Blog

A transformational new idea took root at the beginning of 2011 at Lutheran Church of Hope. The idea was called simply “50-50.” It first surfaced in the 20/20 Vision statement written by Pastor Mike, and since then has become foundational for the congregation.

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At the Hope Christmas services in 2008, Larry Spencer shared his Christmas story as a POW in Vietnam. Larry entered the Navy in February 1963. In early 1966, while he was serving as a radar operator in an F4B “Phantom II” jet fighter, his aircraft was shot down over North Vietnam. He was captured by the villagers and brought to the prison which would, facetiously, become known as the Hanoi Hilton.

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Lutheran Church of Hope has been preparing for this pandemic for 20 years. By making generous investments in both technological equipment and staff, Hope was able to pivot from in-person to online church overnight. With five weekend worship services, most major ministries and more than 35 online classes, Hope is a much different church today than 10 months ago.

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1993 marked the arrival of two new pastors in Des Moines, both named Michael. One of them was Housholder and the other was Hurst. After a Des Moines Register article identified them as pastors of fast-growing congregations, they decided to meet for lunch. Regular get-togethers have continued for 27 years.

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Lutheran Church of Hope celebrated 20 years of growth and ministry the first Sunday in November 2014. Huge overflow crowds feasted on birthday cake, perused video and pictorial displays, and attended worship services featuring the famed Luther College Nordic Choir. Renowned international opera singer and Hope member, Simon Estes, sang a memorable version of “Happy Birthday.”

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