“When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. “Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” God’s Decree. Jeremiah 29:13,14 Msg
The House of Hope, Hemingway
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Spiritual Results of the Promise Persons joining Hopewell (Accessions) ................................................................................................ 3 Persons receiving the Gift of Salvation (Conversions) ........................................................................ 1 Total Membership ................................................................................................................................. 464
Financial Results of the Promise Funds Raised for the Local Church ....................................................... $470,278.82 (10 months reporting)
Those who Reached the Promise this Conference Year
Nathaniel Flegler
Minnie Cooper
Mary S. Palmer
Karen Davis Lewis
Exhorter Fenerect Green
Ella Mikell
Gregory Cooper
Carol Jean Hannah
It is with extreme gratitude and thankfulness that we have this opportunity to make our 6th report on behalf of the caring and committed members of The House of Hope, Hopewell African Methodist Episcopal Church of Hemingway, South Carolina, a wonderful Word and Faith Congregation. We are grateful to God for another year of ministry and work under the banner “Own the Community!.” Together the church continues to plan, prepare and persevere in order to make a difference in the lives of our community through innovative worship, creative outreach, and strong Biblical foundation. We are living proof that there is Promise in a Pandemic! I wish to express my earnest appreciation to Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr. (Bishop Sam) for allowing me this blessed opportunity to serve the best kept secret of the Seventh Episcopal District. A church that believes in impacting lives and building legacy throughout Williamsburg and Georgetown Counties. I am grateful for Supervisor Phyllis N. Green (Super) for always being there to lend a voice of support and prayer. It continues to be a joy to serve under the wise leadership of the Presiding Elder of the Grand and Gracious Georgetown District, The Reverend Dr. Sandy W. Drayton and Mrs. Pradensia Drayton. I must thank my partner in ministry, my beloved wife, Deronda, for her love, compassion, ability to go above and beyond and support. I must also thank our daughter, Braylen Jael, a five year old gift from God, for reminding me of God’s promises and the need to live a life of faith. This report serves as a testimonial as to what the kind and faithful members of The House of Hope have done in our efforts to connect to our community, sustaining the fibers of faith, service, and celebration which have characterized this congregation through the years, even in the midst of a global pandemic. I want to be clear, I am so thankful to be the Pastor of this church. I want to thank the beloved members of The House of Hope for their commitment and love of God and Jesus’ beloved bride, the church; their desire to connect to Hemingway and for the faithfulness to go well above and beyond what is required of them. Yes, we celebrate and thank God for the new and re-energized ministries, the funds raised, the updates to the sanctuary, the painting of the entire 15,000 sq ft campus, the hundreds of thousands of food given away to our community, the ability to pivot to two worship services on every Sunday, the absolute moves of the Holy Ghost and the renewed strength in our church family; but most of all we just continue to thank God for Jesus that there is still more for the House of Hope to accomplish in the future! I remain, Jarrett Britton Washington, M.Div., MACE
The House of Hope, Hemingway
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It was the vision of Pastor Jarrett Washington to create a computer lab located inside the Hopewell AME Church Education Center. The lab is the home to 9 new state-of-the-art Dell computers. The lab is equipped with all-in-one computers, along with a new printer & copier with wireless printing. High-speed internet of 100mb is available to everyone onto the world wide web. Community Computer Lab Our computer lab is open for community opportunities.
Tutoring and GED Services The lab is equipped with technology to aid in one-on-one tutoring
Do you need a job? Through a partnership with SC Thrive we can help you.
Basic Computer Skills Classes We have FREE basic computer classes, sponsored by our Lay Org.
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The House of Hope, Hemingway
It’s hard to believe there are people in our community who are going to bed hungry. Yet, each and everyday we are faced with the understanding that the church has to be a place of not only worship, but a place of service. Over three years ago, the House of Hope began the Hands of Hope Food Pantry in an effort to meet the needs of our beloved community.
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We understand that our food pantry provides a vital resource to our community.
During a typical month our pantry is visited by over 400 people, providing food for well over 1,500 individuals. We help families put healthy meals on the table, obtain personal care items, baby food, diapers and household cleaning supplies, and take home fresh items like meat, cheese, eggs and produce. During this global pandemic we are reminded of a few things: • Costs are high: Families often face extra expenses with children being home on again and off again. Using the food pantry helps families who are making ends meet stretch their budgets and save money for other critical expenses. • Staying healthy: By coming to the food pantry, families are also able to find healthy options, helping them to fight off even the worst of sicknesses in this season.
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Seasonal work: Many local neighbors might also work jobs that are seasonally based, such as landscaping or construction. While gainfully employed most of the year, we have found that our food pantry provides the needed items during the off season. Kids are home: COVID-19 has taught us that our children are home more than they are away. Even with virtual lessons on the rise, kids must eat. When they are home from school, they might be missing out on a school-provided lunch – and maybe even breakfast, too. Faced with the need to feed a child, or perhaps multiple children, three meals a day can strain a family’s budget. The food pantry is a way for parents to ensure their children are still getting balanced meals at home. A place of cheer: Our volunteer staff makes certain to always share the love of God in giving you the needed food and groceries you desire. Our goal is to always see you smiling when you leave our presence.
At the Hands of Hope Food Pantry, we strive to create a welcoming atmosphere for all of our families. During this season, food pantries can provide a sense of hope and camaraderie for those who are struggling or alone – especially for seniors. We are blessed to be a blessing!
