Words of Hope from Your Retiring Council President
We’ve just turned our calendars to a new year and look forward now with anticipation to our January 25, 2026 annual congregational meeting. This will mark the start of a new leadership team for Hope which will bring forth new ideas and energies.
I thank each of you for the opportunity to serve Hope, first as your council vice president and most recently, as president. Your support afforded me the chance to know each of you better, as fellow congregants and council members and to enjoy building a wonderful relationship with Pastor Aaron.
While we’ve accomplished much in terms of both membership and financial stability, we’ve also left the new leadership team with unfinished business and opportunities on the table.
Special thanks to Hope’s Vision Team which took on the challenge to take stock of Hope’s physical facility to see how it could be improved to best support the needs to our congregation today. Identifying needs such as an updated relocated kitchen, improved fellowship areas inside and out, and even a choir loft, the team left no stone unturned. The vision is ready for implementation as determined by the congregation in the months and years to come.
Hope’s Land Use Committee stands ready to hear from the congregation by vote on January 25 to determine if the majority wishes to further explore a very real opportunity to be of “…service to the community” as stated in our mission statement. A vote of support will enable the committee to speak for Hope in an effort to use our excess and unused land to bring affordable housing to our Atascadero neighborhood and bring Hope’s mission to life as we physically build community on our front steps through this meaningful partnership while also strengthening Hope’s financial legacy.
Hope's financial stability at the beginning of 2026 allows us for the first time to investigate the establishment of an endowment funded by legacy gifts that will remain untouched and provide interest and growth income to be celebrated in the years to come.
My prayer at this point in time is that you, the dedicated members of Hope, will continue to step up and lead this strong congregation. Commit yourself to share your God-given gifts in taking these initiates and move them forward when the time is right.
Change is never easy and I would share that churches that fail to listen and recognize opportunities when they arise, by aligning behind common goals, face potential stagnation and decline in membership. Note I used the term “align”, not “agree”. We don’t need to agree on everything, but we can all work to grow in the same direction as Hope has proven over the years.
Finally, I appreciate the never-ending support and patience of my wife, Mona. She’s held down the fort singlehandedly when I’ve been necessarily absent from family time and responsibilities while tending to my work at Hope. She shares my passion and love for this congregation. We both thank you for your friendship and love.
Blessings,
Bill McCall