An ELCA Congregation at the Heart of Farmington Hills
Hope Lutheran Church sits on Twelve Mile Road in Farmington Hills, a stretch of Metro Detroit served by a congregation that grew out of a single act of conscience in 1977. Today Hope is an Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) parish within the Southeast Michigan Synod, recognized as a Reconciling in Christ congregation that openly affirms LGBTQIA+ people and welcomes all into the life of the church, including worship, leadership, baptisms, weddings, and memorial services.
The congregation draws members from Farmington Hills and a wide surrounding radius that includes Farmington, Novi, Northville, West Bloomfield, Southfield, Canton, and Bloomfield Hills. Its mission is to seek, make, and be disciples of Jesus Christ in God's church, community, and world, and its aspiration is to be a safe community of faith that welcomes people of all ages, cultures, economic statuses, races, sexual orientations, gender identities, and life experiences, rooted in worship and centered on Jesus Christ.
Two Sunday Worship Services, One Community
Hope gathers on Sunday mornings in two services that share a single Lutheran identity but follow very different musical and liturgical rhythms.
The 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship is shaped by the historic patterns of Lutheran worship, with liturgy, Scripture readings, and familiar hymns led by the organ. Holy Communion is celebrated every Sunday, and all are invited to the table. Hope's choir sings regularly at this service, and new voices are always welcome.
The 10:30 a.m. Modern Worship offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere with contemporary music led by the praise band. The service often begins with children dancing alongside the band, followed by a brief children's message. After that, many of the younger worshipers head to Sunday School while adults continue in worship. The weekly message speaks to everyday life and faith, and Holy Communion is shared every week.
From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, the two services combine into a single blended service at 9:30 a.m.
Both services are open to everyone. There is no dress code, and visitors will see everything from jeans to dress clothes. Most services last about an hour. Worship is also livestreamed and recorded on Hope's YouTube channel for those who are traveling, homebound, or unable to attend in person.
Children, Youth, and Families
Families are woven into Sunday mornings at Hope rather than separated from them. Child care is available during both Sunday services for children age three and under, and Sunday School for Pre-K through fifth grade is offered during the 10:30 a.m. service throughout the school year. Children begin in worship with their families and are invited forward for a brief children's message before heading to class. Child care is always optional, and families are welcome to keep young children with them in worship.
As children grow, Hope offers milestone ministries to walk alongside them. A First Communion class helps younger children understand what Communion is and why it matters, while confirmation gives young people the opportunity to affirm the baptismal promises made on their behalf through regular gatherings, conversation, learning, and shared experiences.
Youth Ministry at Hope is open to students in grades 6 through 12. Throughout the year the group gathers for connection, service projects, and faith-building events that help young people build friendships, ask hard questions, and stay close to the life of the church. Each summer many of Hope's children and youth head to Stony Lake Lutheran Camp for a week of faith, friendship, and outdoor fun; families from Hope who want to attend together are encouraged to register for Week 2, with special camp offerings available later in the summer for students finishing eighth grade or in high school.
The annual Vacation Bible School brings children from Hope and the wider community together for a week of Bible stories, music, games, crafts, snacks, and friendship. Other yearly family traditions include the Easter Egg Hunt the week before Easter, the Holy Ghost Weenie Roast and Trunk-or-Treat the week before Halloween, and Family Fun Nights that range from game nights to movie nights.
Adult Life: Bible Study, Groups, and Fellowship
Faith formation at Hope is intentionally intergenerational. The Wednesday Morning Bible Study meets each week at 10:00 a.m. and is led by lay member Ron Toth. Participants can attend in person or join online through Microsoft Teams, and the group is known for thoughtful conversation and a lively mix of voices and perspectives.
Hope Singles gives single community members a relaxed way to meet, mingle, and build friendships. The Women's Ministry gathers women of all ages and stages for Bible studies, retreats, service projects, and social events, while the Men's Ministry, led by volunteers, offers men of all ages a space to connect, share what's on their minds, encourage one another, and serve together.
