What to Expect: Your First Visit to Hope Lutheran Church in Jacksonville

We don’t care what kind of clothes you wear, how many tattoos you have, or what candidate you voted for. We’re a church full of broken, imperfect people with every kind of story. We are saving a seat for you. Experience Hope.

Before You Arrive

Parking and Entry

Park anywhere in the lot on the North side of the complex (next to the open field).  There's plenty of room; even if you arrive a bit late.

There is railing right in front of the church door to help those who need it step up onto the church porch. A handicapped accessible ramp to the left of the Church door..   

How people dress? 

Come as you are.   God is looking at your heart, not your clothing. 

During the Service 

What's a service like?   

Worship at Hope is a vibrant blend of traditional and contemporary elements. You can expect a relaxed yet reverent atmosphere where the Word of God comes alive through shared scripture readings and visual media. A typical service lasts about 60 minutes and includes times for prayer, meditation, and learning.

What is the music like?

We believe music is a powerful way to connect with God. Our worship features a thoughtful blend of classic hymns and modern Christian songs. Whether it's led by the organ or our praise team, the goal is always to lift our voices together in celebration.

What about my kids?  

Children are not just welcome at Hope—they are a vital part of our family! We encourage families to sit together, and we love the sound of children in the sanctuary.

Children's Message: During the service, kids are invited to the front for a message tailored just for them.

Cry Room: We know children will be children! If you need a moment of privacy or your little one needs to move around, we have a comfortable "cry room" available where you can still see and hear the service.

Sunday School: Following the service, we offer Sunday School classes during the Bible Class hour.

Can I take communion?

At Hope, we celebrate the Lord’s Supper on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month. We believe that in this meal, Jesus is truly present to offer us forgiveness and new life.

We welcome to the table all baptized Christians who share our belief in the "Real Presence" of Christ in the bread and wine. If you can agree with the following statements listed on the back page of the worship bulletin, we invite you to join us:

Note: If you are not yet ready to receive communion but would like to come forward for a blessing, simply cross your arms over your chest as you approach the altar.

Looking for our Celebrate Recovery program? 

While our Sunday services focus on communal worship, our Saturday Celebrate Recovery meetings are a more personal, relaxed space specifically designed for sharing and healing. To learn more about what to expect on a Saturday night, visit our Celebrate Recovery page here.

Ready to Experience Hope?

We would love to welcome you this Sunday! Whether you have questions or just want to let us know you’re coming, we are here for you.

Have a Question?

Plan Your Visit

If you’d like us to keep an eye out for you, you can Plan Your Visit ahead of time. We’ll make sure someone is at the door to greet you and show you around.

Otherwise, feel free to just show up unannounced. We are saving a seat for you!