Educational Ministries
Sunday School
September through May from 9:15 - 10:15 a.m.
Class ages run from Pre-K, Young Adult (youth), and Adult.For the younger ages, Sunday School involves Bible lessons and crafts, in addition to occasionally singing in church. The older children and adults feature a more traditional Bible Study format. Kindergarten through 12th grade participates in the annual Christmas program, as well.
The children of Hope meet in our Sunday School wing for Christ-centered Bible lessons. The young adults (high school age) of Hope meet in our Youth Room for faith building Bible lessons. The adults of Hope meet in our Conference Room for topical Bible lessons.
Vacation Bible School
August
Every summer Hope offers a Vacation Bible School to its members and the community for children age three through sixth grade. Each year's Vacation Bible School has a different theme. In 2008 we hosted, "Power Lab", in 2009 we hosted, "Crocodile Dock" and this year we will be hosting, High Seas Expedition. All are welcome to share in this week-long adventure as we learn more about Jesus and his love for us! Our 2010 Vacation Bible School will be held Sunday, August 1 to Thursday, August 5 from 6 pm - 8:30 pm. Registration forms are now available.
Winter Book Studies
January through March
Every winter Hope offers a small group series with a topic of study chosen by our members on the Education Committee. We have numerous families who open their homes and lead the Bible study. Our 2009 study was If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat by John Ortberg. Our 2010 study was Christian Caregiving, a Way of Life by Kenneth C. Haugk. Everyone is invited to attend.
Topical Bible Studies Series
Spring and Summer
A short series of topical Bible Studies are hosted in the spring and summer; both daytime and evening. Led by Pastor Matt, the Bible Study is held in the conference room at Hope. This time together gives us an opportunity to let God's powerful Word speak directly into our lives. Topics are announced in early June. If you have suggestions of what you would like to study, email Pastor Matt.
Our next Topical Bible Study is a 10-week-long study of the Divine Service and is set to begin the week of May 2nd. The study will cover many aspects of Lutheran worship. Such as what is the Divine Service? What is the theological rationale for what happens in the Divine Service and how is that doctrine put into practice? Pastor Matt will lead the studies in letting God's Word, our Confessions, and our LCMS theologians speak to us concerning these critical questions. For times click here or contact us.
Instruction in the Lutheran faith (catechesis) is an important and on-going part of the life of every Lutheran Christian. One important facet to this life-long learning is Confirmation. Confirmation instruction is designed to culminate with entrance into communicant membership in the Evangelical Lutheran Church. The curriculum is based primarily upon the Bible and Luther's Small Catechism.
For youth, Confirmation normally takes during the 7th and 8th grade years, with an optional 6th grade preparation year. For adults, Confirmation takes place individually with the pastor whenever there are interested students.
Hope also encourages its members to consider sending their children to a Lutheran school to help provide a Christ-centered, Bible-based, quality education. We are a member of two Lutheran school associations, Green Bay Trinity Lutheran School and Northeastern Wisconsin Lutheran High School.
Angels of Hope Preschool
September through May
Our preschool, in operation since 2002, endeavors to provide a nurturing, quality, Christian education for three and 4 year olds. We share the love of Jesus with His children through a daily curriculum consisting of stories of Jesus, daily prayer, group activities, free choice time, as well as art and music activities.
We believe that children need nourishment of God's love and His Word to help them grow to their full potential. Angels of Hope Preschool is a ministry of Hope to help children as they grow in all areas of life - physically, emotionally, academically, socially and spiritually.
Worship Volunteer Opportunities
Hope Lutheran Choir
Open to all interested singers, the choir's purpose is to help lead congregational singing and to supplement the song of the church with seasonal anthems. The choir practices on Wednesdays at 6:00 pm. Interested singers are invited simply to show up or speak with our organist and choir director.
Altar Guild
The servants who comprise the Altar Guild serve the Lord by preparing the chancel for the Divine Service. This involves preparing the Lord's Table for Holy Communion and cleaning up afterward. Since we offer the Sacrament every Sunday, volunteers are always needed for this Godly service.
Ushers
Volunteer ushers are an important component of every service. The ushers arrive early to turn on the lights and open the doors. They hand out bulletins as people arrive, collect the offering and usher people forward to the Sacrament. Following the services they lock the doors and turn out the lights.
