Renaming Celebration - June 2011

Our congregation celebrated a major milestone on June 26, 2011: We retired with dignity the name Crusader Lutheran Church - which had served us well for 59 years - and began a new era as Living Faith Lutheran Church. Preaching pastor for the Renaming Celebration: the Rev. Philip C. Hirsch, Director for Evangelical Mission and Assistant to the Bishop for the Metroplitan Washington, D.C. Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). To Pastor Phil's right: the Rev. Sandra Cox Shaw, our pastor since December 2005 and presiding pastor for the Renaming Celebration.

This photograph was featured in both the Rockville Gazette and Washington Post and The Christian Century magazine. Like all others in this album, it was taken by Collin Corbin - a professional photographer and son of Steve Corbin, a lifetime member of our church and Vice-President of our Congregation Council.

Before Worship: Twin Banners

The Crusader Lutheran banner hung for decades above our sanctuary entrance; the Living Faith banner was completed just days before our Renaming Celebration, thanks to the hard work of Millie Hamernik, Liz Roybal and Kathryn Hildebrand.

Before Worship: Millie & Pastor Phil

Dawn & James Passing Out Programs

Weekly Bulletin & Renaming Celebration Program

Reading Up Before Worship

Rockin' the Anthem: Dave on Electric Guitar

Kaya on Claves

Emma & PattI Sing a Beautiful Anthem

Choir Delivers a Memorable Anthem: 'African Psalm'

Anthem: Hube, John, David, Kaya & Marty

Hube Lays Down a Soul-Stirring Rhythm

Pastor Phil Preaches a Memorable Sermon

Pastor Phil Makes a Passionate Point

Pastor Phil: "God's Going to Do a New Thing"

Pastor Phil Works the Pulpit

Pastor Phil in the Zone

Luka Takes It All In

James & Luke Share the Peace

Andrew & Sam Share a Sign of Peace

Councilman & Charter Member

Rockville City Councilman Mark Pierzchala shares a sign of peace with Alverta Dronenburg - a charter member who has been a vital part of our church since its foundation in 1952.

Rachel & Jim Passing the Peace

Deb, Ed & Hube Share the Peace

Closing Hymn: We Are Called

Closing Hymn: Derek, Hube, Kaya, John, Dave

Pastors Phil & Sandra - greeting the flock

Pastor Phil Greets a Guest

Pastor Sandra guides guests outside

Pastor Phil Greets Gerry After Worship

After worship - hello to Sally & George

Andrew & Lisa Admire the New Banner

Awaiting the Pastors

Andrew with new banner; Rachel approves

Pastors Phil & Sandra Bless Our New Church Sign

Sign Blessing Close-Up

Prayerful Congregants During the Sign Blessing

Listening Attentively to Pastor Phil's Blessing

Pastors with Andrew After Sign Blessing

Welcome to Our Renamed Church!

Pastors Phil & Sandra with Alverta

Charter member Alverta Dronenburg with the Preaching Pastor Philip C. Hirsch and Presiding Pastor Sandra Cox Shaw. Alverta has been part of our church since 1952 - when it was founded as Crusader Lutheran Church - and initiated the motion to rename our church at a special meeting on November 7, 2011. The motion passed, and on January 30, 2011, the congregation affirmed Living Faith Lutheran as aur new church name.

Luka Strumming: A Rock Star Is Born!

J3: Jeremiah, James & Jared

Luncheon Reception: Always a Delicious Spread!

Pastor Sandra Enjoys Her Flock

A Tasty Cake for a Joyous Day