Real People When we say “Come as you are” we mean it. We are normal folks. So come as you “are” - as you are dressed, as you are searching and questioning, as you are both saint and sinner, so are we!
living Real Lives We work, we play, we have joy and suffer sadness and grief. We share together and support each other. We aren’t perfect, and don’t expect you to be, either. We make mistakes, but we forgive - and we look to God to change our lives.
with Real Hope We have hope in a God who loves us and expects things from us, a God who promises us life here and eternal. A God that answers prayer and changes our lives.
in a Real God! Who created us, loves us, calls us, came to us, died for us, rose again and is still with us.We try to follow Christ - always still learning what that means.
What's it really like at Hope?
"A warm and friendly place" - that is our goal. Christ welcomed people, drew them to him, called them, challenged them, comforted them and saved them. Christ does all the same to us as well.
The idea of going to "Church" can be a bit scary or intimidating if you've never been there before, or perhaps haven't been there for awhile. We know that, because we've all felt it too. So we welcome you with coffee's before worship at 10am, with time afterward for fellowship - coffee, conversation and refreshments, and occasionally a special presentation or discussion.
Wear whatever feels comfortable for you - you'll see everything from sport coats and ties to blue jeans. Children are welcomed and encouraged to join in worship - they are "the church" as much as the adults are! We have chairs rather than pews, and a few tables in the back that are family friendly - a place for kids to color, and close to the doors if you need to step out for a moment. Nursery care is available for times when parents want a bit of help. There is a children's message every Sunday, just before the sermon, with kids invited to come forward.
Many folks are involved in worship - lay leaders read the scriptures, assist with communion, occasionally participate in scripture based drama and sing heartily. And they pray. Hope Community Church knows that God does hear our prayers, works in our lives, and cares for God's children.
Holy Communion is celebrated every 1st and 3rd Sunday, and on special church holidays. We invite all baptized believers to share the Lord's Supper, including children if they and the parents desire. Children not yet communing are encouraged to come forward for a blessing. "First communion" education for all ages is available, just contact Pastor Scott or Carrie.
Music at Hope is generally considered modern, though we also enjoy classic hymns, folk gospel, Taize style meditative compositions and other styles - and are slowly learning more. We strive to ensure our sermons are grounded in scripture yet geared to meet the needs of daily life, and are an appropriate balance of the message of both God's grace and God's calling us to change our lives and live as followers of Christ.
The members of Hope are normal folks. We like to laugh and we like to eat (we REALLY like to eat!) and we like to share our joy and faith with those who long for a church home. At Hope you don't have to have it all figured out - your questions, doubts and mistakes are as welcome as you are. Lutherans know that we don't, in this life, have "all the answers" and that we struggle with some questions. But we grow through the the process of looking for answers, together.
Hope Community Church takes it's name seriously - it is a place of hope, a place of healing, a place to gather and minister to each other, support each other, and help each other follow our Lord Jesus Christ.
