Hopewell UMC: Open Minds. Open Hearts. Open Doors.
We are a small rural church steeped in a long history of God-fearing, Jesus-loving people who believe love is a verb. We are part of the worldwide United Methodist Church and align with the mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, as set forth by Jesus Christ in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20).
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Hopewell United Methodist Church follows the teachings of Jesus to feed the hungry, clothe the needy, comfort the sick and lost, care for those in need, and reach out and welcome the stranger. John Wesley calls us to focus on God's love--not punishment of man--for salvation is available for all and taught all Methodists to pray without ceasing, be a singing, joyous people, and put love into action. This is our mission, our vision, and our way.
HISTORY OF HOPEWELL UMC
In the early 1800s Methodists in central Ohio worshiped in their cabin homes or in barns. In 1805 Rev. James Quinn organized the Hopewell society in Ezekiel Groom's log house. The Hopewell society was known for many years as "Groom's Class." It is believed to be among the first (perhaps the very first) church organizations in Madison township, Franklin County. The first Hopewell church building was built on property that Ezekiel and Rhoda Groom sold to the society in about 1819. The frame building was erected about a quarter mile up the creek from the present church at the old Hopewell graveyard. The deed is dated June 19, 1819 for twenty dollars in specie to Charles Rarey, Alexander Cameron, and Adam Havely of Franklin county, and Shadrack Cole, William Brown, Daniel Ranier, and David Morris of Pickaway county, trustees. This building was used until 1844. On December 22, 1852, Thomas Groom, Ezekiel's son, was given permission to take away the old church. It was reported that Isaac Rainier tore it down.
In 1844 Michael Ebright, father of Mrs. John F. (Allie) Rainier, built a new church near what is now London-Lancaster Road and near Little Walnut Creek Bridge. The church served until 1901 when a remodeling took place under the pastorate of Rev. J.F. Grimes. The reopening of the church was on January 26, 1902 with Rev. J.C. Arbuckle.
In 1917 under the pastorate of Rev. Charles A. Hughes it became necessary to move the church to its present location to accomodate a road-straightening program when the covered bridge by the church collapsed. A church basement was added and other improvements were made.
In April 1968 the Evangelical United Brethren Church and the Methodist Church merged. Hopewell's name changed to Hopewell United Methodist Church.
A 2300 square foot addition was added to the church in 1970. The much needed addition provided eight rooms for Sunday School Classes, two restrooms and a utility room. It was decided to move the main entrance from the left front to the center of the church. Lyle Ackerman cleaned the boards and used colored glass from old windows to make the hanging lights for the sanctuary. In 1980-1981 substantial renovations were again made. In November 1990 an elevator lift was constructed on the west side of the church making the church handicap accessible. A chair lift from the lower level of the entrance to the narthex was added in 2020.
On April 30, 1998 the church memorial scholarship fund was established in honor of deceased members. The scholarship continues to give financial support to Hopewell's young members who are continuing their education beyond high school.
In 2005 Hopewell celebrated its bicentennial with special activities each month. "Hopewell History 1805-2005" was published and is available in the church library. It includes many historical pictures.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Hopewell United Methodist Church follows the teachings of Jesus to feed the hungry, clothe the needy, comfort the sick and lost, care for those in need, and reach out and welcome the stranger. John Wesley calls us to focus on God's love--not punishment of man--for salvation is available for all and taught all Methodists to pray without ceasing, be a singing, joyous people, and put love into action. This is our mission, our vision, and our way.
HISTORY OF HOPEWELL UMC
In the early 1800s Methodists in central Ohio worshiped in their cabin homes or in barns. In 1805 Rev. James Quinn organized the Hopewell society in Ezekiel Groom's log house. The Hopewell society was known for many years as "Groom's Class." It is believed to be among the first (perhaps the very first) church organizations in Madison township, Franklin County. The first Hopewell church building was built on property that Ezekiel and Rhoda Groom sold to the society in about 1819. The frame building was erected about a quarter mile up the creek from the present church at the old Hopewell graveyard. The deed is dated June 19, 1819 for twenty dollars in specie to Charles Rarey, Alexander Cameron, and Adam Havely of Franklin county, and Shadrack Cole, William Brown, Daniel Ranier, and David Morris of Pickaway county, trustees. This building was used until 1844. On December 22, 1852, Thomas Groom, Ezekiel's son, was given permission to take away the old church. It was reported that Isaac Rainier tore it down.
