Operations Spotlight

A Year Marked by Generosity:

Reflecting on the Faithfulness of our Community

As we enter the final month of the year, I find myself looking back with deep gratitude. This year has been marked by faithful, sacrificial, and joyful generosity from you, our church family. Your giving has allowed ministry to flourish, lives to be touched, and the hope of Jesus to be shared in countless ways.

Year-to-Date Giving: A Testament to Faithfulness

I need to start with a very heartfelt “WOW!” and “Thank You”. As of November 30th, the total of all giving received to all funds in 2025 was $703,012. 

However, when I look at our year-to-date giving, I don’t just see numbers, I see stories. I see children learning about God’s love, students finding belonging, adults growing in discipleship, and our community being served through practical acts of compassion. Your financial faithfulness has made that possible.

This year, your steadfast support of the General Fund has helped provide for:

• A growing youth group that met weekly, had multiple trips removing kids from their normal environment, allowing them to reflect on God outside their day to day rhythms, and is planning a missions trip to Ireland in the coming year.

• A children’s ministry that has class rooms bursting at the seams, where our children learn more about Jesus, and provides parents resources on how together as a family  they can become more like Jesus.

• Support to our Benevolence Fund (soon to be known as our Generosity Fund). This empowers staff and Key Leaders to see with Kingdom Eyes those who are both inside and outside our church community, providing them with resources to meet their most basic needs. This practice of regularly looking at the community around us also helps to identify when there might be a bigger lift that we can invite you to share in.

• And last, but certainly not least there are the everyday needs of our church, keeping the lights on, the doors open, providing a safe place for our ministries to call home.
  

In 2025, you as a community have also graciously giving above and beyond the General Fund in the following ways:

• An incredibly successful missions trip to Guatemala

• Jumpstarting Journey House, a sober home that was identified as a critical component, previously unavailable in our community for those seeking independence from alcohol and chemical dependency.

• Providing for Youth Camp Scholarships as our teens raised funds to travel to the LIFE conference in Indianapolis.

• Unhesitantly giving to our Benevolence Fund as we worked to bridge the gap as many in our community faced the fear of not being able put food on the table as the SNAP benefits were delayed due to the prolonged Government shutdown.

Thank you for partnering with HRAC as you choose to include us in your faithful giving towards Kingdom work.

Planning for Next Year’s Budget: Preparing for What God Has Ahead

This season also includes the preparing of next year’s budget, a process we approach with both stewardship and expectation. As we look at the needs of our ministries, the vision God is giving us, and the opportunities ahead, we rely on the generosity of our church family to fuel that mission.

Your consistent giving throughout the year helps us build a thoughtful, responsible budget that supports:

• Growing ministries

• Needed facility maintenance and improvements

• Staff support

• Outreach and missions

• New initiatives God may be calling us to pursue
  

Thank you for being part of God’s provision as we prayerfully plan for the coming year.

End-of-Year Giving: An Invitation to Invest in What God Is Doing

As we approach the end of the year, many in our church family begin considering year-end gifts. These contributions make a significant impact, helping us finish the year strong and step into the new year prepared for all God has in store.

If you are prayerfully considering a year-end gift, please know how deeply it matters. And if you are trying to discern the kingdom needs are where God might be calling you to give, please reach out to Keith or Anders, and we would love to sit down and have a conversation about where your generosity might be able to bless the current or future ministries of our church.

Looking Ahead With Thankfulness, Joy, and Expectation

I am continually humbled by the way our church shows up, not only financially, but with time, prayer, encouragement, and service. I am so thankful for how our community is growing in our actions to Be more like Jesus every day. 

With the close of the year approaching, I look forward with hope. God has been faithful in every season, and I believe He will continue to guide and provide as we follow Him together.

Thank you church family, for being such a beautiful expression of generosity.
Thank you for giving.
Thank you for trusting.
Thank you for partnering in the work of the Kingdom.

