March 20, 2020

Inside This Edition

Important Information Regarding Scheduling Changes Pg. 1

Midday Prayer & Optional Worship Services Pg. 1a+

WELCA Updates Pg. 4

Children & Youth Ministry Events Pg. 6

Preschool Summer Camp Pg. 7

Congregation Council Report Pg. 8

How to Help a Hurting Friend Pg. 9

Our Journey to Reconciling in Christ Designation Pg. 10

Earth Day Turns 50! - Creation Care Ministry Update Pg. 11

Beloved Community Services (April) Pg. 13

El Salvador Thank You Notes & Photos Pg. 15

1

Important Information Regarding Scheduling Changes (Due to COVID-19)

Note: This is a copy of the church-wide communication that was emailed on 3/13/20 at 2:00 p.m.

Greetings Fellow Disciples! We are all aware of the continuing and developing COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.

While the First Lutheran community and neighborhood has not yet experienced a reported case of COVID-19, we want

to take steps now to provide the safest environment for everyone in the First Lutheran community and neighborhood.

To that end, our executive committee and pastors met last evening and made the following decisions:

Out of an abundance of caution and based on official guidance, we are cancelling all church activities from Sat-

urday, March 14 through Friday, March 27. This includes worship, bible studies, Faith Finders, and affirmation of bap-

tism classes. Meetings such as our monthly council meeting, will happen but will do so remotely via ZOOM or confer-

ence call.

• We are also cancelling the Lenten Midweek services and soup suppers for March 18 and 25.

• Choir practices and Jubilate Bell Choir practices are also suspended. Members of those choirs will receive commu-

nication in the coming weeks regarding when rehearsals will resume.

• Beloved Community will be cancelling services and communicating that information to those who attend that ser-

vice.

• The Church of Heavenly Joy is making its own decision about whether to hold services or not.

Separately, and following its established practice, our preschool will be closed for two weeks, following the Howard

County School closing schedule mandated by the State of Maryland.

Because circumstances such as the one we are currently living in can be especially stressful for those living with addic-

tion and through recovery, those support groups are welcome to meet as scheduled, based on the needs of those par-

ticular communities.

Lisa Hines, a fellow disciple here at First, has volunteered to coordinate a caring ministry for those who might need to

stay at home and need errands completed (trips to food store, pharmacies, etc.). If you would like to participate in this

ministry by running errands for those who need to remain at home, please contact Lisa so she will have your contact

information. If you would like to have someone run errands for you, please contact Lisa as well. Lisa’s phone number is

443-745-2266.

Pictorial Directory Photo Sessions: These sessions have been cancelled at this time. We will be communicating a

new range of dates in the future which will allow everyone to have a portrait taken for the pictorial directory to be pub-

lished later in 2020.

During the next several weeks, you can expect more frequent communications from the church. These will be delivered

via email as well as social media platforms, and will include daily devotions/prayers, alternative worship opportunities for

Sundays and Wednesdays, and other updates from the congregation. If you wish to update your contact information,

please contact the church office (410-465-2977 or flcoffice@firstlutheranec.org).

God’s community here is always blessed by your generosity. If you would like to continue financially supporting Gods

ministry in this community during this particularly disruptive time, please feel free to do so by mailing your offering enve-

lope or using our on-line giving platform available through our website or the First Lutheran app.

One additional notice: long-term care facilities and medical facilities are restricting non-emergency visitations. If you or

someone you know is in need of a visit from one of our pastors, please be in contact with the office (410-465-2977) or

the Pastoral Care Emergency Line (410-465-6779).

We all continue to hold our entire community, the neighborhood and the world in prayer, as we pray together: Gracious

God, it is good for us to gather as your beloved in community. We treasure your presence with us in word and meal,

song and prayer. Be with us in these days when gathering together as often as we would like is not possible. When we

must be apart for reasons of safety, we trust that you surround us with your sheltering wings. Encourage us in connect-

ing as we are able, reaching out to our neighbors in need and being persistent in prayer. We ask this in the name of Je-

sus, our constant companion. Amen.

Peace, Jim Andersen, Congregation President, Glenn Severn, Congregation Vice President, Susan Garde, Congre-

gation Secretary, Michelle Miles, Congregation Treasurer, The Rev. Mike Louia, Senior Pastor, The Rev. Tamika

Jancewicz, Associate Pastor

1a

Note: This is a copy of the church-wide communication that was emailed on 3/14/20 at 12:00 p.m.

MIDDAY PRAYER

During this time when we are not coming together face-to-face, we can still gather together in prayer. Join us daily

(Monday - Friday) starting Monday, March 16, at 12:00 pm. for midday prayers on Facebook Live

@FirstLuthEllicottCity (https://www.facebook.com/FirstLuthEllicottCity/).

To find live videos on Facebook:

1. From your News Feed, click Watch on the left.

2. Click Live below Watch on the left.

If you're searching for a specific video or topic, you can click Search at the top of

your screen, then filter to narrow your results.

(For Facebook Live Help - https://www.facebook.com/help/1468879913412530)

If you have special prayer requests, please send them to Pastor Tamika at tamika@firstlutheranec.org and we will

pray for them specifically each day.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS FOR WORSHIP

In addition to this opportunity, we would like to offer the following options for worship on Sunday, March 15 &

March 22:

Worship (Home)

• Liturgy of Readings & Reflection

• Hymn (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C59j6p6iOZ4)

• Prayer

NOTE: These resources referenced above will be distributed via a church-wide email (Constant Contact).

They can also be accessed by emailing the office at flcoffice@firstlutheranec.org.

Digital Worship with our Delaware-Maryland Synod at 10:00 a.m. EST for a Service of the Word with music led

by Bishop Bill Gohl. You can use the hashtag #DEMDprays to share your prayer requests with the gathered digi-

tal community.

Facebook @DelawareMarylandSynod (https://www.facebook.com/DelawareMarylandSynod )

YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS7Ybv7zZqMFsYe3Vt5t0Lg/videos )

Please note that this edition of The Messenger was creat-

ed prior to the latest COVID-19 Virus developments. As a

result, some of the upcoming events/services/activities

featured might be cancelled or rescheduled.

We will continue to keep you abreast of cancellations as

soon as possible via email, as well as our social media

platforms. However, if you are unsure of the status of an

event/service/activity, please feel free to contact the

event/ministry contact directly or church office (410-465-

2977 or flcoffice@firstlutheranec.org).