In 1844 Michael Ebright, father of Mrs. John F. (Allie) Rainier, built a new church near what is now London-Lancaster Road and near Little Walnut Creek Bridge. The church served until 1901 when a remodeling took place under the pastorate of Rev. J.F. Grimes. The reopening of the church was on January 26, 1902 with Rev. J.C. Arbuckle.
In 1917 under the pastorate of Rev. Charles A. Hughes it became necessary to move the church to its present location to accomodate a road-straightening program when the covered bridge by the church collapsed. A church basement was added and other improvements were made.
In April 1968 the Evangelical United Brethren Church and the Methodist Church merged. Hopewell's name changed to Hopewell United Methodist Church.
A 2300 square foot addition was added to the church in 1970. The much needed addition provided eight rooms for Sunday School Classes, two restrooms and a utility room. It was decided to move the main entrance from the left front to the center of the church. Lyle Ackerman cleaned the boards and used colored glass from old windows to make the hanging lights for the sanctuary. In 1980-1981 substantial renovations were again made. In November 1990 an elevator lift was constructed on the west side of the church making the church handicap accessible. A chair lift from the lower level of the entrance to the narthex was added in 2020.
On April 30, 1998 the church memorial scholarship fund was established in honor of deceased members. The scholarship continues to give financial support to Hopewell's young members who are continuing their education beyond high school.
In 2005 Hopewell celebrated its bicentennial with special activities each month. "Hopewell History 1805-2005" was published and is available in the church library. It includes many historical pictures.
Hopewell Church...past to present
THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
The United Methodist Church is an 11-million-strong global Church that opens hearts, opens doors and opens minds through active engagement with our world.
John Wesley and the early Methodists placed primary emphasis on Christian living, and on putting faith and love into action. This emphasis on what Wesley referred to as "practical divinity" has continued to be a hallmark of United Methodism today.
Trinity
We describe God in three persons. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are commonly used to refer to the threefold nature of God. Sometimes we use other terms, such as Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer.
God
We believe in one God, who created the world and all that is in it.
We believe that God is sovereign; that is, God is the ruler of the universe.
We believe that God is loving. We can experience God’s love and grace.
Jesus
We believe that Jesus was human. He lived as a man and died when he was crucified.
We believe that Jesus is divine. He is the Son of God.
We believe that God raised Jesus from the dead and that the risen Christ lives today. (Christ and messiah mean the same thing—God’s anointed.)
We believe that Jesus is our Savior. In Christ we receive abundant life and forgiveness of sins.
We believe that Jesus is our Lord and that we are called to pattern our lives after his.
The Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit is God with us.
We believe that the Holy Spirit comforts us when we are in need and convicts us when we stray from God.
We believe that the Holy Spirit awakens us to God’s will and empowers us to live obediently.
Human Beings
We believe that God created human beings in God’s image.
We believe that humans can choose to accept or reject a relationship with God.
We believe that all humans need to be in relationship with God in order to be fully human.
The Church
We believe that the church is the body of Christ, an extension of Christ’s life and ministry in the world today.
We believe that the mission of the church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ.
We believe that the church is “the communion of saints,” a community made up of all past, present, and future disciples of Christ.
We believe that the church is called to worship God and to support those who participate in its life as they grow in faith.
The Bible
We believe that the Bible is God’s Word.
We believe that the Bible is the primary authority for our faith and practice.
We believe that Christians need to know and study the Old Testament and the New Testament (the Hebrew Scriptures and the Christian Scriptures).
The Reign of God
We believe that the kingdom or reign of God is both a present reality and future hope.
We believe that wherever God's will is done, the kingdom or reign of God is present. It was present in Jesus' ministry, and it is also present in our world whenever persons and communities experience reconciliation, restoration, and healing.
We believe that although the fulfillment of God's kingdom--the complete restoration of creation--is still to come.
We believe that the church is called to be both witness to the vision of what God's kingdom will be like and a participant in helping to bring it to completion.
We believe that the reign of God is both personal and social. Personally, we display the kingdom of God as our hearts and minds are transformed and we become more Christ-like. Socially, God's vision for the kingdom includes the restoration and transformation of all of creation.
Sacraments
With many other Protestants, we recognize the two sacraments in which Christ himself participated: Baptism and the Lord's Supper.
Baptism
Through baptism we are joined with the church and with Christians everywhere.
