Pastor James FitzGerald

October 2024

During the last week of September, I went on a pastors’ retreat in the Chicago area to St. Mary’s of the Lake University. There I subscribed to the Society of the Holy Trinity. You might see the acronym STS (Societas Trinitatis Sanctae) next to my name in many places.  One activity at the retreat I participated in was the renewal of ordination vows. (See photo on page four.) I promise I did not plan this, but I renewed those vows less than a week before the anniversary of my ordination. On October 1, 2023, I was ordained at St. Paul’s, and I said the words, “I will and I ask God to help me.” Then Bishop Gohl placed a stole over my shoulders, and I found out how heavy the stole was. As the year progressed, I could feel the responsibility of ministry weighing on my shoulders.

This year was a blessed year full of achievement for this church. I learned a lot in the past year and I hope to continue asking God to help me on this journey of ministry. I want to thank all of you for embracing Hanna, Eden, Minnie and I into this church. We all truly feel loved at St. Paul’s and we are blessed to be a part of this church family. And I ask you, “What’s next here? We completed the first year together, but what’s the plan going forward?” We must continue asking God for guidance during this time.


Jesus says in the book of John the 16th chapter, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” Jesus is speaking to his disciples about the Holy Spirit coming to open their minds. But today I ask you to be open to the will of the Holy Spirit and let him guide you and let him guide this church. We have many opportunities for ministry here at St. Paul’s whether you are interested in leading or attending a class or bible study, helping out with our Grassroots meals, or participation in worship. There are always opportunities here to grow with fellow Christians in the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will be our guide forever. Let him take hold of this church and you will see how much we can grow.

 

 

 

Pastor Jim

The Rev. James FitzGerald


Pastor Jim in Chicago

Pastor Jim on retreat in Chicago, IL

Renewal of vows.

Meet Pastor James FitzGerald and Family

Hello, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church!

My name is James FitzGerald, and I grew up in Mount Airy, Maryland. I earned a Master of Divinity from United Lutheran Seminary, a Master of Arts in Education from Albright College, and Bachelor of Arts in History from Albright College. My working experiences include teaching in public schools, serving as a waiter, spending summers working as a camp counselor, and stocking shelves and packing meat in a grocery store. In addition, I completed my internship at Evangelical Lutheran Church in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, and Trinity Lutheran Church in Rouzerville, Pennsylvania. I served in several other churches as a worship leader during my tenure at seminary. My favorite part of ministry is preaching and teaching, and I am skilled at working with children and youth.

I cherish my family. My wife Hanna, and I welcomed a baby girl, Eden, into our family in February of this year. Eden is a joy in our lives, and she is a precious gift to us from God. Hanna taught middle school English Language Arts for eight years, and her goal is to teach introductory college English courses, write, raise our daughter, and serve alongside me in the ministry. We also have a black Labrador retriever named Minnie.

I enjoy watching critically acclaimed films and blockbuster movies. My favorite book is The Lord of the Rings, and I enjoy reading comic books as well. I also spend each day in devotion reading God’s Word. My favorite sports teams are the Washington Football Team and the Washington Nationals. I also enjoy taking the time to exercise and fish. Hanna and I love to garden and cook together, especially barbecue, and we enjoy traveling, meeting new people, and going on adventures.

I am looking forward to getting to know all of you!


Pentecost Season

There is a place for you at St. Paul's during Pentecost season. Contact the church office 301-725-0241 to make an appointment for Confession, Baptism, Marriage and counseling.


Pastor Jospeh Lettrich - former Support Pastor (Thank you Pastor Joe for your service. One year contract ended October 1, 2024)