The Messenger March 2022 Edition - First Evangelical Lutheran Church
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The Messenger
March 2022 Edition
Inside This Edition
Regathering Update 6
New WELCA Circle 7
Easter Flowers & Dedications 8
Worship Sponsorships Available 9
Lent & Holy Week Worship Schedule 12
Opportunities to Serve 13
Congregation Council Update 14-15
Thank You 16-18
February 18, 2022
REVEREND MIKE LOUIA
Senior Pastor
prmike@firstlutheranec.org
“No one alive today can deny that our world has seen change the likes of which we oftentimes can’t
even understand. And for many of us, all this change has been mind-numbing!”
I wrote those words as an introduction to my newsletter article many years ago. At the time, I thought
we had experienced more change than we would ever experience in the coming years. Boy was I
wrong!
These past two years have been a blur in so many ways. What started as a “stay at home for a couple of
weeks until we get this thing under control” effort transformed quickly into a life-altering reality in
which even the most seemingly insignificant routine was set on its ear and we began a journey into
this new reality in which we continue today. And as we’re entering year three of life in the reality of a
pandemic I don’t underestimate the amount of grief we have all experienced at the hands of a virus
that simply will not go away, that transforms into more contagious variants, and that will likely
continue to shape our lives for the foreseeable future.
All this grief-inducing change has pushed many of us to our breaking point. We’re tired. We’re growing
impatient. We long so desperately for life as it was. As we accept that life as it was is an unlikely
outcome in our future, perhaps finding ourselves wondering, “Where is God in the middle of all this?”
We sit in silence, awaiting an answer. And, perhaps an answer has already been given.
I believe the prophet Joel’s words to God’s community who were also enveloped in grief brought on by
a cataclysmic, earth-shattering event in their lives, offers words that answers our “Where is God in all
this?” question. It’s a multifaceted answer that doesn’t dismiss our feelings but encourages us to name
them and claim them. Once named and claimed, we’re then invited to take action.
First, Joel invites God’s people to lament all that has been lost. Giving words to our feelings of lament
brings to the forefront the losses we have suffered, making them real and tangible. Many of us could
fill a book as we name those losses we have experienced these past two years. Right? Let’s take Joel at
his word, and name them and claim them for what they are: grief-inducing losses, many of which we’ll
never be able to regain.
Having lamented, Joel then invites God’s people to take action, to enter a time of repentance and
prayer. Remember, repentance in the Hebrew scriptures isn’t about saying, “I’m sorry.” Repentance,
instead, is about turning around, returning, even making an about face and taking the path ahead, a
path that leads us to one life-giving destination: God.
As we enter into this upcoming season of Lent, which will begin March 2, 2022, on Ash Wednesday,
we’ll hear Joel’s proclamation to “Return to the LORD, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to
anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing.” (Joel 2:13b, NRSV) May we hear in
Joel’s proclamation an invitation to return, not necessarily to things from former years, or things “as
they used to be”, but instead to return into the presence of our gracious, merciful, slow to anger and
abounding in steadfast love God who has never been too far away over these past two years. May we
return to the God who is already standing in front of us, arms-outstretched, to welcome us when we
return, bringing our grief of what was into an eternal presence that will enfold us in a love that will heal
our hearts, strengthen our resolve, and grace us with a future filled with hope.
See you at worship!
Pastor Mike
2
REVEREND TAMIKA JANCEWICZ
Associate Pastor
tamika@firstlutheranec.org
Small Encounters: A Series
One of the ways I pass the time during my off-hours is to scroll through social media. It’s become
almost an unconscious habit. First, I’ll open up Facebook and check my feed. Second, I’ll scroll through
Twitter and see if anything is interesting or if I missed the latest news. Next, I’ll open Instagram to like
some pictures. And, finally, I’ll end on TikTok to get a few laughs in before I close up my phone. Only to
do this process several times during my day. What can I say? I’m a millennial after all.