Dinners for 8-ish is one of Hope's most popular connection points. Small groups share a casual meal together once a month for four consecutive months, choosing when and where to gather - a potluck at someone's home, a restaurant, takeout, or another option that fits the group. Three sessions run each year: October through January, February through May, and June through September.
Online tools through Church Center let newcomers browse current groups, see meeting times, and sign up in one place.
Pastoral Care and Stephen Ministry
Hope's pastors and a team of trained Stephen Ministers walk alongside members during difficult seasons through one-on-one listening, prayer, and support. A Stephen Minister may be requested when someone is facing grief or loss, major illness, divorce or relationship changes, job loss, substance abuse struggles, or other life difficulties.
The pastors are available for prayer, hospital and home visits, and pastoral emergencies. Prayer requests can be submitted online, with the option of being included in Sunday worship services (first names only are used in public settings). For daily devotion between Sundays, Hope points members to God Pause from Luther Seminary, a simple rhythm of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.
Outreach: Blessing Box, Bags of Hope, and the Holiday Market
Outreach is woven into Hope's identity. The congregation's Outreach Team meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. and welcomes new volunteers.
The Blessing Box is a small free pantry located outside on the church property, stocked with non-perishable food, hygiene items, and basic household supplies for neighbors in need. Hope regularly collects paper goods, cleaning supplies, canned goods, dry goods, snacks, and personal hygiene items to keep the box full.
Bags of Hope are drawstring care packages prepared by the congregation and shared with unhoused neighbors. Each bag includes a resource list, personal care items, water, and a granola bar - a small but meaningful act of compassion and presence.
The Hope Holiday Market, formerly the Alternative Christmas Fair, is a longtime Hope tradition held on the second Saturday of November. Every vendor represents a charitable organization, and proceeds from purchases support the nonprofit behind each table. Shoppers find jewelry, artwork, home goods, clothing, specialty foods, and whimsical gifts, plus the popular Sweet Street bake sale. Hope provides the event space and shared resources at no cost to participating organizations, and participating nonprofits collectively raise approximately $25,000 each year through the one-day event.
Hope also works alongside trusted ministry partners: Neighborhood House, which helps residents with food, rent, and utility assistance; Samaritas, which supports vulnerable Michiganders through foster care, housing, mental health, and refugee services; and the Oakland County Foster Closet, which provides free clothing and essentials to children in foster and at-risk families and accepts donations on Mondays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at its Farmington Hills location.
Through the Southeast Michigan Synod, Hope participates in shared ministry work in diversity, immigration, and refugee support, including the Diversity Task Force on Sexual Orientation and Gender Expression and the Immigration Task Force.
A Faith-Filled Building That Opens to the Community
Hope Lutheran Church is an accessible facility with entry doors at grade and accessible restrooms. Free parking is available on site, and visitors are encouraged to use the west lot and enter through the west entrance under the portico.
The building is also a gathering place for the wider community. Adult Basketball meets Monday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and is open to men and women ages 16 and older with basic basketball skills and a love of competitive play. Hope is the Charter Organization for Farmington Hills Scout Troop 263 and Pack 263, which meet on Wednesday nights. Yoga Michigan, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to sharing wisdom teachings, hosts a monthly Yoga Study Group on the second Monday at 7:00 p.m., a Japanese-language yoga session on Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m., and an English-language yoga session on Fridays at 6:30 p.m. Garment Gals, a group of women who love creating wearable garments, meets on the first Saturday of each month from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Hope's facility is also available for community groups, classes, workshops, meetings, family gatherings, and educational programs. A member of the team follows up on availability, logistics, and applicable facility use details.
Life Events: Baptisms, Weddings, and Memorials
Hope's pastors walk with families through life's most meaningful moments. Baptisms are usually celebrated during worship so the congregation can surround the person being baptized with prayer and support. Weddings are welcomed in this setting, including weddings of LGBTQ+ couples. Memorial services may be held at the church, and pastors help families think through worship, Scripture, music, and other details. Membership is not required to inquire about any of these services.
