The Messenger January 2023 Edition - First Lutheran Church
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The Messenger
January 2023 Edition
Inside This Edition
Bishop’s Christmas Message 5
Upcoming Youth Opportunities 6-7
Preschool Enrollment 7
Announcments & Reminders 8
Service & Fellowshop Opportunities 9-10
Last Month In Review 11-12
Upcoming Worship Services 13-14
December 22, 2022 Ministry Reports 15-17
Council Corner 18-19
Thank Yous 22-26
REVEREND MIKE LOUIA
Senior Pastor
prmike@firstlutheranec.org
“People of God, a new thing is growing in our midst, a tender branch, a living sign. By
water and the Spirit you are joined to this wonder. You have put on + Christ, and your sins
have been washed away. Rejoice in the way of the Lord. Amen.” (From Sundays and
Seasons, copyright © 2022 Augsburg Fortress)
Throughout the season of Advent, these words of absolution, promise, and hope were
proclaimed as a part of our Sunday morning worship. Truth be told, this portion of our
liturgy is one of the most sacred moments of the entire service for me, whether I proclaim
them or whether I hear them proclaimed to me, for in that moment we are reminded of
the gift of God’s good news in Jesus: we are loved, we are forgiven, and we are accompa-
nied by our Triune God in this new life we’ve been given.
These particular words, however, really touched my soul this season, especially as I con-
templated the upcoming new year. Many of us spend at least some time as we turn the
calendar page from December of one year to January of the next reflecting on what was
and looking forward to what might be. Perhaps we remember good times from the past
year and are living in hope that this upcoming year will include similar ones. Perhaps we
remember burdensome experiences in the past year that continue to be too heavy to
bear and are living in hope of relief in the coming year.
Likewise, maybe we’re looking forward to this new year as a fresh start. Maybe we antici-
pate a long awaited vacation, a planned joyous celebration with family as someone grad-
uates or gets married, an upcoming retirement, or continued good health and the gift of
a loving community that supports us. Maybe we’re simply looking forward to something,
anything, new that might happen in the upcoming 365 days.
Whatever we might be feeling at this particular time, my prayer is that we can hold on
the God’s good news recently proclaimed during Advent throughout all seasons of 2023.
Let’s start together as we enter into this next season, Epiphany, remembering:
• A new thing is growing in our midst
• We’ve been incorporated into God’s new thing, tender branch, living sign through the
waters of our baptism and the gracious gift of God’s Holy Spirit.
• We have put on Christ, have been cleansed and reborn, and are no longer in bondage to
our separation from God or our fear of death.
• We’ve been invited to rejoice in the way of the Lord as we move forward, not alone, but
in the constant company of God’s never-ending love, a love that even death itself
cannot overcome.
Let the people of God join together and shout, AMEN!
Peace,
Pastor Mike
2
REVEREND TAMIKA JANCEWICZ
Associate Pastor
tamika@firstlutheranec.org
Exploring Mysticism
I am becoming more in tune with embracing the unknown in my healing process. I think
death can have that effect on a person. When you experience a loss of a loved one, it’s in
our nature to try and make sense of it, even if we see it coming. So, since February, I’ve
been on this journey to learn how to accept the things that just don’t make sense—to try
not to intellectualize and overly analyze my feelings and experience. But instead, to
embrace the things I cannot explain and look for G-d’s presence in the unknown.
Acceptance and release are not easy, but it has given me the peace to keep going and to
allow healing to continue.
I share this with you because this year, I’m on a journey to embrace the world of
mysticism through the lens of the Christian faith. People like Howard Thurman and
Jarena Lee are inspirations in my faith journey and I’d like to encounter more works by
them and others. So, for most of 2023, I will be reading and reviewing books from
proclaimed mystics who share stories and thoughts about their faith and the world. I will
be taking you along for the ride, so if you feel so compelled, you can read along. Or if you
have any suggestions of your own, I’m happy to hear them.
For next month I will be sharing about one of my favorite
books and writers, This Here Flesh: Spirituality, Liberation, and
the Stories That Make Us by Cole Arthur Riley. Riley is a poet
and writer. She is the spiritual teacher in residence with
Cornell University’s Office of Spirituality and Meaning Making
and the creator of Black liturgies, “a space that integrates
spiritual practice with Black emotion, Black literature, and the
Black body; and a project of The Center for Dignity and
Contemplation where she serves as Curator.”1 So far, her
book is a healing balm in my times of sorrow because of the
way Riley embraces what it means to be human. If you plan
to read along with me this month, I feel it necessary to let you
give you a trigger warning that there are conversations about
sexual assault. I look forward to sharing this with you all.
Peace,
~Pr. Tamika
1 https://colearthurriley.com/
3
DR. WAYNE WOLD
Director of Music Ministry
wayne@firstlutheranec.org
O Morning Star, how fair and bright!
You shine with God’s own truth and light,
aglow with grace and mercy!
Philipp Nicolai, ELW 308, st. 1
We in the Church are in the midst of the incarnation cycle. Advent transitions into Christmas as the sun
sets on December 24, and then Christmas reigns for twelve days until the eve of January 6, the Epiphany of
Our Lord. All three seasons are about God’s coming to us in Christ—the first “coming” as a child, the second
coming when God’s salvation will be fully consummated on this earth, and all the daily “comings” between
those two dramatic points in history.
