First Evangelical Lutheran Church

Ellicott City, Maryland

The Messenger

August 2016

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Always Being Made New—page 2

DivorceCare and DC4Kids—page 7

New Members—page 8

School Supplies

for Grassroots

Don’t forget to bring in your

school supplies.

We’ll be collecting through

August 21

www.FirstLutheranEC. org STAFF flcoffice@firstlutheranec.org

Senior Pastor Rev. Michael K. Louia 410-465-2977 x1 prmike@firstlutheranec.org

Pastor Rev. Gigie Sijera-Grant 410-465-2977 x2 ggrant@firstlutheranec.org

Director of Music Ministry Dr. Wayne L. Wold 410-465-2977 x4 Wayne@firstlutheranec.org

Asst. Director of Music Joshua Hughes 410-465-2977 x4 Joshua@firstlutheranec.org

Director of Children & Youth Lauren Gray 410-465-2977 x3 Lauren@firstlutheranec.org

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

Administrative Assistant Phyllis Lott 410-465-2977 x5 flcoffice@firstlutheranec.org

Secretary Erika Westrom 410-465-2977 x7 Erika@firstlutheranec.org

Sexton Kevin Lott 410-465-2977 Kevin@firstlutheranec.org

ORGANIZED FOR MISSION *CURRENT COUNCIL MEMBER

Worship Ministry *Cathy Rice (President) 410-750-9631 council@firstlutheranec.org

*Tom Brzezinski 410-442-5675 misterbrz@gmail.com

Worship & Music (Altar Guild) Kim Kearns 410-750-8988 kskearns@verizon.net

Learning Ministry *Bill Harkins (vice-president) 410-781-4658 wmharkins@comcast.net

*Linda Kay 410-750-9372 kayec5@verizon.net

*Bill Moser 410-884-4414 William.Moser@ed.gov

Women of the ELCA Sue Davis 410-418-4535 eshdavis@verizon.net

Men’s Prayer Group Jay Zumbrun 443-745-0737 jayandlinda52@gmail.com

Children’s & Youth Ministry Lauren Gray 410-465-2977 Lauren@firstlutheranec.org

Outreach Ministry *Lynn Anderson 443-562-9690 coffeele@comcast.net

*Debbie Newell 410-489-5833 DebWNewell@aol.com

*Cathy Rice (preschool liason) 410-750-9631 council@firstlutheranec.org

Social Ministry Terry Kay 410-750-9372 Terrence.kay@verizon.net

Meal Train Kim Bunch 410-465-8186 Kimbunch50@gmail.com

Prayer Shawls Ginny Fan 410-750-7237 fanfamily88@gmail.com

Baby Blankets Jenne Burnham 410-465-2319

Sewing Circle (Quilts) Mary Sullins 410-465-6723

Support Ministry *Colleen Fowler 410-750-2453 colleenkfowler@gamil.com

*Genny Hardesty 410-336-2426 HardestyGenny@gmail.com

Fellowship *Colleen Fowler 410-750-2453 colleenkfowler@gamil.com

Personnel *Genny Hardesty 410-336-2426 HardestyGenny@gmail.com

Stephen Ministry Pastor Grant 410-465-2977 ggrant@firstlutheranec.org

Stewardship George Conklin 410-750-7208 conkgeo@gmail.com

Hilltoppers *Robert Sanders 410-964-5181 rsanders42@verizon.net

Administrative Ministry *Diane Schwarzman 410-480-9711 stevedoce@comcast.net

*Paul Miller 410-465-8335 ecplm@aol.com

*Robert Sanders 410-964-5181 rsanders42@verizon.net

*Susan Garde (Secretary) 410-549-1757 susangarde09@comcast.net

*Michelle Miles (Treasurer) 410-461-6853 treasurer@firstlutheranec.org

*Wade Wray (Financial Secretary) finsec@firstlutheranec.org

Property Rich Funke 410-992-8015 rhfunke@aol.com

Finance Nick Myers 410-465-0793 Nicholasmyers@comcast.net

Endowment Frank Palulis fwpalulis@comcast.net

Memorial Gifts Gail Hikel 410-461-6296 onthegogail@msn.com

PASTOR MICHAEL LOUIA prmike@firstlutheranec.org

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First Lutheran on Facebook

Like us on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/First-Evangelical-Lutheran-Church-143823785640557/?ref=bookmarks.

