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Church Spotlight

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Tom’s Creek United Methodist Church

by Theresa Dardanell

Rev. Heath Wilson (back row, on left) with members of Tom’s Creek United Methodist Church

 Photos by Theresa Dardanell

“Come Journey With Us!” is the invitation from Reverend Heath Wilson and the members of the Tom’s Creek United Methodist Church (TCUMC) in Emmitsburg.  The invitation is not limited to Sunday worship services. Weekly Bible studies, community outreach programs, fundraisers, and social events are open to everyone. 

One of the most interesting events is the weekly “Faith and Fellowship” Bible study/book group, led by Pastor Wilson. You won’t find this group meeting at the church; they meet at a restaurant that is part of the Lorien Health Services, a nursing, assisted living and rehabilitation community in Taneytown. Lorien residents are joined by church members, family, and friends every Thursday from 3:00-4:00 p.m. If you are looking for an evening Bible study/book group for women, check out the current Ladies Bible Study that began on June 4 and will continue until July 30. Using the book, Living a Chocolate Life: A Bible Study for Women by Debra Burma, the discussions about God’s grace are centered around the theme of chocolate.

Parishioners are involved in local and worldwide community outreach programs. The Emmitsburg Food Bank is especially close to the hearts of the members. They not only provide monetary and food donations, they have recently started a drive to collect toiletries and household items that are not normally donated but that are urgently needed. Church member Phyllis Kelly, who runs the Emmitsburg Food Bank, is often joined by other volunteers who belong to the church. Other local organizations which receive help from Tom’s Creek United Methodist Church are: the Seton Center, the Catoctin Pregnancy Center, and the Catoctin High School Blessing in a Backpack program. 

TCUMC is fortunate to have a large property, complete with an outdoor altar, church benches, and a pavilion, approximately two miles from the church. “The Promised Land,” located off Route 140 just east of Emmitsburg, is used for outdoor services, concerts, and other events. It is also the site of a rest stop for the Face of America bicycle ride each spring. During this two-day bicycle and hand-cycling challenge for adaptive and able-bodied athletes, riders travel 112 miles from Arlington, Virginia, to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. At Tom’s Creek Promised Land, the riders can spend time resting and enjoying snacks and beverages. Everyone in the community is invited to join the TCUMC members in cheering on the riders during this event.

The Tom’s Creek United Methodist Women (UMW) are busy with community service projects, as well as social events. They recently provided a meal for the Seton Center’s “Getting Ahead Program,” which helps individuals impacted by poverty to build resources needed for a better life. They also worked together to make feminine hygiene products for “Days for Girls International,” a global project that prepares and distributes sustainable menstrual health products to girls in areas where these items are not readily available. The UMW members also hold birthday parties, ice cream and pizza socials, and the well-attended annual picnic.

Mission trips are an important part of the worldwide community outreach. Church members will be traveling to the Navajo Nation in New Mexico in July this year. The project involves not only actual construction (the addition of a bathroom to the church), but also the building of relationships between communities. Previously, teams traveled to Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

Linda Myers, Christian Education chairperson, said that one of the strengths of the church is their education program.  Sunday school for all ages is held year-round, from 9:30-10:15 a.m. every Sunday. There are four classes for children and eight classes for adults, so there is something for everyone. 

Watch for ads in The Catoctin Banner for their annual fundraisers. The all-you-can-eat buffet breakfasts include eggs, pancakes, sausage and bacon, home fries, chip beef gravy, and more; delicious handmade chocolate peanut butter eggs and chocolate coconut eggs are for sale at Easter. The turkey and oyster family-style suppers feature roast turkey, fried oysters, dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables, and their famous cracker pudding.

Sunday services are held at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. The adult choir, accompanied by organ and piano, sings at the early service. Praise song, along with the passing of the peace, is featured at the later worship service.  Communion is offered on the first Sunday of the month, and everyone is welcome to receive it. Coffee hour after the 8:00 a.m. service is a time of hospitality and refreshments in the Fellowship Hall. Members Karen Wivell and Bill Coburn agree that Tom’s Creek United Methodist Church is a friendly and welcoming community that feels like a family.

TMUMC is located at 10926 Simmons Road in Emmitsburg.  For more information, visit the website at tomscreekumc.org or Facebook page: tomscreekumc.

Christmas Services

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St. Johns Lutheran Church

Join St. Johns Lutheran Church in Creagerstown for a Celebration of the Birth of Christ Christmas Eve Service of Lessons and Carols, followed by a dinner, at 5:00 p.m. Their Christmas Eve Candlelight Service will be held at 7:30 p.m. in their 1908 worship space. View the advertisement on page 25 for more information.