I share this because with all of this scrolling I do, I’ve noticed that communication has become both a
fun experiment on social media and, at the same time, it has become somewhat of a lost art. On one
hand, we get to share our own stories, our opinions, and even important news across different
platforms. On the other hand, often, but not always, what we share can be polarizing and continues
the divide that exists among many of us due to what some perceive as political differences. We don’t
talk with one another on many of these platforms, instead we find ways to talk at each other. And I
don’t mean all of us. In fact, I’ve seen some fruitful and life-giving conversations on all of these
platforms also, but the ones that get the most shares, the most engagement, it seems, are the ones
that highlight how we no longer communicate effectively with one another. It’s either shouting
figuratively with our keyboards, or literally in our videos and live feeds.
And so, to counter this narrative and to share that effective communication is not, in fact, dead, I’d like
to highlight one beautiful conversation I had way back on Christmas Eve. This small encounter was
very much a needed one for me, and I’m grateful that it came from one of our own Gen Zers, Grace
Isler. And with her permission, I will share this story.
Grace lovingly approached Pr. Mike and I, on Christmas Eve, after the second service was over. She
shared her opinion about a song we sang during the service. In this particular song we say a word that
she found offensive. Now, we don’t sing any songs that are filled with four letter words—I don’t think
we can find any hymn of that nature—but Grace made some really good points. She gave an example
about how we could change the word and it would still get the point across. She also explained why it
bothered her, and why she felt we could do better.
I have to tell you Grace’s willingness to talk to me and Pr. Mike in that moment was a breath of fresh
air. I was so encouraged by her courage. It took a lot, in my opinion, to confront something that made
her uncomfortable. And her vulnerability and openness gave me a new perspective. Some songs are so
familiar that I don’t even think about the language in them. It made me wonder how often I do that,
even though I pride myself in paying attention to language in our liturgy. And, also, Grace lived into her
beautiful name, as she was brave enough to hear another perspective. We talked for a while about
censorship, perspectives on offensive language, and how she is growing into her own understanding
as she navigates middle school and life. There was wisdom in our conversation, and I believe we came
to an understanding. I hope she felt heard because I did indeed hear her.
And that evening, as tired as I was from gift wrapping, doing two services, and preparing for Christmas
day, I went home encouraged. I was encouraged that Grace trusted me and Pr. Mike enough to talk to
us. I was encouraged by her candidness and thoughtfulness, which is something I actually experience
with my own children as well. Gen Z is pretty great, y’all! And I continue to be encouraged by the
possibilities of having relationships that transform us and help us to grow as humans—ones that go
beyond sub-tweets and off-handed replies on social media. So, thank you, Grace, for this very beautiful
small encounter.
Peace, y’all!
~Pr. Tamika
3
DR. WAYNE WOLD
Director of Music Ministry
wayne@firstlutheranec.org
When we are tested and wrestle alone,
famished for bread when the world offers stone,
nourish us, God, by your word and your way,
food that sustains us by night and by day.
Ruth Duck, ACS 922
On the last Sunday in February we bid farewell to the Epiphany season and tuck away our
Alleluias until Easter. Some folks dread the coming of Lent; others look forward to it. I
recall a conversation with two choir members many years ago. One said, “I don’t like Lent;
it’s so dreary. I can’t wait for the joyous music of Easter.” The other one responded, “I look
forward to Lent because I love the purple music.” Purple music? What is that? we all
wanted to know. While there are folks who do experience different harmonies and pitches
as different colors (a phenomenon known as chromesthesia, by the way), this person
explained that the poetic imagery, the rich and even dissonant harmonies, and even the
slower-paced rhythms in the hymns and anthems all appeared to her as purple, and she
loved purple! The other person in that conversation listened with great interest and
vowed to be more aware of the purpleness of the upcoming season. I hope both of them
experienced a meaningful Lent that year and, because of that extra awareness, an even
greater Easter, because we all know how well purple contrasts and complements white
and gold!
