'Hope' offered for all those who attend

ROCK OF AGES- Evangelical congregation meets at 23 W. Easy StIRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspaper

Editor's note: This is the third installment of a biweekly series highlighting Simi Valley houses of worship, exploring the beliefs held by different faiths,their practices and their views on life and salvation. Questions of Faith: answered

by the Rev. Steve Aguilar

What is the purpose of life?

To serve the Lord. To worship God.

What must mankind do to get into heaven?

One must believe and believing requires repentance. Repentance in Greek means to turn direction. It's a changing of the mind and the heart. Recognizing that we fall short of the glory of God. When we recognize this we must repent, change and become a disciple of God.

Is there such thing as 'hell'?

Hell is a physical place. It was created for Satan and his angels and, of course, man fell.

What is the role of the church in the community?

We support local ministries within the city. We attempt to reach people through personal evangelism. We go door-to-door, give out free gift bags so people get to know Jesus Christ and the gospel.

What is the church's view on gay rights and abortion?

We believe abortion is the murder of life. In the Bible, homosexuality is a sin listed with other sins like lying, drunkenness, adultery.

Women's role in the church?

Women teach children and do Bible study. The pastoral role or elder role is for the man. When women have a position of authority, it's over children or other women.

What is your view on ecology issues?

We believe in being responsible for the earth. We believe that Scriptures say we have been given dominion over earth and the animals. We need to have a reasonable balance that we're not saving the whales over saving the babies. We look for the balance and being responsible for the resources.

Blessed Hope Chapel 23 W. Easy St., No. 204

Simi Valley

(805) 520-5882 Rev. Joe Schimmel,

senior pastor Rev. Steve Aguilar,

associate pastor

Founded: 1990 Size of congregation: 300

Denomination: none

Service: Sunday, 8:30

and 10:30 a.m.

Foundation of beliefs:

Fundamental, evangelical basic beliefs. The Scriptures being the word of God. The

Trinity- Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Jesus is God in

the flesh, born and resur

rected according to the Scriptures. Belief in the

second coming.

Fun fact: Once a month

Blessed Hope holds a Feast

of Charity, a potluck for everyone in the congregation.