Celebrate Birth of Jesus with Trinity United Methodist Church

Celebrate the birth of Jesus with Trinity United Methodist Church in Emmitsburg during their Christmas Eve Service with Communion and candlelight on December 24, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. View the advertisement on page 26 for more information.

Tom’s Creek United Methodist Church’s Christmas Journey

Join Tom’s Creek UMC on a Christmas journey, with a Children and Family Service with song and story, a Traditional Candlelight Service, and a Traditional Candlelight and Communion Service. The Sanctuary is open every Wednesday in December for time of reflection and prayers. View the advertisement on page 26 for more information.

Live Nativity at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church of Urbana

Join Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church of Urbana on Sunday, December 6, 2015, for the Live Nativity, featuring live animals (including a camel), music, and narration. Show times are at 6:00 p.m.; 7:00 p.m.; and 8:00 p.m. Admission is free. View the advertisement on page 24 for more information.

Deerfield United Methodist Church

Join Deerfield United Methodist Church for a Traditional Candlelight Service on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2015, at 8:00 p.m. View the advertisement on page 25 for more information.

Thurmont United Methodist Church

Celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas Eve with Thurmont United Methodist Church. They offer three different times and style options, including a service geared towards children and a service with different styles of music, the story of Christ foretold, candle lighting, and more. View the advertisement below for more information.

Weller United Methodist Church

Discover God’s promise of unending love this Christmas and join Weller United Methodist Church in Thurmont for their new sermon series, December 6-24, 2015, including Christmas Cantata on December 13; Longest Night Service on December 20, and Christmas Eve Services on December 24. View the advertisement on page 26 for more information.

 

Christmas in Thurmont 2015

This year, Thurmont’s Christmas in Thurmont event will take place on Saturday, December 5, starting at 10:00 a.m. on Thurmont’s Town Square. They will start with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:00 a.m., followed by the arrival of Santa! They will have live entertainment by ESP Performing Company, hot cider, and cookies, along with photos with Santa for all ages! Christmas in Thurmont includes the business map-stamping activity for adults, grand prize giveaways, caroling, lighting of the Lions Club Remembrance Tree, and the lighting of the Town’s Christmas Tree.

Their goal for this event is to encourage a spirit of community and giving, and to also encourage our community to support local businesses. All of these activities and prizes are possible thanks to our business community. They are asking that you consider making a donation of cash/check, gift certificates, or merchandise for prizes. Cash/check donations are preferred, but all donations are greatly appreciated. All donors will be acknowledged on printed materials the day of the event, and also on thurmontmainstreet.com and Facebook.

For more information, please contact Dr. John Hagemann at jhagemann@centeroflife.us, Michael Hobbs at 301-271-2233, or Vickie Grinder at vgrinder@thurmontstaff.com. Donations may be dropped off at Hobbs Hardware, located at 15 East Main Street. If you are not able to drop off your contribution, arrangements may also be made for them to pick up your donation by notifying the above contacts. Checks should be written to Thurmont Main Street. If possible, please have your donations turned in by Friday, November 27. Thurmont First is a 501(c)(3) and your donation is tax deductible.

 

Christmas in Emmitsburg 2015

Emmitsburg’s holiday season includes many traditions. Mother Seton School third graders will trim the tree on the square on December 1. Emmitsburg Elementary School students will trim the tree in front of the Community Center on December 18.

Then, the community will gather for the 27th Annual “An Evening of Christmas Spirit” on Monday, December 7, from 6:00-9:00 p.m., beginning in the Emmitsburg Square. A tree lighting ceremony, caroling, and the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree will kick off at 6:00 p.m.

At 6:30 p.m., Santa arrives at The Carriage House Inn, located just down South Seton Avenue from the Square. In and around The Carriage House, entertainment, refreshments, a live Nativity Scene, and hay rides will contribute to the holiday celebration.

From 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., local choirs and vocalists will be featured in Joann’s Ballroom.

Experience the true meaning of Christmas Spirit here. Canned goods donations accepted for the Emmitsburg Lions Club Christmas Food Drive.

Traditional Village Christmas

The Catoctin Furnace Historical Society, Inc. (CFHS) will host the fifth annual Traditional Village Christmas celebration in this historic village on Saturday, December 5, 2015, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This year, CFHS is honored to host local blacksmith Jim Maness, along with jewelers, yarn spinners, and other local craftspeople. Guests can sip apple cider and enjoy heirloom-recipe baked goods.  Kris Kingling, a village Christmas tradition involving masked and costumed members of the community who danced, sang, and ate as they went from house to house, will be recreated.

