2026 Fall Words of Hope

VOL. 26 ISSUE 3

WORDS OF

Hope

FALL 2026

THIS FALL AT HOPE

This issue of Words of Hope is filled with articles about connecting, serving, and growing in your faith opportunities. Please take a moment to read through these articles and plan how you and your family will stay connected and growing in faith this fall.

SERMON SERIES: June 17-September 6—Overlooked: Lesser-known stories from Scripture In our summer sermon series, we’ve been exploring commonly overlooked stories from the Bible. God has given us the entire Bible to teach, correct, and train us in righteousness. In this series, we dive into stories that may not initially come to mind when we read our Bibles. It stretches us as we see how even the most obscure passages give us some of the best takeaways.

September 9 & 13—Vision Week 2026: Belong, Believe, Be Light Join us for Vision Week 2026: Belong, Believe, Be Light as our pastors will highlight key aspects of Hope’s 10-year vision. For many, the first step in finding a church home is to know that they belong. To believe is to trust that God’s way is the best way for our lives by growing in our faith and equipping others. To be light is to let God’s light shine brightly in us and in our lives by engaging and serving others. In this sermon we will highlight our new and existing core ministries and share the vision of two new initiatives: one impacting our community for those on the margins of life, and one creating pathways for people to become church leaders throughout the region.

September 16-November 22—Questions Jesus Asked Jesus asked far more questions than he answered. Scholars say Jesus asked 307 questions, was asked 183 questions by others, and only directly answered 3 of them. There is power in a question. This fall we will look at some important questions Jesus asked and reflect on what that means for our lives together. Got questions? So does Jesus!

IMPORTANT DATES August 6 & 7—Global Leadership Summit at Bethel Church details at fargohope.org/adults for details.

August 10—Loss of Spouse grief event | 6:00-8:00pm | South Campus August 11—Women and Child Craft Party | 6:30pm | West Campus Register at fargohope.org/women August 17—Women’s Summer Book Club | 7:00-8:00pm | Trollwood Park | Visit fargohope.org/women for details August 18—Card Making | More details and register at fargohope.org/women August 19—Hopetots & Preschool Open House | 5:15-7:00pm All Campuses | Visit fargohope.org/children for details August 23—Baptism Orientation | Noon | South Campus Lunch provided, register at fargohope.org/baptism August 26—Hopekids Volunteer Training | 12:15-12:45pm or 5:15-5:45PM | All Campuses

September 16 & 20—2nd Graders receive Bibles during worship at all campuses September 16—First night of regular HSM programming 7:15pm all Campuses September 16—Men’s Mornings Bible study begins on Wednesdays 6:30am | South Campus September 20—Young Adult Worship Night | 6:30pm-8:00pm South Campus September 21—GriefShare | 6:30-8:00pm | North Campus lounge Details at fargohope.org/hopecare October 1—Stephen Ministry Leader Training begins 6:30-8:00pm | Details at fargohope.org/stephenministry October 2-4—Believe Retreat | Details and registration at fargohope.org/middleschool October 4-December 6—Rhythms of Hope | Launch event October 4, Noon at South Campus | Details and registration at fargohope.org/adults

September 9 & 13—First Day of Youth Programming

October 8—Man Talk men’s breakfast | 6:30am | South Campus Details at fargohope.org/men

September 9—HSM Kickoff Bonfire for all Campuses | 7:15pm South Campus firepit

October 15-16—Salvation Army Coats for Kids event | Volunteer opportunities only | Visit fargohope.org/adults for details

September 10—Man Talk men’s breakfast | 6:30am | South Campus Details at fargohope.org/men

October 18—Hopekids Family Fun Event Visit fargohope.org/children for details

September 13—Youth Worship Rehearsal begins on Sundays 1:00pm South Campus

October 18—Young Adult Worship Night | 6:30pm-8:00pm South Campus

September 14—Young Adult Bible study begins on Mondays 2 7:00-8:30pm | South Campus

October 28 & November 1—All Saints Week All Worship Services | All Campuses

Hope Staff Bios Getting the opportunity to serve God by working at Hope is an incredible experience. We are excited to share the following bios of brand-new staff members at Hope Lutheran Church!

Would you like to work with us? Please visit fargohope.org/employment to see a list of positions we are currently hiring for.

Brandi Holmes – Accounting Manager It has been my dream to work at a church. I prayed about finding a full-time position just like this one for years, but they are rare. Then, earlier this year, the Accounting Manager position description at Hope fell into my lap via Preference Employment Solutions.

