As I begin this newsletter, let me remind everyone that the first of our monthly gospel sings—sponsored by Don and Sylvia Lemley—will take place this coming Saturday evening. These sings will be held on the last Saturday of each month and will feature many of the Lemleys’ friends joining them to share the Gospel message through music and testimony. For this first gathering, we are excited to welcome The River Valley Boys and Jan, Kameron Waits, John and Debbie Levier, along with Don and Sylvia themselves. Following the concert, we will enjoy a potluck dinner and time of fellowship together. We invite you to join us at 5:00 PM for what promises to be a wonderful evening of worship, encouragement, and Christian fellowship. Then this Sunday, I will begin a new mini-series of sermons centered on “The Seven Spheres of Influence” within our culture today—areas where the Church must be actively engaged if we are to make a lasting impact in our world. Throughout this year, I have challenged each of us to find “The One.” Who is the one person God is calling you to reach out to, engage with, and build a relationship with so that you may ultimately introduce them to Christ? Perhaps that person already knows Christ but is struggling to walk closely with Him. Perhaps God is calling you to walk alongside them in a journey of discipleship and encouragement.  The purpose of this series is to equip each of us to step out boldly and actively participate in the work of Kingdom building. Certainly, we would love for people to join us in worship and fellowship here at Wildermuth, but our greater goal is the advancement of God’s Kingdom and the sharing of the hope found in Jesus Christ. This Sunday, as we kick off the series, we will learn about what the church is and what it is that God asks of the church.

Over the past several weeks, we have journeyed together through our sermon series, “What I Really Need Is…” As we studied God’s Word, we were reminded that while the world often tells us we need more success, comfort, control, or recognition, our deepest needs are only truly met in Christ. Whether we were talking about spiritual growth, security, understanding, purpose, strength, or grace, each message pointed us back to the truth that God already knows exactly what we need and faithfully provides for us, His children. My prayer is that this series has encouraged you to look beyond temporary troubles and temporary answers and lean more fully into a daily relationship with Jesus. Real peace is found in Him. Real hope is found in Him. Real life is found in Him. Thank you for walking through this series together and for the many conversations, prayers, and testimonies that have come from it. This coming Sunday we will celebrate both Pentecost Sunday and Memorial Weekend. Pentecost reminds us of the powerful arrival of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2, when God empowered the Church to boldly proclaim the Gospel to the world. It is a celebration of God’s presence still working in and through His people today. At the same time, Memorial Weekend gives us an opportunity to pause and remember those who gave their lives in service to our country. We are grateful for the freedoms we enjoy and for the sacrifices made by so many men and women throughout our nation’s history. As we gather for worship, may we do so with thankful hearts — remembering both the spiritual power God has given His Church and the earthly freedoms preserved through sacrifice.  As a reminder, we will kick off the holiday weekend with a concert with my friends, Bryan and Yvonne Hutson from Rescue Me Ministries. Those that know Southern Gospel Music, may remember Bryan as the lead singer with the Kingsmen Quartet for around 10 years. We will have a time of fellowship with some light refreshments after. Concert begins at 6 PM.

We are excited to have not just one, but two wonderful evenings of Gospel music and fellowship at Wildermuth Memorial Church this month. On Saturday, May 23rd at 6:00 PM, we are excited to welcome Bryan and Yvonne Hutson’s music and ministry through Rescue Me Ministry for a special evening of Gospel music and worship. Their ministry has encouraged churches and communities across the country through heartfelt songs, personal testimony, and a powerful message of God’s grace and redemption. Invite your family and friends to come enjoy this uplifting time together. Then, one week later, on Saturday, May 30th beginning at 5:00 PM, join us for a Gospel Sing featuring Don and Sylvia Lemley and friends. This is the first of a series of sings which will be held the last Saturday each month. This month will feature: The River Valley Boys and Jan, John and Debi Levier, Kameron Waits, and of course Don and Sylvia. Each of these artists have spent years sharing the love of Christ through Southern Gospel music, and this evening promises to be filled with great music, worship, and fellowship. A potluck dinner will follow the singing, so come hungry and enjoy a wonderful evening together with the church family and community.  Both events are free and open to everyone. A Love Offering will be collected at each concert. We would love to see you there! Also, keep in mind that we are approaching that time of the year where we will have our annual meeting as we discuss the happenings in and around our church as well as vote on our church leadership for the next term. This annual meeting will be held on Sunday June 7th after our morning worship service.

