What was the most amazing and standout characteristic of the early Church? The miracles? The passion they had for Jesus? Fearlessness? What was it that made people stand up and notice them?

One of the first things you notice about the early Church in the book of Acts is how they, as a Church, cared for one another and looked after anyone who had need. Luke keeps pointing this out.

‘All who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all as any had need’ Acts 2:44-5

‘Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common … There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet and it was distributed to each as any had need’ Acts 4:32-35

This meant that nobody who was part of the Church family went short. It got a bit complicated of course, which is why the Apostles had to sort out the mess by appointing some excellent leaders (see Acts 6).

We live in a different age, and poverty is not the same thing today, living in London as it was back then. However, needs still arise. In this global COVID-19 pandemic with so much uncertainty, there are many struggling, and the church is a family.

Therefore, as a church, we want to let you know about the Hope Church Hardship Fund to help anyone in the church who finds themselves in need and struggling financially. This money is held separately from our regular funds and will only be used for this purpose.

• We do ask that you consider giving over and above your regular giving into this fund. Please be assured that if the need is there church money will be directed to this fund as we consider this form of generosity a priority.
• If you would like to give, please add the word ‘HARDSHIP’ to your reference when you give online – Bank & Giving details on Hope Church website.
• If you find yourself in financial need during this crisis, we would love for you to get in touch with your community group leader or e-mail admin@hopechurch-newham.comand someone will be in touch.