Currently viewing the tag: "Weller United Methodist Church"

Eleven-year-old Emily Roberts of Thurmont recently decided to do a mission project at Weller United Methodist Church. 

Emily decided to make beaded bracelets and earrings and sell them to raise funds for the Thurmont Food Bank. She was able to raise $407, which was  phenomenal! Weller United Methodist Church is very proud of Emily for coming up with this concept all on her own!

Pictured are Pastor Sally Joyner-Giffin, Chairman of Thurmont Ministerium/Thurmont Food Bank, Emily Roberts, and Pastor Mark Eyler of Weller UMC.

Weller United Methodist Church has stood at the top of the hill on Altamont Avenue in Thurmont since 1830. From that time on, Pastors have come and gone. This past June, the time of year when pastoral reappointments are made, Pastor Kells, who had been transferred to another church, announced that Mark Eyler (pictured left) had been appointed Pastor of Weller, effective July 1. The congregation looked on in amazement, and then soon, everyone was smiling. This was quite a surprise, since historically, pastors are not usually appointed to their home church. It was also a big surprise to Pastor Mark.

Pastor Mark is a life-long member of the church, having attended with his parents and siblings. His parents started attending Weller in 1950. Older church members can recall Mark being involved in every church activity or event from childhood to adulthood and beyond.

Pastor Mark had a 32-year career with the U. S. Postal Service, making many lasting friendships as a mailman. He noted that while working there, God led him to take classes to become a Lay Servant. Upon finishing, friends told him he had missed “his calling.” After giving it some thought and prayer, he went to school to become a local pastor and received his license on June 30, 2018. Pastor Mark noted, God wanted the time to be right for him, and “He knew when I was ready.”

After retiring on June 30, 2018, Pastor Mark was appointed to serve the Brandenburg United Methodist Church in Sykesville, Maryland, on July 1, 2018. According to Pastor Mark, this church had a wonderful group of congregants who helped him grow as a pastor for the next three years.

In June, 2021, Pastor Mark received a phone call from the Bishop to come to Weller UMC, effective July 1. Because of the support from his wife Lori, his family, and encouragement from his church family, Pastor Mark remains very humble, knowing this appointment is truly a God thing, with all the blessings to follow.

 On July 4, 2021, Pastor Mark Eyler stood behind the pulpit preaching to a large, very grateful congregation. Since then, church activities and ministries at Weller have the pastor “blown away” and extremely busy. With the easing of the COVID-19 epidemic, Weller has returned to indoor worshiping and Sunday school for all ages, plus Sermon by Phone and a virtual worship service shown on Facebook and YouTube.

Weller supports many ministries and missions, both monetarily and hands-on, including Catoctin Pregnancy Center, Frederick Rescue Mission, Thurmont Food Bank, Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes, Catoctin Community School Supply Drive, Coat and Warm Clothing Drive for people in need through various charitable groups, and many more.

Pastor Mark notes: “God Is Moving In This Church. I am excited to see the ministries that are forthcoming.”

Weller United Methodist Church and its congregation.

Please Join the Thurmont Lions Club on National Wreaths Across America Day on December 19, 2020.

The Thurmont Lions Club is coming together to remember the fallen, to honor those who serve and their families, and to teach the next generation about the value of freedom, by participating in National Wreaths Across America Day. The club is sponsoring and laying wreaths at the graves of over 400 Veterans. The club is asking the Thurmont community to come out and help, as many volunteers are needed for the endeavor. 

A memorial service will begin at noon at Weller United Methodist Church, followed immediately by the laying of the wreaths. The club is also accepting monetary donations to help with the costs of the wreaths.

Lion Susan Smith is coordinating volunteers and requests to attend to a certain grave. Please contact her at 240-405-8482

Trinity United Church of Christ

Thurmont

by Theresa Dardanell

“No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.” Pastor Sean DeLawder and the members of the Trinity United Church of Christ truly believe that message. It is demonstrated in their worship, fellowship, and outreach.