Advent lasts for four Sundays and the days in between. Christmas lasts—if we allow it—for twelve days.
Epiphany is the season more flexible in length, lasting from January 6 until Ash Wednesday (February 22 in
2023). A few decades ago it was customary to emphasize missions during the Epiphany season, a response
to the meaning of epiphany as “manifestation” or “making known.” And many church musicians scheduled
music from outside western culture to continue the emphasis before returning to a more familiar style
once the season was over. This practice came from a noble intention, but one which we now view as
terribly lop-sided and condescending. Fortunately, our congregation is exposed to music from various
cultures throughout the year, not just during a token season, and we all much richer for this exposure. Our
worship planners are intentional about embracing the “other” AND keeping alive our wonderful traditions.
Our choirs and instrumentalists worked overtime in December for Advent and Christmas worship plus our
annual holiday concert. Many thanks to all who participated and all who supported us. Rehearsals resume
in the new year. Jubilate, our bell choir under the direction of Jenne Burnham (fenris1954@yahoo.com),
meets Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. First Lutheran Choir, for adults and teens under the direction of Mark Helms
(mark@firstlutheranec.org) meets Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. Children meet for music as part of their Sunday
morning classes. Join us!
One of the greatest contributions of Lutheranism to the rest of Christianity is our music and especially our
hymnody—music and poetry for the entire community to proclaim together.
During the upcoming Epiphany season we will sing once again what is known as the “Queen of Chorales,”
O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright (ELW 308). Its author/composer (yes, Philipp Nicolai did both) was
intentional about how this hymn appeared on the page, and the translator honored his theology,
musicianship, and even his artistry by keeping the lines and rhymes the same. See what message is made
manifest in this final stanza.
What joy to know when life is past,
the Lord we love is first and last,
the end and the beginning!
He will one day, oh, glorious grace,
transport us to that happy place
beyond all tears and sinning!
Amen! Amen!
Come, Lord Jesus! Crown of gladness!
We are yearning for the day of your returning.
May the new year bring us all to worship the giver of that holy chalice of grace. Keep singing!
Wayne
4
How silently, how silently the wondrous Gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heaven
No ear may hear his coming, but in this world of sin
Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in
O Little Town of Bethlehem, verse 3
We live in a culture of extremes, using labels like “right” and “left,” and neatly categorizing our family,
friends and neighbors as being for us or against us. We have succumbed to a pervasive permission-giving
to hate others for the sake of a particular ideology. We have allowed ourselves to dismiss the sacrificial
gospel-centered injunction to love our neighbor as ourselves in favor of a consumeristic approach to all
things.
In the life of the church, generosity is at a low ebb, attendance is erratic, we have become divided among
ourselves around in-person and online community, and what it means to be church in the waning, drag-
ging pandemic.
And into such a malaise, Jesus comes. Not as mighty conqueror, or a supernatural “Mr. Fixit,” but enfleshed
in vulnerability and hope. In a Black Friday and Cyber Monday driven world, where Christmas has become
centered in an expectation of getting precisely what we want, God comes anew in the unexpected.
Arwyn and I have worked hard, to varying degrees of success, to model for our children that the joy of
Christmas is not centered in us, but in Jesus. It’s not an easy task, where everything else in the world
pushes us, our wants and desires, squarely to the center. Still, we persevere in resisting, with the Advent
wreath in the center of our dining table, commitments to “making” Christmas for one another and our
neighbors in need, carving out time to center our celebrations in worship amidst the crowds of Christmas
Eve and the quiet of Christmas morning, of keeping the 12 days in defiance of a world that too quickly
forgets the real gift.
Wherever you have been pressed to the extremes, overwhelmed by the pressure to produce some ridicu-
lous notion of a “perfect” holiday, and stung by divisions; may you and yours hear again the gracious Christ-
mas invitation to be centered, and at peace, in Jesus Christ.
O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today
We hear the Christmas angels, their great glad tidings tell
Oh, come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Immanuel!
O Little Town of Bethlehem, verse 4
With my love and prayers,
The Rev. William (Bill) Gohl, Jr., Bishop
Delaware-Maryland Synod, ELCA
5
YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRY
RoadTrip – DEMD Synod High School Retreat
WHO: 9th-12th Graders
WHERE: Delta Hotels in Hunt Valley
When: January 20th-22nd
COST: $250 per youth
Registration Due December 30th
Our theme is “Who am I?” Coming to know more about ourselves—uncovering and growing into
the fullness of our evolving identity—continues throughout our lives. But it’s not something we
can ask, or begin to answer, on our own. Who we are is inextricably linked to who God is—the
God who has created us, claimed us, and called us by name; the God who loves us in and through
Jesus Christ; the God who gathers us into community through the Holy Spirit. We’ll spend our
weekend together in community exploring the identity of God, and the way in which God shapes
who we are as individuals and as a community of disciples.
After School Hangouts
Next Session January 11 at 4pm
During After School Hangouts, the Youth Room is open for 8th-12th grade students to hang
out. Feel free to use this space to do homework, hang out, and recharge with friends. We have
an X-Box and a basketball hoop to enjoy during this time.
All are welcome.
6
YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRY
First Lutheran students are invited to Lutheran Summer Music Academy!
Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival (LSM) is the nation’s premier faith-based music
academy for high school students.