My husband Bobby and I moved to Fargo from Florida in 2016. We have three children, twin daughters Zöe and Sage (11), and son Caige (17). I have a degree from MSUM and have worked in accounting positions and governmental work before that. I am in love with what I am doing here at Hope. It feels like having wanderlust and finally finding the place where your spirit is filled up. I finally feel like I am satisfied and have found the job I was looking and praying for. I feel so blessed.

Maria Ostos – Director of Food Services Born and raised in California, Maria moved to Fargo in 2007 bringing her six kids and (now) seven grandkids. She started cooking after missing the food from back home, which led to cooking for friends and family. This quickly grew into a business, doing pop-ups all around Fargo-Moorhead, which grew into a Food Truck business. Then, in late 2025, she opened a brick-and-mortar restaurant, Maria’s, with her husband Frank Ostos and the rest of the family, located in the heart of Downtown Fargo.

Maria has always had strong faith in God but started to walk more disciplined in 2019, which is when she found Hope Lutheran North Campus. She has been a member ever since and now is honored to be able to prepare weekly meals for staff and attendees as the Director of Food Services for all three campuses.

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WEST CAMPUS

GROUNDBREAKING EVENT & UPDATE On June 2, 2026, more than 100 members of our congregation, local builders, and community members gathered to celebrate 10 years of dreaming, visioning, and planning with the groundbreaking of Hope’s future West Campus at 4905 9th St W in West Fargo. Thank you to all who joined us to make this event truly special.

For those who were unable to attend, we just want to echo our sincere gratitude to all the staff, leadership, and all the congregation members throughout the years who have given their time, talent, and treasures to this project. Thank you also to the many organizations who have helped us in this process. The entire building team is working hard to get the pieces in place, and it will be exciting to watch this West Campus construction process!

The radical sacrificial generosity of this congregation continues to blow us away. This milestone would not have been possible without you, the people of Hope Lutheran Church, and your faithfulness in this next chapter of our congregation.

We are ecstatic to announce that we have had an additional donor step forward and donate an additional $1.2 million in funds that will allow us to fit-up the remaining interior spaces. Hallelujah!

Our mission to raise funds for this project continues! We will continue with the goal to eliminate the $5 million in anticipated debt and strive towards a fully completed campus that will include a sanctuary and prayer chapel.

Please consider giving, pledging, or increasing your pledge. Every dollar is appreciated!

Make your pledge or gift directly to the West Campus build at fargohope.org/fortheone Reminder to please not contact your Pastors with construction-related questions or concerns. They will remain focused on the mission and ministry of Hope. West Campus contracting and construction specific questions can be directed to our Building Committee at westcampus@fargohope.org or you can call the Church Office at 701.235.6629. Thank you for your understanding.

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and he said not very often. So I asked what prompted him to read Matthew. He said that one of the pastors said,

The vision for Middle School Ministry at Hope Lutheran is for our students to ‘BELIEVE’ (Romans 10:9). There is nothing more crucial in this life than for our students to know Jesus and have a growing relationship with Him. During Youth Programming at Hope, we journey through the story of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation so they get to know God’s character more deeply. The purpose of the Believe Retreat is to dive deeper into the three core focuses of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism: 1.) The Apostle’s Creed, 2.) The Lord’s Prayer, 3.) The Ten Commandments. Each of these three areas are instrumental in our faith formation and were promised by parents, sponsors, and the church at your baptism.

“if you want to know Jesus better, start in the Gospels, particularly Matthew or John.”

So, my camper had already read Matthew chapters 1-4 and was working on 5 in the pursuit of knowing Jesus. Praise the Lord!”

One of our youth interns, Grant, led a small group of boys and shares a story from last year’s Believe Retreat: “I had a boy in my cabin who was pretty quiet and reserved all night on Friday and the first half of Saturday. He didn’t have any friends in the cabin so he had to start from scratch, so to speak. He was very engaged in all of the camp activities and lectures. He struck me to be a little more emotionally intelligent than the rest of his 7th grade peers. Then, one free-time late on Saturday, I saw him sitting by himself looking over the lake. So, I went and sat by him, and we shared a quick conversation. I noticed he had his Bible open and he was in Matthew 5, which struck me because I was in the middle of memorizing Matthew 5, and he was reading exactly at the point I was memorizing. I asked him how much he read his Bible at home,

BELIEVE RETREAT October 2-4, 2026 | Camp Castaway 6-8 Graders | $195 non-refundable Registration closes September 23, 2026* • Scholarships available, please email youth@fargohope.org prior to registering. * Due to limited time between registration closing & camp dates, no late registrations will be accepted.