Everyone is welcome to attend the weekly 11:00 a.m. Sunday service, which includes the exchange of peace, prayers, readings, and Pastor Sean’s sermon.  Organist Lana Sorenson plays the magnificent Mohler pipe organ, while the congregation sings hymns of praise. Rocky Birely plays the flute during many of the Sunday services. Communion is on the first Sunday of the month. The very talented Trinity Bell Choir, led by Linda Franklin, performs several times a year. A special Veteran’s Day service is held every year and is open to all Veterans in the community. The event includes dinner, music, and a color guard, and it honors Veterans from all branches of service.

Caring for church members, along with friends, family, and those in the community, is an important part of the outreach.  Every day, several people on the Prayer Team offer up prayers for those on the prayer list who are dealing with a hardship, health concern, or other need. The “Random Acts of Kindness” program gives members the opportunity to do a good deed for a neighbor or friend. Among other activities, the Worship, Fellowship and Education Committee members assemble and deliver “Sunshine Boxes” to members who are shut-ins and unable to attend church services. This summer, committee members joined with Weller United Methodist Church for Vacation Bible School. Volunteers from both congregations helped with the education, crafts, and activities. Local teens were invited to “Fuse” meetings during the summer; the church provided the building for the group to use as a place for activities, socialization, music, games, and conversation, with adult supervision and mentorship. Outreach also includes donations to the Thurmont Food Bank, Thurmont Ministerium, Blessing in a Backpack, the school supply drive, and One Great Hour of Sharing.

The Trinity United Church of Christ kitchen is a very busy place. Kitchen managers Tootie Lenhart and Russ Delauter are joined daily by church and community members, friends, and family. Together, they bake pies, cakes, and dumplings, and they cook chili, soups, slippery pot pies, and country ham sandwiches.

Pastor Sean said, “We are blessed to have people outside of our church come and help.” Proceeds from the kitchen ministry support the church and provide funds for community outreach. Soups and chicken pies are delivered to members who are sick. Lunches are provided after funeral services. At least once a year, they partner with the Thurmont Lions Club in an all-you-can-eat fundraising breakfast for someone in the community who is in need of financial help due to illness or hardship. The two organizations volunteer their time and share the expenses so that all proceeds go to the family in need. Lenhart said, “We feel very good doing it.”

Colorfest weekend is one opportunity to enjoy the delicious soups, sandwiches, and desserts prepared by the kitchen staff. You can also order food for pickup before Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. Red velvet, German chocolate, chocolate, coconut, and yellow cakes are available; peach, cherry, apple, blueberry, and homemade mince are several of the seventeen varieties of pies; six soups, including cream of crab, Maryland crab, and chicken corn, are available. For the complete list, you can call Lenhart at 301-271-2655.

Social events provide time for relaxation. In the spring, the ladies enjoy appetizers, sandwiches, soup, and dessert, served by the men during the Women’s Tea. On Father’s Day, homemade chocolate chip cookies are a special treat for dads. An annual picnic and dinners during the year provide time for fellowship.

The original Trinity Reformed Church was dedicated on June 13, 1880, and began its mission with fifty-two founding members.  Expansion began in 1901, and electricity was added in 1911. In 1957, the United Church of Christ was formed; Trinity Reformed became Trinity United Church of Christ. The church is located at 101 East Main Street in Thurmont. The website, www.trinityuccthurmont.org, provides information about their mission and statement of faith. You can also listen to some of Pastor Sean’s sermons, view the latest newsletter, and see photos of previous events.

Pastor Sean DeLawder and members of the Thurmont Trinity United Church of Christ.

by Theresa Dardanell

Weller United Methodist Church

A Welcoming Congregation

When I met with Pastor Bob Kells and several members of Weller United Methodist Church (UMC), I learned that this church is the oldest church within the Thurmont town limits. Although that is an interesting fact, I agreed with Dorothy Clever, president of the United Methodist Women, who said that what is going on currently in the church is more important than just the history.

The church began its history without an actual building.  Members met in homes for Bible study. Jacob Weller, a prominent resident who owned and operated a local match factory, donated land for the church, which was built in 1830. During an expansion project in 1915, the bell tower and stained glass windows were added. A final expansion was completed in 1957.  The cemetery has been a part of the church since the beginning. Jacob Weller and his father are buried there, along with soldiers who fought in the Civil War, as well as many local residents. Records of grave sites are available at the church. Family members can search for ancestors buried there.