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heav-en and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:16-20, NRSV) Those words were given as a charge to youth from First and St. Paul’s, Funkstown and their adult leaders as they headed out on their annual mission trip on Sunday, July 10th. The worship center was filled with much anticipation as they looked forward to a week of serving alongside God’s people in Steubenville, OH a town which, according to sources, from 1980 – 2000 experienced the fastest population decline of any other ur-ban area in the US. Steubenville’s economy has never recovered from the exit of steel mills and over 28% of Steubenville’s population lives in poverty. There is no doubt that life-changing work happens in towns like Steubenville as folks similar to our fellow disciples come into the community and show residents that while it might appear that the rest of the world has left them behind, God surely has not. That that life-changing work of God isn’t limited to those receiving the help is God’s true miracle! Our fellow disciples are also transformed as they see firsthand the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives and the lives of those around them. This discipleship, apostleship, missionary work into which God calls us all is the life-changing business of God. To be sure it’s not work without its share of risks. But it is truly holy work that has the potential to change the very character of those who participate in it because it is work that isn’t done just by us disciples, apostles or missionaries. It’s work in which Jesus accompanies each and every one of us! I encourage everyone to talk with those who attended this year’s mission trip to hear their stories of how they experienced God at work during that week. I also encourage us all to look into our own neighborhoods at the places into which God is calling us to go in the name of Jesus and to boldly go into these places trusting that Jesus will be right there with us! Peace, Pastor Mike

SAVE THE DATE:

Beginning September 18, 2016 plan on joining Pastor Mike for a journey through the Bible! Using major narratives contained in the Old Testament and a chronological walk through the gospel of Luke, we’ll hear how God was at work and continues to be at work in the world. We’ll be meeting in the Social Hall during the education hour. Everyone is invited to one or as many of these sessions as you are able.

UPDATE ON THE ALWAYS BEING MADE NEW CAMPAIGN! We continue to participate in the ELCA’s Always Being Made New Campaign as we collect offerings directed at the leadership ministries of the church and our synod. That work in-cludes funding the ELCA’s Fund for Leaders Scholarship Endowment Fund and for minis-tries for youth and young adults.

So far we’ve collected $631 towards our $1,000 quarterly leadership goal. For all of 2016, we’ve contributed a total of $16,208 to ministries supporting Global missions, new and renewing congregations and leadership! You’re invited to participate by making your offering either with your regular offering envelope, or using either the special envelope included in your envelope packet or the Always Being Made New envelopes found in the pew racks. Your participation, in whatever way you feel called to participate, is appreciated!

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Interested in joining First Lutheran?

When Jesus called his first disciples, he simply invited them, “Come and see.” Following Jesus’ example, we invite anyone who would like to become a member of the congregation to con-tact one of the pastors for a one-on-one orientation. New members are received on the fourth Sunday of every month.

Thank you to those who participated in our LEAD (Living Everyday As Disciples) process by completing the congregational assessment. Your input will be used to help our LEAD Team as they begin the discernment work as to how God is calling First Evangelical Lutheran Church to grow into God’s future.

Our LEAD Team will be attending its first training event on August 19-20, 2016. Please keep this team in your prayers as they begin this three-year process with one another, our coach, this congregation and community and God!

HIGHLANDTOWN

FIRE

A word of thanks to everyone who participated in our offering appeal to assist the residents of Highlandtown who lost their homes in a devastating fire. As of July 6, 2016 we had col-lected $2,420 which was sent to Breath of God Lutheran Church who is coordinating the assistance pro-grams for these families.