Students come together from all over the country to immerse themselves in musical excellence
and build a supporting and welcoming community, living together on a Lutheran college
campus.
During the day, students receive advanced musical instruction through large ensembles (choir,
band and orchestra), chamber music, private lessons, and elective classes (such as musical the-
atre, composition, church music, jazz band, conducting, music therapy). In the evenings,
students attend recitals and evening prayer services, or social events with their friends.
LSM 2023 takes place at Valparaiso University in Indiana from June 25-July 23 (Full Session) or
June 25-July 9 (Half Session) and is open to students who have completed grades 8-12. To learn
more, watch this LSM Informational Video or go to lsmacademy.org/about.
Feel free to reach out to Wayne or our Field Ed Student, Krystal with any questions!
PRESCHOOL
Church Members Receive Early Enrollment Incentive
First Lutheran Preschool offers a nurturing place to play, discover
and grow. If you have a child who will be 3 or 4 years old by
September, 2023, please consider registering for the 2023-24
school year during our early enrollment period, between January
3-13. As a thank you for your early enrollment, you will receive a
$40 discount on your $160 annual registration fee. The discount is
only available for current families and/or church members during
the early enrollment period. Beginning January 17, we begin open
enrollment for the public, and the registration fee will return to $160.
If you want to be sure to get a spot in our school, please register early. Our tuition fees and regis-
tration form are available on our website. Church members receive a 10% discount off of the
monthly tuition rates. If you have friends that are interested in our school, please let them know
that open enrollment begins January 17. I am always happy to give tours of our school to interest-
ed families. Please just call to set up an appointment.
Thank you for your continued support!
7
ANNOUNCEMENTS & REMINDERS
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING OFFICE HOURS
December 26-30, 2022.
For the week of December 26-30, the following office hours will
be staffed:
Monday, December 26th
Office Closed
Tuesday - Wednesday, December 27th-28th
Office open from 9:00 - Noon
Thursday - Friday, December 29th-30th
Office open by appointment between 9:00 - Noon. Call the office
(410-465-2977) to arrange an appointment.
A pastor can always be reached using the 24-hour emergency
number: 410-465-6779.
Alyssa is staffing the office on the 27th and 28th. Pastor Mike will
be back in town on the 29th - 30th to open the doors (so the mail
can be delivered) and for any scheduled appointments.
There will be no midday prayer the week of December 26 -30 or
on Monday, January 2, and no midweek worship service on
December 28.
Midday prayer will resume on Wednesday, January 4 and
midweek worship will resume via Zoom at 7pm on Wednesday
January 4.
8
SERVICE & FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Lydia Circle
Our next walk will be on Saturday, January 7th at 9:30
AM on the Trolley Trail in Ellicott City.
Directions to the Trolley Trail Parking lot:
To get to Oella from downtown Ellicott City, take State
Route 144/Main Street east to the Patapsco River, where
the street becomes Frederick Road. Cross the river and
take an immediate left (north) onto Oella Road, where
you will find trail parking on your right (the river is on your
left). You must climb stairs to get to the trail from here.
WELCA February Gathering
Bring the whole family and your favorite covered dish to
celebrate Presidents’ Weekend on Saturday, February 18
in the Fellowship Center beginning at 10:00 am with a
potluck brunch followed with a presentation from Dr.
Wayne Wold about his experience of serving for 17 years
as Director of Chapel Music at the Camp David
presidential retreat. Save the date as you will not want
to miss this unique program and yes, men and kids
(everyone) are invited to join in this WELCA event hosted
by the Lydia Circle.
WELCA - Day of Renewal
Saturday, February 11 from 8 am to 3 pm
The Delaware - Maryland Synodical Women’s
Organization is holding a Day of Renewal on Saturday,
February 11 from 8 am to 3 pm at St. John’s Lutheran
Church of Parkville. The $8.00 registration is due by
February 1. This year’s program is Bold Women and
includes speakers Rev. Sandra Carlson Alexis and Rev.
Eileen Kelley Warner.
Visit firstlutheranec.org/welca-day-of-renewal/ to
download a registraton form.
9
SERVICE & FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
HOOO Wish List
Home of Our Own Howard County is in need of donations
of the following items (new or gently used):
Mattress pads, sheet sets, comforters, and cotton blankets
for TWIN, FULL, and QUEEN size beds
Pillows
Trash cans (kitchen and bath)
Bath rugs
Bath towels, hand towels, and wash cloths
Toothbrush holders
Pots and pans sets
Cooking utensils
Serving bowls and platters
Cookie sheets
Cutting boards
Toasters
Toaster ovens
Pizza cutters
Vegetable peelers
Rubber scrapers
Vacuum cleaners
Couch throws
Contact Jay Zumbrun or Bill Harkins with questions on
how to donate these items.
10LAST MONTH IN REVIEW
The First Lutheran Social Ministry Committee was
developed many years ago to do outreach in our
community. The Social Ministry committee sponsors
ministries such as Angel Tree, Route One Day Center,
Women and Children’s Shelter, Howard County Food
Bank, Breath of God Lutheran Church Food Ministry,
Warm Up America, Pangani , the Book Rack, and the
Christmas Baskets.