Currently, Weller UMC has about one hundred active members, who do a considerable amount of community outreach, not only locally, but around the world. The major project right now is the flood buckets being assembled for the people recovering from the recent hurricanes. The buckets contain supplies for the initial cleanup so that people can return to their homes. The congregation donated an outstanding $1,490 for forty-five buckets. Pastor Bob said that the congregation responds generously when there is a need. It is “an expression of our connectedness as a church and as a people that we give these things in times of need.”

The list of ongoing projects carried out by the members of the church is impressive. Food is donated to the local food bank; toiletries are collected and donated to the Religious Coalition in Frederick. Members volunteer weekly in the classrooms at Sabillasville Elementary. Annual projects include the Catoctin area school supply drive, a summer book drive for Sabillasville Elementary, and the Thurmont Ministerium Christmas gift program. Children who go to the food bank at Christmas and Easter receive special treat bags (350 bags were distributed at Christmas last year).  Members also participate in the summer lunch program, which is coordinated by the Thurmont Ministerium. During one week in the summer, they enjoy serving lunch, playing games, and working on craft projects with the children. Pat Alexander, co-chair of the Mission Team that coordinates these projects, said that the latest project is the “tied fleece” baby blankets, made by the members and donated to the Catoctin Pregnancy Center. Along with supporting the local organizations, the United Methodist Women’s group pledges money to the Baltimore Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church, which supports the needs of people around the world.

The generosity of the members is not limited to monetary and material donations. Church Lay Leader Catherine Pitt said that the Prayer Shawl ministry is very important. Anyone who is in need of comfort or healing can request a prayer shawl for themselves or someone else. Requests are not limited to members of the church.  Members create the shawls and the congregation prays for the recipient.  Catherine said that knowing that an entire congregation of people is praying for you is very helpful when going through a difficult time.

Members of the congregation are not “all work and no play.”  The puppet ministry is one activity in which the youth and adults are involved together. Paulette Mathias, chairperson of the Church Council, said that the puppet ministry has been performing for “children of all ages” for about five years. The lyrics for popular songs are replaced with Christian lyrics to create Christian parody music and used in skits for performances at the church, and occasionally at other locations in the community. For the adults, another social activity is the participation by the Weller team in the Frederick Christian Basketball League.

The dedication of the members was apparent during my meeting with Pastor Bob, Paulette Mathias, Dorothy Clever, Pat Alexander, Henry Alexander, Cindy Hart, and Catherine Pitt. Other hard working staff and volunteers include Lay Servant Wes Baugher; Lay Speaker Mark Eyler; Administrative Assistant Billie Lookingbill; Organist Lori Eyler; Music Director Debbie Shultzaberger; Custodian Donny Wastler, Jr.; Nursery Assistant Lois Griffith; and Parish Relations Committee Chair Colby Child.  Trustee Chairman Tom Shaffer leads the team that keeps the church facilities up-to-date and in working order.

Two worship services are held every Sunday. There is a traditional service with organ music and song leaders at 8:30 a.m. and a contemporary service with christian praise music at 11:00 a.m. Sunday school for children and adults is between the services at 9:45 a.m.  Easter and Christmas seasons are celebrated with special musical accompaniment by a large choir and bell choir cantata. A very special and moving remembrance service is celebrated on All Saints Sunday.  For each member who has died during the previous year, a photo is projected on a screen, a candle is lit, and a bell is rung while the name is read. A special altar cloth containing the names of the deceased is placed on the altar on this day. This tradition began in 1998.

Everyone is welcome to join Weller United Methodist Church for Sunday services. It is located at 101 North Altamont Avenue in Thurmont. Call 301-271-2802 with questions during office hours, Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Visit their Facebook page or website at wellerumc.com for additional information.

Members of the Weller UMC Mission Team, with the flood buckets created for victims of the recent hurricanes.

Courtesy Photo

 

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.