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Ministry Areas

Hope currently has twelve standing committees who are charged with carrying out the work of the church. Each committee is led by an Elder.

Laurie Gunderson (she/her)

Elder for Adult Faith Formation

The Adult Faith Formation Committee helps create meaningful and inspiring opportunities for adults to grow in their faith, deepen their understanding, and connect with others on their spiritual journey.  We offer classes on Sunday mornings at 9:00 am in Room 102, and the Sermon Based Bible Study meets at 11:00 am on Thursdays in the library. We also offer other experiences to help you connect with God through the arts, writing, and nature. 

Brian Claus (he/him)

Elder for Building & Grounds

The Building and Grounds Committee ensures that the Hope is safe, clean and meets the needs of the congregation.   Our committee sees a need within the facility or on the grounds and come together to meet those needs. If you like to do landscaping, painting, light remodeling, or are a handy person we would love to have you join us!

Stacey Tullos (she/her)

Elder for Caregiving

Our Committee is committed to caring for our congregation and friends of Hope Church by providing assistance however needed. We keep in communication through phone calls, visits, texting, whatever avenue needed. Some of the ways we accomplish this are:

  • An email Prayer Chain lists prayer needs of those who have requested prayers for any reason.
  • Our Meal Train provides meals for those who have had a life-changing event or are in need of additional meals when challenging circumstances arise;
  • Homebound Communion for those who are physically unable to attend service.
  • Gifts for Baptism and Confirmation, as well as when a new family member is added.
  • Prayer Shawls are given for comfort in trying times.

 

A Creation Care initiative was launched in 2024 in an effort to be better stewards of the earth. We are currently analyzing how we can better implement practices of recycling, composting and landfill use in order to honor our call of taking care of the earth in a way that conserves and renews God’s creation.

Kristi Richling (she/her)

Elder for Children's Faith Formation

The Children’s Faith Formation Committee helps nurture the faith of children from preschool through 5th grade through fun, engaging lessons and activities. We are always looking for volunteers to join our welcoming and supportive team! No teaching experience is needed, and all curriculum and lesson plans are provided each week, making it easy to get involved. If you’d like to make a difference in a child’s faith journey, please prayerfully consider joining us!

Lori Laster, (she/her)

Elder for Communications, Technology, and Social Media

This committee oversees the maintenance of the church website and all social media sites, oversees the purchase, renewal, discontinuation and maintenance of church computer hardware, software and office equipment, form, train and maintain a crew of worship technicians that support the worship service through use of multimedia.

Janie Botsch (she/her)

Elder for Fellowship

Fellowship allows all of us to gather and become a church family.  Activities are planned to provide time shared together in fun and faith!  Getting to know one another and sharing our faith is important.  Time spent after each service with refreshments, having our annual picnic and other planned functions and celebrating holidays together deepens our shared time together as a family with God.

Terry Haas (he/him)

Elder for Mission

The Mission Committee exists to create opportunities for the congregation to develop a passion for serving God by helping others. We try to continually ask ourselves, “What have we done to be intentional about mission at Hope lately? Who have we encouraged that has a passion for mission? How have we assisted Hope members with a passion for mission to grow?”
 
As a committee, we strive to be intentional about our mission work. In order to live out Hope’s mission of Loving God, Loving Others, we continue to look for needs both within and outside the Millard area and attempt to serve those unmet needs.
 
We also look to identify those in our congregation who show a passion for mission, explore that passion and assist to get the resources needed to make that mission flourish (volunteers, leaders, funding, equipment, facilities, etc).
 
We are always looking to build diversity in the Hope mission team and always welcome new members!

Angie Widman (she/her)

Elder for Outreach

The Outreach Committee works to embrace our members, guests, and community. Through reaching out to visitors and planning events where all are welcome, we strive to live our mission statement. The Outreach committee helps to make people feel welcome in our church and to make Hope a part of the community where we worship.

Scott Gunderson (he/Him)

Elder for Personnel

The Personnel Committee hires staff, completes yearly employee performance reviews, and maintains job descriptions.  The committee is a source for guidance and assistance for employees of Hope Church. 

Chris Olson (he/him)

Elder for Stewardship

The Stewardship Committee is responsible for taking prudent care of the resources God has entrusted Hope Church with, and in particular, the disposition of our financial resources. We plan and execute the annual pledge drive and budgeting process, working diligently with each ministry elder to best accommodate the needs of their ministry, in alignment with Hope’s mission statement. We implement processes and procedures for handling money and investments and we regularly prepare and share financial reports that reflect the financial health of our church. We also try to help the congregation grow in their faith by creating awareness of opportunities to give of their time, talents, and treasures. We strive to use our skills and abilities to operate and make decisions in a transparent manner, always taking a long-term view of the resources in our care.

Evan Schmeits (he/him)

Elder for Worship & Music

Worship and Music under the guidance of Session and in conjunction with the pastor and music director, is responsible for all facets of regularly scheduled worship services and approved special worship services. Join in the fellowship of preparing for service (i.e. arranging liturgical furnishings in the sanctuary, preparing communion, being a greeter, decorating); participating in the service (i.e. ushering, serving communion, serving as liturgist); concluding worship (i.e. straightening chairs, checking supplies for next service, putting away communion ware). We welcome you to this ministry.

Sarah Koenig (she/her)

Elder for Youth Faith Formation

Our ministry at Hope Church exists to help all embody the message of “Loving God. Loving All People. Living in Grace.”  Through our youth education ministry opportunities, we grow in our faith through both Bible study, mission, and fellowship. Youth group meets weekly throughout the school year and plans and attends a mission trip each summer.