Here’s to finishing the year strong and stepping into a new one with joy and expectation.

Youth Spotlight

Hello Church Family, and Happy Thanksgiving!
This week, instead of sharing a typical ministry update, I wanted to give you something special: a glimpse into the hearts and minds of our students. I asked them a series of questions about life, faith, and gratitude — and their responses are honest, thoughtful, and deeply encouraging.

Enjoy this window into their world!

1) “What is one moment from this year so far that has stuck with you?”

Malia Bennett – 9th
A moment that has stuck with me from this year is getting to experience 6,000 people worshipping together. (LIFE Conference in Indianapolis.)

Lydia Sietstra – 7th
One moment that has stuck with me this year is probably the middle school retreat in October. It felt pretty cool to be able to gather with other churches and talk and grow in our faith together.

Kase Sietstra – 9th
I would say it’s not one specific moment but bringing friends to youth group and building great relationships with them.

Josie Paitt – 8th
From youth group I would say the “healing” lesson because I really needed that.

2) “What’s a song you’ve had on repeat — and why do you love it?”

Evie Betts – 10th
We didn't start the fire, by Fall Out Boy, cus it’s about all the crazy events that happen in our lives, and that we can’t avoid stuff, we just have to be strong when bad things happen.

Makenna Bennett – 11th
Blue Ridge Runs by Hunter Metts because it reminds me of the US and how lucky we are to live in a place so beautiful.

3) “What’s something you’re learning about God right now?”

Luke Imes – 9th
Something I'm learning about God is that, "God loves all".

Tarik Larvick – 11th
Right now I'm learning to love myself in the way that God made me, there's always ways I can change myself to be better for myself and the people around me. I'm looking for things in little ways that connect me to him and trying to reflect more on the ways God has blessed me and my life rather than the negatives that pull me further from him.

Austin Champion – 10th
Something im learning about God is that everything that happens to me has its reasons and that even if I don’t want it to happen and I may see it as bad, it’s just one of the many ways God is sculpting me for the future- building onto what's already there. Sometimes you need to break something down to make it stronger.

Hudson Douglas – 11th
Right now I’m learning that God still loves me even though I sin a lot. It’s something we learn and a lot of people know about, but to fully understand that there’s nothing we can do that will make him stop loving us is powerful.

4) “If you could tell the adults in our church or in your life one thing about what it’s like to follow Jesus as a teenager today, what would you say?”

Josie Robidoux – 10th
I’ve learned that the ability to show the love of God is a blessing that we shouldn’t take for granted. At school and times when we’re surrounded by people who don’t have the same beliefs, we should not look at it as a curse, but as a blessing.

Emmi Wimmers – 8th
I’m learning more, and if I learn something fast or slowly I’m still learning. It might just take me a minute to process.

Addi Van Metre – 11th
If I could tell the adults in my life one thing about what it’s like to follow Jesus as a teenager today, I would say that he is my comfort, and most teenagers seek Jesus more than you know. Kids just need a safe place to ask questions without feeling wrong.

5) “If you could give a thank-you shout out to one person for something they’ve done, who would it be and why?”

Tyven Wimmers – 10th
Hudson Nathaniel Douglas, he’s been a great friend, teammate, fellow believer, brother and it’s been awesome to be a part of his life and to walk through it with him so I’m very grateful for him.

Travis Betts – 8th
I would love to give a shout out to Pagie for everything she does for the children's ministry. She always looks out for the teachers and helpers, but she also does so much for the kids.

Kellen Olsen – 11th
My mom and my dad and my grandma and friends, because through life we need a support group and I've been blessed with two great parents and a grandma who really care about me and who I can talk to and then a friend group that has been really helpful in having people who are there to help me, because two are better than one. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10.

Church family — these are your students.
You may not know all their names, but you’ve seen them in our halls, serving your kids in children’s ministry, stacking chairs, or even serving donuts last week.

This week, take a moment to notice them. Smile at them. Encourage them. Let them know that you are glad they are part of our church family.

