In Our Church Community
These are some of the ways that First Lutheran is involved in ministry to the local Howard County and Baltimore City areas.

RELATIONSHIP SEMINAR

The Men’s Prayer Group is sponsoring a relationship seminar on the ‘Five Love Languages’ on Saturday, April 24, 1:00-3:00 PM in the Fellowship Center. Father Bart Karwacki, Franciscan Friar, from The Shrine of St. Anthony will be the presenter. This relationship is for anyone (men and women) who is interested in improving their relationship with their spouse or significant other. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP by emailing Jay Zumbrun at jzumbrun@ccbcmd.edu by Monday, April 19.

Day Center Needs Our Help!

A homeless survey conducted by the Local Board of Homelessness in September 2007 revealed at least 30 to 50 homeless persons living along the Route 1 corridor without shelter. It’s hard to believe that so many homeless persons live in our wealthy community, so close to our homes and church.

The Grassroots Day Resource Center was established at the intersection of 32 and Route 1 to lend assistance to these people, but they need our help. The center is open three days each week, 4 hours each of these days, and provides hot meals, showers, laundry, clothing, internet access, phone, mailing address, basic living supplies, conversation and referrals to social services. A doctor and nurse are available to help with the myriad of health issues, and a lawyer is available once a week for consultation to clients.

In the present economy, and in the difficult winter weather we’ve had, each day the center is open has serviced over 100 homeless individuals! How can we help…

Items needed immediately include canned goods (like Chunky soup, vegetables, stew), bottled water, gently used tennis shoes, jeans, and lighter weight clothing. Social Ministry is taking overflow books from the Books on Wheels program. Drivers are needed to pickup the homeless from designated areas to get them to and from the center.

Visit the Day Center web site for more information at www.daycenter.org Please bring any items you can and put them in the designated box in the church narthex. If you would like to volunteer to drive or volunteer at the center, please contact Dave Stadler at 301-252-0458 or Steve DeWitt at 410-750-9744. Thanks for your help.

BOOKS ON WHEELS
First Lutheran members donate used books and/or purchase a used book for a small amount. The books are available on a library cart during the Sunday morning services. Proceeds go toward food purchases for Saint John Lutheran Church, Pimlico . Part of the proceeds will also be used to help the relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina survivors.

CHRISTMAS FOOD BASKETS
This is the largest Social Ministry effort, both through financial contributions and volunteers, coordinated each Christmas season. Through donations to this program from FLC members and a substantial donation from the Ellicott City Lions Club, over 100 families in need receive a Christmas food basket that consists of a complete turkey dinner, numerous other dinners, fresh milk, eggs, butter, pies and fruit. It is a great vehicle for church involvement to those in need in our community.

CONGREGATIONS CONCERNED FOR THE HOMELESS
CCH is a Howard County organization focused on the aid of Homeless families in transition. Clients are enrolled for up to two years in the program. During their participation they are encouraged and educated in life skills that will enable them to be self-sufficient and contributing members of society. First Lutheran contributes financially and with volunteers working as case workers.

GRASSROOTS OF HOWARD COUNTY
Grassroots creates the opportunity for people in crisis and in need to make positive, empowering changes in their lives by being a 24-hour resource, responding helpfully and professionally, while recognizing each person’s individuality and dignity. Grassroots operates a 24-hour crisis hotline and walk-in counseling program, and is the first point of contact in the County for homeless services.

Grassroots operates the Mobile Crisis Team to aid in response to psychiatric emergencies in the community. Special youth services are provided, including the Statewide Youth Crisis Hotline, the Runaway Intervention Program, teen pregnancy intervention, outreach and educational programs. First Lutheran contributes financially to Grassroots.

PASTOR’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
Each year $300 a month is set aside by Social Ministry to be used for emergency purposes for those in the community. These funds are used to prevent gas and electricity from being turned off for persons in need, supply of food cards to the needy, emergency medical expenses, housing expenses to avoid evictions, and the like.

SAINT JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH- PIMLICO
St. John Lutheran Church, Pimlico, is centered in a troubled section of Baltimore. Its community is troubled by drugs, poverty, and gang violence. Pastor Knepp is our contact in determining ministry needs of his church. First Lutheran supports St. John by supplying funds for food purchases to aid the congregation and community of Pastor Knepp’s church.