Hello House of Mercy!
I pray you are enjoying a lovely summer. I'm writing in between the chaotic wonders of Vacation Bible School and the upcoming youth trip to Seattle. It is such a joy to be a youth pastor for life! As I mentioned in a recent sermon, we have no idea what growth God will...
Happy 250th & 125th Anniversary!
This July, we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country's founding. Did you know Bethesda was founded just over 125 years ago?(Dec. 1900) Big milestones, indeed, for two of the most significant gifts in our life together! This anniversary, on the heels of my...
In Celebration of the Resurrection of Pastor Mooneyham
Troy Lester Mooneyham April 17, 1945 — November 22, 2025 Troy Mooneyham was born on April 17, 1945, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to his parents Troy Sr. and Emma Mooneyham. As the son of a Naval Chief, he spent his early years living around the world, an upbringing...
Ordinary Time, Extraordinary Gift
Hello House of Mercy, What a life-giving few weeks we’ve had in the Easter season, especially as we’ve welcomed several new members into our congregation. As we prepare to bless and celebrate our high school graduates, and as the school year ends in a blur and summer...
This is Me For You
"When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking...
Teach Us to Pray – A Journey Toward Easter
Dear Friends in Christ, Throughout this season of Lent, our worship has centered on the simple yet powerful prayer Jesus taught us: “Our Father in heaven...” Week by week, we’ve listened to His invitation to pray for God’s kingdom, to seek daily bread, and to trust in...
Shining a Light on the Lamp
“You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” 2 Peter 1:19 In a recent Daytimers Bible study I was asked for recommendations of Bible translations and editions. Here are...
Let’s Take a Trip Together in 2026: Message from Pastor Tom
Let's Take a Trip Together in 2026 Many of you know that the ministry of 1517.org has been really valuable for me, both in resources for ministry, but even more in encouragement to the soul. I've referred to 1517 as my lifeline to the Gospel. This is the organization...
Home to Harbor: Message from Pastor Tom
Harbor Groups begin in 2026! As the holiday season draws near, we are reminded of the deep significance of coming into harbor—a place of respite, peace, and refuge.Harbor is not only a safe place to find rest but also a space where we can share the anxieties and...
Stolen Memorial Plaques
Two World War II memorial bronze plates were discovered as stolen from our memorial park. The plates include the church's name, and contain the names of dozens of veterans from Bethesda, including some who were killed in action. The memorial was installed over 75...
Discipleship as Identity
James Clear writes about the importance of identity in habit formation in his bestselling book, Atomic Habits. He asks, “Why is it so easy to repeat bad habits and so hard to form good ones?” The first reason is we are trying to change the wrong thing. Check out this...
Blessed New Year, Bethesda!
I’m writing this in a haze of holiday activity, when all other matters can “wait until after Christmas.” So, I’m pretending it’s now January 1st and the Oregon Ducks have successfully dispatched their first playoff opponent! For starters, thank you, Bethesda, for a...