An Update from Pastor Jim (January 20, 2021)

Dear First Lutheran Family and Friends,                       

Happy New Year to all of you. It's been a while since my last update ... mostly because, frankly, not much had changed since mid-November. However, with the new year upon us, things are starting to turn in a new direction!

While Governor Hogan's executive orders (linked below) still require us to do some things we don't want to do ... and keep us from doing other things we want to do, things are beginning to change. In the meantime, we continue to respond to this time, carrying with us the "fruits of the Spirit" - "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23) When we find ourselves struggling in anyway to follow the guidance of those authorities placed over us (Romans 13:1-2) ... struggling to show the love of Christ to our neighbors in need  (Matthew 22:37-40) ... let us all remember that God is always there for us as we come to Him in prayer, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Things are beginning to turn around though. This week, Little Lambs Preschool welcomed students into our classrooms for the first time this year. After several weeks of planning and preparation by staff and teachers, the 3- and 4-year old classes began this week. We'll begin the 2-year old classes in February.

Also this week - myself, Shawn, and our preschool staffed received our first doses of COVID-19 vaccine. And next week and in coming weeks, the vaccine will be available to more of us. Please see below for various county vaccine information links.

There is still a ways to go, but by the grace of God, we are making progress and we will get through this time.

Please join us as we continue to trust our heavenly Father, through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ rejoicing in His eternal presence among us and His protection over us!

In Christ’s Love,
Pastor Jim

Links to Maryland Executive Orders and Calvert County Health Department information:

Maryland Executive Orders from July , August , and November.

County Health Department information links: https://www.calvertcountycovid19.com/

Calvert County Vaccine Registration Page: https://www.calvertcountymd.gov/Vaccine

Arundel County Vaccine Registration Page: https://aacounty.org/covidvax

Charles County Vaccine Registration Page: https://charlescountyhealth.org/covid19-vaccine-registration/

St. Mary's County Vaccine Registration Page: http://www.smchd.org/covid-19-vaccine/

Maryland State Vaccine Schedule and Sites: https://covidlink.maryland.gov/content/vaccine/

Worship

In-person Worship returned in July. To ensure we can maintain social distancing, attendance will be limited. Please reserve your seat by calling the church office or using this link. And watch our Return to In-Person Worship video if you haven't already.

Online worship and studies will also continue. Please click the the links below to attend.

Please contact the church office for information needed to connect to First Lutheran Live! live stream services and classes.

Sundays

8:30 AM In-Person Worship 
(Reserve your seat at this link)

10:00 AM Livestream Worship   

Click here for Recorded Service 
(available after service is completed)

11:15 AM Live Stream Adult Bible Class

Wednesdays

6:30 PM In-Person Worship 
(Reserve your seat at this link)
Or view Livestream here.

Bible Studies

 On-line studies on Sunday and during the week continue to be added. When available, please check in here.

"Five Hundred Fifty Words-Or Less" Pastor's Blog