The United Methodist churches along the Kennebec River will head out into their communities this summer to ask people to share where they find signs of hope in the world today. Beginning on Saturday, July 15, during Old Hallowell Days, members of five area churches will be on hand between 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot of the Cox Memorial United Methodist Church, corner of Central and Middle streets, in Hallowell, inviting people to talk about what makes them feel hopeful.

Events will continue throughout the summer at parks and town centers near each of the churches. Participating churches include Cox Memorial UMC, Green Street UMC, Highland Avenue UMC, East Pittston UMC and Dresden/Richmond UMC. The conversations will invite people to respond to the question: “Where do you see signs of hope today?

Event dates, times and locations will be published on each church’s website and a Facebook page will publish some of the responses received during these conversations. The goal of the events is simply to invite people to share about the ways in which they feel hopeful for their communities and for the world.

During Saturday’s, July 15, event people will be invited to add a Ribbon of Hope to a tapestry being created to capture peoples’ statement of hope. Those participating will receive a visor printed with the words “I’m Hopeful.” The church also will host an indoor yard sale and bake sale to benefit the Hall-Dale Elementary School Food Pantry, which is hosted at Cox Memorial UMC.

For more information, contact the Rev. Nancy Bischoff at 229-2094 or coxumcpastor@aol.com.