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Members of Hope can look back over their history to see growth in terms of membership, mission and facilities. Officially organized in February 1962 with fewer than 100 members, Hope has enjoyed continuous growth with membership now numbering 1,362. From its early mission days as part of the American Lutheran Church, the congregation quickly became self-supporting and participated in outreach programs that included a preschool ministry--now celebrating its 25th year.
Three major building programs were completed successfully over the years. First, the Learning Tree Child Development building was completed in 1976. Next, a 9,000 sq. ft. sanctuary was built in 1980, and was enhanced with the addition of a 21-rank Casavant organ in 1983. Finally, as growth continued, the original all-purpose Parish Hall was demolished to make room for a large education/administration/community center complex which was dedicated in 1991. Throughout this time the congregation also reached out to help sponsor the Hmong Ministry in Fresno and two new mission congregations in Auberry and Clovis.
Hope Lutheran exists as a gathering of God's people for worshipping, witnessing, and caring through its ministries of music, education, and youth. We have been blessed with dedicated pastoral and lay staff in addition to outstanding volunteer leadership, and together we look forward to the challenges of reaching out with the Gospel in the new millennium.
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