Greetings Fellow Disciples! As we continue our journey together in the reality of a world firmly in the grips of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, hear these worlds of the psalmist: I lift up my eyes to the hills-- from where is my help to come? My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth. The LORD will not let your foot be moved; nor will the one who watches over you fall asleep. Behold, the keeper of Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD watches over you; the LORD is your shade at your right hand. The sun will not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will preserve you from all evil and will keep your life. The LORD will watch over your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. (Psalm 121, Evangelical Lutheran Worship) There is no doubt that our lives have been challenged and our routines changed over the past week. Like no time in recent memory, God’s people face the likelihood of an extended period of practicing social distancing aimed at slowing the rate at which COVID-19 spreads. As people who place all their hope in a gracious God who promises to be with us always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20) we can be comforted in knowing that while we might have to separate socially, we are never separated relationally. First Lutheran continues to take all steps necessary to minimize opportunities in which the COVID-19 virus might spread, including cancelling ministry events and worship services and conducting necessary meetings virtually. This week, we will be calling all FELC families (those for whom we have a phone number) to check in. We also will be providing regular updates regarding resources available for those in the congregation to connect with one another in prayer, devotion and praise. If you need to update your contact information with FELC, please contact the office (410) 465-2977 or flcoffice@firstlutheranec.org). As a reminder, we are offering

• Daily prayer time (noon Monday – Friday) via Facebook Live

• Sunday worship led by Bishop Bill Gohl via our Delaware-Maryland synod’s Facebook and YouTube channels

• Sunday worship liturgy materials for in-home worship, this week, including a reflection from one of our pastors

In addition, the following daily devotional resources are offered as suggestions for your use:

• DE-MD Synod Blog A collection of weekly blogs from Bishop Bill Gohl. www.demdsynod.org/blog

• DE-MD Weekly E-Letter Subscribe to receive the DE-MD Synod’s weekly e-letter for the latest news around our synod. www.demdsynod.org/e-letter-archive

• Daily Bible Reading (ELCA) A relevant daily reading from the ELCA. www.elca.org/Faith/DailyBible

Daily devotional resources – continued

• Our Daily Bread Daily encouragement and inspiration to draw closer to God each day. www.odb.org

• Living Lutheran (ELCA) The primary publication of the ELCA sharing church members’ perspective on different aspects of their life and faith. www.livinglutheran.org

• Women of the ELCA (WELCA) Offering a community of women resources to assist in their desire to discern God’s call in their lives and discover their spiritual gifts to make a difference in the world.

o Blog www.womenoftheelca.org/blog o Resources www.womenoftheelca.org/resources

• Faith Lens (ELCA) – Youth Weekly Bible studies that engage youth and young adults in connecting world events with the Bible, faith, and everyday life. www.blogs.elca.org/faithlens

• Illustrated Ministry – Families A free, weekly resources newsletter that goes out to families that sign up with email. www.illustratedministry.com/flattenthecurve

• Home Grown Faith – Families Resources for faith at home and more helpful ways to share the Coronavirus pandemic with younger children. www.homegrownfaith.net/coronavirus-resources-for-home-congregation

As you many have heard, long-term care facilities and medical facilities are restricting non-emergency visitations. If you or someone you know is in need of a visit from one of our pastors, please be in contact with the office (410) 465-2977 or the Pastoral Care Emergency line (410) 465-6779. Also, if you become quarantined and you have no means of getting food or other necessities, please contact Lisa Hines, a fellow disciple here at First, who has volunteered to coordinate a caring ministry for those who might need to stay at home and need errands completed (trips to food store, pharmacies, etc.). If you would like to participate in this ministry by running errands for those who need to remain at home, please contact Lisa so she will have your contact information. Lisa’s phone number is (443) 745-2266. We continue to hold each one of you in prayer as we navigate together the days ahead. Almighty and merciful God, you are the only source of health and healing; you along can bring calmness and peace. Grant to us, your children, an awareness of your presence and a strong confidence in you. In our pain, our weariness, and our anxiety, surround us with your care, protect us by your loving might, and permit us once more to enjoy health and strength and peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. (from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, pg. 85). Peace, Pastor Mike, Pastor Tamika & Lauren Caronna, Director of Children & Youth Ministries

Greetings Fellow Disciples! During this Lent, our mid-week worship services, using the theme “in the name of Jesus”, provided us an opportunity to reflect on the message from what many believe to be the earliest Christian hymn in existence. Known as the Christ hymn, Philippians 2:5-11 reads: 5Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,

6who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited,

7but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness.

And being found in human form, 8he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross.

9Therefore God also highly exalted him

and gave him the name that is above every name,

10so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

(Philippians 2:5-11, NRSV) Paul’s words from Philippians is the second reading for Palm/Passion Sunday and help us to fully experience the work of God in Jesus, work that, as our celebration of Palm/Passion Sunday brings to life, is a contrast between glorious praise and celebration that welcomes Jesus into Jerusalem and then moves quickly to betrayal, abandonment and, perhaps hopelessness as Jesus cries from the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” before crying out in a loud voice and breathing his last breath. (Matthew 27:46 – 50, NRSV) Paul’s words and the story of Jesus’ experience on that first holy week in so many ways summarize our own feelings and experiences these past several weeks as our “normal” has been transformed. We’ve experienced what it means to forgo our wants and needs, for the sake and safety of our vulnerable siblings as we stayed at home, practiced social distancing, and, as difficult as it was, fasted from physically gathering as God’s people in this faith community. And now, as we face a future that continues to be filled with uncertainty and in many cases anxiety and fear, it’s time to give voice to the reality that our fasting from in-person gatherings will last longer than we had originally hoped. At its monthly meeting, our congregation council made the very difficult decision to extend the cancellation of all in-person gatherings at First Lutheran up to and including holy week and Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020. While we can grieve what appears to be lost forever, we can also take heart from these words of hope:

"If the idea of empty sanctuaries on Easter is daunting, we should remember that the first Easter took place in a lonely graveyard with none around. It is the power of that same resurrection which will empower us all now." - The Rev. Jack Carlson

While we will not be gathering physically over the coming weeks, there will be opportunities to support one another as a disciple of the risen Jesus.

• Look for additional communication and resources that provide a variety of ways to participate in worship and devotions and spiritual practices, using technology as it is available. These include our synod-sponsored ministries as well as congregation-led opportunities to gather for mutual support.

• Look, too, for resources that provide families with tools to continue faith-forming practices in the home.

• As you remember what it feels like to gather physically for worship, picture your pew neighbor and reach out to them via phone, email or text to check in and catch up.

• Pray, daily, for those on our prayer list, for those who are suffering with COVID-19, for families who are grieving the death of loved ones, for those who are working tirelessly to ensure the sick are treated, for those who are working to find a vaccine or to provide ample testing and processing.

• As a reminder, Lisa Hines, a fellow disciple here at First, has volunteered to coordinate a caring ministry for those who might need to stay at home and need errands completed (trips to food store, pharmacies, etc.). If you would like to participate in this ministry by running errands for those who need to remain at home, please contact Lisa so she will have your contact information. If you would like to have someone run errands for you, please contact Lisa as well. Lisa’s phone number is 443-745-2266.

