Hope Ridge Weekly Rundown: Week of November 8, 2026
Stay up to date with everything happening this week at Hope Ridge United Methodist Church in Mentor, Ohio: worship times, family programs & events, small groups, and opportunities to serve our community.
WELCOME | A.L.I.V.E. with Hope at Hope Ridge Church in Mentor, Ohio
Welcome to Hope Ridge! Whether you’re visiting for the first time, returning after some time away, or searching for a church to call home, you’ll find a community that greets you with warmth, joy, and a genuine spirit of welcome. Wherever you are on your faith journey, you belong here.
Celebrations & Church News
In place of altar flowers, join the “Celebrations 2026-2027!” Each week, Hope Ridge offers you a chance to celebrate the life of a loved one, a birthday, an anniversary, or other special moments in your life with a gift to the church. Sign-up via SignUpGenius and your celebration will be included in the weekly eUpdate.
Look for the Hope Ridge eUpdate in your email for weekly inspiration and updates every Saturday morning! Know of someone who wants to receive our emails? They can sign up here.
4-week ADVENT STUDY AND SERMON SERIES beginning Nov 29- INCARNATION: REDISCOVERING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CHRISTMAS by Adam Hamilton. This book explores the birth of Jesus Christ by examining the various names and titles given to him by gospel writers, prophets, shepherds wise men and angels.
WORSHIP | Join Us for Sunday Services in Mentor, Ohio
Service Times
Traditional Worship is at 8:45 AM in the Chapel with weekly open table communion. Contemporary Worship is at 10:30 AM in the Worship and Family Life Center. Be sure to sign in at the Welcome Table clipboard to let us know you’re here. If worship is canceled for any reason, it will be posted on our Facebook page and sent by email to those who subscribe for eUpdates.
DARE TO LIVE THE DREAM- “The United Methodist Church forms disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.”
This vision was collaboratively developed by the Council of Bishops and the Connectional Table and unveiled in 2025. The United Methodist Church
November message themes...
NOV 8- Love Boldly- Passionate love for God
Radical inclusion of all people, following Jesus’ example
Embracing people of every age, nation, race, gender, and walk of life
Scriptural grounding: Matthew 22:37‑39 and John 13:34‑35
Nov 15- Serve Joyfully- "Serve joyfully” emphasizes that service is not merely a duty but a joyful, Christ‑centered act. It calls United Methodists to:
Walk alongside those who are most vulnerable, not just in physical presence but in shared experience.
Offer care and compassion that reflects the heart of Christ.
Find joy in service, seeing it as an opportunity to model Jesus’ love and to be transformed by it
Nov 22--Lead Courageously--“Lead courageously” is the leadership dimension of that mission — ensuring that discipleship is not only personal but also public, transformative, and justice-oriented.
Nov 22--Make note! ONE SERVICE ONLY at 10AM in the Worship and Family Life Center-- followed by Pizza and Post-it visioning for the future with Pastor Jim. Come worship from 10-11AM and then plan to stay for an hour to gather, enjoy a bite to eat, and express your dreams and ideas to plan for the coming year and beyond. (Note: Your favorite Coffee and Donuts will be service before the service 9:15-10AM.)
Livestream & Online Worship
Livestream is available at 10:30 AM on both Facebook or YouTube. Join in the chat to praise, pray, and worship with one another. You can subscribe on either platform so you’ll be notified when a new video is posted.
Coffee & Community at the Café
The Café is open from 9:45 AM – 10:30 AM every Sunday. Come after first service or before the second to enjoy hot coffee, fresh donuts, and great conversation! If you’d like to volunteer in the café, click here to sign up. You’ll be welcomed and guided, it’s a fun way to meet folks!
WORSHIP AND KIDS | Families Welcome
Nursery care for little ones under 5 years old is available during both services every Sunday from 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM, with a staff Nursery Caregiver and helpers. Please ask a greeter where to check in!
Children are always welcome to attend worship. Kid’s Kit bags are available at the back of the Chapel and WFLC. If attending the 10:30 AM service, feel free to make your family comfortable at a table.
A #KidZone for children is included in the 10:30 worship. Kids of any age are invited to come together in the WFLC front-left corner at the start of worship to enjoy movement and rhythm instruments to praise God! They’ll stay together for the opening praise songs and worship prayer time, and then return to their family seats, RidgeKidz, or the Nursery.
