'HOPE' IS BYWORD FOR THIS CHURCH ON 65TH ANNIVERSARY.

Byline: Holly Andres Staff Writer

NORTHRIDGE - Members of the congregation at Hope Christian Church will reminisce and welcome the future as they celebrate their 65th anniversary this weekend.

Guest speakers have been invited. Decorations are up. A photo gallery, a commemorative booklet and a Sunday luncheon have been planned with care at the church, which its pastor called ``a place of hope in the midst of the Valley.''

In a curious way, even the church's spacious parking lot beckons passers to stop in at the Assembly of God affiliated church at Tampa Avenue and Chase Street in Northridge.

``We have a simple sign out front and a simple building. What stands out, what people remark about, is our large, concrete parking lot,'' laughed the Rev. Ted Pugh of Hope Christian Church.

``Seriously, though, people come here to find healing and peace,'' Pugh said. ``If you're looking for hope, we're the place to go.''

Reflecting on the theme of the 65th anniversary - ``We're building on our past, engaging our present and embracing our future'' - Pugh said the church has a rich heritage, but its members aren't living in the past.

``We are a blended church - ethnically, generationally and economically. Our services are a blend of the traditional Pentecost style with contemporary songs and hymns,'' Pugh said.

Art Jacobs, whose parents joined the church in 1960 and who subsequently attended worship services and youth programs, speculated that if it weren't for the spiritual life at Hope Christian Church, he ``probably would be lost.''

``When I was going to high school and college, I wasn't attending regularly. I was searching for something, but I never could find what I had at this church,'' Jacobs said. ``I was looking for the people. I was looking for home. It's definitely home.''

The variety of programs for all ages, the enthusiastic worship team, the dynamic but soothing sermons of Pugh are just a few of the strong points that Jacobs would give to recommend his church.

``It's an inclusive church. You can come in a dress, pants, shorts or a suit. It doesn't matter what the color of your skin is,'' Jacobs said, ``People are made to feel comfortable when they worship with us.''

Even though Neil Giuntoli has been an HCC member for just a year, he, too, believes that the church is very much like a family.

``Why has the church lasted so long? Three words: Hand of God. Grace of God,'' Giuntoli said. ``Pastor Ted is just a wonderful man of God. He is my mentor. The people are very warm. They have a Christlike attitude of love and you can feel it. It's real.''

Judy Bush, who directs the 30-member choir at HCC, explained why she has stayed a member for 25 years.

``Love the church. Love the people. We're here for people. We're problem-solvers,'' Bush said. ``I think there's something for everybody here. Raising a family of four kids - I can't imagine doing any of that without God. It's very good for families. We've had great pastors. And, if you like music, this is the church for you.''

The 65th anniversary weekend will include a 6 p.m. service today and a 10:30 a.m. service Sunday at Hope Christian Church, 8460 Tampa Ave., Northridge. A luncheon will follow the Sunday service. Call [phone].

Holly Andres, [phone]

holly.andres(at)dailynews.com

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Photo:

Preparing for Hope Christian Church's 65th anniversary are, from left, the Rev. Ted Pugh, Art Jacobs, Matthew Treguboff, Judy Bush and Neil Giuntoli.

Charlotte Schmid-Maybach/Staff Photographer