What We Believe

Beliefs

We believe the Bible is the unique inspired word of God. It is the only certain source for correct teaching and living. We believe the Bible's teachings, which are expressed in the creeds adopted by the whole church. We believe the one true God reveals himself to us.


He is the Father, who created everything and keeps it going. He is the Son, who is fully God and fully human. Through his birth by the Virgin Mary, he came into our world to suffer, die and rise again from the  dead. In this way he has reconciled sinful humanity to God. At the end of the world he will bring those who trust in him to joyful, eternal life. He is the Holy Spirit, who through his gracious kindness alone brings us to a living faith in God. He also keeps us in Christian faith and living through his word and  the sacraments (baptism and communion).


We believe the Lutheran Confessions to be a correct explanation of God's word.

Our Mission

Responding to God's word we are here to be a loving, Christ-like community of believers, growing in faith, reaching out to others and joyfully worshiping our Lord.

Hope's Vision Statement

Through our Lord's means of grace, Hope Lutheran will be a vibrant community welcoming everyone to become all that God wants his people to be:


1. Worshiping in a way that is an effective means for God to meet and serve his people, and through which God comes to us and empowers our response.


2. Equipping all ages to grow in a Christ-like life through maintaining a Christian school and full  congregational educational and disciplining programs, including:

  • Preschool and elementary school.
  • Children and youth classes.
  • Adult classes and groups.

3.  Sharing faith, inviting others to church and extending hospitality in keeping with Jesus' great commission to make disciples. 


4. Sharing one another's joys and bearing one another's burdens by personal help and prayer.


5. Maintaining all of the needed resources and structures to accomplish our mission.     


Our History

Hope Lutheran is a member of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod. The Lutheran Church is a confessional movement within the Christian Church, begun in the 1500s, that includes more than 50 million members worldwide. The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, of which Hope is a member congregation, has about 2.5 million members. It is the second largest Lutheran denomination in the United States, and is known for maintaining a faithful witness to God's word.


A Brief History of Hope Lutheran Church

 

1954 --- Sunday School started February 4, in American Legion Hall under sponsor ship of Concordia Lutheran Church, Azusa. First Sunday school Super intendment, Mr. Howard Boltz.

1955 --- Preaching services started on Feb. 27 with Pastor A. G. Wahl serving as preacher. 70 people attended. Pastor Wahl canvassed Glendora.

             --- Five acres were purchased on East Foothill and Loraine for $35,000 by the Southern California District of the Lutheran Church-Mo. Synod in the spring of ’55.

             --- Pastor and Mrs. Kenneth Molnar came to Glendora in June. Pastor Molnar was ordained and commissioned to serve the Glendora Mission Field on July 10, 1955.

             --- In the month of August the name “Hope Lutheran Church of Glendora” was chosen for the new mission.

             --- Hope Lutheran Church was formally organized on September 21, 1955.

1956 ---The first confirmation class (children) was received into membership on May 20, 1956.

            --- In August Pastor Molnar was called and installed as Pastor of Hope Lutheran Church – no longer 'missionary at large’ for the Southern California District.

1957 --- Ground breaking for first unit of Church plant. October 20, 1957. The building was designed by William Wilke. Hugo Neitsch was the builder.

1958 --- First service held in the still uncompleted church on June 29 when a class of eight juniors was confirmed.

              --- The chapel and education unit were formally dedicated on Sunday, September 21, 1958, the Rev. Luther Schwartzkopf of San Bernardino delivering the message.

1960 --- In January the decision was made to open a Christian Day School.

             --- Mr. Donald L. Simpson was called as first principal of Hope Lutheran School, beginning his work in July, 1960. Miss Shirley Mosshemmer began her teaching duties in September, 1960, in charge of the primary grades.

1967 --- In January the necessity of a third classroom was seen and plans for opening it began.

            --- Ground was broken for educational unit (two classrooms, six Sunday school rooms) in June, 1961. Work began on July 1. Miss Norma Dodge added to staff in August.

1962 --- Mr. Jess Thomas, graduate of Concordia, Seward, Nebraska, arrived in August to replace Miss Dodge. Installed in September to teach grades 3-5 and direct youth work.

             --- Work ceased on new education building, awaiting re-financing.

1963 --- Pastor Molnar Completed 7 ½ years of work as first pastor of Hope, accepting call to San Antonio, Texas, Preaching farewell sermon on last Sunday of February.

            --- Pastor Harry F. Miller of Santa Rose, California, called as new pastor at meeting on March 17, accepts call and is installed on May 26.

            --- Work resumed on education building, October, 1963.

1964 --- Dedication of educational building, March 1, 1964.

1965 --- Hope celebrated 10th anniversary in October with District President Behnken speaker.

1966 --- Jess Thomas terminates service as teacher and youth director at Hope, is succeeded by Thomas Mueller.

             --- Building Committee appointed with Bob Trent, chairman; Dennis Wehmueller of Los Angeles engaged as architect.

1967 --- Largest class of juniors confirmed: 25 in all.

            --- Kindergarten opened with Marion Hillman, teacher.

            --- Building Crusade conducted to underwrite building of new sanctuary.

1968 --- Decision to “go ahead” with building of new sanctuary made by congregation in spring of year.

             --- Ground breaking on First Sunday in Advent, December 1, 1968.

1969 --- Cornerstone laying, April 13, 1969.

             --- Dedication of new sanctuary, August 17, 1969.