Grateful for you all,
Melissa

Worship Spotlight

Hello Church Family,

As always, I am beyond grateful for the privilege of leading and serving in our worship ministry. It truly is a gift from God every single day. I am constantly encouraged by how boldly and joyfully our church sings on Sunday mornings. What a blessing to be part of a family that loves to worship Jesus together!

I also want to give a huge shout-out to our Worship Team and our Media Team. The amount of time, preparation, and heart they pour into rehearsals and Sunday mornings is remarkable and deeply appreciated. As a church family, I want to ask two simple things of you:

1. Please continue praying for our worship and media teams.

2. When you see them on a Sunday morning, take a moment to thank them for their hard work and dedication.

I also want to extend an open invitation—if you have any interest in joining the worship or media team, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. We are always looking for people who are willing to use their gifts to serve. And remember, you don’t need to be the most skilled; we’re more than happy to train and walk with you.

Now for something fun… Christmas season is almost here! I’m not sure if you're a “no Christmas music until after Thanksgiving” person (that’s definitely me), but I wanted to share a couple of Christmas worship recommendations. There’s a band with a funny name—Future of Forestry—that has a few Christmas worship albums I absolutely love. For King & Country also has some incredible takes on Christmas songs.

I’ll be honest: leading Christmas songs isn’t always my favorite—not because I don’t love them, but because they can be hard! But finding fresh arrangements always makes them more fun to sing. So if you have any favorite Christmas albums or artists, feel free to send them my way!

Our Worship Team will begin incorporating a Christmas song or two after Thanksgiving, and I can’t wait to sing with you all as we enter this beautiful season.

With love and gratitude,

Brett

Missions Spotlight

Thank you!

I am so grateful for the way our church has responded to the physical needs of those in our community. In just a week, together, we have given over $10,000 to our benevolence fund—what a blessing it has been to generously give to those in need in the name of Jesus. Thank you, church family, for your heart of generosity and your willingness to freely give what you have received.

Opportunity to serve our neighbors right after service:

As we move into the colder months, that same spirit of compassion continues through our partnership with the Hood River Shelter Services, which is opening on November 17th—they provide a warm place to stay, food, and access to local services throughout the winter. As a church, we have partnered with them over the last four years to provide meals on Sundays—thank you for all of you who have served in this way over the years!

This is a wonderful opportunity for us to love and share our resources with those in need within our community. It’s also a great way to serve as a community group, a family, or friend group. This year we are also trying something new; we will be serving lunch at church, and will be providing a shuttle to and from church for shelter guests. The shuttle will pick up before the service and drop off after the meal. Any remaining meals will be packed up and delivered to the shelter for use throughout the remainder of the day just like past years.

Sign-ups will be through the church center app this year, if you are interested please email kelseyandgarrison@gmail.com and we can get you on the list so you can view sign-ups, or help you register with church center (it is very easy). There are separate sign-ups for both preparing the meal and driving the van. If you are interested in being a shuttle driver, reach out to office@hralliance.org and Anders can help you get certified!

Meals will be prepared in the HRAC kitchen. Each Sunday has four volunteer slots available, but if you have a larger community group that works too! The meal leader decides the menu and gathers ingredients, and the other volunteer spots just need to show up! If you need ideas for recipes, feel free to reach out! We have lots of ideas based on the favorites from previous seasons. One cool thing to note, this program has always been fully funded by the members of our church + volunteers, not a line item in our church budget. We love that out of our abundance, we can bless others.