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The goal is simple, to get men on a pathway of faith, to grow deeper and to know Jesus more, to build lives upon His model of sacrificial love. The men who gather are all on a journey, all at different places, but moving forward together.

These mornings are holy times, where men are honest about the struggles of life, where they pray for one another, encourage one another, laugh, and challenge one another.

This is what the LORD says: Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the LORD. Jeremiah 9:23-24 They shuffle in before the sun rises, some bright eyed, others shedding the last of the night’s sleep as they cross from the still dark and into the light of the gathering space. The coffee is on, and a group of men is already there to meet them. It’s smiles and greetings as men of Hope prepare for another Men’s Morning at the South Campus.

For a number of years, men have gathered on Wednesdays at 6:30am to center their lives on the promises of God. Many of them will tell you that they wish they had begun earlier, that they had come to spend time with other men to learn and grow together. All are glad they are coming now.

The world, our culture, has told us that being a man means trusting in ourselves, our own strength, our own riches, that success comes in what we own, what we store up. Scripture tells us something different.

Knowing God, His kindness and righteousness and justice, is what gives our lives meaning. That’s why these men gather, to hear a different story, to follow Jesus.

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In the fall, a variety of studies will launch, all of them designed to help men find a foundation in life, to belong to a brotherhood of other men, and experience real life change. Perhaps, you are wondering if there is something more? Maybe life has been difficult. Maybe you are looking to be part of something bigger than yourself. Set an alarm for Wednesday morning and come gather with the men of Hope. The doors are open, and there is a place at the table for you.

“Men’s Mornings provides more than a Bible study—it provides a brotherhood. Every week men gather to encourage one another, grow in their faith, and take practical next steps in their walk with Christ. No matter where a man is on his journey, there’s a place for him here,” -Brad Hurajt of Men’s Mornings.

FALL BLOCK 1 September 16 – October 21 Core Track · 33 Authentic Manhood A Man and His Marriage Foundation Track · Game Plan for Life – Volume 1 Healing Track · Wild at Heart Kingdom Identity Track · Kingdom Men Rising REFLECTION MORNING October 28

The easiest way to think about Men’s Mornings is that we have one core track and several growth tracks that help men continue their discipleship journey based on where they are spiritually. For a man attending Men’s Mornings for the first time, we would typically recommend starting with the Core Track (33 Authentic Manhood) and then moving into one of the other tracks as he continues to grow.

Core Track

33 Authentic Manhood

This is the primary entry point for all men and the best place for someone new to start. The study focuses on biblical manhood, identity, marriage, fatherhood, leadership, and building authentic relationships with other men.

It provides the foundation for everything else we do.

Foundation Track

Game Plan for Life, Purpose Driven Life, What on Earth Am I Here For, and Essentials for Life

These studies help men deepen their understanding of God’s purpose for their lives and strengthen their biblical foundation. They are ideal for men who want to continue growing in their faith and understanding of Scripture.

Healing Track

Wild at Heart and Waking the Dead

These studies focus on the heart. Men explore topics such as healing, freedom, identity, emotional honesty, and a deeper relationship with Christ. Many men find these studies transformational as they move beyond surface-level faith.

Kingdom Identity Track

Kingdom Men Rising and Dare to Be Uncommon

These studies challenge men to embrace God’s calling, purpose, and responsibility in their homes, workplaces, and communities. The focus is on spiritual maturity and living out one’s faith with courage and conviction.

Leadership Track

Unleashed and Way of the Master

These studies are designed for men who are ready to take the next step into leadership, discipleship, mentoring, and sharing their faith with others.

Men’s Morning’s Schedule

Wednesday | 6:30am | South Campus

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HOPE UNIVERSITY My Story - Nolan Carlson, Chaplain After retiring from 33+ years of military service, I found myself asking, “What now, God?” It didn’t take long for God to respond to my question. In no time, I had two options in front of me.

First, I was hired to be the HSM Coordinator for Hope’s West Campus. This blessed me with the opportunity to work with our high school youth to help them know the love of Christ, which has been very fulfilling!

The second option was the new Chaplaincy program Hope was launching through Hope University. I eagerly answered the call and was soon meeting weekly with 3 other Interns and Pastor Sarah, our cohort mentor.

From the start, we’ve witnessed firsthand how Hope cares for our members. We’ve studied scripture along with various supplemental books. We’ve learned about caring for the soul, caring for the sick, caring for those grieving, and caring for those who are unable to attend church in person. We’ve learned how God’s people are the caregivers and God is the curegiver. He’s provided everything we need as we set out to care for his flock.

What I didn’t expect was for God to fill my own soul. As of March 2026, we concluded our formal classroom training, but we still meet monthly to check in with each other.

