Two Carroll Women Honored for Outstanding Lay Service

The 21st Annual Celebrate Ministry Awards Program recognizing outstanding Lay ministry in the Delaware-Maryland Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America was held on April 15, 2018 at Carroll Lutheran Village in Westminster. A total of 14 awards were presented by the Synod Bishop, the Rev. William Gohl.

Social Ministry Organization Award

Jane Nupp, a resident of Carroll Lutheran Village in Westminster, was honored with a Social Ministry Organization Award for her more than 20 years of volunteerism with Carroll Lutheran Village. Always willing to help, Jane began volunteering early in her 24-year residency at the Village by running errands or providing transportation for fellow residents, helped new residents get acquainted with the Village and helped the marketing department by showing her home and meeting with prospective residents. A trained Stephen Minister, she supported fellow residents in times of need and took a leadership role in spiritual life by participating in Bible study groups and designing seasonal décor for the Krug Chapel upon its construction in the 1980’s. Today, she spearheads the annual Creative Expressions publication that features creative writing and art by Village residents and staff, an effort she has been involved with since its inception 21 years ago. The publication brings the entire Carroll Lutheran Village community together in celebration of one another’s creativity.

Significant Lay Ministry Award

Mary Hartmann, a member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Sykesville, was honored with a Significant Lay Ministry Award for her faithful service to the congregation as the volunteer certified kitchen coordinator who coordinates meals for all church events. Her efforts were instrumental in raising funds to support the construction of “Celebration Hall” 20 years ago that houses the church offices, a preschool and community meeting space for 17 community groups per month. Hartmann also coordinates and prepares three meals a month at the church for community service organizations, coordinates lunch packing several times a year to feed the homeless, coordinates funeral luncheons and coordinates or prepares food for members who are ill or have a need. For 27 years, Mary has coordinated and cooked much of the food at Messiah’s Strawberry Festival food booth, helping to raise funds in support of the community and college scholarships.