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When Did God Call Us To the Mountain?
1. Foundational Overview of Hoodland Lutheran Church
A History of the Congregation of Hoodland Lutheran Church, 1972–2022 — fifty years of serving God and proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ our Savior. This history has been lovingly gathered and preserved by the people of the congregation.
2. The Birth of a Mountain Congregation
Every story has a beginning, and ours starts in 1972 when a small group of Lutheran families felt called to establish a Lutheran congregation on the mountain. Pastor D.C. Schroeder, serving from the Missouri Synod office in Portland, came to guide them as they formed a mission church within the community. For the first six months, the group met in rented space, gathering around a massive stone fireplace to hear guest speakers—many of whom came from Concordia College, LCMS Portland, Oregon.
3. Early Challenges and a New Worship Home
Relocation soon became necessary when heating problems made the original gathering space unusable. The congregation worshiped for a short time at Bowman’s Resort, but that arrangement ended abruptly when the overhead sprinklers malfunctioned, ruining the donated hymnals and Bibles. In January 1973, Hoodland Lutheran Church began what would become a thirty‑two‑year relationship with St. John’s Catholic Church, becoming the third congregation to share the building alongside the Catholics and Episcopalians. Over the next three years, the congregation continued to grow under the guidance of several interim pastors: John Scheck, Harold Iben, John Fenning, and D.C. Schroeder.
4. Growth, Mission Work, and Expanding Ministry
By 1977, the congregation had grown enough to call its first part‑time pastor, and Pastor Paul A. Gross accepted that role. In 1978, Hoodland Lutheran partnered with Mount Hood Bible Church to host a joint Vacation Bible School at Camp Arrah Wanna. The congregation’s commitment to mission work expanded in 1979 when they sponsored a Cambodian refugee family. That same year, Wally and Kathy McKenzie answered a call to serve in Madagascar for six to nine months—beginning a mission relationship that continues to this day.
5. Milestones in Education and
Community Service
The first Confirmation class was held in 1985, marking an important milestone in the congregation’s growth. By 1986, a small church office was rented above the dental clinic in Welches, signaling the early stages of discussion about establishing a permanent church home. In 1989, Pastor Paul A. Gross began what would become a long‑standing tradition: the pastor of Hoodland Lutheran Church also serving as Chaplain for the Hoodland Fire Department—a role that strengthened the congregation’s connection to the wider community.
6. Pastoral Transitions and the Dream of a Permanent Home
In 1990, Pastor Paul A. Gross accepted a call to serve another congregation, and Pastor Heidi Fish soon arrived to continue ministry on the mountain. During her tenure, the first Spaghetti Dinner and Craft Sale was launched as a fundraiser for the Neighborhood Missions Program, whose formal charter would later be completed in 1994. Pastor Heidi Fish later departed to serve in the Seattle area, and in October 1995, Pastor Berry Scruggs was called to lead Hoodland Lutheran Church. In 2004—described more fully in the history of the worship center below—the congregation moved into a home of its own, fulfilling a dream first imagined in a living room in 1972.
7. Leadership Changes and Continued Ministry
In 2012, Pastor Berry Scruggs concluded his ministry at Hoodland Lutheran Church, and Pastor Susan Granata was called as interim pastor, serving faithfully until 2014. In February of that year, Pastor Don Voeks was installed under a four‑year limited call, guiding the congregation until his retirement in February 2018.
8. A Season of Discernment and Shared Preaching
Following Pastor Don Voeks' retirement, the Hoodland congregation entered a twelve‑month period of prayer, discernment, and learning. It became a time of intentionally listening to one another and seeking a clearer understanding of God’s direction for our future on the mountain. With the return of pulpit‑supply minister Pastor Susan Granata in late 2018, the congregation continued to receive steady, gospel‑centered preaching. During this period—and continuing today—the congregation has also been blessed by messages from Rev. Steve Carlson, Rev. Nick Doversberger, and numerous lay members who faithfully share the Word.
9. Worship Life: Music, Atmosphere, and Community
The service music is vibrant and prayerfully selected to complement the message of the day. Our worship team: Word, Music, Technology, Artistic Creation, Altar Guild, dedicates itself to supporting the ministers in creating an atmosphere filled with love, welcome, and faithfulness—an environment where all who gather can experience the joy and depth of worship.
10. Becoming a Hybrid Congregation During the Pandemic
In early 2020, Hoodland Lutheran Church continued its ministry through the challenges of the worldwide pandemic, becoming a hybrid worshipping congregation. Through the generosity and dedication of members and friends, the church strengthened its online presence—offering uplifting music, clear and reliable sound, a visually engaging worship experience, and a congregation fully committed to Christ’s mission of sharing the Good News with the community.
11. Golden Anniversary and Our Unique Regional Role
The year 2022 marked our GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY and placed Hoodland Lutheran Church in a uniquely important role. We are the only main‑line Christian congregation within a five‑mile radius and across a forty‑five‑mile stretch of the US‑26 corridor—extending from Sandy, Oregon to nearly halfway toward Madras, Oregon. This vast region, covering approximately 450 square miles, relies on Hoodland Lutheran Church as a steady and welcoming presence of faith, service, and community.
12. Renewed Mission, Technological Growth, and God’s Provision
As we entered our next fifty‑year mission, we refused to rest on our laurels, knowing that God calls us to grow with joy and purpose. Our hybrid worship experience has continued to strengthen through significant technological improvements, including upgraded audio‑visual systems and enhanced Wi‑Fi processing capabilities. We are especially blessed to have a dedicated resident audio‑visual technician—now over seventy‑nine years young—whose faithful service keeps our worship accessible and engaging. God has richly provided for us: uplifting music, excellent sound, a visually inspiring worship environment, and a congregation fully committed to Christ’s mission of sharing the Good News with this community and with anyone willing to listen.
13. Guided by the Gospel: Radical Welcome and Inclusive Love
The Gospel continues to guide us in the ways of Jesus Christ, whose love embraces all creation—the environment, the animals, and especially the people…all the people. We remain steadfast in our belief that every person is deserving of love, understanding, forgiveness, justice, patience, peace, diversity, and humility. This is the heart of our mission and the foundation of our welcome.
All are welcome. No exceptions.
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