Rev. David Thomas
Dear Blythwood Family,
As we walked with Jesus through the Gospel of Mark this past Lenten/Eastertide season, one question struck me. “What might Jesus make of me?” Jesus promised his first followers along the shore of Galilee that he would turn them into something else – fishers of people. What might Jesus make of me? What makes Jesus make of you? What might Jesus make of us together at Blythwood?
The Holy Spirit is very much at work in our hearts. Whenever I am asked to describe our congregation, I say that it is a group of people who seriously want to grow deeper in their understanding of what it means to follow Jesus; what it means to love God and love others. I have said before that it is not because of great music, a warm and welcoming congregation that feels like family, or inspiring sermons (!) that I would invite someone to join. We like all those things, and we are thankful for all those things, of course. The number one reason I would invite someone to join us is because lives are being transformed by God in this place.
I don’t know how unique this is among churches, but I have also been struck recently by the diversity at Blythwood. This is not just in terms of where we are from or what our first language is, but the wide variety of faith experiences we bring as individuals. This gives us an openness and a willingness to learn from one another. We also bring a range of experience in our Jesus-following – from those who’ve been behind Jesus for 90+ years to the newly baptized to the newly called. All of us are learning from and encouraging one another, and this is a joy to see.
Last summer marked 10 years of service among you as your senior pastor. I feel I no longer have to use air quotes when saying “senior”! I remember a speaker at a preaching seminar who said that she envied those who had a chance to bring the word of God week after week to a congregation they knew. I agree and would only add “to a congregation that one is loved by, and one loves back.” It is still my prayer that God would keep me faithful to the call he has placed on my life, no matter the circumstances. Might that be the prayer of all our hearts at Blythwood? I am thankful to God for all of you.
I continue to be thankful too for the support and co-ministry of our Deacon’s Board. Jennifer, Peter and Adolfo continue their good work. So much of it is unseen, and it is all a blessing. I am thankful for my wife, Nicole. We shared a 25th Wedding Anniversary last year, and she continues to be a reminder of God’s compassion, hospitality, and patience. I could not do what I do without her.
May we all continue to pray that Christ’s work continues in us and through us. Even in the midst of uncertainty, we know who holds the future, and we know who is holding us. Let us continue to hold onto all that is noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy together – the Lord being our Helper.
In Christ,
Pastor David Thomas
2025 Annual Report