​From   the   beginning

The pandemic, stress and crisis in a church, some amazing events, and lots of prayer all contributed to the founding of Church of the Living Hope. From the beginning--some time in 2020-- those who prayed for our church sought the Lord's direction for a congregation that would have vitality and relevance, be focused on Christ, and which would take the Bible seriously. Around 2021, the Lord seemed to direct us to start asking God for a church in the ECO alliance of churches -- Presbyterian churches that value a Christ-centered focus, our Reformed tradition of theology, and leadership accountability. With ECO, we shared a belief in the transforming effects of the gospel of Christ. We were hoping one would start, since the nearest one is over 100 miles away. Our prayers continued into 2022, as God began moving in some amazing ways.
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God's Spirit was moving​

By August 2023, it was clear that the Lord was calling us not just to find an ECO church, but to be a new church.  A few of us had begun worshiping together as early as Spring 2023.  An August meeting in Chesapeake with ECO leaders from across Virginia now galvanized the planning.  Excitement was in the air.  Support, encouragement, and assistance was forthcoming from the East Central Presbytery of ECO.
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Putting down roots

By Fall of 2023, our new church plant was putting down sturdy roots.  In October 2023, the East Central Presbytery commissioned our co-founder, Beth, as a pastor, given her seminary education and other work qualified her to serve as pastor of the Church of the Living Hope. And by the fall, we had drawn other leaders and worshippers along the way.  We were a new local church.

​On Ash Wednesday, February 14, 2024, we celebrated our first Lord's Supper.  That same week, a sister church in our presbytery, Bethel Presbyterian of Staunton, VA, formally became a partner church to us, ready to assist us and encourage us as we continue to grow. 
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​Where we are now

We are still forming!  We worship together one evening a week, studying Scripture, praying together, and even singing.  We also have a group which meets on another night--our Alpha group--for those who want to discover what Christianity is all about in a no-pressure environment. Come alongside us and discover what the Living Hope--Jesus--is all about.
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