On a quiet corner at 234th and 56th in Mountlake Terrace, a small Lutheran congregation has been gathering for worship since Christmas Day 1951. The people of Bethesda Lutheran Church named their parish for an ancient pool in Jerusalem whose name means "House of Healing," and they have lived into that name ever since - through weekly Sunday services, a vibrant music program, and a slate of free meals that now feed hundreds of neighbors every month.
Bethesda is a member congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, though the church does not receive funds from the denomination and is supported entirely by the gifts of its members. Its mission is to "proclaim, celebrate, and share the love of Christ with our neighbors through an accepting, caring community," and a long list of community programs, including a weekly grocery gleaning, a monthly breakfast, and twice-monthly Monday dinners, puts that mission into practice.
An open door on the corner
Visitors to Bethesda are greeted with an explicit welcome: "God LOVES variety! Made in the very image of God, each person is precious in God's sight." The congregation states that everyone is accepted and affirmed regardless of race, culture, ethnicity, age, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, physical and mental abilities, socioeconomic position, family status, or background, and it is committed to racial equity and the work of anti-racism.
That welcome extends to people at every stage of faith. Church members include those who have belonged for decades alongside those who are fairly new to Christianity, and Pastor Heidi often tells newcomers, "You don't have to believe anything at all." Doubts, questions, and spiritual hunger are all welcome in the pews.
Sunday worship in an ancient pattern
Sunday worship begins at 10:15 a.m. and runs about an hour, with ten minutes of announcements up front and a postlude that often keeps people in their seats a few minutes longer. The service follows the ancient Christian pattern: gathering, singing, hearing readings from scripture, engaging those texts in the sermon, responding in prayer, sharing Holy Communion, and being sent out in joy to love God and serve as the Body of Christ in the world.
A printed bulletin walks worshippers through every part of the service, and a large screen at the front scrolls through the liturgy so that those joining by Zoom can follow along at home. Communion is celebrated regularly, and Bethesda extends an unusually wide welcome at the table. There is no requirement to be baptized before communing, and no minimum age - when a child's small hand reaches out, the Body of Christ is placed in it. The reasoning is simple: Jesus is the host, and the invitation is extended to all as they are.
Music that fills the sanctuary
Lutherans love to sing, and Bethesda is no exception. Hymn-singing, chanting, and special musical offerings in different styles are all chosen to support the theme set out in the day's scripture readings, and no one has to be a "singer" to join in. Martin Luther is credited with the line "The one who sings prays twice," and the psalmist with "make a joyful noise unto the LORD."
Two musicians anchor the music program. Vic Peters is the regular organist and pianist, known for swinging the hymns with one hand on the keys and a trumpet in the other. Jeff Molitor joins every week with trumpet and flugelhorn, and his rendition of "Ave Maria" has become something of a tradition. Pastor Heidi sometimes picks up a tambourine or rhythm sticks. Musicians in the congregation are invited to bring their instruments and join the Bethesda Band.
An open table for neighbors
For Bethesda, hospitality does not stop at the sanctuary door. Every Sunday afternoon, a dedicated team of volunteers hosts a free grocery gleaning in the fellowship hall. In partnership with Town & Country Market, the church receives produce, bakery items, and packaged goods that are nearing their sell-by date and can no longer be sold in the store. Anyone in the community who faces food insecurity is invited to come "shop" absolutely free; bring your own bags and take what you need.
On the second and fourth Mondays of each month, Bethesda opens its doors again at 5:30 p.m. for Monday Night Dinner, a free community meal served from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. with food and fellowship for anyone who walks in. The men of the congregation also cook and host a Community Breakfast on the fourth Saturday of each month from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Formerly known as the "Men's Breakfast," the meal is for everyone. Donations from attendees help keep these ongoing efforts going.
From house meetings to a House of Healing
Bethesda's story begins with the founding of the Mountlake Terrace community in 1951. As families settled into the new town, they gathered for prayer and Bible study in their homes. The Lutheran Free Church sent a mission worker to meet with people who wanted to form a congregation, and Sunday School classes began that fall. A local developer donated two lots on 56th Avenue West, and the new congregation built a church.
On Christmas morning in 1951, thirty-seven worshippers gathered for their first service in the still-incomplete but high-spirited building. They named their new church Bethesda, "House of Healing," and the congregation was formally organized on March 1, 1953. Today the building still sits on its original corner, with an elevator and accessible entrance from the back parking lot for those who need it.
Affirming and looking forward
Bethesda describes itself as experiencing "fresh energy and a resurgence of vision," with members both new and longstanding working together. New neighbors are stopping in, the church is committed to ensuring that "Good News emanates from this place," and the congregation sums up its future in a single word: "Bright."
Worshipping online and on Zoom
Bethesda live-streams its Sunday service from the sanctuary every week, welcoming worshippers from across the country as well as from just around the corner. The Zoom link is shared by emailing Paul in the office, and archived services are available on the church's YouTube channel. Those checking out the church online first are gently warned that there are several "Bethesda Lutheran Churches" around the country - searching with "Mountlake Terrace" and "livestream" makes the right one easy to find.
Joining the fun
Anyone interested in learning more can email the office at office@bethesdamlt.org or call 425-778-6390. Sue Rasmussen leads a Monday-afternoon Bible study that meets in the church office conference room. The church offers online giving through its giving portal, and gifts can also be made by check or cash, or through non-cash gifts such as stock, securities, IRA distributions, cryptocurrency, or estate planning by emailing finance@bethesdamlt.org.
Bethesda Lutheran Church is located at 23406 56th Avenue West, Mountlake Terrace, Washington 98043. The sanctuary is wheelchair accessible through the downstairs door off the back parking lot, with an elevator just to the right near the stairs.