As Mother’s Day approaches, I would like for each of us to take time and pause to give thanks for the women who have shaped our lives in countless ways, both seen and unseen. Mothers carry a unique calling—one marked by sacrifice, perseverance, tenderness, and strength. Whether through sleepless nights, whispered prayers, words of encouragement, or quiet acts of service, their influence reaches far beyond what words can fully express. Scripture reminds us of the value and dignity of a godly woman: “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her” (Proverbs 31:28). This verse captures what many of us feel in our hearts—a deep gratitude for the love, guidance, and faithfulness that mothers pour into their families. Motherhood is not always easy. It is often a path walked with both joy and sorrow, laughter and tears. Yet, in every season, God uses mothers to reflect His own heart—His compassion, His patience, and His unwavering love. Many of us can point to the faith of a mother or grandmother as a foundation for our own walk with Christ. This Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate not only biological mothers, but also our spiritual mothers— those women who have mentored, encouraged, and nurtured others in the faith. The church is blessed by women who step into this role, offering wisdom, care, and godly example to the next generation.  At the same time, we recognize that this day can be difficult for some. For those who have lost their mothers, long to be mothers, or carry complicated relationships, we want you to know you are seen, loved, and prayed for. The Lord draws near to every heart and offers His comfort and peace. As a church family, let us take time to honor the mothers among us. A word of thanks, a gesture of appreciation, or a simple prayer can go a long way in affirming the impact they make each day. May we all reflect the love of Christ in the ways we care for one another, and may God richly bless every mother for the faithfulness she lives out.

This past Saturday, we were blessed by a wonderful concert from my dear friends, Don and Sylvia Lemley. Don has spent many years traveling and sharing the Gospel through song— probably longer than I’ve been alive—and in recent years, Sylvia has joined him in this ministry. While I won’t take the time or place to share their testimony here, I do want to share some exciting news that grew out of their time with us. Over the years and hundred of miles traveled doing this ministry, Don and Sylvia have built meaningful relationships with other gospel artists. Recently, they’ve begun gathering these friends once a month for a gospel sing followed by a time of fellowship and a shared meal. A few from Wildermuth have already attended and can attest to how special these evenings have been. We’re excited to announce that Wildermuth Memorial Church will now partner with them to host these monthly gatherings! This will be in addition to our current calendar of events, not a replacement. Beginning Saturday, May 30th, we will host a multi-artist gospel sing on the last Saturday of each month from 5:00–7:00 PM, followed by a time of fellowship and a carry-in dinner. You’re encouraged to bring a favorite dish to share if you’re able.  Yes, I realize this same day also includes my father’s surprise 90th birthday cookout earlier in the afternoon—but who doesn’t enjoy even more time together? We hope you’ll plan to join us for this new and encouraging time of worship and fellowship.

As you know, I often use this space in the newsletter to reflect on our current sermon series, encourage your discipleship journey, or share what’s happening in the life of the church. This time, the focus is clearly on the latter, as we approach an important moment in our church family. Our annual Congregational Business Meeting is scheduled for the first Sunday of June. During this meeting, we will have the opportunity to participate in the election of our Board Officers— an important way each of us has a voice in the leadership and direction of Wildermuth Memorial Church. In accordance with our Constitution and By-Laws, the following positions will be open for election or re-election: Chairperson (Marvin Dollery), Vice Chairperson (currently vacant), Secretary (Greg Smith), Trustee (Randy Russell), and Treasurer (Barbara Dollery). I’ve included the names of those currently serving in these roles in case you would like to speak with them and learn more about what each position involves. You’ve already heard mention of this upcoming election from the pulpit, and you will continue to see and hear reminders as June approaches. However, I want to highlight it now for a specific reason: I am prayerfully seeking individuals who feel led to serve as part of our leadership team. Per our By-Laws, nominations must be presented to the current Board for approval before being placed on the ballot. As your Pastor, I am actively working through this process. If you feel God prompting you toward one of these roles, I encourage you to come speak with me. And don’t be surprised if I reach out to you as well, as I seek the Lord’s guidance in identifying those He may be calling to serve.  Let us enter this season with prayerful hearts, open and willing to follow where God leads in the life and ministry of His church.

