Hope Community Church (HCC) began, as it is today, in September of 1994. Pastors Gil Vining and Rick Knarr joined with Pastor Rick Weidman who had already planted a church in the Gilbertsville area. All three pastors shared a common vision for a church where people could come and experience God's truth through life-relevant teaching and worship.

Their vision was, and still is, for a church with:

• a strong worship and solid biblical teaching ministry
• a corporate worship experience where people would be drawn into the presence of the very God who, by His sovereign plan, brought a company of people together
• a heart for reaching others with the love of Christ resulting in outreach to the community and around the world
• people who could be encouraged daily at all levels
• a children's ministry where children would be amazed to learn of the God who loves them
• a strong youth ministry that would deeply impact the lives of students
• a vital counseling ministry where people would know the life changing power of God through His Word, His Spirit and the love of His people.

HCC met in the Boyertown Junior High East Center since its start in 1998. In 1998, HCC purchased twelve acres of land at 2732 North Charlotte Street in New Hanover Township, which included a farmhouse and outbuildings. God provided the financial resources for us to purchase the property and renovate the farmhouse into offices without incurring any financial debt.

With sufficient land, the church began to envision a greater ministry. A plan was put in place for a building that would provide a place of worship and base of ministry for Hope Community Church.

The elders of HCC were committed to trusting God for a building project that would be from from the encumbrances of long term borrowing and financing. As you read this article, the first phase of the building project is being completed. The preliminary plans have already been sketched for a worship center that will adjoin the present building.

HCC was born with the desire to be a church that would strive to grow in an ever deepening understanding of God and, consequently, strive to meet the spiritual needs of all people. We have worked hard at wrapping the truth of God's Word around people who have come with a lot of hurt and pain. At times, HCC has felt like a hospital as many hurting people have come to find some solace. In the midst of much personal struggle, we have seen God bring life changes, resulting in deep joy that only He could make possible.

We can say with confidence that the overwhelming testimony of this church is that God has sustained us and blessed us beyond measure. He has been our constant provider. It has been His perfect grace that has been poured out on us. He has led the way, carried us when we couldn't walk any further, and provided the nourishment for the challenges that were ahead.

Hope Community Church is a work of God. It is our desire that this church be a blessing for many different people.