Catoctin Furnace maintains much of its original layout and structures, which were constructed primarily between 1774 and 1820. The village introduces visitors to the area’s historical importance and heritage resources, providing the look and feel of an early industrial complex yet retaining the charm of a small community at the foot of Catoctin Mountain. It is located on Maryland Route 806 (Catoctin Furnace Road) in Thurmont. For more information, call 443-463-6437 or visit www.catoctinfurnace.org.

The Thurmont Historical Society’s Christmas House Tour is Back in 2015

Take the Turmont Historical Society’s Christmas House Tour on Saturday, December 5, from 4:00-8:00 p.m., and Sunday, December 6, from 1:00-5:00 p.m. The house tour includes four wonderful homes and two churches, for a new lower price of $15.00. Tickets and information are available at Hobb’s Hardware and Browns’ Jewelry.

 

Toys for Tots

The U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) Reserve is once again helping children in our area this Christmas with their annual Toys For Tots campaign. Helping the USMC is Cub Scout Pack 270 with their annual Toys for Tots drive.

Boxes will be on hand to accept new, unwrapped toys at Food Lion, Mountain Gate Restaurant, and Hobbs’ Hardware, all in Thurmont, until December 8, 2015. The primary goal of the Toys for Tots program is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate children that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens, and so they can have an exciting Christmas. Please consider donating a new unwrapped toy. If you would like to make a monetary, tax-deductible donation, visit frederick-md.toysfortots.org.

 

 

Take a Spiritual Journey at Tom’s Creek Church in Emmitsburg

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Rev. Heath Wilson was appointed to serve at Tom’s Creek United Methodist Church (UMC) in Emmitsburg less than a year ago.  His personal journey reflects that of many in today’s materialistic society. Before he was called to ministry, he was raised in a small village in upstate New York, named Phoenix. He attended Elmira College in Elmira, New York, where he earned degrees in political science and economics. He moved to Vermont with his soon-to-be wife, where he worked for a Fortune 500 problem-solving company, followed by working with the Vermont Department of Education.  He and his wife bought a house in Middlesex, Vermont, and have one son. 

“I know the world tells us more fun, or bigger toys, more money, better homes, more beautiful bodies, or more free time are the answers to fulfillment. Life was great, but I felt I was being called to something with more purpose,” said Heath. 

He and his wife came to faith, accepted Christ, and felt they were being called into ministry. He accepted a position as a student pastor in Prince Frederick, Maryland, while both he and his wife attended Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. 

“We both graduated with Master of Divinity Degrees, and I was appointed Lead Pastor at Tom’s Creek UMC starting July 1, 2014.  Here, I am experiencing my life’s journey and inviting others to join the congregation to share and experience their own journeys.”

Tom’s Creek is the church that has property and signage along Route #140, on the way from Emmitsburg to Taneytown. The church building is actually located a little further over by taking a “journey” on Simmons Road or Tom’s Creek Church Road.

“We have people attending from four counties, over a quarter of the people attend from Pennsylvania, and we have some people who travel more than thirty minutes to get to worship every Sunday!” said Heath.

Why do people journey so far to come to their church that is surrounded by cow fields, barns, and mountain views?

“When they arrive, they find a church that welcomes them, a church that greets them, a church that accepts them no matter where they are on their journey! There are churches you can go to that have every program you could want, there are churches that you go to where they put on a ‘good show,’ there are churches you can go to where you can just blend into the woodwork, but that is not who is drawn to Tom’s Creek.”

Tom’s Creek parishioners are liberals and conservatives, horse riders and motorcycle riders, those that are well off and those struggling from paycheck to paycheck, life-long Christians and new believers, and even some who are trying to figure out what exactly they believe.

“While serving at Tom’s Creek, I have been awed by the way those who are part of our faith community welcome people who come through our church doors. Somehow, people find our church and feel embraced when they walk through the doors, knowing that we will not judge but come along side,” Heath said.

It is inspiring to notice how much of his spirit is dedicated to this church. Ironically, he has some personal journeys intertwined, including running the Frederick half marathon on May 3, to raise awareness for Latino ministries and start to reach out to the many Latinos in the area.

At Tom’s Creek during the summer, they hold open air outdoor worship services on Sunday evenings, starting July 12, at 6:00 p.m. at the Promised Land property (off of Rt. 140).