Over the past several weeks, we’ve gathered at Carroll Cup Coffee House on Tuesdays at 9 AM for Bible study. We recently finished the book of 1 John, where one theme stands above the rest: God does not want His people to live in uncertainty about their relationship with Him. John writes so believers can have real assurance—not based on feelings or empty claims, but on a life rooted in Christ. He gives several “tests” to examine our faith, not to discourage us, but to help us rest confidently in Him: Truth Test: Do we believe in Jesus as He is revealed in Scripture—fully God and fully man? Light Test: Do we deal honestly with sin, confessing it and trusting God’s forgiveness? Obedience Test: Is our life changing, growing in alignment with God’s will? Love Test: Do we show active, sacrificial love for others? World Test: What captures our hearts—God or the world’s priorities? Righteousness Test: Is our life marked by a new direction, turning from sin toward God? Discernment Test: Can we recognize truth and reject what is false? Faith Test: Is our confidence grounded in Christ alone? John’s goal is not fear, but assurance: “that you may know that you have eternal life.” These tests help confirm genuine faith, expose false assurance, and draw us back to Christ. True assurance isn’t found in perfection, but in a life being shaped by Him. May we live not in doubt, but in the steady confidence that comes from knowing Jesus.  I encourage you, if your schedule allows for it, to join us each week as we dive into Scripture to strengthen and encourage us on the journey of life.

What a wonderful time we shared this past Easter weekend! A few of us gathered for the Community Good Friday Service, which left us reflecting deeply on the sacrifice our Lord made so many years ago. We departed in quiet anticipation, waiting for the joy of Resurrection morning. On Saturday, some of us had the opportunity to serve at an information booth during the Community Egg Hunt. It was a blessing to meet so many new faces, and we were delighted to add several individuals to our email distribution list. To those of you receiving this newsletter for the first time—WELCOME! If you do not currently have a church home, we would be honored for you to visit Wildermuth Church and experience our community. We did have to wrap up quickly as the egg hunt began, so I could return to the church to prepare for a wedding. I had to chuckle some as the groom chose that date so he could always remember it falls around Easter, and because of the simplicity of remembering the date “4–4.” Finally, many of you joined us on Sunday for our SONrise Service, Breakfast Fellowship, and Resurrection Service. Together, we explored the history and tradition of the Red Resurrection Egg and joyfully welcomed six new members into our church family. It was a full and meaningful weekend, and I must admit, I am just now catching up on a bit of rest and relaxation. While our calendar will ease up slightly in the coming weeks, our Kingdom work continues. We are already preparing for our next outreach event—a concert on Saturday, April 25th, featuring Don and Sylvia Lemley. Please take a moment to review the flyer at the end of this newsletter and share it with others. As we move beyond our Lenten journey, having walked through Holy Week and celebrated the risen Christ, our Sunday sermons will now transition into a new short series titled “What I Really Need Is…”. We will begin by exploring Spiritual Growth and considering what we need from God to live active and fruitful lives for His Kingdom. Will you join me on this next step of the journey? Blessings,

Welcome to the midway point of Holy Week! Can’t you almost hear the shouts of “Hosanna!” echoing through the streets? One of the unique perspectives we have, looking back on history, is knowing how quickly those cries of praise turned into shouts of “Crucify Him!” as Good Friday approached. As we move closer to that solemn day, I invite you to join us for our Community Good Friday Service on Friday, April 3rd at 7:00 PM at Trinity UCC (105 N. High St., Baltimore). This will be a meaningful and reflective evening centered on the death, burial, and sacrificial love of our Lord and Savior. It is also a special opportunity to gather alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ from across denominations as we remember what Jesus endured for us. Then on Saturday, April 4th, you’re invited to join us at Johnson Park in Baltimore for the community Easter Egg Hunt, “Eggstravaganza.” Setup will begin around 9:30 AM, with the event opening at 11:00 AM and the egg hunt starting at noon. If the weather holds, we expect a wonderful turnout of families from the community. This is a great opportunity not only to introduce others to Wildermuth, but more importantly, to meet people, build relationships, and perhaps even connect with the “ONE” God has placed on your heart. And if past years are any indication—don’t blink! Those eggs will be gone in no time! Please also note that on Saturday afternoon, Wildermuth will host a wedding for a couple who recently visited during one of our concerts. They fell in love with our church and asked to hold their ceremony here. I’m honored to be officiating this special occasion. Our weekend continues with celebration on Sunday morning at 7:30 AM for our SONrise Service. Yes, the sun will rise—but we gather to celebrate the risen SON! Following the service, we’ll enjoy a time of fellowship and breakfast together, thanks to your generous donations. Then we’ll come back together at 10:00 AM for our regular worship service, where we will celebrate new members joining our church and share in Communion. It will be a full and meaningful weekend. I encourage you to participate in as many of these opportunities as you can as we journey together from the cross to the empty tomb. Grace and peace , Pastor Vance