News and Views

By Ken Camper

St. Luke’s UMC in Reisterstown continues to build on the spirit of a project they completed last spring, creating a renewed enthusiasm for service and discipleship at the church.

On March 13, when there was still snow on the ground, the congregation held a dedication service for its first affordable rental housing project. The service was attended by Baltimore Suburban District Superintendent, the Rev. Ann LaPrade, government officials, laity, and guests. The Rev. Emmanuel Johnson, pastor of the church, led the dedication worship service and coordinated the outdoor ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Funds from the sale of unused land, donations by members of the church, and a grant from the Baltimore-Washington Conference paid for the renovation of a house known as the Cromwell House, which had fallen into disrepair. This project took four years to complete.

A rental management company was hired by the church to handle the day-to-day aspects of the rental. At the end of June, St. Luke’s UMC had its first tenants living in the house. The Trustees express gratitude to God and to all those who helped the church play a small part in helping make a difference in the lives of others.

The shortage of affordable housing is a national issue. Providing housing that families can afford fulfills a mission of the church which provides an opportunity and a pathway to better education, health care, employment opportunities, grocery shopping, and transportation services.

For questions about how your church can make a difference, contact Ken Camper, the vice chair of St. Luke’s UMC Board of Trustees.