Our prayer for this season is that more people at the shelter feel seen, known, and loved—and experience Christ’s love and grace through us, and that we also experience Christ through them.Please reach out to Kelsey and Garrison Strand if you have any questions! kelseyandgarrison@gmail.com

Opportunities to serve outside of the United States

While we serve locally, we’re also looking ahead to how God is leading us globally in 2026. We’re thrilled to be planning three short-term mission trips next year:

• Guatemala (April): Mark Johnson will be leading a return trip to continue building relationships and supporting our partners there. Here is an update from Mark: In 1995 HRAC made sent its first short term mission team to Guatemala. One of the highlights of that trip for me was attending the 25th Anniversary of the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Guatemala. What I remember most was the rich tapestry of clothing worn by the people who attended the event that represented the many indigenous (Mayan) churches who are a part of the Alliance in Guatemala.

 Last week the Alliance celebrated 56 years of work in Guatemala! Nearly 40 churches attended representing many of the regions of the country to praise God for his faithfulness and blessings over all of these years. Great things are happening, and God's Kingdom is growing in this beautiful country. It is such a blessing for Hood River Alliance to have a relationship with our Alliance brothers and sisters in Guatemala and support their work and partner with them.

#56Años

Last March we sent a team of 15 from HRAC to Guatemala to minister in a variety of exciting ways. We worked very closely with our good friends at the Galilea Church in San Lucas (Just outside of Guatemala City).  We did construction work on a new education building, we sponsored a huge youth outreach event, we partnered with their women's and men's ministries to support their work, and we had an amazing time as a group. We have been invited to return in 2026! The dates of the trip will be April 10-19. Once again, we will use the very comfortable Mission House in San Lucas as base camp for our time there. Our work project this trip will likely be a new church construction project in a nearby community. In addition, will we also be able to partner with Galilea in some of their weekly church ministries and evangelism work. I'm really looking forward to seeing what opportunities the Lord provides for us as well as who he brings forward to be a part of this team! 

For those who are interested in going, please contact me or Tina and I'll be happy to answer any questions that there may be. We will likely have the first meeting for those who may be interested in December.

• Ireland (June): Pastor Melissa will take a youth team to partner with a local church and share the good news of Jesus with young people. Students will be partnering with the YWAM (Youth With A Mission) base to do ministry in Ireland.
  
  

• Kenya: A team will travel to Nairobi to host a spiritual formation camp for three Remember Nhu homes, helping children rescued from trafficking grow in faith and hope. The team for this trip is nearly formed and we are looking at our first fundraiser which is going to be a lunch served after our Celebration Sunday service on January 11th. Save the date to stay after church for a delicious lunch for a good cause. Check out this video to understand a bit more about the ministry of Remember Nhu in particular to Kenya.
  
  

Whether it’s across town or across the globe, we are a church on mission—Practicing the Way of Jesus, in community, for the sake of others! We hope you will join us in serving our neighbors and even possibly joining a mission trip in 2026.

Children's Spotlight

I am so thankful for the way everyone has embraced our new check-in system for Children’s Ministry! Families have been checking in before the service begins, which helps us ensure we have the right number of handouts and materials prepared for each class. We love seeing the name tags on kids—and the matching parent security tags. It’s especially helpful when parents arrive at the door with their tags ready to show. Thank you for making this transition so smooth!

Over the past two months, our Sunday school classes have been exploring the Fruits of the Spirit. Next, we’ll be diving into the Lord’s Prayer as we continue our year-long journey through some of the Bible’s most epic teachings.

As we look ahead to Christmas, we have a few exciting opportunities for everyone to participate in—whether or not you have kids in Children’s Ministry:

1. Children’s Christmas Song (Dec 14)
   Children in preschool through 5th grade are invited to learn a worship song in sign language and perform it with the Worship Team during the December 14 service. There will be a few short rehearsals after church, along with practice at home. All the details can be found here. We hope your kids enjoy helping lead our church family in worship—there’s always a little joyful chaos when kids take the stage, and it’s sure to bring a smile to your face! Don’t miss that Sunday.

2. The Giving Tree
   The Giving Tree will be up soon, giving our church family a chance to bless local families with Christmas gifts. This year we’re partnering with the Oregon Department of Human Services, The Next Door, Hope Medical, and several individual families. Gift tags will be available on November 16, 23, and 30. Wrapped gifts should be returned by December 7.
   When you take a tag, please be sure to sign it out—this was a huge help last year in keeping track of gifts. Community groups interested in adopting sibling sets can contact Paige at children@hralliance.org so those tags can be set aside.

