On Sabbath, Nov. 16, 2019, we celebrated a breakthrough we’ve been anticipating for a long time at Living Hope Church in Plummer, Idaho. We held our first official worship service in our new church building, a project that has been ongoing for eight years.
The Living Hope Church originated as a church plant from the Saint Maries Church, which was under the leadership of John Pierce, pastor. After months of drawing up blueprints, consulting architects, laying the foundation and gathering help, the church building started taking shape. About 20 Maranatha volunteers came to help build in 2013 and then again in 2017.
The finishing touches came together in the two months leading up to the big day on Nov. 16, 2019, as Ron Bayless and Marvin Rogers, our building committee leaders, supervised the last steps toward occupancy.
On the big day itself, about 80 people packed the sanctuary for an inspiring service that included an overview of the project’s history, a baptism, energetic singing, an inspiring sermon from Monte Church and a delicious fellowship meal. I can’t adequately convey the excitement of the leaders on paper.
The next Sabbath, Judi Heicksen, Living Hope Church treasurer and clerk, summed it up well: “It has taken so many little steps to get here, but looking back shows us how much we have to be grateful for. This place is truly a gift from God."
