Frequently Asked Questions

Service & Experience

  • Doors open @ 10am, and there are snacks, coffee, and refreshments to get you acclimated.

    HopeCity’s service is Sunday @ 10:30am.

    We also feature our LiveStream right here on our website starting at the same time.

  • 10:00am - It’s okay to show up a bit early and grab some coffee and a snack before finding a seat.

    10:25am - Countdown to Worship

    10:30am - Contemporary Worship

    11:00am - The Message / Teaching

    11:45am - Close of Service / Connections

  • Usually under an hour.

    We generally start on time and try to follow the schedule, but there’s no strict or required timeline. It’s our intention to follow God’s leading and be sensitive to that primarily.

    *Also, it’s understood that lunchtime follows the service, so we do our best to not antagonize grumbling tummies either.

  • Clothing! …But assuming that was understood already, HopeCity is a relatively casual setting where your choice of outfit is your choice.

    It’s pretty common to dress in what makes you feel comfortable. To some, that means dressing up, and others, it means relaxing!

    Hats, shorts, dresses, logo tee’s, flip-flops, team-wear, name brands, and suits… whatever… You’ll see it here.

  • Yes, we have “a lot of parking”. (I know… funny. :)

    Truly, there’s more than enough and it’s within feet of the main doors. Plus there’s handicap accessible spots right upfront.

  • Absolutely not! You have nothing to worry about. You are welcome to remain low-key and just enjoy the service without being a focal point at all.

    That being said, don’t expect to be completely ignored either. HopeCity is a welcoming church that values building genuine relationships—while moving at a comfortable, easy pace.

    Ultimately, we want YOU to feel welcome, not overwhelmed!

  • Nope! Not at all. Whether you’re a guest for the first time or have been attending for years, HopeCity has no intention of using guilt, need, requirement, or compulsion to get you to pay for anything.

    We believe in gratitude and generosity as well as the scriptural teachings on tithes and offerings, but we also know that is a personal thing between you and God.

    * We don’t even pass around a bucket or plate!

  • Our worship is modern, heartfelt, and warm, blending new songs with updated classics you might already know and love.

    We believe music is a powerful way to connect with God, and we strive for a professional - yet authentic and enveloping sound - that invites everyone to participate, whether you like to sing along or just listen.

    You are also welcome to listen in during our Livestream (Sunday @ 10:25am)

  • We want you to move at your own pace. While we have plenty of ways to get connected when you're ready, we believe in 'low pressure, high welcome.'

  • We’re excited you’ve asked this questions! If you’d like to be more involved, we’ll do everything we can to make that happen.

    • A perfect place to start is by clicking Connect and we’ll get back to you right away.

    • OR - simply meet up with someone serving in the area where you want to help.

  • Our pastor is Roger Phillips. A passionate minister of hope; on a mission to help people overcome obstacles to faith in Christ and to equip believers to minister to other slike Jesus did.

Family & Kids

  • When you arrive, head to the check-in table in the lobby. Our team will help you register your children and get them checked in safely. From there, you can drop them off in their designated classrooms with our teachers, where they’ll stay until the service concludes.

    Health & Safety: Your child’s well-being is our priority. If your child has specific health concerns or allergies we should be aware of, please feel free to reach out to Lisa ahead of time or chat with her at check-in.

  • The safety and security of your children are our top priorities. To ensure a safe environment:

    • Background Checks: Every volunteer and teacher in our kids’ ministry undergoes a comprehensive background check before serving.

    • The "Two-Teacher" Rule: We require at least two authorized teachers to be present in the classroom at all times.

    • Secure Pickup: For your protection, children will only be released to the parent or guardian who checked them in. Our teachers are trained to ensure a secure hand-off at the end of every service.

  • We understand that new environments can be a big adjustment! Our teachers are trained to help children settle in with engaging activities and a warm welcome. If your child remains upset for more than 10–15 minutes, we will immediately contact you via [text message/the number on your security tag] so you can decide the best way to support them. You are always welcome to step out of service to check on them at any time.

    We also know that every child has different sensory or emotional needs—please let us know at the check-in desk if there is a specific way we can help your child feel more comfortable.

  • Absolutely! We want you and your little one to be as comfortable as possible. While you are more than welcome to nurse anywhere you feel comfortable, including our spacious lobby, we also have a dedicated, more private space located just down the hall for those who prefer a quieter environment.

  • We take allergies seriously. If we are serving snacks in Kids Church, we prioritize nut-free options. Please make sure to list any specific allergies at the check-in table so we can update your child’s security tag and alert their teachers.

  • Most kids wear comfortable play clothes! Whether they are in jeans or their Sunday best, they’ll be ready for games, crafts, and learning.

