Dear Beloved Members of Hope Church,
As we prepare to celebrate our 175th Anniversary, I am reminded daily of the profound generosity and steadfast commitment of this parish. Hope Church has always been more than a building; it is a community bound by faith, hope, and love. Together, we’ve weathered challenges, embraced opportunities, and remained faithful stewards of God’s gifts. Now, we stand at the threshold of a momentous milestone with an extraordinary opportunity to invest in the future of this sacred place.
I’m excited to introduce the Hope Always 175th Anniversary Stewardship Campaign, an initiative designed to honor our past, celebrate our present, and secure a vibrant future. I am excited to share the progress we’ve made and invite your participation as we journey together toward our goals.
Quarterly Update (as of 4/6/25):
Thanks to your generosity and the support of our partners, the Hope Always campaign is already making a powerful impact. Together, we’ve raised over $140,000 in direct gifts and secured grants to support our vision for the next 175 years of ministry. These funds are advancing key initiatives including a new children’s playground and sports field surrounded by a native pollinator meadow, continued upgrades to the Parish House and grounds as part of our green master plan, and exciting new work to preserve and tend the sacred ground of the Hope Church Cemetery for generations to come. These are tangible signs of a living, growing ministry rooted in faith and bearing fruit for the future. Stay tuned—there’s more good news to come.
Campaign Financial Overview – To Date
- Individual Giving (33 givers, 116 gifts): $15,602.52
- Creation Care Grant (total package): $115,544.40
- Shaped By Faith Collaborative Ministry Grants:
- Youth: $5,000
- Music: $4,000
- Pending Construction Grant (goal): $10,000
Confirmed Financial Impact: $140,146.92
Potential Total (with pending grant): $150,146.92
We press on not simply for the sake of progress, but because we believe in the promise God spoke through the prophet Jeremiah: “For surely I know the plans I have for you… plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” This is the calling of the church —to build toward a future and a hope, together.
Beyond these numbers, we see the immeasurable contributions of time and talent offered by Hope Church parishioners. From painting rooms to installing systems, from organizing events to maintaining our grounds, your work is a gift. It is beautiful, meaningful, and counts dollar-for- dollar as a vital part of the fabric of this campaign. These contributions represent tens of thousands in real economic value, but more than that, they are a reflection of your love for this church and its mission. Time and talent – is treasure you can measure.
Our Goals
The Hope Always 175th Anniversary Stewardship Campaign aims to achieve a total financial impact of $175,000 by the end of 2025. This goal encompasses:
Pledges and plate offerings, which sustain our ministry.
Grants, which fund critical projects and relieve financial pressures.
In-kind contributions, the priceless gifts of time, labor, and expertise.
Funds will support:
Creating a children’s play area, a joyful space for families and community members.
Renovating the parish house to enhance its functionality and warmth.
Preserving and restoring our sanctuary, ensuring its legacy endures.
Establishing the beginnings of an expanded cemetery columbarium, safeguarding these sacred spaces for future generations who seek Hope Church as their final resting place.
Why This Matters
This campaign is about more than numbers; it is about mission, community, and faith. It is about creating a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can gather, grow, and experience God’s love. Every gift—whether financial, in-kind, or through your prayers—contributes to this vision. Together, we can ensure that Hope Church remains a beacon of renewal and ministry for generations to come.
Your Invitation
As we move forward, I invite you to prayerfully consider how you can participate in this historic effort. Whether it’s making a pledge, volunteering your time, or sharing your skills, every contribution matters. Giving estimate cards will be distributed during Advent, and each Sunday, we will bless these commitments, celebrating the spirit of stewardship that defines this parish.
A Reflection on Hope Church’s Future
Hope Church embodies the enduring faithfulness of God and the generosity of His people. As we enter this special anniversary year, we look to boldly invest in our future. With two pledges and anticipated grant funding already secured, we’ve surpassed $50,000 toward our $175,000 goal—a promising start that highlights the strength and dedication of our parish.
This campaign is about more than financial contributions; it is about living into our Baptismal Covenant—to “strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.” It’s about embracing the truth of 2 Corinthians 9:8: “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” Every effort, whether financial, in-kind, or prayerful, is a reflection of our shared hope for what God can do through us.
If there is a part of this campaign that speaks to you, or if you would like to explore how your contributions can make a meaningful difference through a special one-time gift, I encourage you to reach out to me at bmattson@hopeepiscopal.org or by phone. I’d love to hear your thoughts and dreams for the future of Hope Church.
I’m grateful to many of our Lancaster Convocation churches, who have served as an inspiration and faithful example for this campaign, and also extend my deepest gratitude to our parish leadership and Finance Committee for their prayerful discernment and vision. Their guidance ensures we both honor our heritage and step confidently into a future guided by God’s abundant grace and unyielding love.
Between now and the end of the year, please bring your giving estimate cards to our services and place them in the offering, or mail them back to the parish office in the enclosed envelope. We will bless all of them each week as we track our progress. It will be a great 13 months!
God bless you all. I remain faithfully yours in The Good News. Hope Always,
Rev. Bradley Lodge Mattson