Reflecting on what Ruth Duck states in the hymn stanza above, we acknowledge that
nourishment comes from God, and it can happen “by night and by day.” I take this to
mean that encounters with God can come at any time and place, both when alone and in
the midst of others. The season of Lent calls us to seek out time with God on or own
schedule and location AND in the presence of others at public worship. I hope you will
join us for worship this Lenten season, on Sundays and on Wednesdays, where you can be
surrounded by other pilgrims longing for God’s presence and engaging in purple music.
Our choirs are filled with many loyal and enthusiastic singers and ringers, but more are
always welcome. Our bell choir, Jubilate, continues to meet Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.
Contact Jenne Burnham at fenris1954@yahoo.com for more information about joining.
And First Lutheran Choir for adult and teen singers meets Thursdays 7:30-9:00 p.m.
Contact Assistant Director of Music Mark Helms at mark@firstlutheranec.org for more
information. We are still working on bringing back a choir opportunity for our youngest
members. Stay tuned.
Keep singing!
Wayne
4
JENNY JAMES
Preschool Director
preschool@firstlutheranec.org
We have opened our outdoor nature classroom, and have enjoyed observing the children discovering
it for the first time. With nature constantly changing, there will always be something new to discover.
We have plans to have an art center, areas for reading, gathering, digging and building, and a pretend
cooking area (outdoor kitchen). Over the past few days, we have seen children climbing and balanc-
ing on the logs, tossing leaves, turning a wood pallet into a boat, discovering two birds' nests and
some ice that formed in a small bucket overnight. As the seasons change, our classroom will also
change. What an adventure for children and teachers alike!
I would like to thank Laura Swann, daughter of one of our teachers, Angie Swann, who donated a
compost tumbler. We will be saving our apple and orange peels from our snacks to feed our com-
post! In addition, I would like to thank our teacher Brittany and her husband Ryan Adamczyk who
designed and built our music
wall! This outdoor sound
machine is one of a kind and
the perfect addition to our
new space.
We are taking registration for
fall 2022, and we have a few
openings left in our summer
camp. For more information,
visit our website www.firstlu-
theranpreschoolec.com
or email me at
jjames@firstlutheranec.org.
5
REGATHERING UPDATE
Change in COVID Protocol: Masks Optional Effective 13 March 2022
4
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The
Lord is near. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard
your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:4-7)
On March 13, 2020, First Lutheran held no in-person worship service for the first time and the lockdown
began. An anniversary of sorts is coming, and as infection rates decline while vaccinations rise, your
leadership team met to discuss our in-person worship safety protocols. As we update these policies for
what may feel like the millionth time in two years, we rejoice that God walks this uncertain and
winding path with us and grants us peace. As Paul writes in Philippians, "The Lord is near."
We come to you after prayerful deliberation and discussion with the announcement that effective
March 13, 2022, we recommend that masks be optional for worship and for in-person ministry activities
occurring inside congregational facilities. We will keep our social distancing ribbons in place, and
communion will continue in its current implementation.
Each time the Council has made a change, we have been thankful for the congregation's willingness
to walk this path with us, as we do our best to discern what we can do to protect and love each
neighbor, as Jesus commands.
Update as of February 2022
6
ANNOUNCEMENTS � REMINDERS � UPDATES
New WELCA Circle
Women, You're invited
All women of First are invited to the start of a new WELCA Circle, The
Lydia Circle.
Our first gathering will be Saturday, March 5, at Centennial Park at 9:30
am; meet at the Amphitheater. This is a light rain event; please fill out
this google form (https://forms.gle/pJaA3tUonK8BBXK8A) so we'll know
you're attending and we can reach out with last minute news as
needed.
Pastor Tamika will present storytelling about Lydia, the namesake of
this new Circle, who appears in Acts. Then we will go for a walk! Come
to listen, be in community, and enjoy God's creation.
