You can see the church from the 78 Freeway with the large letters HOPE written on the bank. You wonder if there if there really is hope there or is it just a gimmick? I parked in the large two tiered parking lot and entered the foyer through the double doors in the center of the building. Before I can get in the door there are several members and greeters there asking me how I am doing and showing me where everything is. I drop my children off at the nursery and Hope Harbor; a nicely decorated room with an old town backdrop complete with wooden sidewalks. The morning service, of which there are two, starts with singing, announcements and a time for prayer; followed by more singing, the offering, and a 20-30 minute sermon. The sermon was on new beginnings: how God wants to give everyone a new beginning and that is the hope that Hope church has to offer. I find out after the service that there are many former substance and alcohol addicts in the congregation and that they have found new meaning in life through Jesus Christ. He has become their hope for new beginnings when all the other promises of life failed them. And so I found out why the place is called Hope Church. \r
The people there are friendly and will reach out to you from all sides. They remember what is was like to be on the outside looking in and not understanding what it was all about. If you need prayer they wil pray with you. If you need food they will make sure you have some. If you need a place to stay they can find you one. and if you want Jesus He is there to accept you and lead you on the journey of transformation.
Pros: Location, Parking, Childrens Program, Nursery, Worship, Seating, Activities, Fellowship
Cons: Busy Cross Street,
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