Welcome to Hope Lutheran Church
Hope Lutheran Church began in 1998 as a small congregation of faithful friends meeting for worship in local recreation centers. Since then, Hope has grown into a three-campus church community serving God’s people throughout the communities in and around The Villages and Summerfield, Florida.
We have experienced phenomenal growth since that time and now have over 2,000 members, including our seasonal associate members. Yet we are a caring church with plenty of activities and opportunities for groups with similar interests and needs. We make you feel right at home. Hope places a high emphasis on spending time together and sharing our lives and interests.
We have experienced phenomenal growth since that time and now have over 2,000 members, including our seasonal associate members. Yet we are a caring church with plenty of activities and opportunities for groups with similar interests and needs. We make you feel right at home. Hope places a high emphasis on spending time together and sharing our lives and interests.
In the Beginning...
In September of 1998 , Pastor Barry Hunteman met with 79 people to begin organizing a new Lutheran church in The Villages, Florida. The first worship service of Hope Lutheran Church was held at 9:00am on October 25, 1998 at La Hacienda Recreation Center in The Villages, with 203 people in attendance.
On January 15, 2002 , ground was broken for construction of Hope's own building on the corner of Morse and 466. The first service was held in our new building on January 12, 2003 . Hope's congregation had grown to 800 members by that time. On December 17, 2016, Pastor Barry Hunteman retired, and on August 5, 2017, Pastor Jon Marc MacLean was installed as Hope's lead pastor.
On January 15, 2002 , ground was broken for construction of Hope's own building on the corner of Morse and 466. The first service was held in our new building on January 12, 2003 . Hope's congregation had grown to 800 members by that time. On December 17, 2016, Pastor Barry Hunteman retired, and on August 5, 2017, Pastor Jon Marc MacLean was installed as Hope's lead pastor.
Growing the Family...
On April 15, 2018, the Hope Lutheran Church congregation voted to merge with our longtime friends and partners at St. John Lutheran Church in Summerfield, FL.
The St. John members became part of Hope's congregation, and the building was renamed Hope Lake Weir Campus.
Over time, we have renovated and expanded Hope Lake Weir Campus, and the property now includes a Prayer Labyrinth, multi-purpose pavilion, and beachfront worship area.
The St. John members became part of Hope's congregation, and the building was renamed Hope Lake Weir Campus.
Over time, we have renovated and expanded Hope Lake Weir Campus, and the property now includes a Prayer Labyrinth, multi-purpose pavilion, and beachfront worship area.
To the South and Beyond!
On May 19, 2019, Hope established a third campus with the first worship service held at Rohan Recreation Center in The Villages.
Hope moved to Everglades Recreation Center on February 2, 2020, and still offers two Sunday worship services at Everglades each week.
Hope is in the process of constructing our permanent Hope South Campus worship center! To learn more about Hope South Campus and our fundraising progress, please click here.
Hope moved to Everglades Recreation Center on February 2, 2020, and still offers two Sunday worship services at Everglades each week.
Hope is in the process of constructing our permanent Hope South Campus worship center! To learn more about Hope South Campus and our fundraising progress, please click here.