hope 2008 – hull

On June 12th over 80 Hope08 participants gathered at Clarence House, attending a reception hosted by The Prince of Wales.

His Royal Highness paid tribute to Hope08 – and those involved – for their ‘devotion and ability to motivate people’.

He said that he was ‘fascinated to hear about how Hope08 started and what a marvellous response it has received all over this country.’

‘It’s so encouraging to hear how it seems to have struck a chord. It’s wonderful to witness the fact that so many denominations are working together and overcoming possible suspicion – you are helping to overcome all that, and display that kind of witness which is so incredibly valuable.’

The full text of the princes speeech can be found here.

All the delegates present are taking part in the Hope08 ‘million hours of kindness’ scheme – serving their communities in word and action.

For example, the team of delegates from Hull have been working to help those around them, especially those who were victims of last June’s flooding. They have been working with the local councils to tidy and improve local streets and green spaces, encouraging young people to engage actively in community improvement activities, helping 13-19 year olds access education, training and employment. Other projects they are doing include clubs for elderly people, refugee groups and numerous community action events. The ‘great plant give-away’ was an excellent example of churches from outside the city (Driffield) linking with a church in the city (New Life) to support flood victims whose garden plants had been ‘drowned’ by the flood waters.

Bob Duerden – the chairman of Hope08 in Hull – said that Thursday was ‘a very good day that was most encouraging’.

The next high point of Hope08 activities nationally is ‘Hope Explored’, a chance for churches to invite those they are serving to find out more about Christianity. Events planned so far include town wide banquets, street parties and courses in churches throughout the UK. In the Hull area we are inviting people to ‘Try Praying’ over the summer and then to ‘Try Church’ in the autumn – linked to Back-to Church Sunday in late September