A New Beginning

Desert Hope Lutheran Church (DHLC) began when a group of Tanque Verde Lutheran Church (TVLC) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) members met with Pastor Dave Drum to discuss their concerns about the ELCA theological positions. They decided to leave TVLC to form a new church in the new association of Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC).

April 2010
The newly formed congregation called Pastor Jim Cords to be the lead pastor.

May 2010
DHLC held the first worship service at Desert Christian High School.

October 31, 2010
The Charter and Constitution were signed by the members of DHLC.

DHLC leased and renovated office space for staff and meetings. Worship services were held in the gym at Desert Christian High School and then moved to the multipurpose room at Gridley Middle School. DHLC renovated the school’s multipurpose room for our use as well as for the school’s use. A church-school ministry to assist students, families and staff at Gridley was initiated.

Desert Hope Expands

February 2013
A capital fund campaign for a permanent facility was authorized and generated nearly $1M.

December 2014
DHLC purchased a building that had been the Arizona Polish Club and began renovations on January 20, 2015. This was a wonderful bonding experience as the DHLC congregants were intensely involved in the day-to-day demolition of the old and construction of the new facility.

July 2015
The new facility, which is called the Mission Center, was dedicated and worship services commenced in the renovated building.

April 2016
The patio and tower were completed. The patio provides a wonderful fellowship space, and the tower helps visibility to the public from the street.

April 2018
The cross from Emmanuel Lutheran church in Douglas and surrounding memorial garden were dedicated. These serve as a place for peaceful meditation to all who choose to stop and is visible from the city-wide bike path that runs adjacent to the church property.

May 2019
The Hope Center modular facility was added to further enhance the ability to hold Bible Studies, Sunday School and added space for ministries.

Calling a New Pastor

September 2020
DHLC’s lead pastor accepted a call to another church and the process of calling a new lead pastor began.

August 2022
After completing two interim pastorships, DHLC called Pastor Kent Groethe to serve as lead pastor through 2028.