Worship Services
Come and join us for worship service on Sundays at 10:30 AM.
To attend in person, visit us at 8397 Piney Orchard Parkway, Odenton, MD.
If you’d like to attend virtually, our services are live-streamed to our YouTube (click the Live tab to see the latest recordings) and Vimeo channels.
The YouTube link will also be posted directly to the church’s Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/FirstLutheranOdenton/
We hope to continue and even expand our online ministry through this forum into the future to provide not only for those folks at high-risk for COVID-19, but also for shut-ins, out-of-state travelers and those who prefer online access to God’s word.
Announcements and Prayers
December 4th, 2024
On-Line Viewing
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheFirstEvangelicalLutheranChurchofOdenton
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/event/537863
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstLutheranOdenton
Upcoming Meetings
Midweek Advent Wednesday Services: Service at 7:00, Dinner beforehand at 6:00.
Ladies Auxiliary: No December Meeting, next will be January 6th.
Planning Council: December 9th at 7:00 PM
Women’s Bible Study: Will resume Tuesday January 14th at 9:30 AM
Men’s Bible Study: Will resume Wednesday January 15th at 9:30
Young Men’s Bible Study: Meets every other Wednesday at 6:45pm, for compline service. 7pm for Bible study. No meetings in December.
Christmas Service
This year’s Christmas services will be as follows: December 24th at 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM, and December 25th at 10:30 AM.
Angel Tree
We have set up the angel tree again this year in the back of the narthex. We are sponsoring 3 recovery house families in partnership with Christmas 4 Children. Ornaments are displayed on the tree that provide a description of items needed. Please consider taking an ornament from the tree and returning the unwrapped item with the ornament tag no later than Wednesday, December 18th. There is a sign-out sheet for each of the ornaments – please sign the sheet next to the corresponding number that is provided on the ornament. Thank you for your remembering those in need and please pray for these families as they navigate through the Christmas season that they find the greatest gift of all – Jesus!
Bulletin Announcements
Due to the holiday schedule, please have all announcements for December 29th’s service into the church office by end of day Friday December 20th for bulletin printing. Thank you.
2025 Donation Envelopes
For those who donate in-person, envelopes for the upcoming church year are available and ready to be picked up in the Narthex. Please look for your name and grab your family’s box. If you do not have envelopes, but wish to, please email the church office (churchoffice@felcodenton.org) so that it can be arranged. Thanks!
Advent Dinners
The sign-up sheets for the 2 remaining Advent dinners are available for you to indicate how you might like to contribute to any of the meals. The sheets are on the table in the Narthex as you enter the church. Or, if you prefer, there will be a “Free Will Offering” basket at the meals which helps to cover the cost of extra food. For week 2 Chicken is provided, you can sign up for the sides, such as vegetables, salads, and breads, and desserts. Week 3 will be any pasta dish you would like to bring or sides, salads bread or desserts or if you’d prefer to sign up for those instead. If you would like to help with setting up or cleaning up that would be greatly appreciated as well! Set up starts at 5pm Thanks! Any questions, call Ursula.
CAP Item of the Month Collection
CAP is now reinstating their item of the month collection. Since they are only open one more week in Nov and 3 weeks in Dec, we are asking for beans from now until the end of Dec. They are collecting canned beans and dry beans, any flavor, any kind. Donations may be dropped off on Tuesdays from 10:30 am – 1:30 pm and on Thursdays from 1:30-5:30 pm, OR you can contact me to arrange a drop-off time with Amy.
Church Poinsettias
We will have our usual poinsettias–red, white, pink, and marble, in 7-inch pots–decorating the sanctuary for Christmas Eve services this year. If you would like to purchase one or more to take home after the services, the cost is $17 each. You can send payment to the church office, specifying it is for Christmas flowers. The flowers payment box will also be out in the church, on the table in the narthex. Please also indicate what color poinsettia you would like. If you would like to buy a poinsettia for the church but don’t plan to take it home, you don’t need to specify a color. Last day to order is December 15th. If you have any questions, please contact Debbie Susie. Thank you!
Feeding Our Friends
FELC will be helping Be More Caring each month by preparing and packaging 200 meals for delivery to our homeless friends in the Baltimore and Anne Arundel County areas. Please let Margie know if you are interested in helping. The next event is scheduled to be December 25th. Please consider helping us with this one time. Details to follow next week. Who knows, you may have so much fun, you’ll become a regular. It feels really good to know as we serve the Lord, 200 people will be blessed by getting a hot meal! Thanks! Thanks to the friends that helped us with the November event. Your time and thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated!
Children’s Sunday School
Children’s Sunday School meets in the church basement at 9 AM. Ages 3-10 years. We are learning about Advent and waiting for Jesus. It’s never too late to join us!
Operation Christmas Child
The OCC boxes will soon be heading out of Maryland. Then it’s off to God knows where… After their long trips they will end up at a special party and into the arms of smiling and super excited children aged 2-14. They’ll receive “Jesus Lessons” and learn about Jesus and His amazing love for everyone! So as we close out OCC Project 2024, we’d like to thank you once more and ask for continued prayers for our “little” friends! The boxes are being tracked; we will keep you posted on the location!!
Medicine containers are no longer being collected. But keep your eyes open as we start to plan for OCC 2025 and decide which crafts we will be making for OCC throughout the year! A list, and some examples of the items, we’re collecting (you’ll have these around your house to donate) for the projects will be out in the new year! Thank you! Ursula
Men’s Breakfast
Join the men the fourth Saturday of the month at 8am for breakfast and fellowship. The next breakfast will be December 28th at 8am in the Fellowship Hall. Breakfast will be provided, and wives are invited to join! Please contact Mike Mrozek, if you have any questions.
Shut In Visitation Ministry
If you would like to be visited and/or receive Communion, please contact the Church Office (410-672-3352 or churchoffice@felcodenton.org).
Young Adult Small Group
If you are between the ages of 20 and 30, please join us for our weekly (virtual) Bible Study, 8-9PM, on scheduled weekdays. If interested please contact John Pinckney. We look forward to discussing God’s word with you!
Updated Contact Information and Call Request
We now have an online form to help keep our information current. If you would like to have your contact information updated, you can do so via the following link. You can also make a request for a phone call.
https://felc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/119816
Giving
There are currently two ways to give. One way to give is by mailing your offering directly to the church office (8397 Piney Orchard Parkway, Odenton, MD 21113). Only a few months ago we installed a secure mailbox with a lock to keep our mail safe. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to consider another way to give online. It is one easy way to be faithful in financial stewardship.
For online giving:
https://felc.churchcenter.com/giving
For further instruction see:
About Us
From its humble beginnings almost 80 years ago, First Evangelical Lutheran Church has brought the Gospel Of Jesus Christ to Odenton and the surrounding areas.
Come and join us on Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM for worship as we come together in fellowship to grow as disciples of Jesus.