Church guide

Check out this week's Family Ministry Newsletter - July!

In the spirit of #NationalGiveSomethingAwayDay, consider paying for the coffee of the person behind you in line. Consider cleaning out your closet or garage and making a donation. Donate to the local food pantry or little library. https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-give-something-away-day-july-15/

Pictures (compliments of Steve Schwarzman) from Laurel Erickson Wacyk and family’s Farewell and Godspeed today. Thanks again Laurel for your ministry with us! 🙏🏾 God bless you and yours.

Dear parents, what you are doing is holy. It is painfully faithful. Yet all of us at some time find that it is too much for us to bear alone. Even God needed partners (i.e., Moses, Mary, Paul) in raising children of God. That’s when community can be a gift. https://www.livinglutheran.org/2019/07/good-news-for-parents-not-in-church/

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid” (John 14:27). https://www.livinglutheran.org/2019/07/ambassadors-of-reconciliation/

Our communities are bracing for anticipated nationwide raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement reported to begin on Sunday. A compilation of resources to help Lutherans respond, updated today can be found in “Responding to our sorrow with action” at https://blogs.elca.org/advocacy/responding-to-our-sorrow-with-action/ (ELCA AdvocacyTwitter post)

Check out Mikah's message and amazing photos from his journey. https://www.livinglutheran.org/2019/07/a-cross-country-gospel-message/

Our synod's African Descent Strategy Team invites you to SAVE THE DATE for "The Blood that Unites: A Celebration of our Oneness" on September 13 & 14, 2019. This event will assist our synod and the broader church in working to become more culturally diverse and anti-racist by providing resources and opportunities to engage in cross-cultural and racial equity learning. Events will be held at Peoples' Community Lutheran Church (6200 Loch Raven Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21239) and First Evangelical Lutheran Church (3604 Chatham Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042). For more details download a copy of the Invitation Letter in First's weekly e-letter or check the Information Board in the narthex.

For a little summer time art enjoyment.

While the days are long and nice, let us intentionally come together tomorrow to Praise and Worship the Lord, our Creator. Peace, Pastor Surekha Nelavala

If you know someone who is lonely or going through a difficult time, make an effort to be a bright spot in their life. It's #CheerUpTheLonelyDay https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-cheer-up-the-lonely-day-july-11/

The annual Lutheran Night at Camden Yards will be held Friday, August 23 at 7:05 p.m. for the Orioles vs. the Rays. Fireworks following the game. The cost is $20 per person. For more information, please contact Margie DeLong at 410-292-9089 by next Wednesday, July 17. All money is due by July 24, with checks made out to the Delaware-Maryland Synod. Send checks to Margie DeLong at 9009 Chateaugay Court, Parkville, MD 21234. Fundraiser proceeds will be divided between the Delaware-Maryland Synod and St. Andrew Lutheran Church (Parkville). https://www.mlb.com/orioles/ballpark

Yesterday morning the contractor was on site to jackhammer the concrete sidewalk by the Youth Rm & Social Hall. The sidewalk had a lot of uneven and worn areas. The sidewalk replacement is being done with the paving project.

In case you missed the St. John’s Community Association Picnic and Garden Tour today from 12 - 2 PM at First Lutheran. It was a beautiful day to present the new garden to the community and neighborhood. Be sure to look for more details about what took place today, as well as what's next for the garden in the next edition of The Messenger to be released on June 21. Thanks to everyone who supported today's event by volunteering and/or stopping by. Well done Catherine Rice on coordinating (with the support of some extraordinary volunteers - too many to name here) the install and design of this amazing project and event!!!

When the snow is fun...

Snow steadily falling in Elkridge, MD. Of course videotaped from inside.

Carl singing a hymn in Tamil during Beloved Community Worship on December 1, 2018.

Mike Blemly reading 1 Thessalonian in Russian as part of Beloved Community worship, December 1.

Steve and Diane Schwarzman's beloved Cocoa taking the lead in worship at Blessing of the Animals, Sunday, October 14 at 2:00pm in the Social Hall.

Let all creation praise! A collection of photos compliments of Steve Schwarzman from last Sunday's Blessing of the Animals.

Join us for worship on Sunday at 8:00 and 10:30 AM. Share this with your friends to invite them to join us in giving thanks for God's freeing grace!

Reformation tidbit on how Jesus calls us all to be priests!

Luther's radical teaching about church ...