PASTOR GIGIE SIJERA-GRANT ggrant@firstlutheranec.org

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Decommissioning the Prayer Room

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1

Thirteen years ago, the Prayer Room was an unused baby nursery with animal borders, a crib and two rocking chairs. Before that, I was told that it served as a coat room when the Fellowship Center served as the worship space. It became the Prayer Room as an answer to prayer by a newly formed Prayer Team. In our search for a quiet space away from distractions, we discovered this unused space. At some point, the crib and rocking chairs were moved out. The Prayer Team brought chairs into the room and began to meet regularly, not only to support and pray for each other through life’s challenges but also to pray for the congregation in the years to come, especially during the rough times of transitions.

Earnestly believing that God hears every prayer and that He grants us more than we can ever ask or imagine, the Prayer Team decided to dream big and prayed that God would send someone who could help us convert the space into a Prayer Room. With no budget and no one on the team with skills to build or reno-vate, this seemed like an impossible request. But God heard our prayer!

In the fall of 2003, First Lutheran received Robert Langevin as a new member. Rob was an art teacher who was eager to do something for the church. So, he asked me if there was something we needed that he could do for us. Wow! That was a fast response. God answered our prayer in a big way. Rob showed us a floor plan on how he would renovate the space. He built an altar to place the bible, installed shelves, bought the furniture to furnish the room, spending $2,000 of his own money. The Prayer Room was born. Curiously, Rob didn’t stay long as a member. He and his wife moved away shortly after that. It was almost as if God just sent him to us to fulfill our prayer request.

For the last 12 years, the Prayer Room has been a sacred place of solace, prayer and healing. People came here to experience God’s peace. Stephen Ministers used this space to care for those who are in crisis and going through difficult times. Other teams and committees held their meetings here. The auditors used this as their place to work. Lately, it has also been used to temporarily store excess furniture and other items when the Fellowship Center is being used for major functions.

I want to thank all those who were on the Prayer Team, especially Lauren Mueller, Lynn Barranger, Kim Schlauch, Steve and Linda Isberg, Colleen Fowler, Nancy Wiles, and Christine Ranson. They believed in the power of prayer and together, we witnessed miracles happen in answer to prayer.

Part of the dream that the original Prayer Team had for First Lutheran was that we would develop a culture of prayer, so that more and more people would feel comfortable asking for prayer and praying for each other. While we may not yet have reached critical mass, there are signs that the culture of prayer has become a part of who we are – at staff and committee meetings, bible study groups, intercessory prayers at worship, and our personal encounters with each other. We recognize that each of us is a temple of the Holy Spirit and, therefore, a house of prayer.

And now, it seems that it is time for the Prayer Room to morph into something else once again for God’s purpose. On Sunday, July 24, the Prayer Room will be decommissioned to be converted into a storage room. As grateful stewards of a God who has been generous with us, we share our space with others who also do God’s work. The Fellowship Center, for instance, has become a multipurpose space not just for us but for many groups in the community and the synod. We need a storage space to have the flexibility to meet the space requirements for various ministries. To God be all glory and praise! Truly, it is God’s work using our hands and the resources he gave us.

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

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THE FELC KIDS’ SUMMER MUSICAL

August 1st-5th

9AM-1PM (M-F)

This year’s musical is “Elijah! God’s Faithful Prophet” by Mark Patterson. This is open to students entering 2nd grade through middle school (members of FELC and friends). Join us in telling the fascinating story of Elijah through singing, acting, and dancing! Performance will be on Sunday August 7th at 9:15 a.m.

Fee (to cover costumes and sets): $20/student or $30/family. Registration and Volunteer forms are available at the Information Center or on our website. Please direct questions to Joshua Hughes: jkhughes02@aol.com

