by Theresa Dardanell
St. Paul’s Church will celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2019. In 1769, a meeting house was erected near the site of the current church. The original congregation was served by circuit-rider preachers from Evangelical Lutheran, as well as German Reformed, German Baptist Brethren, and Methodist ministries. It was replaced by a brick building in 1838, and then completely rebuilt in 1889. Since the 1960s, it has exclusively been the home of the Lutheran Congregation in Utica. To celebrate this very special anniversary, monthly activities and events will be held next year.
Community service is an important part of the ministry of the church. The most popular fundraiser is the annual Utica picnic, which will be held this year on August 18 at the church’s Miller Picnic Woods, located at 7515 Lewistown Road. It has been a tradition for approximately 170 years and is an opportunity not only to raise money, but to promote fellowship. Lucille Putman, picnic supper co-chairperson, said that the event brings together over 800 people from Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Washington D.C. to enjoy food and fun. The popular menu includes country ham, fried chicken, salads, vegetables and fruit, sandwiches, and cake and ice cream. Along with the great food are games, music, and a pleasant hayride through the Miller Picnic Woods. Proceeds from the event are donated to the Woodsboro and Lewistown Fire Departments and the Thurmont and Glade Valley food banks, and are used to help fund the church’s ministry, as well as the Sunday school and Utica Cemetery Association. Lewistown Elementary School is also a beneficiary of the church’s generosity. Donations from members provide Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas gifts to families who need assistance. As part of the Thurmont Ministerium, church members contribute financially for local needs and participate in the summer lunch program for children in the community. The Aimee Belle Harper Scholarship program, managed by The Community Foundation of Frederick County and overseen by church members, provides scholarships for eligible students. Groups from the church worked with Habitat for Humanity and helped to build two homes, one in Brunswick and one in Thurmont. St. Paul’s has also participated in the Western Maryland Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
Community outreach is not limited to the local area. Pastor Reverend Albert K. Lane III said that as part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, they are connected to the Christian family in America and beyond. Worldwide support includes financial and prayerful support of missionaries Wendolyn and Eric Trozzo, who are living and working in Malaysia.
The youth of the parish are also very active, supported by the entire congregation. Monthly activities for children and youth include community service, along with events just for fun. Recently, the youth collected “Souper Bowl for Caring” donations for the food banks, and they also prepared and served a meal at the Frederick Soup Kitchen. They regularly visit members and friends of the church who live in nursing homes. Fun activities include ice skating parties, the annual Easter Egg hunt, and a visit to the pumpkin patch in the fall.
Reverend Lane said, “If we understand worship as being central to who we are as a Christian community, you need to have youth involved in your worship life.”
Children who attend the 8:00 a.m. Sunday service hear a special children’s sermon and then participate in Sunday School. On Scouting Sunday in March, scouts were encouraged to wear their uniforms and were recognized during the service.
Adults have the opportunity for friendship and service as members of the Men’s Ministry and the St. Paul’s Lutheran Women’s League. The Men’s Ministry meets monthly for companionship and to plan activities, especially for holidays. The Women’s League distributes gifts for graduates and confirmation students, provides support for the homebound or the sick of the parish, and serves luncheons and receptions for funerals and memorial services.
All of these many church, community, and worldwide services are accomplished by the approximately 150 active members of the church, who all worship together at one of two services on Sundays. There is an 8:00 a.m. relaxed Communion service and a 10:30 a.m. traditional Communion service. Fellowship time with refreshments, in between the services, is held every Sunday from 9:00-9:30 a.m. and is followed by Bible Study/Sunday School for adults. Music is an integral part of both services. The praise team/ensemble leads the congregation in song at the early service, and the adult choir sings at the 10:30 a.m. service. When I visited the church on March 18, the Frederick Youth Flute Choir played before and during the service.
The joy of music is promoted at the church, with concerts held during the year. The Louise S. Ediger Memorial concert series continues the 2018 season with the GreenSpring Young Artists concert at 2:00 p.m. on May 5. On June 14, Argentinean concert organist Gustavo Andres performs at 7:00 p.m. The 11th annual Summer Harp Concert Series will be held in July with performances on July 10, 11, and 13, by the American Youth Harp Ensemble, led by Artistic Director Lynnelle Ediger.
Visitors are always welcome at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Utica, located at 10621 Old Frederick Road. Join them for the very family-friendly worship or attend one of the many activities or events that they hold. You won’t be disappointed.
Reverend Albert K. Lane III with members of the St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Utica.
Photo by Theresa Dardanell