The Christmas Baskets ministry has been running for over 40 years. Thanks to the many
volunteers and the many gracious financial donations we were once again able to
provide 144 families with over $10,000 worth of perishable and non-perishable food items
this year. It takes a small village of people, a lot of organizing and some physical work to
put the Christmas basket ministry together. The process starts in September as we start
shopping for sales, working with the HCPSS and other community groups to obtain lists
of needy families, contacting the vendors who donate the dental supplies, the boxes and
the state body truck, and coordinating the schedule for the next few months. This
ministry takes many helping hands and is a labor of love. One new volunteer shared that
‘this event was so well organized. We will make this an annual tradition.’
We would like to give thanks and recognition to those who continue to support this
ministry:
Douglas Drewyer, DDS for donating over $500 worth of toothbrushes, toothpaste, and
dental floss
Dave Eberhardt and Joe Skaggs for donating and driving the state-body truck and
picking up our perishable order on delivery day
Jeff Fleagle, Atlas Container Company, for donating the 288 boxes for the food
Ralph and Colleen Fowler, co-leaders, for organizing and coordinating the schedule,
purchase and hauling of the food to the church, and executing the packing and delivery
days
Marty Schlichting for organizing and assigning delivery addresses to the drivers
Lori Teitelbaum for administrative assistance and data entry
Jay Zumbrun, co leader, for working with the local schools and outreach organizations to
gather names of needy families
And last, but not least, the Many Volunteers who came to pack and assemble boxes,
deliver boxes, and made financial contributions.
Thank you all for making this such a successful and ongoing ministry at First Lutheran.
Peace and Blessings To You and Your Family!
11LAST MONTH IN REVIEW
Angel Tree 2022
Thank you to everyone who participated. We were very successful, helping eight organi-
zations, for a total of 124 Angels. We provided scholarships for the First Lutheran Pre-
school, gifts for the Women & Children’s Shelter, Headstart Howard County, Luminous
Howard County, RICA, four community Angels, and gift cards for Grassroots, and Veterans
Elementary. Gift cards for both organizations totaled $1,350! Because of you, others will
have a great Christmas, and know the people of First Lutheran care about them. Thank
you all, God Bless and Merry Christmas!!
-Malia
Advent/Christmas Concert & Carol-Sing
Concert-goers, both on site and online, were treated to
performances by the FLC Choir and Jubilate Bell Choir, as
well as special aooearances by Mark Williams on piano, and
Seminarian Krystal Waters, who performed a solo from
Handel’s Messiah and sang a duet with Assistant Music
Director Mark Helms.
The program was recordeded and can still be viewed on
both YouTube and Facebook for those that were not able to
attend.
WELCA Christmas Tea
On December 3rd, forty women
enjoyed the WELCA Christmas
Tea hosted by the Martha Circle
which is led by Valerie Roth.
Each table was beautifully
decorated with Christmas
centerpieces of cyclamen flower
plants. With tea and
refreshments, we gathered
together while enjoying our
friendships. Musical
entertainment of Christmas
Carols was provided by Bryan Myers on piano and cello. The Christmas Tea was a huge
success and we had a lot of fun. We collected gifts cards from department and grocery
stores for Grassroots Crisis Intervention to distribute to their shelter residents and families.
It was a great start to kick-off the Christmas Season with our First Lutheran sisters-in-Christ.
12PARISH REGISTER
Deaths General Memorial Fund
Herbert (Herb) David Coss Jr. In memory of Gordon Bishop
April 16, 1934 - November 21, 2022 by: Richard and Sandra Funke
Baekhyo Shin and Sungrya Shin
Gordon Bishop
June 1, 1934 - November 1, 2022 Rev. Glenn & Stella Ludwig Preschool
Fellowship Fund:
Endowment: In honor of Stella Ludwig's Birthday
In memory of Herb Coss by: DeDe and Glenn Severn
by: The Paluis Family Foundation
The Miller Family Foundation Youth Ministry:
In memory of Tony Magturo
Food Baskets by: Kim and Megan Kearns
In memory of loved ones
by: Lily Sanner as of November 27, 2022
UPCOMING WORSHIP SERVICES
Christmas Day New Year’s Day
Sunday December 25th Sunday, January 1, 2023
10am | Worship and Holy Eucharist
Join your fellow disciples across our
Delaware-Maryland Synod for an online NOTE the updated start time for
service of lessons and carols. A link to the worship!
service will be sent out via email on (worship resumes at 9:30am on
Christmas Day. January 8)
13UPCOMING WORSHIP SERVICES
Welcome Bishop Erwin!
Sunday, January 15 at 9:30am
On Sunday, January 15, 2023 Bishop Guy Erwin, President and
Ministerium of Pennsylvania Chair and Professor of
Reformation Studies at United Lutheran Seminary (formerly
Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg and Lutheran
Theological Seminary at Philadelphia), will be our guest
preacher at our Sunday morning worship service. Afterwards,
join Bishop Erwin for an informal conversation about our
seminary, its plans for the future and the current happenings at
United Lutheran Seminary.
During the service, we will present Bishop Erwin with our
annual offering, given each year from our Faith Spending Plan.
This offering represents the partnership we have with our seminary and our support of
theological education for the future of God’s church.
See you all on January 15th!