RidgeKidz class -- (ages 5 through 2nd grade) meets each Sunday in the Music Room through the school year (except for the first Sunday of each month). Led by Mrs. Baptie, Ridge Kidz is a time of interactive Bible stories or lessons, videos, and activities. Sign your child in at #KidZone at the start of 10:30 worship; after the 2nd praise song, the children head to RidgeKidz or the Nursery, accompanied by their leaders.
Family Sunday is the first Sunday of each month, families worship together and enjoy that special time together with their parents--Children's Message with Mrs. Baptie included at 10:30 service. Children are welcome to come forward with parents during communion, to receive a blessing or to receive the juice and bead. Communion meaning is taught in Ridge Kidz.
Music & Worship Teams
Special Music (8:45 AM Service): Christian Brooks welcomes all who play an instrument or sing to share a song during early service or during church. He’ll gladly accompany you and rehearse together, contact Christian@hoperidge.com for details.
Thursday Music Rehearsals--
Praise Team (6-7PM in the WFLC)- contact Jared@hoperidge.com for details.
Chapel Choir (7-7:45PM in the Chapel)
Ridge Ringers Handbells (7:45-8:30PM in the Music Room)
To participate in choir, bells, or special music (vocal or instrumental), contact Christian@hoperidge.com for details.
Worship Leaders (Liturgists): Needed for the 8:45 AM service. If interested, email lori@hoperidge.com. New folks always welcome.
DRUM CIRCLE in the WFLC- Dec 2 @ 4:30PM in the Chapel– The group will continue to gather the 1st Wednesday of each month! Led by Jerry Hinkel from the Praise Team. Come experience this introduction to the enjoyment of a drum circle, which is a noncompetitive, all-inclusive group activity which can embody unity and cooperation for all ages. No drumming experience required.
NURTURE | Grow in Faith and Community
Upcoming Events
Wednesday INFOTALK @ 7PM in the Chapel:
NOV 18– Data Centers- Gary Leidich, University of Toledo instructor and retired Executive VP at First Energy, will discuss the current data center environment, with an emphasis on the need for power sources for these large facilities in the race for AI superiority.
Bible Studies & Small Groups at Hope Ridge--Advent studies begin Nov 30
GriefShare: Sundays, 1-3PM in the Conference Room, 13-week video and workbook led discussion for those struggling with grief, starting Sept 13, 1-3PM Led by Linda Kallay and Diana Trubiani. Click for more details.
Men’s Bible Study: Mondays 7–8:30 PM (Conference Room). Through October, with curriculum from Meet Your Bible. Led by Pastor Jim and Jim Davies. Designed for those new to Scripture or looking to refresh their Biblical knowledge.
ALF (Adult Life Fellowship) Group: Mondays 6:45-8:15PM in the Library and ZOOM. Watch sermons and discuss chapters of the book Cherished Belonging: The Healing Power of Love in Divided Times by Father Greg Boyle.
Tuesday Women’s Study: 1–2:30 PM (Conference Room). Genesis: A Beginners Guide to the Beginning by Amy Jill Levine, with weekly video segments and book discussion.
Thursday Women’s COGs (Children of God): 10–11:30 AM (Conference Room). Come, watch and discuss Investigating Jesus by Andy Stanley. Led by Sharon Chamberlain.
Raising Hope Small Group: A small group for 30s–40s, now planning fall gatherings. Email Emily@hoperidge.com for details. Friends giving Nov 21 at the Langels
Coming BIBLE STUDIES AND SMALL GROUPS
Worship Reflections: 11AM-12:30PM MONDAYS with Pastor Jim in the Conference
Room. Start date TBA.
Additional Fellowship & Ministries
Sunday Night Men’s Basketball: 5:45–7PM (WFLC), Fellowship & pickup games. Does not meet holidays and summer. For more details contact Rich at burkholder.56@gmail.com
Hope Ridge Book Club: Usually meets 4th Monday each month at 7 PM (Youth Room). Contact the church office or Sue Nahumck for 2026 reading list and details. Sue.n@hoperidge.com
Youth Group (Grades 6–12):--meets 1st & 3rd Sundays (Oct-May) 4–5:30 PM (Youth Room). Fun, food, games, mission projects. Email joanna@hoperidge.com to get on the activity mailing list.
Can you help with a meal for the Youth Group? Youth Group: 2026-2027 Youth Group Meals
Bible Explorers (Grades 3–5): 2nd & 4th Sundays starting in November, 9:30–10:15 AM (Youth Room). Kids class to learn to navigate Scripture after receiving an Adventure Bible from the church; presented in the fall.
Children & Youth Ministry: Interested in helping? Fill out the pink sheet on Welcome Tables or print and return here. Or see Stephanie Langel, stephanie@hoperidge.com for info.
