Belong

TOP NINE THINGS NEW MEMBERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH

  1. Hope is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).  The ELCA is a 5.2 million member church body spread across the United States and the Caribbean.  By joining Hope, you become a member of a much larger community that touches even more people through such efforts as missionary work, campus ministry, social service, and new congregations.
  2. Hope is congregation whose worship is shaped by Word and sacrament.  As a community each Sunday, we read the Scriptures and share Holy Communion so that together we might hear and believe the good news of God.  Hope’s worship is supported by a strong music program.  Pat Tatzel provides organ and keyboard accompaniment to our worship services.  Sonja Jensen directs both the adult choir (Voices of Hope) and the bell choir (Bells of Hope).  Jenna Mood is the director of the children's choir.
  3. Hope reaches out to its community through projects such as Adopt-A-Highway, Mountain of Food and CROP Bike/Hike.  Hope also supports Lutheran World Relief and Global Health.  Hope encourages members to be active in Christ’s love by helping their own neighbors.
  4. Hope is a congregation that gathers in annual meeting to elect a church council and to discuss matters important to our common life.  The church council is made up of members of Hope who serve as committee chairs for Adult Ministries, Property, Stewardship, Youth, Faith-in-Action, and Worship and Music, as well as officers and representatives from the Hope Lutheran Church Women. 
  5. Hope exercises its financial stewardship each year through a budget.  This budget makes possible the operation of the church office, the hiring of staff, and the exercise of various ministries.  Members are asked to support the work of the church through their own stewardship of gifts.  Offering envelopes and a direct debit program are provided to assist members in their support.
  6. Hope’s education program begins with three year-olds in the Sunday School.  Classes run from September through May.  In seventh grade, youth enter confirmation ministry.  During a two-year period, they study the Bible and Luther’s Small Catechism.  They also attend worship and participate in activities designed to broaden their understanding of the church’s ministry and to strengthen their connection with each other.
  7. Hope’s women are members of the Hope Lutheran Church Women.  The HLCW provides opportunities for fellowship, study, service and outreach.  Interests of this group include Lutheran World Relief, Skaalen Sunset Home, Quilting and special offerings to support women and children.  The HLCW raises money each fall through the annual Bazaar, Cookie Walk, and Luncheon.
  8. Hope’s pastor provides pastoral and spiritual support to members and others who seek it.  The pastor leads weekly worship and presides at baptisms, weddings and funerals.  The pastor visits those who are sick or home-bound and meets with people in crisis.  The pastor is also available to meet privately to discuss matters of personal concern.
  9. Hope invites participation in activities beyond Sunday morning.  Whether child, youth or adult, you can make the most of your membership by becoming involved in service projects, small groups, Bible study, music, and in many other ways.  If you are interested, call one of the people listed below, the church office, or talk to Pastor Beth.