  • Of course! While we offer an incredible Kids Church experience, children are always welcome to stay with their parents in the main service if that makes your family most comfortable.

  • We are in the exciting process of seeking a Youth Pastor to help us launch a dedicated youth ministry at Hope City. Currently, our students join us in the main sanctuary for worship and the message. We believe they are a vital part of our church family today, not just in the future! Stay tuned for updates as we continue to pray for the leadership and interest to grow this program.

    If you have a heart for youth or would like to be part of building this ministry, we’d love to chat with you.

Location & Technical

 

Use GoogleMaps to Navigate to HopeCity Church in Tumwater

  • Here are best ways to use navigation to get you to HopeCity:

    • Click Here to have GoogleMaps give you directions.

    • Use the map above and click on the red location marker.

    • Manually enter our address into your preferred navigation unit:
      6005 Tyee Drive SW, Tumwater, WA 98512

  • We are located between the Tumwater Costco and Home Depot in a building marked as “Capital Region ESD 113”

    If you are traveling on Tyee Drive SW, (which parallels I-5), HopeCity is located in the next building south of Costco, and the next building North of Home Depot.

  • We would love for you to join us in person, but you can join us live every Sunday through any of these options:

    Be sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss a service!

  • Absolutely! If you missed a Sunday or want to revisit a specific message, you can find our archives in two places:

    • Our Past Videos page has everything in order going back by date.

    • Visit our YouTube Channel and to see our full library of previous services and messages.

  • At the beginning of the message, a QR code will appear on the main screen and online.

    Simply open your phone's camera and scan the code to be taken directly to the digital sermon notes for that day.

    Links to notes and relevant content are also provided in our Livestream and past videos as well.

  • This is a common question for first time visitors . "We strive for a high-energy worship experience where singing is and clapping along is effortless, but we’re also sensitive to maintain a comfortable volume for the average listener.

    *If it’s a bit too loud for your preference, we provide complimentary earplugs at the Sound Booth or Connect Desk.

  • We encourage you to capture and share moments from the worship and message that speak to you or you would like to share. We simply ask that you be mindful of those sitting around you, and - please refrain from using a flash - as it can be distracting to others in the room.

Personal Topics

  • Absolutely. In fact, that is the best way to come. Hope City is a place for people who are hurting, tired, or unsure of what they believe. You don’t need to "fix" yourself or your situation before you walk through our doors. We are all works in progress, and you are welcome exactly as you are.

  • Faith is a journey, and questions are a part of that. We believe that a healthy church is a safe place to ask hard questions and process doubt. You don’t have to have everything figured out to be part of our community. We’re more interested in walking with you than in making sure you check every box.

  • The short answer is: There is no such thing. Many people feel they need to "clean up" their lives before they step into a church, but that’s like trying to get healthy before you go to the doctor. At Hope City, we believe the church isn’t a museum for saints; it’s a hospital for the broken.

    Whatever your "too big" mistake is—whether it’s in your past or something you are struggling with right now—you won’t find a panel of judges here. You’ll find a group of people who have their own stories of being forgiven and picked back up. Our faith is built entirely on the idea of grace, which means you are loved based on who Jesus is, not based on your track record. You are safe here to be honest, to heal, and to start over.

  • Yeah it’s definitely ok. We don't expect you to be an expert. We use everyday language, and we might be at different stages, but we’re all learning together.

  • You are welcome here. We believe that "belonging" often comes before "believing." You don't have to sign a statement of faith to sit in our seats, drink our coffee, or be part of our community. We want Hope City to be a place where you can explore the big questions of life at your own pace.

  • If you’ve ever been told you don’t fit the "mold" of a church person, we have a seat for you. At Hope City, we believe every person is a masterpiece made by God. Your past, your background, and your story are all welcome here.

  • It is never too late. We believe in a God of second, third, and hundredth chances. No matter how many "wrong turns" you think you’ve taken, there is always a path back to hope and a community ready to walk it with you.

  • Isolation is one of the hardest things anyone can walk through. We want to be more than just a place you visit on Sundays; we want to be a family where you are known by name. You were never meant to carry life’s weight by yourself.

  • When everything feels impossible—whether it’s a financial crisis, a health battle, or a broken heart—it is easy to feel like the story is over. We believe that hope isn't just a feeling; it’s a person named Jesus, and He specializes in bringing light into the most hopeless places. No matter how dark the situation seems, we believe there is a path forward, and you don't have to walk it alone.

    "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." — Jeremiah 29:11

  • That’s understandable - and you’re not alone in this either. The enemy uses discouragement and self-worth to crush your moral (spirit) and keep you from looking up, and looking for hope.

Still have questions? If our FAQ’s didn’t give you a satisfactory answer, please feel free to let us know how we can assist - or better answer your questions.

More Questions?