Greeters
Every member of Hope who is able to serve is asked to take a turn at greeting. At every Sunday morning service, out goal is to have a friendly smile and handshake greet people as they step into the church building. No special training is necessary, just a willingness to smile and say "good morning," or "welcome to Hope."
Fellowship & Service Ministries
This ministry, geared primarily toward middle school and high school-aged youth, endeavors to help out youth build their relationship with Jesus Christ. It includes regular Bible study classes (Sunday School), community service projects and fun activities.
We also send a group of interested youth every three years to the LCMS National Youth Gathering typically held in the summer in New Orleans or Orlando.
Fundraising for the National Youth Gathering and other youth events includes an annual A.B.C. Festival (Auction/Bake Sale/Chili Dinner).
Family Ministry
Effort is made to plan at least one family-friendly event per month. Family events such as an autumn hay ride, Christian concerts, bowling, movie nights and more, are organized. See our calendar of events for upcoming Family Ministry programs.
Ladies Guild
The Ladies Guild is a group of women who seek to serve the Lord and Hope Lutheran Church in various ways including financial support of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League and various church activities. They also and staff funeral dinners. All interested women are invited to join them on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm for Christian ladies' fellowship.
Hope is one of eight area churches that support the De Pere Christian Outreach for the purpose of providing food, clothing shelter and/or monetary assistance to De Pere area residents. The thrift store, located at 506 Butler St. in West De Pere, and is operated by volunteers from the member churches and is stocked entirely through community donations. Excess clothing from the thrift store is regularly shipped to Africa.
With more than 70 volunteers, the store is open from Monday through Friday from 10 am until 3 pm and on Saturdays from 10 am until 12 noon. Volunteers and donations are always welcome!
Senior Hopefuls
Seniors, 55 years of age and older, meet in Hope's Fellowship Hall at 12 noon on the second Wednesday of each month for food, fun and fellowship. All seniors are invited to attend.
Men's Club
A small group of men gather once a month for breakfast, Bible study and fellowship. The Men's Club normally meets in the Fellowship Hall at 8:30 am on the second Saturday of each month. Additional event include sponsoring the church picnic, the annual congregational Christmas party, and fundraisers to support mission work.
Committees
Evangelism
This ministry's purpose is to plan, promote, and direct an evangelism program in the congregation, community and around the world.
Stewardship
This ministry's purpose is to initiate programs for the development of good stewardship attitudes in the members of the congregation in regard to time, talents, and treasures, to provide for the training and utilization of members of the congregation for the works of "Christ's kingdom and to ensure the financial stability of the congregation.
Education
This ministry's purpose is to develop programs to enhance the spiritual educational life of the congregation, including a full program of Christian education for the entire congregation, Sunday School, Adult and Youth Bible classes and Vacation Bible School.
Welfare
This ministry's purpose is to be alert to any financial needs of community and congregation members and develop methods to alleviate any hardship.
Youth
This ministry's purpose is to develop and maintain programs to involve the young people of the congregation in the work of Christ, provide for their spiritual growth and nurture, and to promise genuine Christian fellowship.
Preschool Board
The preschool board works closely with the preschool director and is responsible for the hiring of any preschool teachers and staff, overseeing the curriculum, setting fees and tuition and helping with all facets of running the school.
Board of Elders
The elders serves as assistants to the pastor in promoting the spiritual welfare of the congregation, especially in the areas of church and communion attendance. In addition, the elders serve as advisory members of the Preschool Board and the committees for education, evangelism, stewardship, welfare and youth.
Board of Trustees
The trustees are the legal representatives of the congregation and the custodians of all its property. They serve as the central group in any planning involving property changes or additions.
Church Council
The council is a representative council which meets monthly to review reports and recommendations submitted by the various boards and to prepare recommendations for the Voters' Assembly. The council is the chief agency authorized to act on all matters committed to it by the Voters' Assembly.
Voters' Assembly
The Voters' Assembly is the chief legislative body of the church. Only a properly called meeting of the Voters' Assembly has the authority to issue divine calls to pastors or teachers. The Voters' Assembly adopt the budget, elect all officials and has final binding authority in all matters of the congregation, provided the decisions are made in full accordance with God's Word.
