Community Outreach
The Community Services Board was formed to provide the public a Christian image which will reflect favorably upon the work of Christ and of the congregation as His instrument, the publicizing of the work of the congregation through various channels, and the general integration of the congregation's work into the community in support of institutions and agencies established by the church and society in response to special human needs.
Christian Assistance Program
In keeping with the duties of the board, First Lutheran Evangelical Church is very active in helping the community. One of the largest programs we support is the Christian Assistance Program (CAP), which has a major impact on the lives of those in our local community. The local churches that make up CAP are:
- Ark & Dove Presbyterian Church
- Emmanuel Baptist Church
- Epiphany Episcopal Church
- First Evangelical Lutheran Church
- Gambrills Church of God
- Macedonia United Methodist Church
- Nichols Bethel United Methodist Church
- Severn Run Church
- Severn United Methodist Church
- St. Joseph Catholic Church
- Trinity United Methodist Church
Food Pantry & Clothes Closet
CAP has a Food Pantry and a Clothes Closet which assists the poor on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. First Evangelical Lutheran hosts the Food Pantry while Nichols Bethel has the Clothes Closet. St. Joseph’s Church offers a storage room. Each church helps as they are able. Food, money and clothes are donated by the member churches. 100% of what is collected goes to help those in need. At each Thanksgiving and Christmas, we give baskets with a full holiday meal including a turkey. In 2006 we provided 175 baskets for each holiday.
Jean McHenry is the CAP representative for First Evangelical Lutheran and can be reached at 410-674-5353 or mchenrysnorth40@verizon.net.
Red Cross Blood Drives
CAP-member churches work with the American Red Cross to host blood drives at regularly scheduled intervals. Working within the community, the local churches band together to host blood drives at an interval of 56 days or greater to comply with Red Cross regulations. One donation can save up to 3 lives. These drives are open to the public, so even if you are unable to donate, please tell your friends and family. There is always a need for blood donations. First Evangelical Lutheran’s Blood Drive Coordinator is Debbie Starke and can be reached at deborah.starke@verizon.net.
General guidelines for donating:
Donors must be at least 17 years of age, 16 years of age in Maryland with parental consent, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. For further information, please contact the American Red Cross directly at 800.272.2048.
We also provide facilities for various outreach groups including, Alcoholics Anonymous and Adoptions Together through Anne Arundel County. Additionally, we provide facilities for many local scout troops.
Self-Help Meetings/Alcoholics Anonymous
Self-help discussions are held on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. For more information contact:
Wednesday evening sessions: 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Lloyd (410) 768-1491 or lloydehome@msn.com
Odenton Discussion Group
Thursday evening sessions: 8:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Ron Sinclair (410) 674-5757 or mlron1@comcast.net
Other
We hold drives to collect money and much needed items for those affected by disasters, illness, etc.
We can always use extra hands to help out. If you wish to help out, please contact Debbie Starke or Jean McHenry at 410.551.9189.
Jesus, remind me that when I give to others, I am really giving to You. Help me to share all that You have given me – my money, my possessions, my time, my talents, my love- with those who are in need. Amen.