Our History

Hope Lutheran Church was formally organized on May 20, 1968. Following the decision by the Contra Costa Council of Churches that a Lutheran Church should be one of the five churches to be invited to hold services in the newly developing Leisure World (now known as Rossmoor), Pastor Ed Hamme was called to develop a congregation. The first worship service was held on October 10, 1965. 


In 1979, Pastor George Norman was called to serve on a half-time basis. At the close of 1983 Pastor Norman retired, and Hope had 92 members. 

 

In 1984 Pastor David Romeis was called to Hope and served until 1998. Hope was then served by a succession of intern pastors. In September of 2009 Pastor Jack Niemi was called to serve Hope. In 2013 Pastor Karen Woida joined Pastor Jack in serving the people of Hope. Pastor Karen lives in Rossmoor.


In 2019, Pastor Jack retired. Pastor Lil Belusa was our Bridge Pastor for six months. In September of 2019, Pastor Andy Smith was called to serve Hope. Pastor Andy and his wife Lynne live in Pleasant Hill.


Many of the original members are now deceased or have moved away, but other dedicated Christians have come into Hope Lutheran to carry on the work of Christ in Rossmoor. In the last nine years, in terms of numbers, we have outgrown the label of being a “small church”. With 120 members, we have become a thriving church in ministry.


Worship, fellowship, service and concern for others bind the congregation together. Signs of our growth include two choirs, special music every Sunday, a monthly newsletter, a picture directory, website, and posting the recordings of our service online so those who cannot attend never miss out.


Concern for the work of the Church at large has been characteristic of Hope Lutheran including our support of Trinity Center for the homeless and numerous love offerings during the year to support God’s ministry throughout the world.