Worship and its music does not take a summer vacation; things just shift around a bit. Thanks to our member and guest soloists and instrumentalists who have helped lead our worship of God so far this summer. And thanks to all who showed up to participate in our first Summer Choir on June 26. You missed it? You have an-other chance. On July 31 adults and children grade two and older are welcome to join us in the choir room at 9:30 and sing at the 10:30 service. Come and give it a try! Below you will find information for our Summer Children’s Musical Camp. Children from second grade through middle school—both members and guests—are welcome to come together from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. the week of August 1-5 to prepare a children’s musical which will be presented on Sunday, August 7, be-tween the morning worship services. In addition to children, we are in need of teens and adults to assist with costumes, sets, learning lines, and other duties. Some donations have begun to come in for the Anniversary Organ Recital which we hope will take place in the fall of 2017 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of our pipe organ. We would like to bring back Dr. Martin Jean of Yale University, who played the dedicatory recital on our organ in 1997, to present this recital for us and the greater community. Such a concert does not come cheap, and I am hoping that more of our mem-bers will step up and help sponsor this event. We need to make a firm commitment in order to secure a date on Dr. Jean’s busy calendar. Speak to me if you are interested in helping make this concert a reality, or simply make a donation marking it as “Organ Anniversary Recital.”

Finally, on August 14 we will bid farewell to Joshua Hughes as he leaves his position as Assistant Director of Music here at FELC. He will be a tough act to follow, but our search committee is al-ready at work on finding someone who will lead us ever forward. Thanks to you, Joshua, for your

two marvelous years with us and blessings on your very bright future! Keep singing! Wayne

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Lauren Gray, Children and Youth Ministries Director Lauren@firstlutheranec.org

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

At this year’s VBS- Surf Shack, we had 70 children and 25 volunteers in attendance. It was a fantastic week full of delicious snacks, fun crafts and science experiments, entertaining music, and moving stories. All the lessons for the week were different water stories from the Bible and our theme focused on Nehemiah 4:14b -“Remember that the Lord is Great and Awesome!”

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WASH AND WORSHIP- NEW DATE- AUGUST 14TH

Come to church on Sunday, August 14th and drop your car keys off with our Wash and Wor-

ship youth service! Head to worship while the youth take care of getting your car squeaky

clean! Washing will take place during both services. Donations - you decide what to give! All

proceeds go towards our summer mission trip!

ACOLYTE TRAINING- NOW OPEN TO ANYONE 6TH GRADE AND OLDER-

Acolyte training will be held on Sunday, August 21st and August 28th. Both trainings will take place after the

10:30 worship service. Please meet me in the Sanctuary for a brief training session.

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER ORIENTATION- AUGUST 28TH

Training and information for the 2016-2017 school year will be held on August 28th at 9:15am in the Library

(located in the Education building). All Sunday school teachers and assistants are asked to attend.

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS NEEDED!!!

Anyone who is interested in teaching for the Sunday school year, please contact me ASAP! We need new

teachers for our Pre-K/Kindergarten class and our 5th grade class.

Blessings!

Lauren Gray

WOMEN OF FIRST LUTHERAN Sue Davis, president

The WELCA Board had their planning meeting in June. We have set our calendar for the year. In September the small group circles will have their first meeting and we will have our first gathering.

Mark your Calendar!!

Monday, September 26, 2016

6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Center

Potluck Dinner

Watch the weekly bulletins and September Messenger for more information.

Enjoy the summer!

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Connecting to You! A Communications Task Force was formed a few months ago to identify gaps and opportunities for enhanced communication within and outside the church. Communication within the church is usually written and elec-tronic using our E-letter, Messenger and website to focus on sharing news and information, while outside the church, in our community, we not only look to share information, but make that social contact or connection that invites and welcomes folks to join us in worship and ministry. The group is looking at social media as one way to connect to our members, and reach out to the community. Whether you embrace and use social media or other technologies, we all know they are a vital part of the world in which we live, and can be a powerful and effective tool in developing relationships. Our Lord was all about relationships, and connecting to people “where they were” in life. In the fall you will receive a short survey aimed at gauging your usage of social media, as we move forward with developing communication strategies. Team members include Ben Barnhart, Lisa Coster, Pastor Louia and Susan Garde.

