Field of Hope United Church of Christ is an Open and Affirming congregation that’s mission is grounded in Micah 6:8,
“To do justice; love kindness and walk humbly with God.”
No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.
Since 1923
Our church began in 1923 when 12 German immigrant farm families of Elk Grove resolved to establish a Congregational Church. Elk Grove was nearly 75 years old at that time and well settled into farming and cattle raising after beginning in 1850 as a stagecoach stop.
A delegation was sent to Ebenezer Congregational Church in Lodi, and they loaned us their pastor one Sunday a month. In 1923, our church was formally organized and given the name Hoffnungsfeld (Field of Hope) Congregational Church. Services were held in a member’s kitchen while the church was being built.
The original church building was dedicated in 1926. Between 1946 and 1949, services were gradually changed from exclusively German to predominantly English. In 1950, the name was changed to First Congregational Church of Elk Grove, and our current sanctuary was dedicated. The Fellowship Hall was built eight years later.
We strive to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, following His example of caring, community service, and unconditional love for all of God’s creatures. We work with the larger United Church of Christ denomination for regional, national, and global outreach that we could not do on our own.
What we believe
We believe…
In Jesus Christ, our savior and head of the Church.
In the Trinity: God, Son, and Holy Spirit.
In the authority and inspiration of the Bible, but we do not consider it inerrant.
In baptism of adults, youth and infants as a sacrament of belonging.
In Holy Communion as a sign and symbol of Christ’s presence.
In active involvement in issues that face our society, such as seeking peace and social justice, combating hunger, racism, discrimination, and ecological destruction.
The Team
While these are the people who have responsibilities at Field of Hope, we are a people’s church following a congregational form of government. That means we are a true democracy run by our members, agreeing together with one another and with God to determine our church’s direction.
We are always open to suggestions and help as we continue to cultivate and nurture a space for spirituality and fellowship; there is always space for you at our table.
Luke Zimmerman
Youth Director
Jack Dawson
Co-Pastor
Amanda Sheldon-Park
Co-Pastor
