Sunday September 14, 2025 I was at Community of Hope-Fort Worth for the affirmation of baptism for two young people. It was a wonderful celebration of the community and these young people. They honored their catechist with gifts during the power worship celebration.

Fun fact, both of them were part of the Bishop’s Group to the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans in 2024 So I have known them for some time and was privileged to be part of their faith formation journey.

Community of Hope is a combination of three congregations. The original Community of Hope which has served in SE Fort Worth for decades, the Umoja Swahili speaking congregation of NT-NL Synod, ELCA, and King of Glory-Fort Worth who closed and merged into this ministry. Bringing with it dedicated members who care about our ministry in this context and some financial resources to help sustain ministry. Community of Hope also runs a pre-school that welcomes 60 students each day. A wonderful ministry in a part of Fort Worth without a great many accredited daycare options.

To come together took a lot of work on the part of these folks and our synod staff. But it is working as we do ministry #InMissionTogether