3. Family Movie Night (Dec 12)
   Join us for a cozy family movie night featuring The Star—the imaginative retelling of the Nativity Story through the eyes of Bo, a big-dreaming donkey. We’ll decorate cookies, pop some popcorn, and enjoy a festive evening together. This is a great opportunity to invite friends and neighbors

It is such a blessing to spend each Sunday with your children. Our prayer is that every week they feel loved and come away knowing that the God of the Universe loves them deeply.

Paige

Community Spotlight

Being the Church in a Season of Need

If you have been part of Hood River Alliance for long, you have likely heard us say many times that we are becoming a people of love and depth in a culture of individualism and superficiality through the practice of community. This is one of our Rule of Life statements, and we have an opportunity to step into this in a very tangible way this week. 

As of right now, those who receive SNAP food benefits, will not be receiving their November allotment, which will create real challenges for individuals and families both inside our church and our community at large. As followers of Jesus, we see this not as a crisis to observe, but as a sacred invitation and opportunity to live out our calling—to Practice the Way of Jesus.

In Acts 2 we are given a beautiful and compelling vision of the church: “All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” The early church didn’t just attend gatherings—they belonged to one another. Their resources were shared, their tables were open, and their hearts were knit together in love. This was not charity—it was family. It was the Kingdom of God breaking into the world through ordinary people who trusted Jesus with everything they had.

We don’t want this opportunity to love our family in a tangible way to pass us by, so this Sunday, we will receive a special offering for the Benevolence Fund. The offering will be dedicated to helping fill the gap created by the reduction of SNAP benefits. These funds will go directly toward providing groceries and essential support to individuals and families within our church and local community.

But this is not simply about financial giving—this is about living as the family of God. We encourage you to lean into the Lord and ask how He might creatively invite you to love your neighbor during this season:

• Invite someone you know over for dinner.
  

• Prepare an extra meal to share.
  

• Send friends home with an abundance of leftovers as a gesture of love and belonging.
  

This is not charity—it is the kingdom of God expressed through shared life. It is loving one another, belonging to one another, bearing burdens with one another. It is the church being a living picture of Jesus’ love in a world of isolation and scarcity.

If You or Someone You Know Is in Need

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing a gap in food resources this month, we would be honored to share what we have. This is not charity—it is simply an opportunity for spiritual formation of a people who belong to one another in love. In the Kingdom of God, giving and receiving are equally sacred. One is not greater than the other. Both are acts of worship and expressions of our shared life in Christ.

Email: community@hralliance.org
Call: 541-386-2812
Stop by to talk with us in person — we would love to have a chat with you.

Youth Spotlight

Wonderful Church Family,

 This season we’re in feels magical- and I’m not talking about Halloween or even the incredible color show the Lord is painting up and down the Gorge right now. I’m talking about what He’s doing in our young people!

In Middle School Youth Group, students are having big, beautiful conversations about what it means to truly know Jesus and walk with the Holy Spirit. This week, we’ll dive into what it means to be filled with the Spirit. These students are smart, sincere, and they love Jesus deeply—it’s incredible to watch them worship with their whole hearts and take ownership of their faith.

Some of them also attended a retreat last weekend with other Alliance Northwest youth groups—and came home calling it “the best retreat ever!” They played epic games, built friendships, and learned what it means to truly taste and see that the Lord is good. Huge thanks to Kelsey and Garrison for leading that trip with so much love and energy, and shout out to Connie for showing up every week as the grandma we need in middle school! 

Meanwhile, our High School students spent the same weekend in Seattle at an apologetics conference—and wow! They soaked in so much truth about worldview and had some of the most incredible conversations along the way. One of my favorite moments was hearing a student lay out all her tough questions, while others responded with Scripture and thoughtful discussion. The car rides were full of laughter, honesty, and real faith exploration. I came home overflowing with joy and gratitude.

