Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Bethesda, Maryland

04/05/2026

“Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” (Matthew 28:5-6)

04/03/2026

Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (John 19:30)

Why is such a dark Friday known as “Good” Friday? This is because, despite the terrible suffering and death of Jesus, this Friday marked the completion of God’s plan to save His people from their sins. In His love for us, Jesus took on the burden of our sins and traded His life for our salvation. Good Friday reminds us that there is hope ahead, for Easter Sunday is coming, where Jesus claimed victory over sin and death.

01/23/2026

Due to the weather forecast and anticipated inclement weather, our worship service on SUNDAY, JANUARY 25th, will be presented online. We hope that our church family and surrounding community stay safe during the winter storm. We expect that we will return to our regular, in-person worship schedule on Sunday, February 1st.
https://pilgrimbethesda.org/online-services

The current weather forecast for Bethesda, MD is below:

Saturday: Increasing clouds, with a high near 21. Wind chill values as low as -4. North wind 6 to 9 mph.

Saturday Night: Snow, mainly after 11pm. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 17. Calm wind becoming east around 6 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Sunday: Sleet, possibly mixed with snow before 4pm, then sleet, possibly mixed with snow and freezing rain. The snow and sleet could be heavy at times. High near 26. Northeast wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow and sleet accumulation of 4 to 8 inches possible.

Sunday Night: Snow, freezing rain, and sleet before 1am, then a chance of snow and freezing rain between 1am and 4am, then a chance of snow after 4am. Low around 20. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow and sleet accumulation of less than one inch possible.

*Note: graphic and forecast are from the National Weather Service

01/19/2026

Today we remember Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who urged the church to be guided by conscience formed by the Gospel. As Dr. King noted, ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’ May we be people of truth, courage, and Christ-like love.

12/25/2025

Wishing all a blessed Christmas as we rejoice in the gift of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

09/07/2025

Pilgrim’s Sunday School classes resume today at 9:00am and are held each Sunday through the school year. All are welcome - your child does not need to be a member to attend. We look forward to an exciting new year of Sunday School and Adult Bible Classes!

07/08/2025

07/07/2025

We pray for all those affected by the flooding in Texas, including the children and staff at Camp Mystic and residents of Kerr County and surrounding areas. We grieve for the precious lives lost and pray for God’s love and strength to comfort their loved ones. We pray that God’s presence is felt even in the midst of devastation. We give thanks for the courageous first responders and volunteers assisting in the recovery and relief efforts. Pilgrim Lutheran will continue to pray for those impacted by the floods during the difficult process of healing and rebuilding.

07/01/2025

We had a wonderful time last week at our annual Vacation Bible School summer camp! The theme was “Road Trip,” and our volunteers did a great job of incorporating this theme into the lessons, music, snacks, and activities. Thank you to all of our volunteers, campers, and parents for a joyful week. We are already looking forward to next year!

04/19/2025

03/05/2025

“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” (Genesis 3:19)

Today is Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent: a 40-day period of preparation and contemplation prior to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The ashes remind us of our sinfulness and mortality, and the importance of living the life to which God has called us during our short time on earth. While Ash Wednesday is a solemn time, the cross of ashes also symbolizes the good news of the forgiveness of our sins through Jesus Christ.

We invite you to join us this evening at 7:30pm for our Ash Wednesday worship service, in person or via Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89034908404).