Hope Lutheran Church has always been a place with its eyes set on the future. When the original members gathered to discuss the formation of a congregation in the greater Arcade Area, their initial plans included second and third phase expansions of the facilities and ministries. Being a place that would make a meaningful impact on the community and many generations is foundational to our understanding of our mission and to our values.
But while we continue to look forward to the ways God is calling this church to embody God’s hopeful presence well into the future, it is time now to pause and celebrate our past. On April 2, 1961 65 adults and 53 children formed Hope. Over the next 60 years they would build a church and expand on it on three separate occasions. 6 different pastors would be called to lead the congregation in worship and in mission. A preschool would be created, youth would gather for faith formation and fellowship, fish would be fried, and a community of Hope would be formed.
Over the next several weeks, we will give thanks for the ways that God has continuously blessed us as a congregation. In his letter to the church in Corinth, Paul reminded them that while he and another leader (Apollos) may take the credit for planting and nurturing the congregation, it was always and only God who had caused the growth (1 Cor. 3). In the same way, we are painstakingly aware of the ways God has continued to help this community flourish.
We invite you to help us Celebrate 60 at Hope by:
- Sharing your stories and pictures.
- Making an anniversary gift of either $60/once or $25/month for 12 months. The money raised will specifically be used to support the programming that will take place in our new building.
- Joining us for an anniversary worship service co-led by Pastor Emeritus Neil Kattermann & Pastor Shawn Hannon on April 18 at 8:30am & 10:30am.
- Attending our open house and ribbon cutting for the Future With Hope Community & Ministry Center on Sunday, April 18 at 2pm.
Building on the past, we are hopeful for the future. We know that God will continue to provide and push us, because of the ways God always has. Before we embark on this congregation’s next chapter, may we first come together to give thanks and celebrate 60.
Peace,
Pastor Shawn