New Officers
Elders
Chelsea Hall
We've been attending Hopewell since Fall of 2021 when Andy was looking for possible internship placements. We have felt immensely loved and welcomed ever since. When I became an Elder back in Arizona several years ago it really allowed me to get to know the folks of my church on a much deeper level, and I am looking forward to becoming even more familiar with the life and work of Hopewell.
Favorite Bible verse: The entire chapter of Job 38, highlight reel includes 38:4-18.
“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell me, if you have understanding.
5 Who determined its measurements—surely you know!
Or who stretched the line upon it?
6 On what were its bases sunk,
or who laid its cornerstone,
7 when the morning stars sang together
and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
8 “Or who shut in the sea with doors
when it burst out from the womb,
9 when I made clouds its garment
and thick darkness its swaddling band,
10 and prescribed limits for it
and set bars and doors,
11 and said, ‘Thus far shall you come, and no farther,
and here shall your proud waves be stayed’?
Pat Swartz
I came to HPC so my daughter, Lela, would be baptized, on Memorial Day weekend 1992. I’ve been a member for 32 years.
I don’t have a favorite Bible verse. I have different ones that come to me at different times. A recent verse is Nehemiah 8:10 “…The joy of the Lord is my strength. “ This life’s you up.
One from my Confirmation is Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” No matter what happens in life God is there with you.
The following two always spoke to me.
John 11:45 “Jesus wept”, the shortest verse in the Bible. It shows us he experienced and understood the same feelings as the people around Him. He identifies and empathizes with our hurt.
Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Who needs the multitude of, how to be happy books, when you have this verse. It says it all. Fill your mind with positive thoughts.
Deacons
Breeann Blumenthal
I have been a member at HPC for a year and a half! When I moved to Princeton in 2021, to finish my MDiv at Princeton Theological Seminary, I was looking for a church home. A few friends recommended HPC! After attending a few Sundays, I fell in love with the people, the community, and how focused HPC is on outreach. It is such a joy to be part of this congregation!
I am excited to serve as a deacon to continue getting to know the congregation and becoming more involved with the needs of our community.
My favorite Bible verse is 1 Samuel 16:7. “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.’”
Anne Hayton
I've been a member of HPC since around 1995. Bob and I joined HPC after our first son John was born. We were married at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in 1989. I was raised within a Catholic family, Bob was raised within a Protestant family. I began attending services at HPC in the early 1990's and was really drawn by the strong sense of togetherness and caring among congregants that I hadn't experienced at other faith denominations. I was also drawn by the fresh (perhaps more expansive) look at scripture which rang truer to my sense of faith. I found the interpretation of scripture, through the sermons and activities at HPC, to be very inspiring and compassion-action oriented. We decided to join as a family in 1995, when we also prepared for John's Baptism. Our second son, Mark, was also Baptized here.
Joyce Homan encouraged me to join the Deacons many moons ago. For several "rounds", I had declined, feeling uncertain and ill-equipped. But Joyce is kindly persistent. I finally joined, over 7 years ago, and then served two terms in succession. From the get-go, I was continually inspired by each one of my deacon peers. I learned everyone brings their own unique gifts to the table. And sometimes you don't really know what that gift might be, until you're in a role that brings it out. Mostly, I loved how everyone works together in service. I was recently "off" Deacons for a bit, but I look forward to serving in this role again.
A favorite prayer of mine is the Prayer of St. Francis -- for me, it captures the essence of many of the parables in the New Testament.
Jimena Hijak
I came to Hopewell Presbyterian Church to use the kitchen to make empanadas three years ago. Because everyone is so friendly and makes you feel like family, I joined HPC in May of 2022.
I am excited to be a Deacon because they help people and it is my nature to always help others.
My favorite Bible verses are:
The Story of the Widow in Luke 7:11-17. “When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’” Luke 7:13
The Story of Abraham in Genesis 22. “and by your offspring shall all the nations of the earth gain blessing for themselves, because you have obeyed my voice.” Genesis 22:18
The Last Supper in Matthew 26:17-30 where we learn how God feeds all of us and I enjoy feeding people.
Carlana Sargent
I have been a member for over 40 years, drawn in and kept here by the caring community in this church.
I am excited to serve in order to continue this spirit of caring, to be Christ’s hands and feet here in this time and place.
One of my favorite Bible verses is Christ saying in Matthew 11:28 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”