This Sunday, April 3rd, join us outside of Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ at 15 W Church Street, as we protest and rally against the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill that was recently passed in Florida, and the many similar bills that are being proposed across the country.
5:00 p.m. – Making posters for the rally!
6:00 p.m. – Rally begins!
Email support@thefrederickcenter.org with any questions or concerns.
This event has been organized by The Frederick Center, which exists to support and advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) people and our families so we thrive, accepted and affirmed, in the broader Frederick community. Visit http://www.thefrederickcenter.org/ for more information.
Evangelical Reformed Church of Frederick Maryland and Our Frederick Legacy
By Peter Brehm
I sometimes hear conversations that include references such as “Back in the 1950s . . .” or, “In 1970, when I learned how to drive . . .” and, “I remember when that song was popular in 1985 . . .” we all make these references. They help ground our experiences in the context of broader historic and cultural events of those times. These references are part of our story.
Here are some numbers that are part of ERUCC’s story: 259, 232, 215, and 129. These are years, and they represent markers in the history and significance of now-named Trinity Chapel (formerly called the German Reformed Church and then Old German Church before gaining its current name).
In 1763, the congregation, which was founded in 1745, built a stone church and tower at 10 West Church Street. In 1790, the congregation partnered with the City of Frederick to install Frederick’s town clock in the tower.
In 1807, the congregation replaced the stone spire with a wooden clock tower and spire. In 1893, the congregation installed a set of ten bells, known as the Trinity Chimes, in the steeple. This 1763 structure and its improvements over the centuries have been a unifying part of Frederick since the early days of the city, uniquely identifying Frederick’s skyline, bringing neighbors together not only for worship but also for education, mission efforts, civic events, and more, and helping everyone keep their appointments in a timely manner! Trinity Chapel is part of Frederick’s story, and part of ours as well.
This Sunday after the 10:30 am service we will launch our Campaign to Restore an Iconic Steeple. After a catered hot meal, Rob Porter and Pastor Emeritus Fred Wenner will share the history of the structure, after which we will discuss the needed restoration efforts. Please plan to attend this special event and learn about this important effort to restore an iconic steeple. And in the meantime, please reflect on John Greenleaf Whittier’s poem Barbara Fritchie and how he was describing the Trinity Chapel steeple when he wrote:
“Up from the meadows rich with corn,
Clear in the cool September morn,
The clustered spires of Frederick stand
Green-walled by the hills of Maryland.”
The Rev. Dr. Barbara Kershner Daniel
Senior Pastor
Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ
bkdaniel@erucc.org
15 W. Church Street, Frederick, MD 21702
301-662-2762
Artist’s Statement: New in Christ by Rev. Lauren Wright Pittman
Inspired by 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Digital painting.
During the Season of Lent, I will share one of the poems included in our worship materials, “Full to the Brim.” It is the hope of our Worship Design Team that this layering of art, poetry, and the language of prayer will enhance your faith journey in these weeks ahead.
Come Rain or Shine
“I will keep on.” That’s what I heard him say.
I will keep on driving out demons and healing people,
speaking the truth and loving endlessly,
searching for the lost sheep and crying for the brokenhearted,
feeding the hungry an welcoming the outcast.
“I will keep on.” That’s what he said, right after he said my name right after he called me beloved, right after he welcomed me home and saved me a seat.
And I knew, there was not stopping him.
I was under his wing.
Come rain or shine, today and tomorrow,
this love keeps on.
(written by: rev. sarah speed | sanctifiedart.org)
The Rev. Dr. Barbara Kershner Daniel
Senior Pastor
Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ
bkdaniel@erucc.org
15 W. Church Street, Frederick, MD 21702
301-662-2762
Throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we have followed a plan guided by public health information and our shared values. In response to the most recent science-informed guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Evangelical Reformed is taking the next steps into the New Normal. Masks may be worn at any time, but will no longer be required during most activities at ERUCC.
Adults and youth may participate in worship, fellowship, and activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing. We respect those who wish to continue wearing a mask and ask that everyone have a mask available should it become helpful in bringing comfort or protection to you or others. Our children decided to continue wearing masks at this time.
Whether you are cautious or comfortable, we pause to acknowledge and affirm the range of feelings you might have about the easing of restrictions that have supported our health and safety throughout the pandemic.
We continue to offer opportunities for worship, education, and fellowship through virtual platforms. Details about our 10:30am Sunday worship service available through livestream and on demand, our online Bible Study offerings, and other opportunities to engage virtually can be found at erucc.org.
The Values Guiding the ERUCC Plan for Reopening
Love for Neighbor– We proceed cautiously to protect the safety and health of our community.
Access and Equity – We create opportunities to participate how you feel comfortable, online and/or in-person, and will work to ensure experiences in both spaces are in harmony.
Social Justice – We know COVID-19 disproportionately impacts people of color and other marginalized populations. We believe our plan has helped protect our vulnerable neighbors.
Service to Others – We acknowledge that helping to keep our neighbors healthy is a part of our service to our community and how we can be a face of God’s love.
Radical Hospitality – We continue to welcome you no matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey and we will welcome you literally wherever you are!
Connection and Relationship – We value being in community together. We commit to continuing and expanding opportunities to worship, learn, and fellowship together.
Transparency – We, as a team of ERUCC members, consulted scientifically-based documents, trusted public health officials, and ecumenical leaders to develop our plan for reopening and will continue to do so.
ERUCC Reopening Work Group
Chuck Baldree, Cliff Barr, Peter Brehm, Linda Coyle, Tom Frazier, Barbara Kershner Daniel, Marc Kline, Sue Pinner, Kim Sexton, and Tyler L. York