• God’s community here is always blessed by your generosity. Practically, doing God’s work in this community requires approximately $60,000 per month to meet its minimal ministry expenses. Please continue to support financially God’s work in this place. You can make your offering by mailing your offering to the church (3604 Chatham Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042) or via our on-line app available either on our website or our free app available at your respective app store (search for First Lutheran – Ellicott City).

As you have experienced over the past week, you can continue to expect more frequent communications from the church. These will be delivered via email as well as social media platforms, and will include daily devotions/prayers, alternative worship opportunities for Sundays and Wednesdays, and other updates from the congregation. If you wish to update your contact information, please contact the church office (410-465-2977 or flcoffice@firstlutheranec.org). And a reminder that long-term care facilities and medical facilities are restricting non-emergency visitations. If you or someone you know needs a visit from one of our pastors, please be in contact with the office (410-465-2977) or the Pastoral Care Emergency line (410-465-6779).

We all continue to hold our entire community, the neighborhood and the world in prayer, as we live into these days ahead. Peace, Jim Andersen, Congregation President Carol Brzezinski Sally Seen Glenn Severn, Congregation Vice President Jared English Sue Wehr Susan Garde, Congregation Secretary Ray Facto Kathi White Michelle Miles, Congregation Treasurer Sandie French Mark Williams Wade Wray, Financial Secretary Emily Jackson The Rev. Mike Louia, Senior Pastor Rajakumar Ayahphillay Matt Scott The Rev. Tamika Jancewicz, Associate Pastor

REVEREND MIKE LOUIA Senior Pastor

(prmike@firstlutheranec.org)

After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.

2 And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and

rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow.

4 For fear of

him the guards shook and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; I know that

you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place

where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, 'He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going

ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.' This is my message for you." 8 So they left the tomb quickly with fear

and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said, "Greetings!" And they came to him,

took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10

Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me." (Matthew 28:1-10, NRSV)

All the gospels contain accounts of the women’s experiences at the empty tomb that third day after Jesus’ crucifixion. While these stories have many similarities, they also have many differences. For example, in Mark, the women are told to go and tell the disciples about what they had experienced and seen at the tomb, but “they said nothing to any-one, for they were afraid.” (Mark 16:8, NRSV), while in Luke, the women “remembered his words, and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest.” (Luke 24:8-, NRSV) In John, Mary Magdalene first thinks the resurrected Jesus is the gardener who has stolen Jesus’ body, until Jesus calls her by name. She then rushes to tell the disciples, "I have seen the Lord" (John 20:18, NRSV)

Matthew’s account has always intrigued me with two details only Matthew includes:

The hope-filled promise that Jesus has already made his way to Galilee ahead of his disciples, and

The response of the women who “left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy” (Matthew 28:8, NRSV)

Throughout Matthew’s gospel account, Jesus has been living into his name, Emmanuel (which means God with us). And let’s face it, had we been standing at the cross as Jesus took his last breath, it’s likely we would have thought that meant the end of the promise of God’s being with us. But Matthew doesn’t want us to succumb to our hopelessness as Matthew makes it clear: even death could not take away God’s promised presence!

I wonder if it is God’s hope-filled promised presence that enables the women to go forward, not completely convinced but filled simultaneously with fear and great joy! Perhaps it’s God’s promised presence that gives us the strength to move ahead in ministry when we are afraid. Perhaps it’s God’s promised presence that lets us give voice to our fears without allowing these fears to stifle our voices. Perhaps it’s God’s promised presence even when we fear that makes great joy even possible!

I believe that it’s God’s promised presence that gives us all our emotions, allows those emotions to guide our actions, and, in the end moves us from fear to great joy throughout our lives. God’s promised presence, made known to us in Jesus himself, who continues to go ahead of us in our journeys of faith, grants us hope, not just at Easter, but in all the seasons of our lives. This is not only good news … it’s life-giving news for all of God’s people!

See you Sunday!

Pastor Mike

2

Fear can be unyielding and often times, when it moves into hysteria, it can cause irrational thoughts and behav-

iors. It’s not unusual for people to panic when the world becomes an unknown place. It’s not unusual to feel

hopeless in times of distress and uncertainties. It’s also not unusual for people to store up things, stay closed in,

and bunker down when it seems everything else is becoming less and less predictable and chaotic.

These days can be full of fear. And it’s not unwarranted. There are still many unknowns about COVID-19, and

each day seems to bring some new news, new cases of people having it, and different directives from our lead-

ers as things are constantly changing. So, yes, being fearful, and uncertain makes sense. And if that is you,

please know that you are not alone.

For the season of Lent, I have been reading the late Rev. Howard Thurman’s book, “Deep is the Hunger: Medita-

tions for Apostles of Sensitiveness.” Thurman was a pastor, theologian, author and dean, and his wisdom sur-

passes him and the time and place he lived. He was one of the co-pastors of the first racially integrated, and in-

tercultural churches in the United Sates, and much of his writings have to do with adjusting to the ongoing chang-

es that were happening in his time. In this particular book I am reading, he talks about trees and their ability to

bend with the wind. He writes,

[Trees] bend with the wind and ride out every

storm, yielding only enough to guarantee them-

selves against destruction. It is a very fine art, this

bending with the wind and keeping on. Of course,

the winds leave their mark. The trees are not up-

right as if they have never known the relentless

pressure of many winds through many days.

This analogy has stuck with me as we continue to bend with

this wind of unknowns around the virus, COVID-19, and the

affects it is having on our world. And like storms, we know,

that the winds might get a bit stronger before they die down

and eventually the sun will come out again and the storm

will come to a storm. And in many ways, many of us are

bending to the wind of these unknowns.

In this same section of the book, Thurman gives an image of how a community of trees protect one another. How

the outer trees take most of the wind from storms, while the inner trees have a better chance of growing straight

up and down protected by the trees. In many ways, that is how communities get through things together. Some of

us are bending more with the wind to protect those who are most vulnerable, and to care for those who might not

otherwise be able to bend themselves. This imagery is one I hope gives us all encouragement as this strong wind

continues to blow, and we bend in ways that make us uncomfortable, keep us separated through face-to-face

interactions, and adjust as things continue to evolve around us. This wind might leave some marks on our lives in

ways we cannot understand right now, but as we continue to bend and adjust to these unknown winds, please

know that G-d is with you, and we will make it through this together.

Peace,

Pastor Tamika

______________________________

Thurman, Howard. Deep Is the Hunger: Meditations for Apostles of Sensitiveness. Muriwai Books, 2018.

3

REVEREND TAMIKA JANCEWICZ Associate Pastor

(tamika@firstlutheranec.org)

4

Let us recall that in our midst dwells Christ, God’s holy Son;

as members of each body joined, in him we are made one.

