Music Ministry Fall Kick-Off

Wednesday, August 12, 5:45pm | Wesley Gardens

There's no better way to begin a new season of music than by gathering in one of Savannah's most beautiful places.

Join the Isle of Hope United Methodist Church Music Ministry for our Fall 2026 Kick-Off at Wesley Gardens Retreat on Wednesday, August 12.

Whether you're a longtime choir member or you've been thinking about becoming involved in the music ministry, this is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with friends, meet new people, and learn about the exciting year ahead.

We'll gather for dinner in the Outdoor Pavilion at 5:45pm, followed by a brief Service of Vespers in the Chapel at 7:00pm, concluding by 7:30pm.

Come share a meal, enjoy the beauty of Wesley Gardens, lift your voice in worship, and begin a new season of music together. 

Stock the Wesley Community Center Food Pantry

The Wesley Community Center Food Pantry is a lifeline for many of our neighbors. Right now, they are in desperate need of the following:

1. Canned Meats (chicken, tuna, vienna sausages, etc.)
2. Soups
3. Peanut Butter
4. Rice
5. Cereal

Donations can be placed in the collection cabinet located in the main hallway near the Sanctuary. We kindly request no donations of canned vegetables at this time.

Handbell Choir Fall Session

Starts September 2, 6:00 pm | Children's Choir Room

The Isle of Hope Handbell Choir is a welcoming community of musicians who share the joy of making music through the unique art of handbell ringing. New ringers are always encouraged to join us, and experienced members are happy to help newcomers learn the fundamentals of ringing.  

Beginning this year, the Handbell Choir will rehearse in four seasonal ringing sessions, making participation more manageable, while providing a predictable schedule well in advance. Each session has a specific musical goal and concludes with worship leadership or a special performance.  

This fall, the Handbell Choir will meet on Wednesdays in September at 6:00pm to prepare for worship leadership on September 27 and October 11.

Email Jared Wilson at jwilson@iohumc.com with any questions.

Sew Much Fun Sewing Camp THANK YOU

A heartfelt thank you to all the sewing volunteers who gave of their time and talents to help make the Sew Much Fun Sewing Camps a big success for all 29 of our campers.

THANK YOU to: Barbara Cogdell, Debbie Alexander, Joy Gainor, Meg Aktas, Oya Aktas, Sarah Howard, and Teri Akin. These camps could not have happened without all of you, as shown in the photos below!

Mission Partner Update: Konpayon Haiti

You may notice a new name in this update. Konpayon is the result of the recent merger of EWO Haiti and Friends Empowering Haiti. After years of serving the same community alongside one another, the two organizations united under one name to strengthen their partnership and expand their long-term impact in Bayonnais, Haiti.

Haiti continues to face significant challenges due to ongoing violence and instability, but our mission partners in Bayonnais remain steadfast in serving their community with hope and faith. The Institution Classique de Bayonnais (ICB) School continues to provide a safe, life-giving alternative for young people, with 185 students recently completing national exams and a new school year beginning in early August. The church and medical clinic also continue faithfully serving the community despite difficult circumstances.

Construction of the new police office has been temporarily paused until a permanent police presence can ensure the safety of workers. Funds designated for the project remain secure and will be used once construction can safely resume.

Please continue to pray for the people of Bayonnais, for peace in Haiti, and for the ministries that continue to share Christ's love in the midst of adversity. If you would like to read the full ministry update, please contact Sara Fullerton at sfullerton@iohumc.com.

Hope Arbor

Coffee Talk with Marilyn Johnson

Thursday, August 6 from 10:30-11:30 am | Tabby House

All Hope Arbor care partners are invited to hear Marilyn Johnson, an Edel Caregiver Institute Support Liasion at Hospice Savannah, speak about community resources offered in Savannah.

Please RSVP to Eliza Brooks at ebrooks@iohumc.com.

Volunteer Refresher Training

Monday, August 24th, 9:30 am-12:00 pm |

Green House Room 101

It is time for a refresher!

If you're a volunteer with Hope Arbor, please join us on August 24th at 9:30am for a social and training.

If you may be interested in serving through this ministry area, we would love to talk to you! We have many options that can fit almost anyone's busy schedule.

Please RSVP to hopearbor@iohumc.com if you plan to attend, or if you are interested and would like to hear more.

Upcoming Events:

The Mamas & the Papas

Sunday, August 9 at 10:30 am |

GH Living Room (Room 123)

This Sunday is our very last meeting of The Mamas & The Papas Small Group. We hope to see you there!

Usher/Greeter Training

This Sunday, August 9 at 11:45am | Ministry Center

All current ushers and greeters, along with anyone interested in learning more about serving in this way, are encouraged to attend a gathering this Sunday, August 9th at 11:45 in the Ministry Center.

Ushers and Greeters play a vital role in creating a warm, welcoming environment as our community gathers. This meeting will continue to equip ministry leaders to serve effectively.

Student Ministry Sunday Night Kick-Off: Color Wars

Sunday, August 9 at 5:00 pm | Cornus Cottage Lawn

New night. New school year. Same Student Ministries chaos.

We’re starting the year with Color Wars—and officially moving Student Ministries back from Wednesday nights to Sunday nights!

Come ready for team challenges, messy competition, and a whole lot of color. Wear something you don’t mind getting stained, bring a towel and a friend, and meet us on Sunday night for the kickoff.