UPPERROOM Daily Devotional- If you would enjoy reading short, daily inspirational stories and scriptures at home, subscribe to this little booklet called the Upper Room, through the Hope Ridge office. It is $10 per year for six, 2-month issues. Lori will have them available to pick up bi-monthly from the welcome tables, labeled with your name. Call 440-352-2141 or email lori@hoperidge.com.
LIBRARY NEWS- You are welcome to browse and borrow library items, but please check them out by signing the clipboard near the door. Also, check the list of missing Bible Study Reference books in the library and see if one may still be forgotten at your home. Please return OR let the Library know when you or your group will be finished with it.
SEND | Serve Others in Christ’s Name
As we grow as disciples, we are sent to serve. Use your gifts inside the church and beyond our walls to bless our neighbors in Lake County and beyond.
Local Missions & Outreach
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The Send (Missions) Team next meets Dec 6th & the 1st Sunday each month (9:45–10:30 AM, Conference Room). All welcome! Contact Laura Moll (lmoll@kent.edu).
FOOD DRIVE THRU NOVEMBER 29 to support local food pantries at Painesville UMC and St Mary's. Bring non-perishable food items to the green bin outside the office door or to the designated table near the Cafe.
Hope Chest: Now needing pajama or thermal sets for children and adults, all sizes. Donate new or gently used in-season items for neighbors in need (1400 Mentor Ave, Suite 3, Mon–Thurs 9:30 AM–Noon) or in the red wagons by the kitchen.
Project Hope for the Homeless Meals: Provide part of a meal for 50 clients on the 2nd Friday each month. Sign up here. Next meal: NOV 13. New folks encouraged to try one Friday.
Prayer Shawl Ministry: meets 4th Sunday after 10:30 AM service (11:30–12:30). Knit, crochet, or quilt comfort items for those in need. Supplies available! See Sue Patterson or Cheryl Maltry.
Red Cross Blood Drive: FRI, DEC 11, 11 AM–5 PM (WFLC). redcrossblood.org | Sponsor code: hoperidge. Give a gift, get a gift! Come give blood Dec 7-17 for a $20 e-gift card of your choice.
Additional Community Partnerships:
THANKSGIVING MEAL--MENTOR UMC, 8600 Mentor Ave,---FREE Thanksgiving Day Meal
MUMC will once again host a FREE Thanksgiving Day Dinner on Thurs, Nov 26 from 11AM to 1:30PM. Hundreds in the community fed every year. Join us for this meal or help us prepare it. All are welcome.
To receive a meal, CALL the church office 440.255.3496 to RSVP for dine-in or request carry-out or delivery (Lake Co only). Office hours are 8 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday.
Volunteers This meal isn’t possible without YOU! Sign up online here to volunteer to cook, prepare, and clean.
Food Donations You can also sign up to donate food. Giving online by designating your giving to “Thanksgiving” in the dropdown or comment section is also an option.
End 68 Hours of Hunger Lake County: Dates TBD 9:30AM mornings--will begin again in September. Packing food kits for local students with weekend food insecurity. Location: Giant Eagle Plaza, 1223 Mentor Ave, Painesville. Contact Jeannie Nelson or the church office, to let Jeannie know you are participating and get on the email list of future gatherings.
HOPE RIDGE PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION is now open and spaces still available. Tell friends and neighbors with 3, 4, or 5 years olds to come and check us out! Hoperidge.com/preschool or call 440-639-8817. Afternoon class spots still available.
Hope Ridge Alive in the Community: Share your family’s upcoming events (plays, concerts, sports) with hopeoffice@hoperidge.com to feature in next week’s Rundown.
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IN THE COMMUNITY | Events in Lake County+, Ohio
Community Events & Concerts #10
DECIBELS HANDBELL ENSEMBLE CONCERT- Free! Sat, Dec 5, 4PM-5:15PM at Harvey High School, 200 Walnut St, Painesville. Christmas music for the whole family. No reservations required.
CONCERT SERIES AT PAINESVILLE UMC- Concert Series | PUMC
ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP @ Painesville UMC on the square beginning Sept 23 and offered at 1PM and 7PM in the Chapel. This group is free and open to the community.
GENTLY USED MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND DEVICES are being collected, cleaned, checked and redistributed to those in need at Painesville United Methodist Church. If you have equipment to donate, see the flyer on the Welcome tables for details. If you are in need of equipment, or know someone who does, call the Free Medical Equipment Loan Locker | PUMC
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