In response to the dedicated ministry of Pastor LaVelle M. Gates, the members of Faith and Hope Community Church plan an appreciation to salute his service to God, his members and the community.
The worship services are set for on Sunday, May 25, in their edifice located at 344 West Florence Avenue in Los Angeles. At 10 a.m., Pastor Scottie Williams of Metropolitan Baptist Church in Chicago, IL, will preach and at 5 p.m., Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer of Faithful Central Bible Church will deliver the sermon.
According to Appreciation Chair, Lori Givens, Pastor Gates is more than deserving of the recognition.
“He is consistent and dedicated to his membership, his family and to the community. He is a full-time parent of five, a full-time employee of L.A. County, and also a full-time pastor. I think that to be able to balance all of that is a true testament to why he should be appreciated.”
Under Pastor Gates’ leadership, Faith and Hope offers multiple ministries for children, adults, and seniors. In addition, programs are available to uplift the widowed, divorcees, marriages, singles and parents.
“We are a church for all generations. Our philosophy is to have a ministry that totally addresses our spiritual, mental and physical needs,” said Pastor Gates.
In the area of community outreach, he shared, “We distribute free food to the community twice a month. We’re still looking for people because we have tons of food.
“Also, once a month, we cook hot meals for individuals because some don’t have homes to cook food. I borrowed this idea from the late Pastor E.V. Hill who had, years ago, The Lord’s Kitchen.”
Connecting with people drives the pastor’s vision for Faith and Hope Community Church. As a contract program auditor for L.A. County, he monitors services for substance abuse and residential sober living programs.
“When I see programs for the underprivileged cut short or persons taken advantaged of, it gives me a heart of compassion for the people. In the future, I hope to see the vision of our ministry having full scale mental health facilities on the premises, services to our elderly, and substance abuse programs for parents,” said Pastor Gates.
“I want to provide an out-stretched hand to more than just the Gospel, but also for community services that will help people in our community.”
Learn more about Faith and Hope Community Church at (323) 753-6445, twitter @FHCC_heretoheal or facebook.com/faithhopecommunity
