This website will help you with many questions that are most common, but we can't cover everything.
Please contact for anything we didn't cover:
pastor@anchorofhopechurch.org
360-698-9487
A Message from the Pastor
Many of us moved to Kitsap County because of the U.S. Navy, directly or indirectly. Some of us were actually in the Navy and others were dependents. Some came by way of government service on one of the bases. Others arrived to work in the dozens of support contractors in the county -- engineering companies, grocery stores, schools and medical facilities.
Kitsap was, and still is, a little world of its own. Surrounded by glorious mountains and deep inlets, Kitsap is a jewel shrouded in fog. In our inlets are submarines, torpedoes and aircraft carriers. Not typical of most of America. Pristine beauty and nuclear warships -- what a place!
Thousands of gifted young men and women pour through the county and the military each year. From across the country and around the world people come to Kitsap County. Women, men, technicians, short-termers and lifers -- they funnel in from every state.
It is our dream to create a strong Christian family for people who need a church home. Everyone needs a place to belong, especially people who are living far from home. I know how important it is to have a place to belong.
I grew up knowing about moving. My father was a Marine during his career as a fighter pilot. At the end of 27 years in the Marines, my parents moved into their 32nd -- and final -- home. I knew something about moving and about being left behind for 14-month deployments. I knew what it was like to have a father at war.
My original ideas for a career lay along the lines of physics. But in 1974 I knew that I was to enter the ministry and to start a church. Nancy Hoekstra graciously agreed to marry me and thus we moved to Grand Rapids, MI, for 5 years at Calvin Theological Seminary. After graduation and four years in Mountain Lake, MN, we were called to Kitsap.
Nancy, on the other hand, spent all of her childhood on the same quiet street in beautiful rural Cincinnati, studying and socializing with the same friends from elementary through high school. Nancy experienced predictability and stability and an extended family of loving relatives gathering together on holidays. Nancy's interests are fine arts and music; she loves to sing. She plays guitar and piano and teaches piano to 25 children every year. Two Papillon pups spend their day competing for her affection.
Our daughter, her husband and their toddler-age son live in Des Moines, IA. Clarissa enjoys being a stay-at-home mom and husband Spoc enjoys being part of the faculty at Des Moines University. Son Adam keeps them busy and is a joy. As you can imagine, we cherish the times when we are able to get together for visits.
We're here to create a welcoming and strong Christian family for people who need a church home.When you are ready to take the next step in your relationship with God, please visit one of our worship services.
I think you will find a place to belong. You will find a church family with room in their hearts for you.