Latin hymn, 9th C., tr. Omer Westendorf, (ELW 359)

As I wrote last month’s column I was preparing to leave on a trip to the

Holy Land. You may have noticed that I made it back! Many of you

have shared your experiences from when you visited there, and many

others have expressed their desire to go sometime. I encourage any-

one who can do so, to do so. Of all the memorable experiences while

there I have to count as one of my favorites the Sunday morning wor-

ship at Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem. Our group mingled

with the parishioners before the service, worshiped with them, sang

with them led by a pipe organ and guitar, and enjoyed coffee hour af-

terwards. Sounds just like a typical Sunday at FELC, right? Yes, ex-

cept that most of the service was in Arabic. The pastor graciously re-

peated some of the prayers and readings and summarized his sermon

into English. We felt very welcome. A short walk later we were at the

Church of the Nativity, the building that was built over the spot believed

to be the stable (actually more of a cave) where Jesus was born. The

words of “O Little Town of Bethlehem” kept running through my mind,

but it contrasted with the reality that Bethlehem is now a large city/

suburb of Jerusalem and, rather than “how still we see thee lie,” it is a

bustling community.

Whenever and wherever we worship, we are not isolated. We believe Jesus’ words “wherever two or three are

gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them.” We profess in the Great Thanksgiving that we are joining

with the Church in all times and places, in heaven and on earth, in the past and in the future, as we sing praise to

God and celebrate the Holy Meal. May we always keep that in mind whether we worship thousands of miles away

or right there in our own favorite FELC pew.

All of our choirs continue to rehearse music for Lent, Holy Week, and Easter. New members are welcome but

must be attending rehearsals at least three weeks before Easter. Below is the line-up and contacts for more infor-

mation.

Jubilate Handbells—Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary

Contact: Jenne Burnham (fenris1954@yahoo.com)

Children’s Choir—Sundays at 9:15 a.m. (Social Hall)

Contact: Len Langrick (len@firstlutheranec.org)

Adult/Teen Choir—Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. (Choir Rm)

Contact: Len Langrick (len@firstlutheranec.org)

Join us! And keep singing!

Wayne

DR. WAYNE L. WOLD Director of Music Ministry

(wayne@firstlutheranec.org)

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WOMEN OF FIRST LUTHERAN (WELCA) Diane Schwarzman, President (Diane.Schwarzman9@gmail.com)

FIRST LUTHERAN WOMEN & BELOVED COMMUNITY | MARCH 21 (CANCELLED) GRASSROOTS DAY RESOURCE CENTER | APRIL 20 On Monday, April 20, at 11:30 a.m. all ladies are welcome to join us in the downstairs kitchen to prepare the lunch and dinner meals that will be served at the Day Resource Center. For more information, please contact Nancy Gal-loway or Doris Ann Hauser. WELCA BOARD MEETING | APRIL 27 The WELCA board meets in the parlor on Monday, April 27, at 10:00 a.m. SAVE THE DATE! SPRING GATHERING | MAY 27 Our spring gathering is scheduled for Wednesday, May 27, in the Fellowship Cen-ter beginning at 9:30 a.m. with brunch. At 10:30 a.m. we will enjoy 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. CIRCLE MEETINGS Please note that both meetings are held in the Youth Room and all women of the church are invited. Martha Circle will meet on April 14, at 10 a.m. A program entitled "The Twelve Fruits of the Holy Spirit" will be pre-sented by Helen Tyler. Refreshments will be provided by Doris Ann Hauser. Meetings are held in the Youth Room and all women of the church are invited. Contact Valerie Roth (410) 480-0415 for further information. Rebecca Circle will meet on April 16, at 1:00 p.m. The topic is The Story of Susanna in the Aprocrypha. Her story is truly an interesting one. Contacts: Susan Davis (410) 418-4535 and Debbie Row (410) 446-6567. Have an idea for a future women event? Contact Diane Schwarzman at (diane.schwarzman9@gmail.com) or (410) 480-9711. Let's discover how we can help all women grow deeper relationships with God and with each other.

DEDINING WOMEN EVENTS 2020 Ladies take the night off to join other women affiliated with First

Lutheran for food, fellowship and fun! A head count for restaurant

gatherings is needed two days in advance of all scheduled

events. Any changes to scheduled events (restaurants, etc.) will

be announced via email.

For more information or to be added to the email list, please con-

tact Nancy Louia at (louia@comcast.net) or (301) 302-6532. The

next three gatherings are as follows:

Tuesday, April 7 (6:00pm) (CANCELLED) Maggiano’s 10300 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia

Thursday, May 21, (5:30pm) La Palapa 8307 Main St, Ellicott City

Ladies, we hope you will join us for fellowship and an opportunity to get to know each other!

A copy of the full schedule of events for the remainder of 2020 can be found in the weekly e-letter under QUICK LINKS.

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UPCOMING CHILDREN & YOUTH EVENTS & ACTIVITIES:

• April 1 - Last Lenten Soup Supper - 5:30-6:30 p.m. - Fellowship Center (CANCELLED)

• April 11- Easter Egg Hunt - 12:00 p.m. (CANCELLED)

• April 19 - High School Hangout - 9:15 a.m.

• April 19 - Youth Group from 5-7:00 p.m. - Youth Room

• April 26 - Faith Finders Service Project - 9:15 a.m. - Social Hall

• April 26 - Herbert M. Payne Scholarship Applications Deadlines

HIGH SCHOOL HANGOUTS All high school youth are invited to come and hang out to discuss different topics every sec-

ond Sunday of the month for High School Hangout! Your questions, doubts, struggles, and

faith matter, to you, the church, and to God. Meet Lauren Caronna, Director of Children &

Youth Ministries downstairs in the Social Hall at 9:15 a.m. to walk over to the "hangout" room

together. So, youth bring the questions and we’ll bring the donuts!

LENTEN SOUP SUPPERS (CANCELLED)

Join us Wednesday, April 1, during Lent for our annual Lenten Soup Supper youth fundrais-

er! Dinner is from 5:30-6:30pm in the Fellowship Center. Price is $5 per person or $15 per

family of 3 or more. The soup theme will be Chef’s Choice.

EASTER EGG HUNT | APRIL 11 (CANCELLED)

We hope to see you on the front lawn on Saturday, April 11, at 12:00 p.m. for our annual East-

er Egg Hunt! After the egg hunt, lunch will be provided. This is a community event. So, please

bring your friends, neighbors and family.

PAYNE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS

Applications for the Herbert M. Payne Scholarship are due on Sunday, April 26. This scholarship grants funds to a

member of our congregation who will be seeking higher education for their future after they finish high school. Appli-

cations can be picked up in the church office and returned to Lauren Caronna, Director of Children & Youth Minis-

tries. Good luck!

YOUTH MISSION TRIP TO CINCINNATI, OH | JULY 12-17

This summer, our youth will be heading to Cincinnati, OH for a Group Mission Trips: Week of Hope camp! This is the

same kind of camp that we participated in last summer in Wayne County, NY.

We will be spending the week interacting and making connections with mem-

bers of the community. We will also work on several service projects that help

those community members like cleaning up local gardens/parks, working at

assisted living homes, helping local businesses, etc.

