CLV Volunteer Honored with Lay Ministry Award

The 19th Annual Celebrate Ministry Awards Program recognizing outstanding Lutheran lay ministry in the Delaware-Maryland Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America was held on April 17, 2016 at Carroll Lutheran Village in Westminster. A total of 13 awards were presented by the Synod Bishop, the Rev. Wolfgang D. Herz-Lane.

Carroll Lutheran Village volunteer Connie Browning, a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Reisterstown, was honored with a Social Ministry Organization Award for her ongoing volunteerism with the Village. Browning has been volunteering at the Village for over 15 years, serving as a 1:1 visitor to skilled nursing and assisted living residents, escorting residents to physician appointments, participating in group activities and helping new residents get acquainted with their new community. As a member of the former Friends of the Village auxiliary, she represented her congregation as an ambassador and served on the Board. She chaired the Taste of Ireland St. Patrick’s Day dinner that raised about $3,500 over the three years it was held, and chaired or served on a number of other auxiliary fundraising event committees.

Browning continues to chair the annual quilt raffle and works as a sales associate in the two campus gift shops. Proceeds from the raffle and both shops are designated for the Ministry of Caring, which supports residents of the Village with need.

When asked why she volunteers at the Village, Connie replies “because I enjoy it! By helping others I receive so much just knowing that I can make a difference in someone’s life.”