Martin Luther King Jr. 2023 Commemorative Service
Sunday, January 15 at 3pm
People’s Community Lutheran
Church
6200 Loch Raven Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21239
Guest Speaker
Dr. Tracy Durant
Executive Director of Equality
Baltimore City Public Schools
Sponsored by African Descent
Lutheran Association,
Deleware-Maryland Synod Chapter
14MINISTRY REPORTS
Sound System Task Force Update – by Diane Schwarzman
Yes, it’s been quite some time since we first started working together as a sound system task
force, but the fruits of our labor are about to be enjoyed. Thank you for your patience as we have
worked our way through this process utilizing the expertise of acoustical engineers and audio
equipment installers to provide the best solution possible to improve our sound system in the
sanctuary.
I would like to give thanks to those who served on the sound system task force this past year
including Mike Blemly, Tom Broderick, Rich Funke, Bruce Isler, Adam Lowe, Glenn Severn, Charlie
Wehr, Wayne Wold, Pastor Tamika & Pastor Mike.
To refresh our memory, in April 2022, the task force reviewed two proposals that were submitted
by Armbruster A/V and Audio Video Group. Proposals were requested from both of these ven-
dors to address the recommendations from the December 6, 2021 Room Acoustics and Sound
System Analysis completed by acoustical engineer Neil Shade of Acoustical Design Collaborative
Ltd. The proposals included the following equipment:
1. New microphones for the pastors, the choir, the bell choir, vocalists, instrumentalists, the
piano, and a sanctuary reference / ambient mic. The existing microphone at the pulpit will
remain as that mic has performed well for us.
2. A new sound mixer
3. A digital sound processor with amplifiers
4. A new desk to contain the equipment and provide adequate workspace for our
live-streaming volunteers
The task force selected Armbruster A/V to complete our project at a cost of $49,868.17 funded by
a past church member’s estate gift. The order was placed in May 2021 with a 14 to 16 week esti-
mate of receiving the new sound desk with a timeframe of early September to begin installation.
As we all have experience shipping delays in the supply chain, September has turned into Janu-
ary. Armbruster A/V is on our schedule to perform the installation the week of January 16, 2023.
They will be attending our worship service on Sunday, January 22, 2023 to monitor the new
system. We all look forward to the new equipment and hearing improvements for both in-person
and on-line worship.
Armbruster A/V will be providing training of the new system. Thank you to the following includ-
ing Mike Blemly, Tom Broderick, Bruce Isler, Adam Lowe, Greg Seen, Glenn Severn, and Charlie
Wehr who have volunteered to train on the new system. We appreciate their willingness to learn
and serve during worship, funerals and weddings to share with our online attendees.
Finally, in November of 2022, council approved the use of Memorial Gifts funding to purchase 12
updated Listen Technologies receivers, neck lanyards, and charging tray to provide additional
hearing assisted devices in the sanctuary. They are available on the top of the bookshelf just
inside the left sanctuary entrance doors. Ask an usher for assistance if needed. The devices assist
with hearing the spoken word in the sanctuary and provide a user-adjustable volume control.
15MINISTRY REPORTS
Property Committee – Summary from November 2022 Meeting
The Property Committee met by ZOOM on Monday evening, November 14, 2022, for the normal
monthly meeting. The following projects and topics were discussed:
Budget: The Committee continues to monitor the higher-than-normal maintenance
expenditures or planned expenditures, and the higher-than-normal utility costs. Based on
expenditures to date, and commitments already made, the property maintenance budget line
will be fully expended, and other property budget lines will be used to cover ongoing or reactive
projects (this is similar to other years).
Underoak Parsonage: Front lawn erosion was addressed in September with topsoil, grass seed.
Planning to transplant a few plants in the spring.
Chatham Parsonage: No significant issues discussed. Completed the installation gutter
screening. Committee will be evaluating the deck and stairs for degradation, some rotting
wood on the railing was noticed. Also looking to purchase four basement window well plastic
covers to reduce leaf buildup.
Church Facility (Inside):
1. HVAC – plan to conduct fall service for the Education Building HVAC heating systems
(approximately $500), will also be looking at boiler efficiency and control settings
2. Work continues on the emergency exit door in the sanctuary, the replacement door is in
place and the vendor will add the stained glass and trim later in November (not to exceed
$10,000)
3. Committee is looking to address the cold conditions in the Narthex ladies restroom, currently
have a temporary heater in place for testing
4. Committee looked into water leak in the Social Hall Women’s restroom, one sink has been
secured, will be scheduling contractor to address issue
5. Committee received an update on the Sanctuary sound system, all the equipment should be
received by January and then work will be scheduled. The Committee discussed a potential
effort to better identify light and other switches.
Church Facility (Outside):
1. ELCA Roadmarker signs, we have at least 3 signs directing motorists to our church along
nearby County roads, they are faded – on hold
2. Work has started in the area between the Church Office, Education Building, and Breezeway
to improve water runoff and address leakage into the Education Building Classrooms. The
church has also been approved for a Howard County Grant to assist with work in the area, the
plan is to direct water to collection area and utilize plantings to decrease the amount of
runoff water
3. The Committee is looking into degradation of the concrete near the Chatham entrance and
stairwell down to the Social Hall Kitchen. Motion has been approved and work is being
scheduled (NTE $5,000)
4. The work on the two entrance porticos (not to exceed $5500) and the organ gable area (not
to exceed $8000) has been completed
16MINISTRY REPORTS
5. The staining of the three levels of the Sanctuary fascia boards has been completed (not to
exceed $17,000)
6. Committee has started looking into long term care of the Retention Pond and Rain Gardens.
Landscaping Sub-Committee Report: Additional work days may be planned and include work
supporting the water runoff and leakage into the Education Building, and maintenance of the
church garden areas. Committee is also approved the snow removal and grounds care
contracts for 2023.
