Mount Hope guides Bend forward in the certain hope of Jesus Christ through faithful teaching and generous service.
At Mount Hope Lutheran Church, we believe God has placed us in Bend to share His promises with as many people as possible, by all means possible. Rooted in God’s Word, we serve our community and proclaim the sure hope found only in God’s love for us through Jesus Christ, “so that others may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).
Committed to individual pastoral care.
Thad
Bitter
I've served in pastoral ministry for over 30 years, most recently at Grace Lutheran Church in Portland before being called to plant Mount Hope in 2025. My wife Kimberly and I love the Pacific Northwest—hiking, fishing, and spending time with our five children and three grandchildren. The door at Mount Hope is always open, and we'd love to have you join us.
MEET THE PASTOR
Faithfulness
We are a family of believers united in faithfulness to the inspired Word of God.
Excellence
We strive for excellence in all things out of thankfulness for the free salvation given through Jesus our Lord.
OUR VALUES
Get to know Mount Hope
Growth
We seek to grow continually in the knowledge and depth of God’s word and in love to each other.
Service
We aim to engage our community by speaking the truth in love and through acts of service.
The Johnsons
PEOPLE YOU'LL MEET
Aaron and Shay Johnson have lived in the Bend area since moving from Minnesota in 2022. Aaron serves as President of Mount Hope, is a Marine veteran, and works for Fernweh Woodworking, where he builds high-end furniture. Shay was a third-grade teacher until God blessed them with a son, Ronald, this past summer. Ronnie was the first baptism at Mount Hope! Shay is now a first-time, full-time, amazing mom. Together, Aaron and Shay have been an essential blessing to our mission and have worked tirelessly to establish Mount Hope as a church home and a place for their growing family—and many others—to grow in faith.
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The Thompsons
PEOPLE YOU'LL MEET
Carl and Feather Thompson purchased a farm and moved to Bend in 2020, later relocating to a ranch in Alfalfa. Carl serves as Treasurer for Mount Hope and is an Army veteran and fifth-generation Oregonian, born and raised in the Portland area. His faith in Jesus has shaped his life as a husband, father, grandfather, friend, and the owner of Lifetime Windows and Doors.
Feather has likewise leaned on her faith in Jesus with unwavering trust in God’s promises. Her faith has guided her as a wife, mother, grandmother, and dear friend to many. Carl and Feather have three grown children and two grandchildren in the area and have been instrumental in helping to start Mount Hope.
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Annie & Madi Hedge
PEOPLE YOU'LL MEET
Annie Hedge is a single mom who, along with her daughter Madison, moved from Salem to Bend about five years ago. Both Annie and Madison have been crucial in helping to establish Mount Hope, and their faithfulness in ministry is an inspiration to others.
They are overjoyed to be part of building something bigger than themselves—something that brings glory to God. Annie lives out her faith through her work in child welfare, and Madison is currently pursuing a path toward the nursing field. Together, their lives in Bend are filled with the everyday joys of work, family, and helping build a church that serves their family and many others in the Bend community.
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May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ~ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
We believe that justification comes through faith alone. We understand that this faith isn't something we achieve through our own efforts or decisions—it's a precious gift from God that enables us to trust in Christ's perfect sacrifice. Through faith, we receive Christ's righteousness and stand justified before God. This faith isn't dormant but living and active in our daily lives, producing good works not as a path to salvation, but as a grateful response to God's amazing grace.
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Our Beliefs
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We believe that salvation is entirely God's gift to us—undeserved and unearned. We recognize that God's grace is His unmerited favor toward sinners, demonstrated most perfectly when He sent His Son to die for us while we were still sinners. We cannot contribute to our salvation through good works, religious ceremonies, or moral living. From beginning to end, our salvation is the work of God's grace alone.
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23)
Our Beliefs
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We believe that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of God and the only infallible rule and authority for Christian faith and life. We hold that the Holy Scriptures are clear, sufficient, and authoritative, revealing everything we need to know for salvation. We submit to Scripture's authority over all else. Through the Bible, God speaks directly to our hearts today, guiding us in truth and teaching us His will for our lives.
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Our Beliefs
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We believe that Jesus Christ is the sole mediator between God and humanity. We confess that salvation is found in no one else—Christ alone lived the perfect life we could never live and died the death we deserved. His substitutionary sacrifice on the cross fully satisfied God's justice. Through Christ alone, we have access to the Father. His resurrection confirms His victory over sin, death, and the devil, guaranteeing our salvation and eternal life.
"For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people."
(1 Timothy 2:5-6)
Our Beliefs
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Easter Sunday
Come back the next week to celebrate our Savior's resurrection with Mount Hope on April 5, 2026.
Launch Sunday
Join us for our very first church service on March 29, 2026. We'll celebrate Palm Sunday during our kickoff in Bend.
Farmer's Market
Visit Mount Hope at the Bend Farmer's Market every Saturday during the summer: June through September.