Baptism is a symbol of new life and a sign of God's love and forgiveness of our sins.
Persons of any age can be baptized.
We baptize by sprinkling, immersion or pouring.
A person receives the sacrament of baptism only once in his or her life.
The Lord's Supper (Communion, Eucharist)
The Lord's Supper is a holy meal of bread and wine that symbolizes the body and blood of Christ.
The Lord's Supper recalls the life, death and resurrection of Jesus and celebrates the unity of all the members of God's family.
By sharing this meal, we give thanks for Christ's sacrifice and are nourished and empowered to go into the world in mission and ministry.
We practice "open Communion," welcoming all who love Christ, repent of their sin, and seek to live in peace with one another.
THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
The United Methodist Church is an 11-million-strong global Church that opens hearts, opens doors and opens minds through active engagement with our world.
John Wesley and the early Methodists placed primary emphasis on Christian living, and on putting faith and love into action. This emphasis on what Wesley referred to as "practical divinity" has continued to be a hallmark of United Methodism today.
Trinity
We describe God in three persons. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are commonly used to refer to the threefold nature of God. Sometimes we use other terms, such as Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer.
God
We believe in one God, who created the world and all that is in it.
We believe that God is sovereign; that is, God is the ruler of the universe.
We believe that God is loving. We can experience God’s love and grace.
Jesus
We believe that Jesus was human. He lived as a man and died when he was crucified.
We believe that Jesus is divine. He is the Son of God.
We believe that God raised Jesus from the dead and that the risen Christ lives today. (Christ and messiah mean the same thing—God’s anointed.)
We believe that Jesus is our Savior. In Christ we receive abundant life and forgiveness of sins.
We believe that Jesus is our Lord and that we are called to pattern our lives after his.
The Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit is God with us.
We believe that the Holy Spirit comforts us when we are in need and convicts us when we stray from God.
We believe that the Holy Spirit awakens us to God’s will and empowers us to live obediently.
Human Beings
We believe that God created human beings in God’s image.
We believe that humans can choose to accept or reject a relationship with God.
We believe that all humans need to be in relationship with God in order to be fully human.
The Church
We believe that the church is the body of Christ, an extension of Christ’s life and ministry in the world today.
We believe that the mission of the church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ.
We believe that the church is “the communion of saints,” a community made up of all past, present, and future disciples of Christ.
We believe that the church is called to worship God and to support those who participate in its life as they grow in faith.
The Bible
We believe that the Bible is God’s Word.
We believe that the Bible is the primary authority for our faith and practice.
We believe that Christians need to know and study the Old Testament and the New Testament (the Hebrew Scriptures and the Christian Scriptures).
The Reign of God
We believe that the kingdom or reign of God is both a present reality and future hope.
We believe that wherever God's will is done, the kingdom or reign of God is present. It was present in Jesus' ministry, and it is also present in our world whenever persons and communities experience reconciliation, restoration, and healing.
We believe that although the fulfillment of God's kingdom--the complete restoration of creation--is still to come.
We believe that the church is called to be both witness to the vision of what God's kingdom will be like and a participant in helping to bring it to completion.
We believe that the reign of God is both personal and social. Personally, we display the kingdom of God as our hearts and minds are transformed and we become more Christ-like. Socially, God's vision for the kingdom includes the restoration and transformation of all of creation.
Sacraments
With many other Protestants, we recognize the two sacraments in which Christ himself participated: Baptism and the Lord's Supper.
Baptism
Through baptism we are joined with the church and with Christians everywhere.
Baptism is a symbol of new life and a sign of God's love and forgiveness of our sins.
Persons of any age can be baptized.
We baptize by sprinkling, immersion or pouring.
A person receives the sacrament of baptism only once in his or her life.
The Lord's Supper (Communion, Eucharist)
The Lord's Supper is a holy meal of bread and wine that symbolizes the body and blood of Christ.
The Lord's Supper recalls the life, death and resurrection of Jesus and celebrates the unity of all the members of God's family.
By sharing this meal, we give thanks for Christ's sacrifice and are nourished and empowered to go into the world in mission and ministry.
We practice "open Communion," welcoming all who love Christ, repent of their sin, and seek to live in peace with one another.
Hopewell UMC ~ 4348 London Lancaster Road, Groveport, OH 43125 ~ 614-491-7308 ~ HopewellUMCGroveport@gmail.com