If you have ever desired to connect with members of our congregation while being able to lift them up in times of need, I encourage you to explore the Chaplaincy program through Hope University.

HOPE UNIVERSITY Hope University exists to equip leaders for the Church of today and tomorrow. Hope University is a ministry of Hope Lutheran Church: one church with three campuses, unified in our mission to encourage all people to know the love of Christ. Our vision reflects the heart of Jesus, who saw the urgent need for more workers in the harvest field. The church is the hope of the world. Its most vital resources are not properties or programs, but people—to belong, believe, and be light in our world for Jesus.

To discover more about Hope University, take a spiritual gifts assessment, and learn more about our different internship tracks, visit fargohope.org/university.

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2026 Chaplain Class (L to R) Nolan Carlson, Misty Dietz, Michele Lovehaug, John Bedore

My husband, Jack, and I decided to host our own Rhythms of Hope small group this past spring after participating in a mixed group in the fall of 2025. We hosted a group of young adults, in our home, with the intent to build community with peers who live in the area and who also go to Hope. There were 5 of us total, we met every Tuesday for about an hour. In that hour, we had the opportunity to share many laughs, as well as many tears.

One of the weeks is focused on generosity, so our group put together essential bags to hand out to members of our community. There have been times when we will text each other that we’ve seen one of our bags being used!

I encourage everyone to join a Rhythms of Hope group.

Whether you want to host or join a small group, you’ll find that it is a great opportunity to build community and fellowship with others! My favorite part from the study was the encouragement and accountability I received, not only from the members of my small group, but also the scripture our Pastors included.

Specifically, in Week 3, “How Do I Know I’m Forgiven?” we go over sin, how it affects our life and our soul, what it means to be forgiven, and how do we live our life as a forgiven person.

We all still see each other on Monday nights at the Young Adult Bible Study at South Campus. We are so fortunate that God placed each of us in my living room on Tuesday nights for small group.

Rhythms of Hope Fall Launch Sunday, October 4 | Noon South Campus Watch for details at fargohope.org/adults, coming soon! Rhythms of Hope is an 8-week small group resource written by Hope’s pastors. We want every adult, young and old, to engage in this study. The launch event is an introduction to the study for all participants. Small groups will meet weekly at various dates and times, watch the website for details. Interested in leading a group? Email adults@fargohope.org.

Young Adult Bible Study Mondays beginning September 14 7:00-8:30pm | South Campus.

Join other young adults (ages 18-30) at Hope for a weekly Bible study.

Email youngadults@fargohope.org with questions.

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MILESTONES April 11-June 23

Baptisms Josie Renae, daughter of John & Jennie Sandvig Mya Marie, daughter of John & Kelsey Hagen Brielle Elizabeth Anne, daughter of Jarrett & Ryan Hudson Beckett Madison, son of Connor & Mercedes Wieers Haven Angel, daughter of Braydee & Greta Hanson Collins Adair, daughter of Landon & Paige Poss Millie Rae, daughter of Cuyler & Rachael Johnson Annie Michelle, daughter of Tanner & Kelsie Okeson Harrison Lee, son of Sarah & Brady Schmiess Mason Jane, daughter of Jake & Angela Kinsella Hazel Alexandra, daughter of Justin & Morgan Mozinski Calvin James Oscar Willprecht, son of Catherine Baker-Willprecht Kenzie Florence, daughter of Jordan & Stephanie Pachel Pryor Henry, son of Brandon & Tawny Dilbeck Margaret Laura, daughter of Noah & Alyssa Evans Napheesa Jo Smith, daughter of Danny Smith & Caitlyn Boschee-Smith Andia Iris, daughter of Andrew & Siri Bjornson Nixon Ronald-Ocean, son of Peyton & Samantha Walker Layla Cae, daughter of Cody & Jordyn Carlson Matilda Mae, daughter of Adam & Emily Braaten Bruxten Max, son of Jena Lovaas Stellan Mark, son of Sean & Alexa Beckerleg Lennon Rae, daughter of Tyler & McKinsey Seehusen Josephine Marie, daughter of Zachery & Jessica Scherer Jaxson David, son of David & Sara Terfehr Easton Thomas, son of Dalton & Logan Olson Cooper Taylor, son of Taylor & Kelly Trenda Macallan Martin, son of Martin & Amanda Stumpf Laken Leigh, daughter of Caleb & Emily Perkinson Braunx Cody, son of Jarrod & Candace Tuszka Margot June, daughter of Jeremiah & Kayla Williams Rory Jay, son of Jarod & Mackenzie Burnside Callie Mae, daughter of Nicholas & Alyssa Tuttle Theodore Corey, son of Josh & Jenine Teigen Croix Michael, son of Deven & McKell Oldenburg Henry Jack, son of Dillon & Kyra Hager Henrik Allen, son of Devan & Kinsi Maki Henrik Thomas, son of Andrew & Chelsa Pansch Paxton Patrick and Raelyn Mae, son and daughter of Brady & Carly Thorson Oaklyn Michelle, daughter of Trent & Kelsey Seelig Olive Jo, daughter of Clayton & Taylor Ludlum Ingrid Frances Svobodny, daughter of Dylan Svobodny & Debbie Gjerde Zieghan David Heinrich, son of Logan Heinrich & Amy Hecker Walter Lewis, son of Caleb & JaeLyn Behm Addison Jayde Richau, daughter of Sara Peterson & Shane Richau Sophie Jaymes, daughter of Jaxen & Kenadi Jenson