As we continue through the winter and spring before our trip, please help sup-

port us by praying for us and participating in these upcoming fundraisers:

• Lenten Soup Suppers - April

• Wash & Worship car wash - June

Blessings,

Lauren Caronna

LAUREN CARONNA Director of Children & Youth Ministries

(Lauren@firstlutheranec.org)

7

Preschool Summer Camp for Children Age 3-5 Years!

June 1-5: FROZEN 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Our preschool classrooms will turn into a winter wonderland!

Play with snow, paint with ice, and make an ice cream shop!

The camp culminates with an ice cream party on Friday.

June 8-12: Planes, Trains and Automobiles 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. We'll be packing our bags and traveling to exotic locations.

What fun we'll have on our pretend excursions, learning about the

places we go and the methods of transportation that get us there.

• Early Bird Fee: $110 per week

• After May 1: $130 per week You may register and pay online for summer camp. Go to the preschool/s website, complete the registration form

online, and pay using your credit card. Checks and paper applications will be accepted, if preferred. Please note that

registration is not considered complete until payment has been received. For online registration, go to: https://

www.firstlutheranpreschoolec.com/camp.html. if you have any questions, please contact Jenny James, Director of

Preschool, at jjames@firstlutheranec.org.

Blessings,

Jenny James

JENNY JAMES Director of Preschool

(flcpreschool@firstlutheranec.org)

FIRST COMMUNION

Sunday, March 8

MEMORIAL GIFT FUNDS None as of 2.29.20

8

The congregation council met on Wednesday, March 18, via ZOOM video conferencing. In addition to the review of

written reports from all ministries, other business included:

• Approved the recently developed Capital Reserve Fund Policy as submitted by the

Capital Reserve Fund Task Force. The policy provides guidance for funding and for

accessing funds for capital improvements.

• Approved a motion from our Endowment Committee to provide $3,900 in funding

from the distributable funds from our Endowment Fund so that social ministry can

increase the funding for the Pangani Children’s Centre to $10,000 (the remainder of

the offering comes from a special grant to social ministry and proceeds from the an-

nual Christmas Baskets ministry).

• Approved a request from our Endowment Committee to provide $5,000 in funding to

our synod’s Hunger Task Force. This offering would help fund a pool of funds to be

used as grant monies supporting congregational feeding ministries across our synod.

• Approved creating a discernment team (participants to be named later) to enter a

discernment process regarding First’s future involvement and support of the Beloved Community ministry.

• Approved receiving new members, Katherine and Karl Bethmann, who will be received once we begin gather-

ing physically for worship.

• Approved a motion from our property committee (not to exceed $7,600) to contract with BGE EmPOWER Mary-

land to replace lighting fixtures in the worship center, fellowship center and education building stairways with

higher efficiency LED fixtures.

• Approved spending more than 1/12 of a budget line item to purchase a VBS starter kit (VBS is scheduled for Au-

gust 2020)

• Tabled a motion from the Finance Committee to move $20,000 in our savings account into the Capital Reserve

Fund. This represents the net income from 2019 offerings.

• Tabled a motion to partner with Horizons Stewardship to conduct an initial analysis and feasibility study of gener-

osity and stewardship practice and culture at FELC. Data from this process will guide the congregation in its deci-

sion to launch, potentially based on a congregational vote, a capital campaign to raise funds to prepare the facili-

ty and congregation for ministry in the future.

• Held a discussion about continued cancellations and changes to our ministry schedule for worship and other min-

istry events considering the COVID-19 pandemic. Communication of those decisions will be sent separately.

Update provided by Pastor Mike Louia.

CONGREGATION COUNCIL UPDATE Susan Garde, Council Secretary

(council@firstlutheranec.org)

PARISH REGISTER

DEATHS

June Atkins, February 27, 2020

Madeline M. Battaglia, March 12, 2020

Darwyn F. Kelley, February 23, 2020

9

Help a Hurting Friend

Do you have a friend, neighbor, coworker, or relative who is going through a difficult

time? Here’s a great way to help — inform them about our Stephen Ministry! Ste-

phen Ministers are members of First Lutheran who have received special training to

provide free, high-quality, confidential, one-to-one, Christian care to people who are

grieving the loss of a loved one, coping with a health crisis, experiencing a divorce

or separation, carrying a great deal of stress, facing the loss of a job—or encounter-

ing any other life challenge.

Stephen Ministers meet consistently with their care receivers to listen, care, encour-

age, and provide emotional and spiritual support. (Males are matched with males;

females with females.) The caring relationship lasts for as long as the person needs

care. It’s a powerful way you can help a friend in need of a caring relationship.

To learn how to connect

someone e with a Stephen Minister, contact Colleen Fowler,

colleenkfowler@gmail.com or call the front office. Our Stephen

Ministers are there to care!

LEAD TEAM HITS REFRESH BUTTON

As was mentioned in the March Messenger, the LEAD (Living Everyday As Disciples) team has three new members—

Kim Kearns, Tom Hunt, and Tom James—to help backfill (not replace) two long-time team members who are leaving

for other FLC ministries—Jay Zumbrun and George Conklin. In our February meeting, the continuing members—

Pastors Mike and Tamika, Joanna Casto, and Cathy Rice—brought the “newbies” up to date on all the good work

that had been done by the team since its inception in August 2016.

As a new member myself (Tom J), I was very impressed with the work LEAD has done with community partners over

the years, including Veterans Elementary School and Dunloggin Middle School. The team also discussed ongoing

efforts to support local English As A Second Language tutoring and to encourage FLC members to complete and sub-

mit their LEAD Congregational Assessment surveys.

The team is starting a new guidebook called Work Out: An invitation to connect by Peggy Hahn, Kristen Krueger,

and Rozella White. For the new members, this is our first guidebook, but for the veterans, it’s the fourth in a series

(Tune In; Wake Up; Dig Down; and Work Out). At our February meeting, the group went over the LEAD Team Cove-

nant, which states that the purpose of the FLC LEAD team is “to help our congregation develop a deep, bold, conse-

quential faith in Jesus Christ characterized by innovative behaviors that demonstrate our love for God and our neigh-

bors.” We recommit ourselves as a group to doing this through listening to the congregation and the neighborhood,

centering our daily lives on walking with God, examining and exploring our mindsets in terms of our faith and actions,

and connecting with each other within the LEAD team and across the congregation and neighborhood.

If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact any member of the LEAD team through the church

office. Our next meeting is scheduled for March 23, 2020.

Pastor Mike Pastor Tamika Joanna Casto Tom Hunt

Tom James Kim Kearns Cathy Rice

Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way

you will fulfill the law of Christ.

(Galatians 6:2, NRSV)

10

Fellow disciples, as part of our mission to be Welcoming,

Growing and Sharing in God's Grace, First Lutheran

has been on a journey to Reconciling in Christ (RIC) des-

ignation. As part of the journey we have been following

the recommendation of a Lutheran organization called

Reconciling Works or Lutherans for Full Participation.

