A bright future for Hope for Today Church

Hope for Today Church’s Friday night youth group.

Brenda Moser

Advocate Correspondent

It was a sad time when the Waterford Anglican Church saw its numbers declining and made the decision that it was time to close their doors. A longtime landmark of our town holds a special place in our history and keeping it alive was important to many. Call it luck or fate, but the church was destined to once again hear voices singing, children laughing and worship services welcoming all to join them.

Waterford native Andrew Pearce chose the Ministry as his profession and pursued that career choice at Vanguard College in Edmonton, Alberta where he earned his Bachelor of Theology. He and his family - wife Megan and children Kennedy and Jackson - moved back to Waterford from Milton five years ago and hasn’t looked back.

Pearce and Hope for Today began ministering June 27, 2021 holding afternoon services at Waterford United Church. When the Anglican Church became vacant and available for lease from the Anglican Diocese, Pearce saw the opportunity to establish a new home for Hope for Today Church. They made the move in August and have been very happy.

“We liked the fact that we could meet at 10:30 a.m. This is our long-term home… It will grow with us as we grow. Ministries and opportunities will grow with us as well,” said Pearce.

When I visited them on a Friday night it was refreshing to hear the Church alive with the voices of children and see their contagious enthusiasm. There was pizza, snacks, refreshments and lots of laughter. The Hope Youth Friday night group obviously has lots of fun while learning more about the scripture.

The congregation meets in the upper hall at 10:30 and Sunday School classes, ages 2-12, are held in the downstairs at 11 a.m.

“We worship together first upstairs then have lessons downstairs for the kids. There is a movie, then the kids spend time together getting to know more about Jesus.”

Hope For Today also offers a Coffee Hub where those who like can ‘hang around’.

“The numbers fluctuate but we usually have around 50.”

Pearce realizes that there are needed repairs and updates but all in due time. They have been working on improvements including a functioning elevator that allows access to the upper Church as well as the social area downstairs. To date they have also done work on the front roof and the lighting.  It’s all a work in progress. Pearce would like to eventually use the space for community outreach events. He is also hoping to do dramas and a showcase for music and local groups.

Hope for Today is a registered not-for-profit charity and federally incorporated.

“We have our act together and know our responsibilities and accountability. We offer tax receipts for donations,” adds Pearce.

If you are not able to attend Hope for Today in person you can live stream them 10:30 a.m. on Sundays or you find them on their YouTube channel @hopefortodaychurch or on their website www.hopefortodaychurch.org .

It is a sign of our times with churches closing, but it is so refreshing to see the results achieved when someone has a vision… a dream… and brings that dream to life. Great job Andrew and Megan for bringing life back to a historic Waterford church.