Matthew 25 In Action: Hope Day Hempstead 2025 – Hospitality That Transforms
On Saturday, June 7, 2025, the parking lot of Christ’s First Presbyterian Church (CFPC) in Hempstead, NY was transformed into a vibrant festival of hope, healing, and hospitality as the congregation hosted its first-ever Hope Day event. Organized in partnership with Hope Day Network, the one-day celebration brought together churches, volunteers, service providers, and neighbors in a powerful display of the love of Christ in action. For their efforts, the Incorporated Village of Hempstead presented CFPC with an official Certificate of Appreciation, honoring their commitment to uplifting the community.
This year’s event welcomed 175 Guests of Honor, all of whom were served by 42 dedicated volunteers from CFPC and a partnering congregation. Attendees received a wide range of services and gifts, including 150 hot lunches, 100 grocery bags from Hope Day and an additional 50 from CFPC, and 50 pairs of new socks. The Connections Team prayed with 60 individuals, and by the end of the day, 22 people made decisions for Christ, with 11 requesting further follow-up and support. In total, nine community service organizations and four health service providers offered on-site assistance ranging from resource referrals to medical screenings.
This event exemplified the Matthew 25 Initiative in three meaningful ways.
First, it built congregational vitality by bringing together two churches for joint worship, planning, and service. The act of uniting congregations around a common mission strengthened their ministries and created new energy for community outreach. The parking lot became sacred space—transformed by shared purpose, joyful worship, and radical hospitality.
Second, Hope Day actively worked to dismantle structural racism by ensuring every participant was treated with dignity and referred to as a “Guest of Honor.” In a community often impacted by racial and economic inequality, this language and posture helped dismantle harmful stereotypes and lifted up the inherent worth of each person. The diversity of the volunteers and organizations present modeled the inclusivity of the Beloved Community.
Third, the event served as a clear act of eradicating systemic poverty. By offering free meals, groceries, essential supplies, prayer, and immediate access to healthcare and community services, CFPC and its partners met both physical and spiritual needs. Importantly, these services were not offered as charity, but as part of a mutual exchange of presence, story, and faith.
One guest shared that being asked their name and story during prayer made them feel seen for the first time in months. “I left with food—but also with hope.” CFPC elder Maria López noted, “Hope Day showed our neighbors that the church is not a building on Front Street; it’s people ready to serve.”
As the Synod of the Northeast continues to live out the Matthew 25 vision, Hope Day stands as a powerful example of what’s possible when churches boldly step into their calling. The event has already sparked interest in planning next year’s Hope Day in Hempstead, with growing support from neighboring congregations.
Moving forward, Christ’s First Presbyterian Church encourages the Synod’s congregations to pray for those who made faith commitments, consider volunteering at a future Hope Day, or even explore hosting one themselves with the support of the Hope Day Network.
Because when a parking lot becomes a place of prayer, justice, and joy—Matthew 25 is truly in action.
To relive the celebration, view the Hope Day Highlight Video below.