Other Priority 1 Items Under Evaluation:
Other current issues being evaluated or worked include:
- Improving signage around the church grounds to direct individuals to correct rooms/building.
This continues to move forward, samples have been provided for discussion. The Committee
will be ordering the signs and hope to have installed by the end of the year.
- Adding a carport to the Chatham parsonage to prevent car damage due to falling limbs and
acorns. Committee has identified a vendor/contractor and purchased the building materials.
Committee is working with the County for permit, and then will engage and get estimate and
contract for the preparation of the site. Another Motion will be prepared, as appropriate.
2023 Planning
The Committee will be looking at priorities for 2023. A five-year planning document is being
used and updated to facilitate the conversation at the next Committee meeting.
The meeting was then adjourned at 7:30pm.
17COUNCIL CORNER
Greg Seen, Council Secretary
secretary@firstlutheranec.org
Our congregation council met on December 20, 2022 in a hybrid fashion (on-site and via ZOOM).
Council spent time with devotions centered on our call as leaders in God’s church using our devo-
tion resource, Wholehearted Faith, by Rachel Held Evans. This month our discussion focused on
how God sees us as worthy of loving, even when the world (or even ourselves) tells us otherwise.
We also reviewed ministry reports received by various staff and ministry leaders, and took the
following actions:
Motions approved:
• Funds to support attendance at continuing education events for Pastor Mike and Pastor
Tamika, for the 2023 calendar year.
• Funds to approve annual utility & furnishings allowance for Pastor Mike and Pastor Tamika, for
the 2023 calendar year
• Funds to approve Mark Helms attending a Choral Directors national conference, for the 2023
calendar year
• Funds to reimburse Pastor Mike and Nancy for health insurance premium costs for Nancy's
employer-sponsored health plan.
• Funds to support contract with IT service provider to migrate the congregation's email
platform to a more up-to-date and reliable platform
• Disbursement of budgeted offering to United Lutheran Seminary
• Disbursement of funds for Social Ministry benevolence in support of St. Dysmas Ministry at
Salem Lutheran Church, Catonsville
• Contract proposal with Horizons Stewardship for analysis and feasibility study in support of
the planned 2023 capital campaign.
• Finance Committee proposal to invest a portion of unused budget funds into short-term
Certificates of Deposit (CD).
Congregation Income and Expense Financial Statistics
Unlike October, November was a positive financial month for First Lutheran. We ended the month
of November with a positive cash flow for the unrestricted portion of our Faith Spending Plan
(meaning more money came in than went out) of $13,761.88 for the month and $51,879.37 for
year-to-date. The restricted portion of our Faith Spending Plan experienced a positive cash flow
(attributed primarily to offerings supporting our Christmas Basket ministry) of $6,983.83 for the
month. The restricted portion of our Faith Spending Plan continues to reflect a negative cash flow
for the year of -$87,387.92). A large portion of that negative number is attributed to the comple-
tion of several maintenance projects for the property (parking lot resealing, staining the wood
around the worship center, repair to the narthex entrance porticos, and replacement of the emer-
gency exit doors in the worship center).
As has been the practice throughout the year, our Finance Team, Stewardship Team and Council
monitor our spending and income, making recommendations or adjustments, as needed
throughout the year.
18COUNCIL CORNER
Greg Seen, Council Secretary
secretary@firstlutheranec.org
A financial snapshot for November and for the Year-to-date is provided in the chart
below.
Unrestricted giving and expenses (Faith Spending Plan)
November 2022 YEAR TO DATE (Thru 11/30/2022)
Income $77,129.33 $767,941.32
Expense $63,367.45 $716,061.95
Net + $13,761.88 + $ 51,879.37
Restricted giving and expenses:
November 2022 YEAR TO DATE (Thru 11/30/2022)
Income $ 13,780.50 $ 81,657.20
Expense $ 6,796.67 $ 169,045.12
Net + $ 6,983.83 - $ 87,387.92
Your financial offerings enable God’s life-giving work in this community, the neighborhood and
the world around us. Thank you for continuing to support all the various ministries to which God
continues to call us, especially those mission priorities for this particular year: worship and music,
faith formation (especially with children and youth), and communications and engagement.
You continue to be a blessing to many!
Scanning this QR code
will take you directly to
our online giving page.
19GET INVOLVED
On-Site & Online Worship Services & Gatherings
You can find information regarding on-site and online worship services and gatherings
(guidelines, bulletins and livestream service links) on the website under Connect
http://firstlutheranec.org/connect/
Midday Prayer
Midday Prayer gatherings will be held three days a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday). We
invite you to join fellow disciples on Facebook live for a time of scripture reading, meditation,
song, and prayer at noon. Recordings of these gatherings are available on demand for replay on
Facebook, YouTube, online, and the app. Send requests for prayer to Pastor Tamika at
tamika@firstlutheranec.org.
Healing Prayers
Receive healing prayers by phone with Lynn Anderson, one of our healing prayer leaders at
(443) 562-9690.
