Guide from the team, over the period of a year or more, each Enquirer is discerning whether they will step forward into Membership. For those who do step forward, this will include making an annual commitment to live for a year to the Community of Hopeweavers Rule of Life.

We welcome enquiries from those considering exploring membership.

Rule of Life

The Community have our own Rule of Life and encourage those exploring becoming more involved as Members, to make it their own.

It is framed under seven headings - Worship, Work, Study, Relationships/Community, Stewardship, Creativity, and Health Rest and Renewal.

We hold Rule of Life Information Sessions, for those enquiring, our next is on Tuesday 11th July 2017 - do let us know if you would like to come on that date or to a similar evening.

These introductory times give an opportunity to consider what it may mean to live to a specific Rule of Life, what the Community would expect of you and what support and encouragement you could expect from the Community of Hopeweavers. Current Enquirers also participate in these times.

Please contact us for more information about our Rule of Life

Cloister Days for Members and Enquirers

We gather as Members and Enquirers to experience space set aside for the Community of Hopeweavers to share some stillness and conversation.

The 2017 dates for these sessions are:

Saturday 9th September

Saturday 28th October

Saturday 22nd November

Thursday 28th December - Cloister Evening

for the whole community

Please see the latest mailing for details for these times led by Members of the community. Places are limited for each day. Do remember to book your place in good time, through our usual booking system.

We look forward to seeing Members, Enquirers and Friends as we celebrate the Feast of St Clare on Friday 11th August alongside the community at Hilfield Friary - do contact us if you would like to be part of this special time.

Updated 23/07/17