Moms can bring their strollers, and we'll have high school youth avail-
able to play with kids in the park as well.
All women of the church are welcome.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Amy Isler amyisler@g-
mail.com, Joanna Casto hokiejo93@gmail.com, or Sue Wehr wehr-
house1@verizon.com.
LEAD Update
The LEAD Team met on January 25th, 2022. We went through
business items regarding Veterans Elementary and Dunloggin Middle
Schools; Saint John’s Community Association; and reaching out after
more than a year to Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant down the street.
We continued our Bible study by considering how to best continue
the work we do in LEAD. We agreed to meet again on February 22nd,
2022.
Soup Kitchen Volunteers
Help support our ministry with the Women and Children's Shelter on
March 19th. Please take a moment to review the available slots on
sign-up-genius and sign up to volunteer to make a dish to donate. We
need Sloppy Joe, Rolls (store bought), Pasta Salad, Cake and Servers. If
you prefer, please contact Lori at lori@firstlutheranec.org or call the
office at 410-465-2977 to sign-up.
Please bring your food donations to the Social Hall kitchen Saturday,
between 3:30pm and 4:30pm. If you need to leave food sooner, please
mark it with your name and Soup Kitchen and leave it in the kitchen.
Please call the church (410-465- 2977) to make sure you can get in to
leave an early donation. For more information, please contact Gail
Tabeling at gtabeling@aol.com or 410-531-3938. Thank you!
7
ANNOUNCEMENTS � REMINDERS � UPDATES
Easter Flowers & Dedications
Easter flowers orders & dedications will be taken in-person on
Sunday, February 20th & 27th. You may also place your order &
dedications by stopping by the office, emailing
lori@firstlutheranec.org or calling the office at 410-465-2977.
Tulips $10.00
Easter Lilies $15.00
Azaleas $25.00
World Hunger donations
Worship Sponsorships
Altar flowers, communion elements, and bulletins are available to
sponsor.
Sign up via:
• Dedication slips (drop off at the office or in offering plate)
• Online on Sign-up-Genius
• Call (410) 465-2977 or email the office with your dedication.
DeDining Women
DeDining Women will meet mid-to-late March at Carraba’s for the first
time in 2022. The date and time will be decided later, so please make a
note to read the announcements. All FLC women and their friends are
always welcome. It’s a fun way to meet new people and get to know
your FLC family.
8
ANNOUNCEMENTS � REMINDERS � UPDATES
Stephen Ministry
What is a Stephen Minister?
They are people who become a friend to those in need when the rest of the world seems to have gone
away.
They are dedicated, trained members of First Lutheran, commissioned by the church to administer
confidential, in-depth caring. Someone who will visit weekly, listen, offer resources, pray with you and
provide Christian love and support.
They are a caring, supportive Christian friend who has a desire to be with someone in their time of
need, grief or crisis.
How does a Stephen Minister help?
Stephen Ministers address the needs of people who are lonely, separated or divorced, homebound,
hospitalized, grieving the loss of a loved one or having difficulty with their own illness. They provide
regular visits, about one hour per week, to help them process their feelings, fears, anger or lack of faith.
Watch people who have had a Stephen Minister Care Receiver and hear their stories:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OoTjIa-D-c
7
If you would like to have a Stephen Minister in your life, or desire information on becoming a Stephen
Minister you may contact the church office at 410-465-2977 or Colleen Fowler at 410-750-2453, or email:
stephenministry@firstlutheranec.org
First Lutheran Sewing Circle
The Sewing Circle has been making mission quilts for Lutheran World Relief for more than 35 years.
After WWII, Lutheran World Relief started distributing quilts to war torn Europe. These quilts are used
as bedcovers or even tents to keep people warm.
The 60" by 80" mission quilts are layered with warm batting that is purchased from the Oklee Quilting
Company in Oklee, Oklahoma and paid for by First Lutheran. This ministry would not be possible
without the warm batting provided by the church and we are most appreciative.