REPORT FROM THE COMMUNICATIONS TEAM

The Fall Session of DivorceCare and DC4K (Divorce Care for Kids) begins on September 7, 2016. These parallel programs run concurrently for 13 weeks. Those at any stage of a divorce (from initial separation, recently divorced, or divorced for many years) will find help with the healing process. DivorceCare is a biblically-based seminar and support group featuring weekly videos on topics such as depression, anger, forgiveness, financial survival and loneliness. Facilitators who have experienced divorce lead confidential group discussion. Children ages 5-12 can participate in DC4K (DivorceCare for Kids) while their parent attends DivorceCare. Both groups explore the same weekly topic. A children's video discusses divorce from a child’s perspective. Children also enjoy crafts, stories, music, games and other fun activities designed to help them recognize and express their feelings. Compassionate adult leaders offer support and encouragement. Materials are provid-ed to help single parents follow-up with home discussion. All are welcome! Registration is required. Please call the church office at 410-465-2977 or send a confidential email to divorcecare@firstlutheranec.org. Additional information and registration is also available at these websites: www.firstlutheranec.org, www.divorcecare.org or www.dc4k.org.

DIVORCECARE AND DC4K

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18 July 2016

PROPERTY COMMITTEE UPDATES ON WORK IN PROGRESS Front of the 1955 Building (the “old church”). The objectives of the repairs in progress are:

Stop the water intrusion into the Social Hall Men’s Room and along the front wall in the basement. This has been a continuing problem almost since 1955.

A more maintainable solution to the former brick and bluestone steps, which chronically suffered from moisture damage. Replace the wooden doors which also suffered from moisture damage.

Replace the broken plate glass in the old narthex and seek a more energy efficient system. Productive work has been ongoing since the week before Memorial Day. We have encountered the kinds of problems we anticipated – poor condition of the 1955 vintage water proofing, broken drain pipes in the foundation drainage sys-tem, clogged drainage pipes beyond the work area, rotted wood behind the aluminum cladding for the old narthex glass. Also some problems we didn’t expect – such as the Fellowship Center lightning rod system being corroded away. The fixes include a membrane-type waterproofing system below the grade, replaced terra cotta piping with PVC piping, a new lightning rod system of improved conducting material, new glass and a more maintainable door for the old nar-thex. The new glass will all be transparent (i.e., there will not be any of the former “obscure” glass), and it will have the first degree of tinting. It will be framed with anodized aluminum framing in a “sandstone” color to match the trim, in-stead of the former aluminum color. The door will be a single 42” wide door, intended mostly for safety reasons. There will be a step down immediately at the door (a change recommended by an engineering consulting firm). We expect the new glass system to be installed in August, but that will not be the end of the project. We still have problems to be worked out with clogged foundation drainage system piping, somewhere to the south and east of the Youth Room, possibly under the driveway. The 1955 Building downspouts and stair and window well drains all go into a buried system which ultimately discharges through a culvert into the gutter on Frederick Road. This system has not been explored in 60+ years. We are proceeding cautiously due to the unknowns. There are still some decisions to be made about re-grading the area in front of the church, reducing the number of steps, curbing and paving, and how to better accommodate the two downspouts which currently discharge into the parking area in front of the church, and handicapped access. We probably will lose some parking spaces in the near term in order to meet other requirements, including handicapped access. Electrical connections will be put in place for installation of more exterior lighting in this area in the near fu-ture. Most of the work described is funded by the Donald Miller Estate fund. For the next phase, we are working some ideas for replacement windows on the hallways on either side of the old nar-thex as part of our ongoing energy conservation work and because the window system is 61 years old. Also additional handicapped parking in the vicinity of the Chatham Road entrance and other improvements in support of the congrega-tion’s strategic plan to make the church more accessible.

We thank the congregation for your interest and patience with this project and the many considerations which are in-volved.