It is an organization that subscribes to the notion and

works to eliminate racism, elitism, ageism, sexism and

other injustices on the people of God. This organization

encourages congregations to become a Reconciling in

Christ church, so that there will be an outward and public

indication that all people, in particular, the LGBQTIA+

community will find a safe place to worship and be in com-

munity with fellow Christians.

Beginning last April, your Congregation Council approved

a Welcome Statement that is inclusive for all. The Wel-

come Statement is a bold confession that we, at First be-

lieve ALL people are created in the image of God and are

welcome to worship - and encouraged to share their gifts

in this community of disciples. We profess that

“Welcoming in God’s Grace calls us to see God in all peo-

ple and to open our hearts to them. As a reflection of

God’s gracious love, First Lutheran Church welcomes

ALL of God’s people with no exceptions. Our faith com-

munity invites and welcomes you—regardless of race,

national origin, sexual orientation, gender/identity, disabil-

ity, or economic status—for worship, fellowship, and part-

nership in ministry.”

The statement was introduced to the congregation last

year at the May semi-annual meeting. As part of the pro-

cess to becoming RIC, there have been various educa-

tional and conversational gatherings held over the past 10

months to assist folks with learning about the Reconciling

in Christ designation, as well as a two-part bible study

made available by our pastors.

Those of us who have been involved in this journey and

the holy work God has blessed us with on the journey to

become Reconciling, have had our eyes opened to the

plight of those who love GOD and pray for welcome and

acceptance to worship within a community of believers,

and share the gifts they bring.

It is the hope of your church leaders that at the Semi-

Annual Congregation Meeting this May, we will pass a

motion to move forward with the next step to becoming

a RIC congregation. If the will of the congregation is to

move forward, our Welcome Statement and the sup-

porting documents required will be sent to Reconciling

Works for affirmation. The documents include attesta-

tion to providing education and appropriate bible studies

for the congregation and an affirming vote for RIC des-

ignation by the voting membership of the congregation.

Upon review of this work, a designation can be as-

signed, and we would be placed on a roster of churches

that have the designation.

If you have not attended a video gathering with conver-

sation or a bible study, please take advantage of the

next opportunity to do so. Schedules will be announced

and posted once available. These gatherings are de-

signed to help members learn, question, participate in

bible study and converse in a safe environment while

growing in faith and love of God... who loves us ALL,

no exceptions!

OUR JOURNEY TO RECONCILING IN CHRIST DESIGNATION CONTINUES

Submitted by Susan Garde

A NOTE OF THANKS

11

CREATION CARE MINISTRY UPDATE Earth Day Turns 50!

Contributed by Cathy Rice

This year, Wednesday, April 22, will be the 50th anniversary of Earth Day!

Earth Day has an interesting history which gave a voice to an emerging public con-

sciousness about the state of our planet —

In the decades leading up to the first Earth Day, Americans were consuming vast

amounts of leaded gas through massive and inefficient automobiles. Industry belched

out smoke and sludge with little fear of the consequences from either the law or bad

press. Air pollution was commonly accepted as the smell of prosperity. Until this point,

mainstream America remained largely oblivious to environmental concerns and how a

polluted environment threatens human health.

Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson came up with the idea for a national day to focus on

the environment after he, then a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, witnessed the ravages of a massive oil spill in Santa Bar-

bara, California, in 1969. Senator Nelson announced the idea for a “national teach-in on the environment” to the national

media. He then persuaded Pete McCloskey, a conservation-minded Republican Congressman, to serve as his co-chair.

On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans — at the time, 10% of the total population of the United States — took to the

streets, parks and auditoriums to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable environment in massive coast-to-coast rallies.

Thousands of colleges and universities organized protests against the deterioration of the environment.

Groups that had been fighting individually against oil spills, polluting factories and power plants, raw sewage, toxic

dumps, pesticides, freeways, the loss of wilderness and the extinction of wildlife united on Earth Day around these

shared common values. Earth Day 1970 achieved a rare political alignment, enlisting support from Republicans and

Democrats, rich and poor, urban dwellers and farmers, business and labor leaders. By the end of 1970, the first Earth

Day led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean

Water and Endangered Species Acts.

Today, Earth Day is widely recognized as the largest secular observance in the world, marked by more than a billion

people every year as a day of action to change human behavior and provoke policy changes.

As Lutherans, we also have an obligation to protect and care for the God’s Earth. If you want to know more about what

the Lutheran Church teaches, read the 1993 ELCA Social Statement on Caring for Creation: Vision, Hope and Justice at

https://www.elca.org/socialstatements or pick up a copy from the Creation Care table in the narthex. Keep an eye out in

the weekly announcements for other opportunities to Care for Creation such as: announcements about locations to pur-

chase native plants, a dedication ceremony for the church rain gardens and the picnic/garden tour in the front yard of the

church.

______________________________

1 https://www.earthday.org/history/

CREATION CARE SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES THAT SUPPORT EARTH DAY—EVERYDAY!

• Wands for Wildlife https://www.appalachianwild.org/wands-for-wildlife.html

• Blue Recycle Bin Clothing/Textile Donations for The House of Ruth (MD) http://www.mac-recycling.com/faq.html#6

• Rain Gardens Spring Planting If you have questions or interest in serving God’s creation through this ministry in any of the service opportunities listed above, please contract Cathy Rice at cprpenpal@gmail.com.

12

NATIONAL QUILTING DAY | MARCH 22 (CANCELLED)

NEW MEMBER DIRECTORY PHOTO SESSIONS | MARCH 23-31 (CANCELLED)

Sessions have been cancelled at this time. We will be communicating a new range of dates in the future which will

allow everyone to have a portrait taken for the pictorial directory to be published later in 2020.

ANNUAL DISTRIBUTION FROM OUR ENDOWMENT FUND DEADLINE | MARCH 31

Per our Endowment Fund governing documents, we are required to distribute a minimum of 10% of the annual dis-

tributable assets (gains) on an annual basis. These distributions can be made to any benevolent cause. You are

invited to recommend a ministry or group to our endowment committee for consideration. This year, we have

$13,500 available for distribution. Forms for the nomination process can be found in the back of this edition of the

newsletter. All requests should be submitted to Frank Palulis (fwpalulis@gmail.com) by March 31. Questions?

Contact Frank at (fwpalulis@gmail.com).

GOOD FRIDAY & EASTER OBSERVED – OFFICE CLOSED | APRIL 10 & 13

The church office will be closed at 12:00 p.m. on April 10, (Good Friday) and all-day April 13, in observance of

Easter. In the event of an emergency needing pastoral coverage, please call the emergency line number (410) 465

-6779 which will put you in touch with the pastor on call.

