Great things are happening in Irmo at New Hope Lutheran Church.
The congregation officially moved into their new church last month.
On Sunday, Nov 4, they called Rev. James Houck as their new pastor. They have been steadily moving forward for the Lord since they formed in 2013.
Let me tell you about New Hope. 
In September 2013, 70 people left another church and started New Hope. They initially met at St. Jacobs Lutheran. 
They then moved into the Ballentine Community Center, where they met for 5 years. 
They were challenged because they couldn’t have a fixed altar and seating. They solved that by building an altar on wheels that could be moved into a storage area with the Cross, sound system and electronic organ after each service.
They used stacking chairs they set up for each service. 
In 2015 they bought property on Old Tamah Road which is paid off now. Construction started on a permanent church last December and they moved into it on October 7.
As a new church, they are involved in missions and ministries.
These include Water Missions to provide drinking water in Africa, Operation Christmas Child, “Reach Dalit” in India to help the poorest of the poor and We Care Ministries.
They also provide scholarships for Gordon-Conwell Seminary students in Charlotte.
Members have a full calendar of events throughout the week. 
Church Council President Don Byers and Project Manager Larry Strock agree with Missions Outreach Chairperson Linda Leviner.
She said, “We are trying to be good neighbors whether they ever attend or join the church.” 
Do you have a ministry you would like to tell me about? Contact me at 803-348-0243 or chuck1946@hotmail.com