After fabric has been cut, sorted, pinned, designed, sewed and tied, the finished quilts are blessed by
Pastor Tamika. After the blessing, the quilts are bagged and tracking codes are attached to the quilts
so we can learn where the quilts will be distributed. The First Lutheran mission quilts have been
distributed to people in Mali, Burkina Faso, Tanzania, Iraq, Lebanon, Republic of Georgia and most
recently Serbia. From 1 October 2020 to 30 September 2021, 136 mission quilts were delivered to the
Lutheran World Relief Warehouse in New Windsor, Maryland.
We have a small effort to make baby quilts/isolette covers to protect the neonatal babies from
overstimulation. We donate these precious quilts to the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center.
We welcome new members. We need help sewing finished quilt tops to backing, as well as cutting
and sorting fabric and pinning quilt layers together. We always need donations of cotton fabric and
bed sheets. We meet on the second Monday of each month at 9:30, downstairs in the Social Hall. If
you prefer to help from home and cannot attend meetings, we can provide quilt tops and backs or
fabric for you to work on. We can leave packages of fabric or unfinished quilts in the wooden bin in the
church vestibule for pickup.
9
ANNOUNCEMENTS � REMINDERS � UPDATES
If you would like to make a difference using your sewing, designing, sorting, cutting, pinning or tying
skills, then please visit the Sewing Circle or contact Deb Hardesty / 410-530-9772 /
debsummercrest@gmail.com or Karen DeWitt / 410-750-9744 / kydshop1@verizon.net for more
information.
The Prayer Shawl Group at First Lutheran Church
by Karen DeWitt
Background
“In 1998, Janet Severi Bristow and Victoria Galo, two graduates of the 1997 Women's Leadership
Institute at The Hartford Seminary in Hartford, Connecticut gave birth to a ministry that combined
compassion and a love of knitting/crocheting.”
Seven years later in 2005, Ginny Fan, a member of FLC, was knitting while waiting for her car at her
local dealership. A fellow customer asked if she knew about the group who provided hand knitted or
crocheted shawls to people in need of comfort and solace. Though she had not, she thought it
sounded intriguing. She met with Pastor Gigie Grant, who encouraged Ginny to begin this new
ministry at FLC. In February 2006, Ginny and her friend, Judy Moulton, led the first prayer shawl
ministry meeting.
Mission Statement
Group members have embraced the following Mission statement:
To offer our God-given talents and gifts as Prayer Shawls are prayerfully and lovingly crafted prayer
shawls serve as a tangible reminder of the warm and loving presence of God and the prayers of his
people.
Years: 2006-Present
During the past sixteen years, members have made and distributed hundreds of knitted/crocheted
shawls and lap robes. They have gone to people who have lost a loved one, undergone medical
procedures, learned of a cancer diagnosis, lost a house due to a fire, an illness, flooded home, etc.
In 2016, the group learned about pocket prayer shawls. These shawls are approximately 3” x 5”, small
enough to be carried in a pocket, placed on a sick person, or held while in prayer.
The prayer shawl group has branched out to knitting/crocheting scarves for Meals on Wheels clients to
help them stay warm during the cold weather. Additionally, group members make baby blankets for
the Linus project.
Obtaining A Prayer Shawl or Lap Robe
If you know of anyone who would could use a shawl, lap robe, and/or a pocket prayer shawl, please
inform Pastor Mike and Pastor Tamika. They can help you pick out an appropriate shawl.
Miscellaneous
In 2020, we sadly said good-bye to our faithful, hardworking leader, who moved to Florida with her
husband John. Before leaving, Ginny persuaded Karen DeWitt to be her replacement.
Contact Information
The prayer shawl group meets on the first Monday of the month at 10:00 in the Parlor.