Heath noted, “While we are a smaller church, we have a big heart for wanting to connect with you on your life journey. If you are hungering for a connection with people who also have a hunger to be connected to something bigger than ourselves, if you want to explore what God has to offer you and the calling God has for your life, if you want to be fed on Christ’s love and wisdom, we are here, waiting for you to find us on your life’s journey. Come journey with us!”

 “This is a church where we share life together. This is a church where we pray for one another and our needs.  This is a church that wants to help you as we help one another on our journey. So, I wrote this article as a public service announcement for all of you that do not know that we exist, since we are not on Main Street, not next to a major highway, and are a smaller church that you could easily miss on your journey.  While we are a smaller church we have a big heart for wanting to connect with you on your life journey.  If you are hungering for a connection with people who also have a hunger to be connected to something bigger than ourselves, if you want to explore what God has to offer you and the calling God has for your life, if you want to be fed on Christ’s love and wisdom, we are here, waiting for you to find us on your life’s journey.  I am called into ministry for all those who are looking for a bigger purpose in life, who want to truly live for something worthy of the days we are given. I believe until you are connected to the true Giver of Life, you are going to be searching and continuing to feel unfulfilled. Yet, it is not easy to begin that journey, since there has been so much bad press about organized religion and churches that people don’t think the answers lie there. I know many who say churches are filled with hypocrites and it is true! We all fall short but, together, we can attempt to be greater than our individual weaknesses and together help one another to come closer to the Godly reflection we were intended for. That is something worth living for and the type of church community we are aspiring to be at Tom’s Creek.”

Rev. Wilson knows that people have had bad experiences with churches and organized religion, but he also knows that a true church family can help sustain us on our life journey. 

“I have struggled with my faith and I want to be a pastor that can meet people where they are, listen to their story, and help give them Christ-like wisdom from what I have learned on my journey and from my training. I also am open to learning from them and what they have learned along their journeys,” said Heath.

For more information, please contact Rev. Heath Wilson at 410-758-7707 or email Hwilsonvt@gmail.com.

Heath-Wilson

Rev. Heath Wilson of Toms Creek United Methodist Church in Emmitsburg is pictured leading the children in prayer.

AROUND town

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Catoctin Mountain Adventures Magazine

If you own or operate a business in the Catoctin Region, from the Mason Dixon line to the Potomac River, you should advertise in the new Catoctin Mountain Adventures Magazine with Byway Guide (CMA). This is a project of E Plus Promotions, publishers of The Catoctin Banner, and operators at E Plus Copy Center in Emmitsburg.

The CMA will be free for readers to pick up in tourist centers, high-traffic areas, and business locations of those who advertise.

The content is appealing to residents and tourists, with rich history articles, fun lifestyle articles, leisure opportunities, a byway guide by town, an event calendar, and fun games all bundled into each vivid, slick issue.  Online, an interactive format will make it easy to learn more about advertisers and content. The first issue will be released at the end of May. Interested advertisers should call as soon as possible to reserve a space.

All are invited to place an event listing in the calendar, from big concerts to local church dinners. Event listings are $25.00 each. For more information, call  301-524-9275. Visit their website at www.catoctinmountainadventures.com.

His Place Car Show

Mark your calendar for the 6th Annual His Place Car Show, being held on Saturday, May 2, 2015, at Mother Seton School, located at 100 Creamery Road in Emmitsburg. Event features three awards each, for five categories; raffle, food, door prizes, and more.

Vigilant Hose Company’s Seafood Bonanza

The Vigilant Hose Company is holding their annual Seafood Bonanza on April 2-3, 2015, from 11:00 a.m.-6:30 p.m., at the fire hall. Baked goods available, too.

FRCC 2015 Bass Fishing Series

Fort Ritchie Community Center (FRCC) is holding a 2015 Bass Fishing Series, sponsored by Cobblestone Hotel & Suites, on April 11 and May 24, with the championship on June 20 (event winners qualify for championship; must be 18 years of age or older). The cost per event is $15.00 for youth, and $35.00 for adults.

Cut and Dip Fundraiser

Come to the Cut and Dip Fundraiser on Saturday, May 3, 2015, at Gateway Candyland & Liquors in Thurmont. Cut a minimum of eight inches of your hair and donate to Children With Hair Loss (CWHL). Haircuts will be done from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Dipping ice cream proceeds will be donated to Frederick Dialysis Center. In memory of Sterling Bollinger and Bud Sweeney. Event being held from noon until closing.