NEW BIBLE STUDY AT MILLER’S GRANT STARTS MAY 7

Despite the Holy Spirit’s reticence, the Bible does contain a wealth of information about the role and nature of the

third person of the Trinity. To understand more about the Holy Spirit is to understand more about God Himself, and

that knowledge will strengthen our faith and enrich our spiritual fruitfulness. Please join others in this 7-week study

as we gain a deeper understanding of the Holy Spirit in our lives and a closer communication with the Spirit. All

classes will be held between 10:30 a.m. and noon on Thursdays in the MILLER’S GRANT Learning Center. There

will be an $8 fee for study materials. Please contact Jim McDonald (410) 707-5361 by April 15, if you plan to at-

tend the Bible study.

NOTE: During the next several weeks, you can expect frequent communications from the church. These will be delivered via email, as well as social media platforms; and will include daily devotions/prayers, alternative worship opportunities for Sundays and Wednesdays, and other updates from the congregation. If you wish to update your contact information, please contact the church office at flcoffice@firstlutheranec.org or 410-465-2977.

ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE OUR NEIGHBORS & COMMUNITY

(POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE)

For more details regarding how you can support Box Tops for Education, Wands for Wildlife, Rain Garden Spring

Planting, Clothing/Textile Donations for The House of Ruth (MD), Blessings in a Backpack (September 2019 -

June 2020) and/or Preschool Partners (October - May—following the Howard County School schedule), please

check the information board located in the narthex or contact the ministry contact from the contact list located in

the back of The Messenger each month or call the church office at 410-465-2977.

For changes/updates and/or details for all

meetings and events scheduled to take place

at First Lutheran, go to: (https://

calendar.churchart.com/calendar/73897365)

13

Beloved Community would like to extend their gratitude and thankfulness for First Evangelical Lutheran Church’s

love and support since the beginning. Saturday, April 4, will mark its 2nd year anniversary. The celebration previ-

ously planned with worship and fellowship unfortunately has been cancelled, also due to COVID-19. However,

below are dates, time and details of the remaining services in April. Please make plans to join! If you have any

questions, please contact Pastor Surekha at surekhanel@gmail.com.

BELOVED COMMUNITY WORSHIP SERVICES

A NOTE OF THANKS

14

Photos: (Bottom left from left to right): James MacLellan & Matthew

Cheruiyot. (Right from left to right): Esther Lin & Kaley MacLellan in El

Salvador—February 2020.

A NOTE OF THANKS

15

Thank You Notes for El Salvador Mission Trip Support

My Brothers and Sisters,

Hello, I’m Esther. The trip to El Salvador was a great, life changing event. I just wanted to thank anyone who gra-

ciously donated. Just in one fundraiser, First Lutheran helped us raise over $1,000! Your kindness has been much

appreciated. Your donations allowed us to purchase goody bags for a women’s softball team in El Salvador. The

donations also helped to fund the building of 2 houses for families in need.

We appreciate everything you did to help us!

~ Esther Lin

Dear First Lutheran Congregation,

Thank you so much for your kind donations and prayers! Without your support, we couldn’t have made the impact

we did for people less fortunate than us. All of the donations and prayers played just as big of a role as all the physi-

cal work that we did in El Salvador. I say again, thank you all so much!

~ Matthew Cheruiyot

Blessed Congregation,

Thank you for all the amazing amounts of donations for our El Salvador mission trip! You made it possible for us to

make such a huge impact on two families in San Jose, Villanueva. To all who donated and prayed for us, God bless

you and thank you!

~ James MacLellan

IN CASE YOU DIDN’T KNOW OR FORGOT... YOU SHOP. AMAZON GIVES. WE BENEFIT. First Lutheran Church participates in AmazonSmile. This is a way for Amazon customers to support First Luther-an 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! For details, please refer to the Information Center in the narthex or under QUICK LINKS in the weekly e-letter. 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 found in the weekly e-letters under QUICK LINKS. SUPPORT GROUPS & MINISTRIES First offers a place for the hurting to find help, healing and hope. Al Anon/AA, AA, DBSA Depression & Bipolar Support, Stephen Ministers and a few seasonal ministries are all open to the congregation and community. For meeting days/times, refer to the Support Groups at First (flyer) in the weekly e-letter under QUICK LINKS. FIRST ON VIMEO Want to look at a video that you saw on Facebook/Twitter or the e-newsletter again, check Vimeo. And be sure to share with others some of the fun and exciting times we have serving together and for God’s glory. Vimeo (https://vimeo.com/user73508597). FIRST LUTHERAN APP On the App you can also submit Prayer Requests, access Facebook, sermons and announcements, receive push notifications for special events, reminders and important church updates and more. It’s free. To download, text ‘firstlutheranec app’ to 77977 or search your mobile device’s App Store for First Lutheran Ellicott City. ADDITIONAL WORSHIP SERVICES Midweek Worship and Beloved Community are additional opportunities to gather with fellow disciples for worship and fellowship, in addition to the two services on Sunday. Midweek services are held each Wednesday. Fellow-ship at 6:30 p.m. followed by service at 7:00 p.m. Beloved Community gathers weekly on Saturdays starting at 5:00 PM for fellowship. Service starts at 5:30 p.m. Potluck dinners held on 1st Saturdays. USE OF CHURCH FACILITIES Did you know that you can request use of the church facilities for personal use such as baby showers and other special occasions such as parties, meetings and other events? To make a request, contact Lori Teitelbaum, Ministry Support Specialist, at (410-465-2977 x7) or (lori@firstlutheranec.org) in the church office to obtain and complete a Facilities Use Agreement for consideration by the approval review committee. PRAYER REQUESTS To submit your requests for prayer, please complete the form in your bulletin or call 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 Intercessory Prayer List, please contact the church office at (410) 465-2977 or flcoffice@firstlutheranec.org). WORSHIP ASSISTANTS & SPONSORS ARE “VIPS” TO FIRST! Worship Assistants and Sponsors (flowers, bulletins and communion elements) are all “VIPS,” a very important part of worship—and needed year-round. Therefore, please continue to check the Dedication Sign-up Calen-dar on the bulletin board outside the church office workroom regularly for available dates for sponsorship oppor-tunities. Complete the green dedication form on the board attached with your payment. Payments can be placed in the wooden mailbox on the bulletin board, offering plate or mailed to the office. If you are interested, and able to serve as an assistant during worship services, please go to the Sign-up Genius (http://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0c4aaba92aa46-worship) regularly for opportunities to use your God-given time and talents for His church and disciples. We continuously give thanks for your generosity and continued support! 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 or e-mail and let us know - before you go.

Keep up with the latest news, events and activities in & around First!

To receive church announcements, parish notices

and our weekly E-letters, use the ‘connect’ button on

the App or website (www.firstlutheranec.org) and

look for the SIGN UP NOW button.

Then fill in your name & e-mail address.

It’s that easy!