WELCA Lydia Circle
Monthly on the first Saturday at 9:30am. Contact: Amy Isler at (443) 840-6570
WELCA Martha Circle
Monthly on the second Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. Contact: Valerie Roth at (410) 456-6733.
WELCA Rebecca Circle
Monthly on the third Thursday at 1:00 p.m. Contact: Sue Davis (410) 418-4535 or
betsysue8@gmail.com.
Small Group Bible Study
Weekly on Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. Contact: Sue Davis (410) 418-4535 or betsysue8@gmail.com.
Living in God's Story
Sundays at 11:00 a.m. Contacts: Pastor Mike prmike@firstlutheranec.org and Pastor Tamika
tamika@firstlutheranec.org.
Men's Fellowship Breakfast
Monthly on the third Friday at 7:30 a.m. Contact: Jay Zumbrun (443) 745-0737.
Prayer Shawl Ministry (Creating Shawls, Lap Robes, and Scarves)
Monthly on the first Monday at 10:00am Contact: Karen DeWitt (410) 750-9744.
Sewing Circle (Creating LWR Quilts and Isolette Quilts)
Monthly on the second Monday at 9:30am. Sewing skills are nor required. Contact: Deb Hardesty
(410) 530-9772.
First Lutheran Choir
Weekly on Thursdays at 7:30pm. Contact: Mark Helms at mark@firstlutheranec.org
Jubilate Bell Choir
Weekly on Thursdays at 6:30pm. Contact: Jenne Burnham at fenris1954@yahoo.com
For meeting locations and login details for Zoom meetings, check the church calendar on the
website at https://calendar.churchart.com/calendar/738973650 or call the office at (410)
465-2977.
20OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE OUR FELLOW DISCIPLES,
NEIGHBORS, & COMMUNITY
• Blankets for Project Linus
• Howard County Food Bank & Community Garden
• Virtual Food Drive in partnership with Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC)
• Breath of God Lutheran Church Food Distribution (Baltimore/Highlandtown)
• Clothing and textile donations for Project PLASE
• Donations for Grassroots Day Resource Center
• Women and Children's Shelter/Soup Kitchen
Soup Kitchen: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0c4aaba92aa46-soup
Grassroots Meal: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090a4ca5a629a5f94-grassroots
Baptismal Font Cleaning: www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0c4aaba92aa46-baptismal
Worship Assistant: www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0c4aaba92aa46-worship
Worship Sponsorships: www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0c4aaba92aa46-worship2
You can find these and other opportunities to serve and support our neighbors and community
in the weekly e-letters by visiting the GET INVOLVED section on the website and clicking the
link under Current Service Opportunities - https://firstlutheranec.org/get-involved/.
11
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH REMINDERS
Prayer Requests
Submit prayer requests by calling the church office (410) 465-2977. We kindly ask that when requesting prayer for
others to obtain their permission beforehand, include your name, and if possible, the nature of the prayer request.
Prayer requests will be included in the congregation's prayers for two weeks, unless specified otherwise. For more
information about prayer requests, express interest in becoming a part of the First Lutheran Prayer Network or
receiving the Inter- cessory Prayer List, please contact the church office at flcoffice@firstlutheranec.org or
(410) 465-2977.
You Shop. Amazon Gives. We Benefit.
First Lutheran Church participates in AmazonSmile. This is a way for Amazon customers to support First Lutheran and
other charitable organizations every time they shop with Amazon. Amazon will donate a portion (0.5%) of the price of
your eligible purchases price to First Lutheran when you make God's church the charity of your choice. Signing up is
easy! Go to https://smile.amazon.com/b?node=15576745011&ref_=pe_732550_495707060
Photo Use Exclusion Forms
Members who prefer not to have their personal and/or family photos taken at church and/or church related events/
activities used in communications outside of FELC (social media, etc.), can let us know by completing the Photo Use
Exclusion Form. To obtain a copy of the form, please contact the church office at flcoffice@firstlutheranec.org.
First Lutheran App
Submit Prayer Requests, access social media, services (livestream and recordings), and receive push notifications for
upcoming gatherings, important church updates, and more on the app. It’s free. Text ‘firstlutheranec app’ to (833)
316-5698, or search your mobile device’s App Store for First Lutheran Ellicott City.
Moving or Relocating?
Moving out of the state? Just as you have been a blessing to this congregation and community, we’d love to bless you
and your family with a hearty Farewell and Godspeed as you go forth and continue to be a blessing to others, through
Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, in your new home town. So, please be sure to contact the church office by phone (410)
465-2977 or e-mail (flcoffice@firstlutheranec.org) and let us know - before you go.
21A NOTE OF THANKS
22A NOTE OF THANKS
December 19, 2022
Jay Zumbrun, Chair
Social Ministry Committee
First Lutheran Church
3604 Chatham Road
Ellicott City, MD 21042
Dear Jay:
On behalf of Grassroots thank you and the First Lutheran Church Social Ministry Committee so
much for your very generous contributions of 11 Christmas baskets for former Grassroots shelter
residents currently living in their own home in Howard County. It is especially meaningful that
the team delivered the baskets, which was greatly appreciated by all who received them as most
do not have reliable transportation and may not have made it to our center to pick them up.
As you all know firsthand there is an increasing level of food insecurity in our community as
more people are affected by economic downturns and finding it difficult to make ends meet. The
food items in the baskets help ensure low-income households have a wonderful holiday
experience and gives them some financial breathing room so scarce dollars may be spent on
other needs, such as rent, utilities, or transportation.
