Hope Church Of The Nazarene

Visited this church a few weeks ago. As we prefer traditional worship with hymns, etc. we visited the early service, which is listed as being traditional. We found out that one Sunday per month they have contemporary music in the early service and we had inadvertently picked that Sunday. \r We endured the continual standing and repetitious choruses and watched as many of the older adults sat down one by one, unable to continue standing. We seriously contemplated leaving during prayer. \r However, we stuck it out to hear the pastor's sermon. While the music was not to our liking, the pastor presented an excellent message! We are glad we stayed to hear the Word presented so capably!\r One word of advice - if you prefer traditional services, make sure you check to find out what the music selection will be in the early service. If you like contemporary, you will have plenty of opportunities to experience it. Advice for the worship team - learn to do traditional when you are in charge of the music in the early service. more

You can see the church from the 78 Freeway with the large letters HOPE written on the bank. You wonder if there if there really is hope there or is it just a gimmick? I parked in the large two tiered parking lot and entered the foyer through the double doors in the center of the building. Before I can get in the door there are several members and greeters there asking me how I am doing and showing me where everything is. I drop my children off at the nursery and Hope Harbor; a nicely decorated room with an old town backdrop complete with wooden sidewalks. The morning service, of which there are two, starts with singing, announcements and a time for prayer; followed by more singing, the offering, and a 20-30 minute sermon. The sermon was on new beginnings: how God wants to give everyone a new beginning and that is the hope that Hope church has to offer. I find out after the service that there are many former substance and alcohol addicts in the congregation and that they have found new meaning in life through Jesus Christ. He has become their hope for new beginnings when all the other promises of life failed them. And so I found out why the place is called Hope Church. \r The people there are friendly and will reach out to you from all sides. They remember what is was like to be on the outside looking in and not understanding what it was all about. If you need prayer they wil pray with you. If you need food they will make sure you have some. If you need a place to stay they can find you one. and if you want Jesus He is there to accept you and lead you on the journey of transformation. Pros: Location, Parking, Childrens Program, Nursery, Worship, Seating, Activities, Fellowship Cons: Busy Cross Street, more