|
Service Times
Sunday Morning -
9:00am & 11:00am
Wednesday Night - 7:00pm
|
|
History of Hope Community Church |
The Hope Community family has a very exciting history. Sensing the Lord calling him to return to Springfield from Phoenix, AZ, Pastor Gary Hay and a small group of people began prayerfully seeking God's direction in the formation of a new congregation. Since those early days, God has exceeded the expectations of that group many times over.
The first formal services were held in November 1993 in the Ayre-Goodwin Lee Funeral Chapel at Rivermont. Rapid growth necessitated a more permanent facility. Cherry Street Baptist Church was kind enough to open their former facilities to us and other churches as well. Eventually four churches shared this facility, causing us to jokingly refer to it as "The Church Mall."
The church leadership recognized early on that our growth would soon exceed the capacity of any facility available for lease. Prayer and an exhaustive search for suitable expandable facilities or land began in earnest. It was soon determined that construction was inevitable as the search for an appropriate site seemed endless. Overcrowded facilities and multiple services had to suffice for the time and the church responded with joy and resourcefulness. Eventually a cabinet warehouse became available and was secured as a temporary facility. As renovation and construction was taking place at the warehouse, a 17-acre tract of land was located and subsequently purchased near the intersection of Highway 65 and Sunshine.
The grace of God so evident from the beginning had once again dramatically provided. The land was perfect and faithful giving from the congregation enabled a cash purchase. In November 1997 the church finally moved into its new home. After four years as a congregation, this wonderful church family moved into a brand- new $2 million facility. It wouldn't be the last building project or the last sacrfice but it felt great to have a home!
The heart of Hope has always been one of restoration and cooperation. The "servant-heartedness" of so many wonderful people, combined with the tangible sense of God's presence, has restored so many hurt and broken people in need of healing. Many who have been burned out by church and religion have found a new relationship with the Father. From its inception, Hope has been a place where those who seek to know the loving heart of the Father have found Him.
|
|
|
