EpworthOnline.com - Epworth United Methodist Church of Berkeley, CA

Where Hopes and Fears are Met

Hopes and fears from around the world are assembled into a giant work of art.
Inspired by words from the hymn "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem," we invited people from around the world and across all faiths to help create a work of art made from their hopes and fears. All contributions were incorporated into the installation, which filled the Sanctuary of Epworth United Methodist Church of Berkeley, California.

These web pages document the project and show many of the contributions we received. See the earliest contributions below. Then go to the Advent Project Album for more photos and messages.

Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie,
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by,
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light,
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

The final page of the online project album was completed on January 24, 2003.

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The first contributions arrive

Early email messages:

FEAR of continued violence before HOPE of understanding and tolerance are realized. (John, Alabama)

My hope is that someday everyone will realize that the world is too beautiful and that life is too short. My fear is that dreams will always be given up for reality. (Amy, Missouri)

I have little hope that the denomination will change anytime soon.... I just hope that it might agree to disagree. (Andrew, California)

Hope is the thing with feathers / That perches in the soul / And sings the tune without the words / And never stops.....at all........Emily Dickinson (MAMAS722, a Grandmother in New York)

More project links

Go to the project album for more photos and messages.
The project album records the project week-by-week and shows many of the messages and artworks on display in the Epworth Sanctuary. 1/24/03
Read more about Advent hopes and fears.
Sharing our hopes inspires action. Sharing our fears creates courage. Pastor Ron Parker explains some of the thoughts behind the Advent Project in this sermon excerpt. Read more thoughts about the hopes and fears of the season in Ron's ADVENT SERMON SERIES.
See the news story in the Contra Costa Times.
The December 1st article by Times writer Tom Lochner recounts the beginning of the project and describes the variety of contributions by people young and old. Lochner's follow-up article appeared on December 26th. (Note: These stories will stay on the web for a limited time.)
See the news story in the Oakland Tribune.
Tribune reporter Kristin Bender writes about the artwork and messages on display at our December 21st open house.
See the press release from the United Methodist News Service.
The official news agency of the United Methodist Church helped to spread the word.

Epworth United Methodist Church, Berkeley, CA

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Hopes and fears from around the world are assembled into a giant work of art.	Inspired by words from the hymn "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem," we invited people from around the world and across all faiths to help create a work of art made from their hopes and fears. All contributions were incorporated into the installation, which filled the Sanctuary of Epworth United Methodist Church of Berkeley, California. These web pages document the project and show many of the contributions we received. See the earliest contributions below. Then go to the Advent Project Album for more photos and messages. Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie, Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by, Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light, The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. The final page of the online project album was completed on January 24, 2003.

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Early email messages:
FEAR of continued violence before HOPE of understanding and tolerance are realized. (John, Alabama)
My hope is that someday everyone will realize that the world is too beautiful and that life is too short. My fear is that dreams will always be given up for reality. (Amy, Missouri)
I have little hope that the denomination will change anytime soon.... I just hope that it might agree to disagree. (Andrew, California)
Hope is the thing with feathers / That perches in the soul / And sings the tune without the words / And never stops.....at all........Emily Dickinson (MAMAS722, a Grandmother in New York)