First Lutheran Church continues to try to communicate changes to worship and Bible study schedules through Facebook, Social Media, this website and email. To ensure timely receipt of emails, please ensure email from james.kent+firstlutheranchurch.org@relay.360members.com is approved for your email inbox. It is also helpful to ensure the church office has your most current email. Call 410-257-3030 with any updates. In Christ, Pastor Jim

Note from Pastor Jim (5/14/20):

Dear First Lutheran Family,

We have been longing to gather again for worship in the sanctuary, as well as regular fellowship, for several weeks now. As Governor Hogan issued updated guidance that opens the doors for that to happen again, we are in the planning phase for getting back to “in-person” worship as soon as it is safe and practical to do so. One of my chief concerns is you … the members and guests of First Lutheran Church … and what you are feeling in this unprecedented time. This link takes you to an online survey that will help us to address your concerns as we plan for reopening. Please try to complete the survey online by Wednesday, May 20, 2020.

God’s Word reminds us that “planning” is a good thing to do before engaging in an endeavor. While the scenario Jesus spoke to in Luke 14 is a little different than the one we’re in, His example makes sense in this time. Jesus says “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him. (Luke 14:28-29)” In the Old Testament, Nehemiah engaged in the task of returning God’s people to worship in Jerusalem, but only after prayer and a careful survey of the current situation and what needed to be done (Nehemiah 1 and 2). Then he gathered the people to rebuild the city.

After prayerful consideration, our congregational leadership has put together this survey to help you communicate to us your thoughts on reopening. Please take a few moments to take the survey and provide your thoughts back to us. We will be using your feedback, along with guidance received from local and state officials to formulate a “First Lutheran Return to Worship” plan.

Thank you in advance for your faithful support to God and His people at First Lutheran Church … as well as your patience throughout this difficult time.

Alleluia! Christ is risen!

Pastor Jim