Church Spotlight
Christ’s Community Church, Emmitsburg by Theresa Dardanell From the outside, Christ’s Community Church doesn’t look like a traditional church. Don’t let that stop you from going inside. The people are friendly and welcoming. The building not only has a sanctuary for worship, but it also has several classrooms for children, a nursery available for babies…
Church Spotlight
MorningStar Family Church, Thurmont by Theresa Dardanell “Feeling welcome” does not begin to describe my visit to MorningStar Family Church. I was greeted with hugs as soon as I walked in the door. As more members arrived, they also welcomed me warmly. During the service, the members unhurriedly spent time greeting one another with handshakes…
Church Spotlight
Elias Evangelical Lutheran Church, Emmitsburg by Theresa Dardanell “Elias Lutheran is a praying congregation.” During the Sunday service I attended, Pastor Jon Greenstone read aloud the names of those needing special prayers. The church newsletters and the Sunday bulletins include prayer requests for families in mourning, people in need of healing or encouragement, and those…
Church Spotlight
Mountain View Ministries Church of God by Theresa Dardanell Support of local, national and international missions and evangelism is important to the members of Mountain View Ministries Church of God, but Pastor Jeff Shaw said, “The number one outreach is leading people to Christ and then mentoring them in order that they may grow in…
Church Spotlight
Germantown Church of God by Theresa Dardanell On Sunday, August 25, take a scenic drive to a historic mountaintop church in Cascade and join the members of the Germantown Church of God for the Sunday worship service and a community picnic. Of course, the invitation to join them is not limited to August 25. Pastor…
Church Spotlight
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…
Church Spotlight
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Sabillasville by Theresa Dardanell “Small but mighty” was the way that the parishioners described St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Sabillasville, when I met with them after a recent Sunday service. Their Facebook page gives this description: “We are a small church. But, that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Small…
Church Spotlight
Saint Anthony Shrine and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Parishes by Theresa Dardanell A Pastorate—two churches with one pastor. Saint Anthony Shrine (SAS) in Emmitsburg and Our Lady of Mount Carmel (OLMC) in Thurmont began as independent parishes; the dedication of the church in Thurmont was held on June 5, 1859, and the dedication…
Church Spotlight
St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church by Theresa Dardanell Fellowship Sunday…a truly unique experience. On the first Sunday of each month, the members of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church attend a service that combines worship and hospitality. One long table in the Fellowship Hall is lined with pastries, donuts, fruit, coffee, and other breakfast treats; members…
Church Spotlight
Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Church, Lewistown by Theresa Dardanell “1833…Rebuilt 1883.” That’s what you see on the cornerstone of the historic building that is now Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Lewistown. Inside the church, you will find a small, but growing, congregation that includes young families with children, as well as members…
Church Spotlight-Thurmont United Methodist Church
by Theresa Dardanell Photos by Theresa Dardanell “Something for everyone” is a perfect way to describe the Clothes Closet, run by the Thurmont United Methodist Church (TUMC). It also describes the church, itself. When I arrived early for a 10:30 a.m. Sunday service at the church, I spent a few minutes reading the December…
Church Spotlight
Apples United Church of Christ Thurmont by Theresa Dardanell In 1760, Peter Apple donated one acre of land for a school that was also used as a church on Sundays. This location has been a place of worship for over 250 years and is now known as Apples United Church of Christ. A log church…
Church Spotlight
St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ, Cascade by Theresa Dardanell How does a church with a small congregation not only exist — but thrive — for over 125 years? St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ has continued to flourish, because it’s not only a place to worship but also a place where the community comes…
Church Spotlight
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…
Church Spotlight
St. John’s Lutheran Church of Creagerstown by Theresa Dardanell St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church is on the left and the Union Church is on the right. If your summer plans include visiting locations on the National Register of Historic Places, make sure you add St. John’s Church at Creagerstown Historic District to your list. The…
Church Spotlight
Monocacy Church of the Brethren by Theresa Dardanell The Brethren Love Feast is a reenactment of the Last Supper. It is celebrated at the Monocacy Church of the Brethren on Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday) and on the first Sunday in November. I met with Pastor Tracy Wiser and members of the congregation in June and…
Church Spotlight
by Theresa Dardanell Graceham Moravian Church The very popular “Served With Grace” monthly community meal is what most people know about Graceham Moravian Church, but it is only part of their very extensive ministry. Held on the first Monday of every month, this free dinner is a social event that brings the community together, while…
Church Spotlight St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Utica
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…
Church Spotlight
Emmitsburg Presbyterian Church by Theresa Dardanell I recently visited The Emmitsburg Presbyterian Church and met with the minister and some of the members. During the meeting, Rev. Dr. Peter Keith said, “Anyone coming to worship with us would hear a message of inclusiveness, love, and forgiveness, not about judgement,” and everyone agreed. The small tight-knit…
Church Spotlight
Lewistown United Methodist Church by Theresa Dardanell For the members of the Lewistown United Methodist Church (LUMC), community outreach means more than supporting the needs in the immediate Lewistown area; their contributions reach all around the world. Several committees and groups work together for the benefit of the church, the local community, and the world.…
