Living Out Our Mission!
Lutheran Church of Hope’s mission is to reach out to the world around us and share the everlasting love of Jesus Christ! And here at Hope Iowa City, we do that in a number of ways! We encourage you to take a look at the various mission partners we work with throughout the state of Iowa and beyond and consider how God might be calling you to get involved!
Mission Trips
Volunteer Locally
Join the God Squad
Annual Projects
Go On a Mission Trip!
At Lutheran Church of Hope, we focus on building relationships with one another and those we meet around the state, country and world for the purpose of loving each other as family in Christ. We do not go to “do,” but to “be.”
Encouragement is our act of service. By lifting the work done through local organizations and sharing with others about the strength and joy in Jesus, it enables us to serve one another.
When we return home, we advocate — first by praying for the places and people we encountered, then by seeking responsible, bold ways to share our experiences, humbly pointing to the faithfulness of God, and continuing to elevate the needs, service and work of the communities we visit.
In our growing, we are serving, and in our serving, we are growing … building each other up as the body of Christ and developing the gifts God has given each of us to use in God’s kingdom.
2024-25 Global Mission Trips
Use the interactive map below to search through upcoming mission trips through Hope’s global mission partners.
Homes of Hope
Tijuana, Mexico
Oct. 18-21, 2024 Feb. 14-17, 2025 Jun. 13-16, 2025 Aug. 1-4, 2025 Aug. 29-Sep. 1, 2025
Hopesters on the Ground
“Visiting Uganda was eye-opening in many ways, and God graciously revealed himself throughout our trip. We interacted with the girls and their children throughout their daily routines, which included morning and evening prayers (this consisted of singing, dancing and personal prayer time), offering to help with their daily work (such as laundry, cooking and gardening) and joining them in their classes (including literacy, hair-dressing, sweater-making, catering, business and the early childhood development programs for their children). We also organized and led Bible-based activities throughout the week, where we did a craft or activity with the girls and connected it to a biblical message.”
Anna Patton
“Going to El Salvador truly changed how I see the world and strengthened my relationship with Jesus Christ. Getting to go there and work hard in building latrines for people in need maybe doesn’t sound glamorous, but it was the time of my life! I got to play with the village kids and God taught me that love and laughter can break any language barrier. It was an experience that I will be forever grateful for.”
Laura O’Connor
Volunteer in the Iowa City Community!
Hope partners with many nonprofits that focus on helping individuals affected by homelessness, low-income hardships and food insecurities. There are lots of ways to serve our community and surrounding areas in Iowa! Please email [email protected] to get information on how to serve the Iowa City community!
Our Local Mission Partners
What’s Happening with Hope Missions Throughout the Year!
Hope works with our local mission partners throughout the year in several ways.
Souper Bowl Food Drive
February
Hope’s annual food drive aligns with the weekend of the Big Game, and all collections are given with the goal to stock the shelves of every food pantry in the community.
Lent Project
February – March
During the season of Lent, Hope partners with different mission partners to raise money for various projects.
Vacation Bible School Mission Project
July
As over 6,000 kids attend Vacation Bible School across our campuses and local sites, Hope collects nonperishable food items for local food pantries.
Back-to-School Drive
August
While kids head back to school, Hope hosts a school supply drive to help kids in need.
Advent Project
December
During the season of Advent, Hope partners with different mission partners to raise money for various projects.
Hope’s God Squad
Volunteer at Hope and the Community!
The God Squad is a group of missionally-minded people who are excited about serving within the walls of Hope, the community and through our current mission partners. Subscribe to the God Squad email list to receive information on current volunteer opportunities!
Missions Board
The Missions Board is a volunteer-led board of Hope members who serve two-year terms, meeting monthly to review financials, evaluate, vote and recommend mission partners, develop relationships with mission partners, and vision cast with the Hope Missions Team and senior leadership. For more information or to learn about how to apply for a board position, please email Chris Barfels, Missions Director.
Get Connected with Missions
Join our newsletter
The quarterly Missions e-newsletter includes updates from Missions Board members, a director’s update, and highlights of mission partners and trips.