ABOUT FIRST LUTHERAN

First Lutheran’s After Hours Emergency Phone Number

(evenings & weekends only)

If you have a medical emergency, or death in the family

and need to speak to the pastor immediately call:

410-465-6779

For emergencies during office hours, please continue to call the church office at:

410-465-2977

Like, Follow, Engage, Share

Stay connected on your mobile devices! Search and download ‘First Lutheran Ellicott City’ on your mobile device’s App store or text “firstlutheranec(add a space)app’ to 77977. It’s FREE! Be sure to opt-in for push notifications, so that you don’t miss FELC updates. Connect, grow and share with us in all the amazing things God is doing here at First Evangelical Lutheran

Interested in Joining?

When Jesus called his first disci-

ples, he simply invited them,

“Come and see.”

Following Jesus’ example, we invite anyone who would like to become a member of the congregation to contact one of the pastors for a one-on-one orien-tation. New members are received on the fourth Sunday of every month.

You are welcome to grow, and share in God’s grace with us!

SIGN UP NOW

Electronic Giving

Did you know that even if you have to miss a ser-vice, you don’t have to miss an opportunity to give? There are several easy and convenient ways to con-sistently give.

1. Website - Select the “GIVE”

tab 2. Text “firstlutheranec” to 77977

from any mobile device* Establishing an on-line giving profile also allows you to make offerings to a variety of designations. Offer-ings can be made from a checking account, debit card or credit card over a safe, encrypted connec-tion.

Please be aware that Msg & Data rates may apply. For full Terms & Condi-

tions please visit https://pushpay.com/terms. For the Privacy Policy please visit

https://pushpay.com/privacy. For help reply HELP or STOP to cancel.

Sermons (Audio & Manuscripts) Audio versions of Sunday sermons and some of our other worship services are available via the App, Facebook, SoundCloud and website. Manual copies of Sunday and Midweek sermons can be found in the weekly e-letter, This Week at First.

Photography compliments of Steve DeWitt.

Jenny James, Director of Preschooljjames@firstlutheranec.org

Lauren Caronna, Dir. of Children & Youth Ministrylauren@firstlutheranec.org

Renee Kalu, Director of Communicationsrenee@firstlutheranec.org

Rev. Michael Louia, Sr. Pastorprmike@firstlutheranec.org

Dr. Wayne L. Wold, Director of Musicwayne@firstlutheranec.org

Phyllis Lott, Ministry Support Specialist IIphyllis@firstlutheranec.org

Lori Teitelbaum, Ministry Support Specialistlori@firstlutheranec.org

OUR STAFF First Lutheran Church

ELLICOTT CITY, MD

Len Langrick, Assistant Director of Musiclen@firstlutheranec.org

Rev. Tamika Jancewicz, Associate Pastortamika@firstlutheranec.org

PhotoComingSoon!

FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN 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  Len Langrick  410‐465‐2977 x4  len@firstlutheranec.org 

Director of Children & Youth  Lauren Caronna  410‐465‐2977 x3  lauren@firstlutheranec.org 

Director of Preschool  Jenny James  410‐465‐5977   flcpreschool@firstlutheranec.org 

Director of Communica ons  Renee Kalu  410‐465‐2977  renee@firstlutheranec.org 

Ministry Support Specialist II  Phyllis Lo   410‐465‐2977 x5  flcoffice@firstlutheranec.org 

Ministry Support Specialist I  Lori Teitelbaum   410‐465‐2977 x7  lori@firstlutheranec.org 

COUNCIL MEMBERS Jim Andersen  (President)  301‐461‐4199   jwandersen101@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 

Carol Brzezinski  410‐442‐5675  seabrzz@gmail.com 

Jared English  301‐725‐0848  jaredmenglish@gmail.com 

Ray Facto  410‐465‐3185   bjfacto@verizon.net 

Sandie French  410‐531‐2394  shfrench19@gmail.com 

Emily Jackson (Youth Rep)  410‐465‐4764  ejackson9902@gmail.com 

Ma  Sco   410‐206‐3029  ma hewsco 899@gmail.com 

Sally Seen  410‐302‐1883  sallyseen@verizon.net 

Sue Wehr  410‐489‐4549  wehrhouse1@verizon.net 

Kathi White  410‐465‐7384  kwhite2@jhu.edu 

Mark Williams  214‐212‐7305  mark@netwilliams.net 

     

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  Diane Schwarzman  410‐480‐9711  diane.schwarzman9@gmail.com 

GROWING MINISTRY      

Caring for God’s Crea on  Cathy Rice  410‐750‐9631  cprpenpal@gmail.com 

Children’s & Youth Ministry  Lauren Caronna  410‐465‐2977  lauren@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  443‐266‐7030  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 Kearns  410‐750‐8988  kskearns@verizon.net 

SHARING MINISTRY      

Endowment  Frank Palulis  410‐868‐1206  fwpalulis@gmail.com 

Finance  Michelle Miles  410‐461‐6853  treasurer@firstlutheranec.org 

Memorial Gi s  Gail Hikel  410‐461‐6296  onthegogail@msn.com 

Prayer Shawl &  

  Sewing Circle 

Deb Hardesty 

  Karen Dewi  

410‐530‐9772 

  410‐750‐9744 

debsummercrest@gmail.com 

  kydshop1@verizon.net 

Social Ministry  Jay Zumbrun  443‐266‐7030  jzumbrun@ccbcmd.edu 

Stephen Ministry  Colleen Fowler  410‐750‐2453  stephenministry@firstlutheranec.org  

Glenn Severn  (Vice President)  410‐465‐0369  gsevern@comcast.net 

3604 Chatham Road | Ellicott City, MD 21042 Office: 410.465.2977 | Preschool: 410.465.5977 | Fax: 410.465.8700

Website: firstlutheranec.org | Facebook: @FirstLuthEllicottCity Twitter: @FLCofficeEC

3604 Chatham Road | Ellicott City, MD 21042 Office: 410.465.2977 | Preschool: 410.465.5977 | Fax: 410.465.8700

Website: firstlutheranec.org | Facebook: @FirstLuthEllicottCity Twitter: @FLCofficeEC

First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ellicott City

Request for Endowment Fund Consideration

An endowment fund was established by the members of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church to be used primarily for benevolent purposes. The fund may distribute a portion of the fund’s appreciation on an annual basis. The Endowment Fund committee will evaluate requests for support from such assets and make recommendation to the church council for approval. If you know of opportunities that could benefit from such support, please complete the following:

1. Contact Information: a. Name b. Phone c. E-mail

2. Brief description of activity:

3. How does this relate to First Evangelical Lutheran’s mission of Welcoming, growing and sharing in God’s grace?

4. Amount of funds requested:

5. What percentage of the total funds needed for this opportunity are represented by the requested Endowment funds?

6. When are funds needed?

All requests should be submitted to Frank Palulis (fwpalulis@gmail.com) by March 31, 2020. If you have questions, please contact Frank directly.