Is Hope Real? Engaging with the Book of Hope (4-Part Online Series)

It’s so easy to come up with a list of problems in our world and in our lives. Jane Goodall, naturalist and advocate for animals and the climate, is keenly aware of how challenging life is today. She faces the facts: a loss of connection to the natural world, extinction of species, reliance on fossil fuels, devastating fires and floods, polluted rivers, a worsening of hurricanes and typhoons, industrial farming, poverty, and climate refugees.

She experienced life in World War II and knows the tragedies of current wars, terrorism, economic disparities and what she calls evil.

She is keenly aware of the impacts of these catastrophic events, but when asked the question, “Do you honestly believe there is hope for our world? For the future and our children and grandchildren?” She responds: “Truthfully, yes.”

At our first gathering, we will begin to uncover the deeper understanding of hope that Jane expresses in her conversation with Douglas Abrams in The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times. Jane is “focused around four main reasons for hope: The amazing human intellect, the resilience of nature, the power of youth, and the indomitable human spirit.” We will consider the first two reasons in week two, and the second two in week three. In week four, we will ponder how we can be messengers of hope.

Using The Book of Hope as a resource, we will review selected readings, engage in small group conversation and reflective time, and consider how Jane gives us ways to be hopeful in times of rapid and potentially harmful change. Participants are encouraged to read the book and have it handy for Zoom sessions.

In our ongoing effort to provide “hope” to as many in our community and beyond, we are pleased to be able to offer a sliding scale for registration for this program. Please select the ticket option that meets your financial abilities/needs at this time.

DATE: Fridays, 1/10, 1/17, 1/24, and 2/7/25

TIME: 1:00 – 2:30 PM ET

LOCATION: ZOOM

COST: Registration cost for this program has three options from which you can choose – $120, $95, or $80. The Well is delighted to be able to offer this opportunity to you. Please select the ticket option that meets your financial abilities/needs at this time. Thank you!

IMPORTANT: You will receive an email from lorie@wellforthejourney.org at least 24 hours in advance of the start of your program. If you are unable to find the email, please check your SPAM or JUNK email folders. This email will include details to help you prepare for your program including any pertinent handouts, location information, and the ZOOM link for online programs. Please be sure you have received and read this email a minimum of 24 hours in advance of the start of the program. Thank you!

REGISTRATION is required; please register here.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Please read our cancellation policy, here.

FACILITATOR: Donna Mollenkopf

FACILITATOR BIO: 
Donna is a Women at the Well facilitator and curriculum writer, as well as leader of various other programs at the Well. A former Well board member, she has experience as a retreat leader, pilgrimage guide, and small group leader. Donna is the co-author of two books on spirituality and is an active member of her Lutheran church. A graduate of Shalem’s Soul of the Executive program, Donna values a contemplative stance. She is married, mother of a grown son, two grown stepsons, and a happy grandmother.