Founded in January 2025, the church has about 45 members and stands at 1018 Valley Road, which is east of State Road 85, north of Stillwell Boulevard, and just outside of Crestview’s city limits. The Celebration of Hope will take place on the church’s campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24.
Through this event, Hope Crest and event partner, Calvary Baptist, strive to involve the community in a fun-filled effort to spread hope to the homeless, foster children, prisoners, and internationally, Hope Crest officials said.
“We eagerly anticipate the participation of the community in this meaningful event,” the Rev. Harold Morris, pastor of Hope Crest Church, said in a statement.
At the Celebration of Hope, a variety of Winter Wonderland Florida Edition-themed games and activities will create a festive atmosphere and be offered to people of all ages. There will be snowball fights, a snow globe photo booth, “ice fishing,” a snow sensory station, a s’more station, face painting, corn hole, door prizes, and more.
Food trucks will be available for those who want to purchase lunch, coffee, and hot chocolate. Free haircuts will be offered on a first-come first-served basis, and the North Okaloosa Fire Department will have a fire truck onsite for tours and safety demonstrations.
In addition, Hope Crest will partner with several organizations to provide three “Stations of Hope” — Hope for the Homeless, Letters of Hope, and The Ultimate Hope — designed to engage participants in family-friendly, hands-on opportunities to spread hope through community service projects.
Ambassadors from the Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless will collect donations of gloves, socks, hats, scarves, underwear, and dry goods for the homeless.
Representatives from the Emerald Coast Life Institute and Embrace Florida Kids will share information about the local prison ministry and foster care system, and visitors will have the opportunity to write encouraging letters to children and/or inmates.
Hope Crest’s mission partner, Radical Missions, will also be at the event, sharing the Ultimate Hope of the gospel and providing materials for visitors to make special bracelets for themselves and for children in Guatemala.
To learn more about Hope Crest Church, visit www.hopecrestchurch.org or the church’s Facebook page.