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Parking Lot Curbing. The asphalt curbing system in the back part of the parking lot near the stormwater retention pond has failed in a cou-ple of locations, possibly due to snow plow damage. This curbing is the most important on the campus, as it directs the largest portion of stormwater runoff from the parking lot into the stormwater retention pond. Without the curbing in place, erosion is encouraged and water runs down the hill in an uncontrolled manner. We have awarded a contract to replace over 100 feet of damaged asphalt curbing with concrete curbing with concrete gutter pans. The project will also modify the flume into the stormwater retention pond for better stormwater manage-ment. Rain Garden Installation. For several years we have been working with a non-profit organization to see if there are opportunities to install rain gardens to better manage our stormwater runoff. This helps Howard County meet its goals to the state, and also may help mitigate any future stormwater management fees imposed by the county. It turns out there do not seem to be too many realistic opportunities. However, we do have some opportunities at the Underoak parsonage and two rain gardens are being installed starting July 18. Energy Conservation. In April we partnered with a grant from BGE to replace all of our parking lot lighting and most of our exterior security lights with LED fixtures and lamps. The next three monthly electric bills show our average daily electric usage (kwh/day) has been consistently around 80% of what it was in the same months in 2015. In fact we have had had three straight months of the lowest average daily electric use on record back to 2003. The level of illumination in the park-ing lot is better and we expect to have significantly lower maintenance issues with the longer bulb life and the elimina-tion of the lighting transformers, which had been a problem. .

Women’s and Children Place

September 17, 2016

Watch for the menu and sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the Narthex.

Depart the church at 4:30 for a 6:00 p.m. meal. Questions, call Gail Tabeling at 410-531-3938.

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Prayer Shawl Team

Monday, August 1, 2016

10:00 a.m. in the parlor

ALL ARE WELCOME!

Sewing Circle (Quilters)

We’re off for the summer but if you can cut or pin fabric we’d love to

have you join us in September!

Second Monday of the month at 9:30 a.m. in the Social Hall

Call Mary Sullins at 410-465-6723 for more information.

Men’s Bible Study and Fellowship Group

Friday, August 19 at 7:30 a.m. Bob’s Evans Restaurant (off Route 100)

This is an informal group that will discuss the bible, pray, share stories and generally, have a good time while realizing that we are all chosen to do God’s work and spread his word. Future meetings will con-tinue to be on the 3rd Friday of each month.

For more information contact Jay Zumbrun at 443-745-0737 or Pastor Mike at 410-465-2977.

First Lutheran’s after hours

Medical Emergency Phone Number

(for evenings and 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

Nursing Home Worship Service

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

10:30 a.m. departure

We return about 11:30 a.m.

Meet at the church to carpool. Please join us.

Deadline for articles and activities for the September issue of The Messenger is Monday, August 8, 2016.

Please email Phyllis@firstlutheranec.org and include the word “Messenger” in the subject line.

MINISTRY FAIR COMING

Sunday, September 25 Did you know – as the people of First Lutheran, we sponsor and maintain more than 70 active minis-tries, serving others in our church, our communi-ties, our Synod and around the world! Our annual Ministry Fair will be held on Sunday, September 25, following each worship service. The Ministry Fair provides an opportunity for our ministries to display and explain their mission and activities, and gives our members the opportunity to better discern where God may be calling them to use their time and talents in His service.

Save the date! and we’ll see you at the Ministry Fair!

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PARISH REGISTER

WE WELCOME INTO OUR FIRST LUTHERAN FAMILY . . .

Phyllis Mazer claims the title of being the very first resident of the Lutheran Village of Miller ’s Grant! She loves her new home and is looking forward to being more engaged in the community. She grew up in Bittinger, MD and was a long-time member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church before moving to the area. She is transferring to First from Shepherd of the Glen Lutheran Church in Glenwood. Phyllis enjoys family time with her adult children - one daughter and two sons - and her grandchildren. Once she gets more settled, she hopes to join a bible study group.

Jim and Karen McDonald are not new to First Lutheran. They were active members of First before they moved to Delaware about 15 years ago. Jim is a retired engineer/program manager and Karen is a retired teacher from Howard County. Just before they left, Jim created the Lay Eucharistic Ministry at First as fulfillment of a requirement to get his Master’s Degree in Reli-gious Education at St. Mary’s Seminary. They moved back to be with their 3 adult children and 5 grandchildren. Jim enjoys teaching, helping others and playing golf. He is also certified in medi-care counseling. Karen loves gardening and partnering with Jim in ministry. They are both look-ing forward to being involved in bible study and other ministries at First, as the Spirit moves them.