Guardian Hose Company Yard Sale

The Guardian Hose Company is sponsoring a yard sale on May 30, 2015, at the Thurmont carnival grounds on 123 East Main Street in Thurmont. Spaces are $5.00 each.

Emmitsburg Masons Tyrian Lodge’s Open House

Masons Tyrian Lodge, located at 303 East Main Street in Emmitsburg, is holding an Open House on Saturday, April 11, 2015, from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. All are welcome.

Thurmont Business Expo Rescheduled

The Thurmont Business Expo that was originally scheduled in March had to be rescheduled due to inclement weather. The new date is Thursday, April 2, 2015. Admission is free for visitors. Stop by the Catoctin High School Gymnasium from 6:00-8:30 p.m. Call 301-471-7313 with questions.

St. John’s UCC Spaghetti Dinner

Mark you calendar for a Spaghetti Dinner, being held at St. John’s United Church of Christ (UCC) Parish Hall in Sabillasville on Saturday, April 25, 2015. The church is located at 16923 Sabillasville Road in Sabillasville. The cost is $10.00 for adults; $5.00 for children, ages 5-12; free for children, ages 5 and under.

Safe Disposal of Medication

Turn in your unused or expired medication for safe disposal on Saturday, April 18, 2015, from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., at Harry Grove Stadium in Frederick, Maryland.

Annual Ladies Day

Join Catoctin Church of Christ for their Annual Ladies Day on Saturday, April 25, 2015, from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Guest speaker will be Janet Dill. Registration and light breakfast begins at 8:00 a.m.

Baltimore Work Camp Bingo

Bingo will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2015, at Mother Seton School in Emmitsburg. Doors will open at 5:00 p.m., with games starting at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $30.00 in advance and $35.00 at the door. Ticket price includes an all inclusive 9 pack and a free spaghetti dinner. Proceeds from this fundraiser will help support high school youth from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, St. Anthony Shrine, and St. Joseph parishes to attend the camp, a weeklong service trip where they repair the homes of those in need.

Cash Bingo at Lewistown Fire Hall

The Thurmont Middle School PTA is holding a Cash Bingo on April 26, 2015, at the Lewistown Fire Hall. Doors open at 12:30 p.m., with games beginning at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $25.00 in advance and $30 at the door. Come out to support Thurmont Middle School students!

Guardian Hose Company’s Flower Sale & Chicken BBQ

Don’t miss the Guardian Hose Company’s Flower Sale and Chicken BBQ event on May 8, from 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., and May 9, from 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Emmitsburg Lions Club Chicken BBQ and Yard Sale

The Emmitsburg Lions Club is holding a Chicken BBQ and Yard Sale on Saturday, May 2, 2015. Chicken BBQ sale will begin at 11:00 a.m., and run until they are sold out. The yard sale will start at 6:00 a.m.; yard sale spaces are available.

Fun Festival

Don’t miss the Fun Festival at Victory Tabernacle, located at 6710 Kelly Store Road in Thurmont, on May 30, 2015, from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Event features games, crafts, face painting, live music, clowns, and much more!

Blue Ridge Sportsmen’s Events

The Blue Ridge Sportsmen’s Association in Fairfield is hosting many events in April, including a breakfast with the Easter bunny, a meat shoot, cash bingo, and much more!

Turkey & Oyster Supper at Tom’s Creek United Methodist Church

Tom’s Creek United Methodist Church (UMC) will hold a Turkey & Oyster Supper on Saturday, April 11, 2015, from 12:00-6:00 p.m. A bake and craft table will also be available to purchase baked goods and craft items. The church is located at 10926 Simmons Road in Emmitsburg.

Acacia Masonic Lodge Open House

Acacia Lodge No. 155 A.F.& A.M., located at 12 East Main Street in Thurmont, will host an Open House on Saturday April 11, 2015, from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. The public will have an opportunity to discover the history of Freemasonry and tour the 100-plus year old Lodge building. Stop by and find out more about their Lodge and Freemasonry, and what they do for our community. Thurmont Masonic Lodge is also announcing their annual Mary & Robert Remsberg Memorial Scholarship Award for all graduating high school seniors within the Catoctin High School district.

Thurmont Lions Club Sandwich Sales

Thurmont Lions Club has five upcoming Sandwich Sale events, the first being held on April 25, 2015, featuring pit beef, pit pork, pit turkey, and pit ham sandwiches. All events are held from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. or until they are sold out.

Rocky Ridge Fire Company’s Cash Bingo

On Sunday, May 3, 2015, Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company will hold a Cash Bingo, featuring regular games, special games, door prizes, and more.