It’s always a pleasure working with you and we are grateful for your continued partnership. Your
donations make a difference in the lives of some of Howard County’s most vulnerable citizens.
Thank you again for your generous support for the people we serve and Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Monteith Mitchell
Volunteer & In-Kind Donations Coordinator
23A NOTE OF THANKS
24A NOTE OF THANKS
25A NOTE OF THANKS
26FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH STAFF
Rev. Michael Louia, Senior Pastor Rev. Tamika Jancewicz, Associate Pastor
prmike@firstlutheranec.org tamika@firstlutheranec.org
Dr. Wayne L. Wold, Director of Music Ministry Mark Helms, Assistant Music Director Jenny James, Director of Preschool
wayne@firstlutheranec.org mark@firstlutheranec.org jjames@firstlutheranec.org
Alyssa Terry, Director of Children & Youth Sarah Smit, Director of Communication &
Lori Teitelbaum, Ministry Support Specialist
Ministry Engagement
lori@firstlutheranec.org
alyssa@firstlutheranec.org sarah@firstlutheranec.org
27FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH STAFF | COUNCIL | MINISTRY MEMBERS
STAFF
Senior Pastor Rev. Michael K. Louia 410-465-2977 x1 prmike@firstlutheranec.org
Associate Pastor Rev. Tamika Jancewicz 410-465-2977 x2 tamika@firstlutheranec.org
Director of Music Ministry Dr. Wayne L. Wold 410-465-2977 x4 wayne@firstlutheranec.org
Assistant Director of Music Mark Helms 410-465-2977 x4 mark@firstlutheranec.org
Director of Children & Youth Alyssa Terry 410-465-2977 x3 alyssa@firstlutheranec.org
Director of Preschool Jenny James 410-465-5977 flcpreschool@firstlutheranec.org
Director of Communications & Engagement Sarah Smit 410-465-2977 sarah@firstlutheranec.org
Ministry Support Specialist Lori Teitelbaum 410-465-2977 x7 lori@firstlutheranec.org
COUNCIL MEMBERS Amy Isler (President) 443-840-6570 amyisler@gmail.com
Keith Hauk (Vice President) 410-988-5747 keithhauk04@gmail.com
Greg Seen (Secretary) 410-465-9160 gseen@verizon.net
Michelle Miles (Treasurer) 410-461-6853 treasurer@firstlutheranec.org
Wade Wray (Financial Secretary) 410-465-2977 finsec@firstlutheranec.org
Becca Andersen 443-896-8679 andersen.becca5@gmail.com
Genny Hardesty 410-740-9277 hardestygenny@gmail.com
Mark Holmgren 310-529-3231 mholmgren@gmail.com
Sandie French 410-531-2394 shfrench19@gmail.com
Tony Harris 410-799-4050 redace8@msn.com
Natalie Rye 410-995-1147 natsrye@gmail.com
Julie Riddler 608-469-2590 jriddler0528@gmail.com
Janet Romsaas 301-529-5087 janetromsaas@hotmail.com
Matt Scott 410-206-3029 matthewscott899@gmail.com
Paul Ulrich 443-545-5581 ulrich.paul56@gmail.com
ORGANIZED FOR MISSION
WELCOMING MINISTRY
DeDining Women Nancy Louia 410-988-5380 louia@comcast.net
Fellowship Steve Schwarzman 410-440-6624 sschwarzman8964@gmail.com
Property Jim Andersen 301-461-4199 jwandersen101@gmail.com
GROWING MINISTRY
Caring for God’s Creation Cathy Rice 410-750-9631 cprpenpal@gmail.com
Children’s & Youth Ministry Alyssa Terry 410-465-2977 alysssa@firstlutheranec.org
Personnel Genny Hardesty 410-740-9277 hardestygenny@gmail.com
LEAD Joanna Casto 301-596-9234 hokiejo93@gmail.com
Men’s Bible Study Jay Zumbrun 443-745-0737 jzumbrun@ccbcmd.edu
Stewardship George Conklin 410-750-7208 conkgeo@gmail.com
Women of the ELCA Diane Schwarzman 410-480-9711 diane.schwarzman9@gmail.com
Worship & Music Kim Kerns 410-750-8988 kskearns@verizon.net
SHARING MINISTRY
Endowment Frank Palulis 410-868-1206 fwpalulis@gmail.com
Finance Ken Danker 410-375-1295 ksdanker@gmail.com
Memorial Gifts Gail Hikel 410-461-6296 onthegogail@msn.com
Prayer Shawl Karen DeWitt 410-750-9744 kydshop1@verizon.net
Sewing Circle Deb Hardesty 410-530-9772 debsummercrest@gmail.com
Karen DeWitt 410-750-9744 kydshop1@verizon.net
Social Ministry Jay Zumbrun 443-745-0737 jzumbrun@ccbcmd.edu
Stephen Ministry Coleen Fowler 410-750-2453 stephenministry@firstlutheranec.org
3604 Chatham Road | Ellicott City, MD 21042
Office: 410.465.2977 | Preschool: 410.465.5977 | Fax: 410.465.8700ABOUT FIRST LUTHERAN
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410-465-2977The Messenger | January 2023 First Lutheran Church, Elllicot City
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