HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH - FREEHOLD NJ
211 Elton-Adelphia RoadFreehold, New Jersey 07728
(732) 462-7545
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HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH - FREEHOLD NJ211 Elton-Adelphia RoadFreehold, New Jersey 07728 (732) 462-7545 |
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from the NEWS TRANSCRIPT - August 30, 2006
CHURCH PLANS TO DEDICATE NEW FACILITIES ON SEPTEMBER 24 The congregation of Hope Lutheran Church, Freehold Township, is marking the completion of an addition and renovations to the building on Elton-Adelphia Road. The church is preparing to celebrate its 40th anniversary. FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - Hope Lutheran Church, Elton-Adelphia Road, has just completed a $625,000 addition and renovation of its facilities in time for the 40th anniversary of the church. This latest project is the fourth addition to the facilities in that time. The renovation and addition program, "Catch the Vision - Share the Mission!" doubled the size of the youth center, built a new office for the counseling center, created a new covered entrance door and welcoming foyer with new hallways and display space and new administrative and pastoral offices. The entrance to the sanctuary has been opened wall to wall and sliding glass doors have been installed. The old narthex/lobby has been transformed into a two-story atrium area that can accommodateoverflow worship seating or hospitality events, according to a press release from the church. The church buildings have received extensive reroofing and the former cedar shingles have been replaced with vinyl shingles with a slate appearance. A new tower with an internally lighted steeple now graces the street side of the church. On August 23, the members and friends of the church gathered to see a 16-foot-tall metal cross be blessed for its ministry of witness to the community and lifted into place by a crane. "We have always been known for the anchor cross, the ancient Christian symbol for hope, on the front of our building and on our T-shirts," said the Rev. Dr. Patricia S. Medley, pastor. "The light inside our new steeple shining in the night and the cross being raised here today are signs of the renewal of Hope's commitment to boldly share the love of Jesus Christ as a beacon of hope for our community. Our newly enlarged and renovated facilities are an important tool for our growing ministry. We stand true to our mission statement. We are 'Anchored in Christ, growing in faith, love and service.' " The addition and renovation of Hope's facilities will be dedicated on Sept. 24 with a brief celebration service at 3 p.m. The community is invited to explore the church at the open house which follows, enjoy tours and refreshments and to hear about the programs and services which are available. The date of the dedication comes 40 years after the first service held at the church by its founder, Albert Gibson, pastor. Medley is also celebrating an anniversary, her 30th anniversary of ordination as one of the first women ordained in the Lutheran church in 1976, according to the press release. On Sept. 17, the community is invited to hear the Rev. Dr. Robert B. Robinson, the Anna Burkhalter Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, give a 40th anniversary lecture on "New Beginnings" Living Scriptures and the Book of Genesis." Lunch will be offered for a free will donation at noon and the lecture will begin at 1 p.m. The suggested donation for lunch is $5 per person. A nursery will be provided for young children. For more information, visit the Web site www.HopeFreehold.org.
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