Brad and June Mettee Brad and June live in Ellicott City. Brad grew up in Catonsville but spent his teen years in Howard County, and June has been a lifelong resident of Howard County. They knew each other in high school, but then went separate ways and didn’t see each other again until their 50th Howard High School reunion in 2003. At that time they both had been widowed for several years. After they met again at their reunion, they eventually married in 2005. Brad has been a lifetime Lutheran, and June has been Lutheran for all of her adult life. Both are re-

tired; Brad was an Administrative Manager at Westinghouse, and June was Principal’s Secretary in the Howard County Public School System. They each have two adult children and two grandchildren. Brad ‘s daughter Sherri Owen and husband John live in Per-ry Hall and have a son and daughter in college. Bradley Mettee IV and wife Gail Dobson live in Westminster. June’s daughters are Jill Kramer and Jodi Cobb. Jill and husband Tim live in Catonsville and have an adult daughter and son. Jodi lives in Ellicott City and has been with her partner Judith Fulmer for 23 years. Jodi and Judy were married two years ago after same-sex marriage became legal in the state of Maryland. Brad and June love traveling and have been to Europe several times and all over the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii in their short 11 years together. They thank God every day for the abundance of blessings in their life.

Lloyd Dixon - Lloyd grew up in the mountains of southwest Virginia, near the North Carolina border. After graduating from Virginia Tech in 1979, Lloyd and his wife, Laurie, moved to her hometown of Catonsville, MD. Lloyd and Laurie had been attending worship at First for some time and, until her death this past spring, Laurie was one of our Sunday School teachers and VBS volunteers. Lloyd has been employed by Northrop Grumman (previously Westinghouse) since moving to Maryland. His most favorite pastime is time spent with family. He also enjoys outdoor sporting and other recreational activities. Christine, Darin and Aleia Stough and Zane Dixon - Christine grew up in Ellicott City, MD and graduated from Mt. Heb-ron High School. Darin is an avid golfer. Christine received a BSN from Johns Hopkins and currently works as an RN at University of Maryland Medical Center. Christine and Darin are proud parents of Zane and Aleia. They currently live in Eldersburg, MD and enjoy living in the country and spending time together as a family.

It is the responsibility of the Memorial Gifts committee to decide how monetary contributions re-ceived from members and friends of the congregation are used with the approval of the Congrega-tion Council for any expenditure over $200.00. The committee keeps an accurate record of all gifts received and acknowledges the gifts given both to the family of the one memorialized and to the giver of the gift. The committee keeps a list of needs that could be met through Memorial gifts.

THANK YOU FROM

Our prayers are with the family and friends of: Bernice P. Murphy who died June 14, 2016

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Harry Murray and Charlotte Sours—Thank you so much for the beautiful prayer shawls for my sister, Charlotte and me. Our family is very appreciative of the wonderful service that Pastor Louia and First Luther-an provided for our mother! Mason-Dixon ATHA (Rug Hookers) - Erika, Phyllis, Kevin and everyone at First Lutheran. Thank you for the on-going support. The welcoming condition of the church community means so much to all of us. You make it easy for us to relax and enjoy our art & craft. From everything like the attention to how the room is set up to the storage space to the coffee—you all are pros and sweet hearts as well. Thank you for taking good care of us, may you all be blessed - Diana Joanne Lang—To the First Lutheran Prayer Shawl Ministers—Pastor Gigie recently prayed with me and gave me a pocket-sized prayer shawl. I was going for an MRI for my MS and had the shawl in my hand. Your minis-try provides peace & strength..

MEMORIAL GIFTS

General Fund: In memory of Barbara Dietrich by:

Betty Crandall Gary and Debbie Nesbitt Carol M. Tabb D.A. Robb/R. Hutchins Mary and Tom Sullins Soon Clark

Pastor Herbert Payne Scholarship Fund: In memory of Virginia Rigney by Evelyn and Paul Combs Special Music Fund: In memory of Mary Constance Wehland by Helen Tyler

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