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Marriages Cecelia Jorud & Sean Seifert 4/18/2026 Grace Culshaw & Alex Gustafson 4/25/2026 Sydney Ege & Rylee Goellner 5/2/2026 Madi Yonke & Noah Haglund 5/9/2026 Annastasia Glaeske & Sam Roehl 5/22/2026 Riley Kvalevog & Austin Streifel 5/29/2026 Karly Knudson & Paul Norell 6/20/2026 Deaths Linda Jemtrud 4/12/2026 Richard Johnson 4/23/2026 Duane Johnson 5/1/2026 Scott Provolt 5/1/2026 Royce Aslakson 5/7/2026 Mavis Bale 5/21/2026 Rolf Slen 5/30/2026 Thomas Hinkley 6/3/2026 John Wall 6/3/2026

NEW MEMBERS

April 11-June 23 New Members Jordan Bancroft Connor Bawdon Callie Ehresmann David & Linda Hove Claire Meyer Nathan & Tina Zurn

WORSHIP TIMES

HOPE LUTHERAN PASTORS

SOUTH CAMPUS

Wednesday: 6:00pm Contemporary Sunday: 8:30am Traditional (In Chapel) 9:30am Contemporary 10:45am Contemporary NORTH CAMPUS

Paul Nynas Senior Pastor

Michael Toomey Executive Pastor

Steven Dunkel Executive Pastor

Sarah Seibold

Ben Jacobson

Ben Sullivan

Stefanie Jordheim

Andria Messelt Pastoral Intern

Wednesday: 6:00pm Contemporary Sunday: 8:30am Traditional 9:45am Contemporary 10:45am Contemporary WEST CAMPUS

Wednesday: 6:00pm Contemporary Sunday: 9:30am Contemporary 10:45am Contemporary

WORSHIP ONLINE

If you are unable to attend in-person, we invite you to worship with us online!

You can watch live on our website at fargohope.org/watch, on our YouTube channel at youtube.com/fargohope, or by downloading the Fargo Hope app on your phone.

FARGO HOPE APP & YOUTUBE Wednesday 6:00pm Sunday 8:30am Traditional, 10:45am Contemporary A sermon highlight video is available each Tuesday following worship at fargohope.org/watch, in the Sermon Series playlist on youtube.com/fargohope, or on the Fargo Hope app.

LOCATIONS

SOUTH CAMPUS 3636 25th St. S, Fargo NORTH CAMPUS 2900 Broadway N, Fargo

STAFF For full list of Hope’s staff please visit fargohope.org/whoweare

Membership that Matters

Sign up at fargohope.org and a pastor will contact you to visit and welcome you to Hope’s family. It’s that easy. Questions?

Email welcome@fargohope.org.

WEST CAMPUS 2633 55th St S, Fargo FARGOHOPE.ORG CHURCH OFFICE 701.235.6629

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Words of Hope Hope Lutheran Church 2900 Broadway N Fargo, ND 58102

Non-profit Org. US Postage PAID Fargo, ND Permit No. 975

At Hope, we desire to engage every young adult that walks through the doors, connecting them to the mission and ministry that happens on a weekly basis.

WE WANT TO HELP YOUNG ADULTS (18-30)

• Belong to the Body of Christ at Hope.

• Believe in God and grow in their relationship with Him and one another through worship, prayer, and Bible Study.

• Be Light as they seek to serve together.

JOIN US:

• Monday Nights for Bible Study | 7:00pm

South Campus-Hebrews (check fargohope.org/adults for meeting dates)

• 3rd Sunday of the Month for Dinner and Worship Night 6:00pm | South Campus (beginning in September)

Questions? Email youngadults@fargohope.org or visit fargohope.org/adults