The House of Hope, Hemingway
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One Church, Many Ways to Reach the Community It is without any doubt we are living in unprecedented times and we still are called to make an impact in the lives of the people God has given us charge. One of the guiding mantras of my life has been the Message Bible version of Jeremiah 29 and 11, where it states, “And when you get serious about finding me and want me more than anything else, I will make sure you are not disappointed.” I, like so many others would have never thought the physical doors of our sanctuary would be closed in this season. Never did I imagine March 15, 2020 would have been my last time mounting the lectern of the House of Hope, Hopewell African Methodist Episcopal Church in Hemingway, South Carolina. It was never a thought that the last time I would have laid hands on the sick; anointed someone’s head with oil; invited someone to the altar for prayer; or even heard the melodious songs from the choir was set to be March 15, 2020. Yet, since the third Sunday in March, God has birthed a new fire in me and God has literally shown His faithfulness because of my seriousness to pastor my people. Even in this season of grief and despair, there has been no change to the primary purpose of the ministry of the House of Hope. We are still the church called to teach the uncompromising Word of God and to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ! The ministry’s vision is plainly to reach the lost and teach the found! We are called to reach out beyond the walls of the Church and be a demonstration of the principles of the kingdom of God in the earth. Furthermore, with the physical church campus closed we still consider ourselves to be a place where God is Healing, God is Omnipotent, God is our Praise and God is in our Evangelism.
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The House of Hope, Hemingway
Ministerial Staff Reverend Jarrett Britton Washington, Senior Pastor Reverend Bobby Laverne Frasier, Local Elder Reverend Benjamin Frasier, Local Elder Reverend Brenda P. Palmer, Local Elder Reverend Brenda Regina Jacobs, Itinerant Deacon Reverend Dr. Pamela L. Vereen, Itinerant Deacon Brother Robert Morris, III, Licentiate Brother James Williams, Licentiate Sister Eunice C. Vereen, Licensed Exhorter Sister Lori Flegler, Children’s Sermon Minister Church Administrative Office Staff Sister Eunice C. Vereen, Church Office Manager Sister Kimberly Thompson, Church Clerk Sister Karen M. Wilson, Church Treasurer Sister LaQuanda Palmer, Financial Secretary Reverend Jarrett Britton Washington, Community of HOPE Foundation, Executor Sister Debra McKnight, Community of Hope Foundation Brother Rufus Palmer Church Custodian
Mission, Outreach, Welfare, Health, Evangelism, and Families Sister Deronda Washington, WMS Consultant Sister Edna McCown Jones, WMS President Sister Etta Frasier, Mother’s Board Chair Sister Karen Wilson, Widow’s and Widowers Society Brother Robert Morris, III, Young Adult Initiative Sister Jennifer Barkers, Lay Organization President Sister Joyce Verner, Kitchen Angels Sister Elizabeth McNeal, Class Leaders’ Council President
The Board of Stewards Brother Frank Vereen, Steward Pro Tempore Sister Karen Wilson, Church Treasurer Sister LaQuanda Palmer, Finance Secretary Sister Jennifer Barkers, Board Secretary Sister Betty Davis, Holy Steward Sister Jennifer Barkers Brother Bobby Brunson Sister Annie Ruth McCown Sister Lori Flegler Sister Janice Cobb Sister Sarah Singletary Sister Morshell Davis Sister Acquanette Williams-Lee
Youth Involvement and Family Life Participation Reverend Dr. Pamela Vereen, Minister to Youth/Youth Ministries Coordinator Sister LaQuanda Palmer/Sister Temple Cuttino, Youth Choir Brother Tim Mention, Sr., Athletic Ministry Coordinator Sister Lisa Lawrence, CDMC Sister Cassandra Bennett, YPD Director Sister DaShawnda Williams, Youth Praise Dance Coordinator
Emeritus Stewards Brother TJ Hanna
Sister Laura Fulmore Brother Wendell Murphy
The Board of Trustees Brother Leroy Davis, Vice Chairperson Sister Erica Barcus, Board Secretary Brother Rufus Palmer, Church Sexton/Grounds and Cemetery Brother Tyrone Cobb Brother Charles McCown Brother Gervis Smith Brother Tim Mention, Sr. Sister Letha Anderson Brother Blondell Wright Sister Louvenia Johnson Brother Johnovan Barkers Brother Ritche Phillip Brother Phillip Davis Emeritus Trustees Brother Leroy Barcus Brother Cubit Vereen Sister Elizabeth McNeal
Christian Education Institute and Public Relations Sister Debra McKnight, Christian Education Director Sister Lisa Lawrence, Church School Superintendent Brother Tyrone and Sister Janice Cobb, Couples Ministry Brother Charles McCown, Men’s Ministry, Sons of Allen Sister Deronda Washington, Women’s Ministry Sister Acquanette Williams-Lee, Social/Political Action Brother Charles McCown, Hands of Hope Food Pantry Worship and Liturgy Brother Antwan Dunmore, Minister of Music Sister Pearl Fulton, Stewardess Board 1 President Sister Betty Davis, Stewardess Board 2 President Sister Barbara Palmer, Stewardess Board 3 President Sister Della Cuttino, Stewardess Board 4 President Sister Laura Fulmore, Mary Palmer Floral Ministry Sister Sarah Singletary and Sister Pam Cowan, Intercessory Pray Ministry Reverend Benjamin Palmer, Touch of Faith/Midday Prayer Sister Deiondra Williams, Visual Lead Sister Marilyn Frasier, Greeter Society Chairperson Sister Eunice C. Vereen, Hospitality Society Chairperson Sister Sarah Singletary, Pastor’s Aide Chairperson Brother Gervis Smith, Church Security Coordinator
The House of Hope | Hopewell African Methodist Episcopal Church 30704 County Line Road Post Office Box 368 Hemingway, South Carolina 29554 PH: (843) 558-6132 or 558-5423 Facsimile: (843) 558-9689 Church Email: HopewellAMEC2015@gmail.com www.HOPEWELLAME.org