At Hood River Valley High School, the Bible Study Club is thriving! Shoutout to John Combs for hosting and to Everen (along with Josie and Charis) for leading students through the Sermon on the Mount each week. Every week, they share an invitation to follow Jesus. What began with a handful of youth group students has grown to include new faces—students who are coming because they want to know more about the Gospel! One student we met there even joined youth group this week. God is drawing hearts!

Beyond the big moments like retreats and clubs, the personal growth we’re seeing is incredible. Students are letting go of idols, leading others in worship with Neal, diving into Scripture for answers, talking about Jesus like He’s their friend, and learning to disagree with kindness and respect. Their faith is becoming their own—and it’s beautiful to witness.

Teenage years are uniquely anointed for spiritual growth—just like early childhood is for learning language. This “greenhouse season” is precious and fleeting. Research tells us that students who keep their faith strong after high school are those who have relationships with caring adults who show up, listen, and cheer them on. Thank you so much for the way you love and care for our students! Every prayer and encouragement makes a difference. 

If it’s not part of your regular rhythm, this week will you start a conversation with a teenager and ask them what God is up to in their lives and how you can pray for them? Or maybe shoot them a text or and little note to let them know you see them and you are for them? 

For the Kingdom,

Melissa Richardson

Operations Spotlight

thankyou to the teams serving our Church

Every week, much of what makes our church feel like home happens behind the scenes. From the moment you walk through the doors to the environment you're welcomed into, there are faithful people working with excellence and humility serving our community.

Today, I want to express my deep appreciation for some of teams whose impact may not always be seen, but is always felt.

Hospitality Team

This team sets the tone for our Sundays. From warm greetings and freshly brewed coffee, to serving donuts and preparing communion, they help create an atmosphere where people feel seen and valued. Their ministry of presence and preparation communicates care in simple yet powerful ways.

Counting Team

Our Counting Team handles a vital part of church life with precision and integrity. Each week they ensure that the financial gifts given are handled with integrity, care, and precision. Their diligence enables us to steward our resources responsibly and transparently. Thank you to this amazing team for your trustworthiness and consistency.

Prayer Team

The Prayer Team is often unseen, but always active. These faithful intercessors quietly lift up the needs of our congregation, our leaders, our city, and beyond. Many of us have felt the strength of their prayers during difficult seasons. Their quiet commitment reminds us that prayer is not just support, it is spiritual leadership, and we are deeply grateful.

Facilities Team

Our Facilities Team are the unsung heroes who care for our building and grounds with tireless dedication. From fixing broken toilets to mowing the lawn, painting, prepping spaces for ministry, and making sure everything is working and welcoming, their work is the foundation that supports all we do as a church. Because of them, our building isn’t just a structure, it’s a place of comfort, safety… a place we call home.

Safety Team

Last, but certainly not least, we want to recognize our Safety Team, those who serve as watchful guardians over our building, our people, and our children. Their presence helps ensure that everyone can worship in peace, knowing that someone is looking out for their well-being. They often go unnoticed, and that’s kind of the point, but their role is crucial. Thank you for being present, prepared, and committed to protecting our church family.

Each of these teams plays a unique role, yet they are all united by a shared heart to serve faithfully and love well.

Want to serve with these teams?

If you're reading this and thinking, "I’d love to serve on one of these teams", we’d love to have you join us! Whether you enjoy welcoming people, working behind the scenes, praying for others, fixing things, or helping keep people safe, I’m sure there’s a place for you.

Serving is a great way to grow in your faith while get connected with others in the church. You don’t need to have it all figured out, just a willing heart and a desire to serve.

To learn more or sign up, fill out this form, or stop by my office and we can find the right place for you.

I look forward to serving alongside you.

By Grace Alone,
Pastor Anders