If you have any questions, please contact Karen DeWitt at (410) 750-9744 or kydshop1@verizon.net.
10ANNOUNCEMENTS � REMINDERS � UPDATES
Property Committee – Summary from February 2022 Meeting
Members: Jim Anderson, Paul Miller, Rich Funke, Julie Riddler, Genny Hardesty, Diane Schwartzman, Nancy Louia,
Harry Murphy, Linda Kay, Cathy Rice, Dave Miles
Budget Comments:
Reviewed 2022 Property budget and noted higher than normal maintenance issues for January.
Snow removal and salting operations have also been higher due to recent weather. ($6500)
Parsonages:
Plumber addressed periodic clogging in master and middle bathrooms at Chatham. ($210)
Indoor Church Facility Emergencies
New pipes installed due to damaged piping that caused a water leakage going to the Nursery ($9800 from
capital reserve fund)
Dry sprinkler service ($550)
Replace air compressor in the fire protection system to restore the system ($6197)
One sprinkler head in the fire suppression system was replaced due to a leak ($1047)
One of the sump pumps in the fire protection room failed and needed replacement ($780)
Replaced one emergency light in the Fellowship Center after the Fire Marshal inspection ($306)
Other Indoor Facility Issues
Two motions were discussed, approved, and passed on to Finance and Church Council:
One of the two Sanctuary circulating pumps is degraded and in need of replacement, (not to exceed $2500)
One of the two Education Building heat system circulating pumps has a seal failure and needs replacement (not
to exceed $2500).
Outdoor Church Facility Issues
No emergencies
The outdoor preschool classroom was approved by Howard County, and it is being used.
Need for replacement of three faded road signs directing people to the church (3 @$210/each)
Landscaping Sub-Committee Report:
The volunteer fall workdays were successful and will be held again in the Spring.
Group is also looking at solutions to water runoff in front of Underoak parsonage.
The Property Committee started the annual process of reviewing the entire church maintenance and replacement list
and prioritizing work items for 2022. The evaluation process will continue into March.
Priority 1 Items Under Action:
Estimates for replacement of second exterior stained-glass door in the Sanctuary
Estimates for the replacement of rotten wood on the main entrance portico and coverage of outdoor wood to
eliminate maintenance
Estimates for signage around the church grounds to direct individuals to correct room/building
Estimates to add a carport to the Chatham parsonage to prevent additional car damage due to tree limbs and
acorns
Evaluating other fire suppression system sprinkler heads with a similar failure risk
Evaluating dead tree removal needs on property
Evaluating solutions for water leakage into the first floor Education Building classroom
14ANNOUNCEMENTS � REMINDERS � UPDATES
In-Person & Online Worship Services & Gatherings
You can find information regarding in-person 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 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
eshdavis@verizon.net.
Small Group Bible Study
Weekly on Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. Contact: Sue Davis (410) 418-4535 or eshdavis@verizon.net.
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 DrWitt (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
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.
11UPCOMING WORSHIP SERVICES & EVENTS
Lenten Worship Holy Week
Ash Wednesday, March 2 Palm/Passion Sunday, April 10
including the imposition of ashes 9:30 AM (in person & livestreamed)
Noon (in-person)
7:00 PM (in-person & livestream) Maundy Thursday, April 14
7:00 PM (in-person & livestreamed)
Weekday Lenten Services (Wednesdays)
7:00 PM (in-person & livestream) Good Friday, April 15
Noon (in-person)
March 9th Faithfulness (Luke 4:1-13) 7:00 PM (in-person & livestream)
March 16th Mercy (Luke 13:31-35)
March 23rd Compassion (Luke 13:1-9)
March 30th Forgiveness (Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32) Easter Sunday
April 6th Love (John 12:1-8)
Festival Eucharist Worship Services, April 17
9:00 AM & 11:00 AM
(both services in-person & livestreamed)
PARISH REGISTER
Memorial Gifts
General Memorial Fund
In honor of Cheri McLeroy and her family
by: Todd Gustin
In honor of Paul and Amy Isler
by: Ben and Samantha Isler
In memory of Melinda Sanders
by: Paul and Frankie Miller
Special Music Fund
In memory of Melinda Sanders
by: Thomas Brzezinski
(as of January 20, 2022)
Death Notices
(as of January 31, 2022)
Melinda Sanders
January 11, 2022
12OPPORTUNITIES 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 House of Ruth MD
• Donations for Grassroots Day Resource Center
• Women and Children's Shelter/Soup Kitchen
Soup Kitchen: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0c4aaba92aa46-soup
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.