A Story Shaped by Conviction
Hope's history begins with a difficult decision. In late 1976, theological differences within a local Lutheran congregation led Pastor Victor Mesenbring and many families to conclude they could no longer continue in good conscience. On January 23, 1977, approximately seventy families gathered for the first worship service of the new congregation, held at Antioch Lutheran Church at Thirteen Mile and Farmington Roads. Within two weeks, members pledged $50,000 toward the new ministry. The congregation initially organized as Farmington Hills Lutheran Church and operated as an independent body.
By March 1977, the group had moved to a second temporary location at the educational building of University Hills Christian Reformed Church on Farmington Road. In September 1978, members voted to purchase a one-story, three-bedroom house on twelve acres at 39200 West Twelve Mile Road. Ground was broken for a new sanctuary on December 10, 1978. The sanctuary was dedicated in March 1979, and the first worship service in the completed sanctuary was held in February 1980.
In 1988, Hope joined the newly formed Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, formally aligning with the Lutheran body whose direction had shaped its founding. A decade later, under the theme Giving Hope to Tomorrow, members committed nearly $500,000 toward a major expansion. On Easter Sunday, April 7, 1996, a groundbreaking ceremony was held, and the expanded church that rose from that moment remains the place where members gather for worship, learning, and fellowship today.
A New Chapter of Leadership
Hope is currently in a season of pastoral transition. After months of prayer, discernment, conversation, and the work of a dedicated Call Committee, the congregation voted in May 2026 to extend a formal call to Pastor Erik Grayvold, an ELCA minister who was serving an Episcopal congregation in Chesterton, Indiana. Pastor Erik began serving as Hope's Senior Pastor on August 3, 2026. He and his wife Angie have three young children: Titus, Hope, and Gwendolyn. Teaching, faith formation, and a collaborative, relationship-centered approach to leadership shape his ministry.
Pastor Amy Cooley Higgs continues to serve as Associate Pastor of Faith Formation, guiding children, youth, and family ministry. The dedicated staff supporting Hope's daily life includes Alicia Herrle, Children's Ministry Coordinator; Hailey Baker, Childcare Lead; Christian Avila, Director of Modern Worship; Troy Nelson, Traditional Choir Director; and Erik Nowakowski, Technical Director of Worship.
The elected Strategic Planning Council provides lay leadership alongside the pastors, with Evan Finley serving as Council President, Mike King as Director of Finance, John Herrle as Director of Facilities, and Directors At-Large Mike Thomas, Agusta Stephens, and Kristine Cherry, with Joyce Tunnard as Recording Secretary. The Council publishes regular updates, the congregation's Constitution and Bylaws, and an annual budget.
Generosity That Carries Hope Forward
Hope Lutheran Church is supported by the giving of its members and friends. Gifts can be made securely online, set up as recurring contributions, mailed to the church, or given in person during worship. Undesignated gifts support the General Operating Fund, which sustains worship, care, outreach, and ministries for all ages. The budget is shared with the congregation and approved each year at the Annual Fall Congregational Meeting.
Hope also accepts gifts of appreciated stock and securities, planned gifts through wills and beneficiary designations, and Qualified Charitable Distributions from IRAs. Volunteers give their time and talents through worship support, outreach, mentoring, and other roles throughout the year. Food and household items can be dropped off at the welcome center for the Blessing Box and Bags of Hope. A special Hope Forward Fund was launched to mark the start of Pastor Erik's ministry and to begin the next chapter with strength and purpose.
Rooted in the ELCA, Open to the Neighborhood
Hope Lutheran Church is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, a Lutheran Christian tradition centered on God's grace, the life of Jesus, and the belief that faith is meant to be lived out in everyday life. The congregation believes God's love is for everyone and seeks to be a place where all people are welcomed with compassion, honesty, and care - a conviction that shapes worship, how members treat one another, and how they serve their neighbors and the wider world.
Whether someone walks in for the first time, returns after time away, or has been part of Hope for decades, the welcome is the same: a community that takes its Lutheran identity seriously, takes its neighbors seriously, and makes room for every age and every story.