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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.
13CONGREGATION COUNCIL UPDATE
Susan Garde, Council Secretary
council@firstlutheranec.org
Our congregation Council met on February 15 2022 via ZOOM. Council spent time with
devotions focused on living as God’s faithful people, reviewed ministry reports received by
various staff and ministry leaders, and took the following actions:
Motions approved:
Completion of the process to install an upgraded internet supply line to the church
building and to enter a three-year agreement for service.
Replacement of the Education Building Heating System Circulation Pump.
Replace Church HVAC - Sanctuary Circulation Pump.
Discussions:
Update from the sound system task force.
Initial planning for the Semi-Annual congregation meeting in May.
Nominating Committee for new Council members.
In person Worship.
Received the following report from our finance committee:
Congregation Income and Expense Financial Statistics
The financial report (unaudited) for 2021 has been updated to reflect the accrual of charges authorized in 2021 and paid
in 2022 (certain property repairs, utility bills, etc. as required by our auditors). An updated financial synopsis of 2021 is
shown in the chart below.
Overall. 2021 was a good year for the congregation (from a financial perspective). Many thanks to those whose offerings
contributed to this abundance.
January 2022 was a good month for the congregation from a financial perspective (see below). It should be noted that
our expenses were somewhat lower than what would be considered normal as utility bills paid in January were actually
charge to December 2021. A summary of income and expenses is shown in the charts below:
Your continued generosity enables us to continue to serve God in our three areas of emphasis for 2022: worship, faith
formation (especially with children and youth), and communication and engagement. Thank you for your faithfulness
to God’s mission for First Lutheran: to be Welcoming, Growing and Sharing in God’s grace.
15A NOTE OF THANKS
16A NOTE OF THANKS
17A NOTE OF THANKS
18FIRST 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
19FIRST 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 Glenn Severn (President) 410-465-0369 gsevern@comcast.net
Amy Isler (Vice President) 443-840-6570 amyisler@gmail.com
Susan Garde (Secretary) 410-549-1757 susangarde09@comcast.net
Michelle Miles (Treasurer) 410-461-6853 treasurer@firstlutheranec.org
Wade Wray (Financial Secretary) 410-465-2977 finsec@firstlutheranec.org
Rajakumar Ayahpillay 410-262-9290 raja1945@yahoo.com
Genny Hardesty 410-740-9277 hardestygenny@gmail.com
Ray Facto 410-465-3185 bjfacto@verizon.net
Sandie French 410-531-2394 shfrench19@gmail.com
Lisa Hines 443-745-2266 lisahines0810@gmail.com
Annaliese Mmari 443-934-7556 mmariannaliese@gmail.com
Julie Ridler 608-469-2590 jriddle9@jmhi.edu
Janet Romsaas 301-529-5087 janetromsaas@hotmail.com
Matt Scott 410-206-3029 matthewscott899@gmail.com
Greg Seen 410-465-9160 gseen@verizon.net
Kathi White 410-465-7384 kwhite2@jhu.edu
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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or death in the family
and need to speak to the pastor immediately
call: Like • Follow • Engage • Share
410-465-6779
For emergencies during office hours, please
continue to call the church office at:
410-465-2977
21The Messenger | March 2022 First Lutheran Church, Elllicot City
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