Welcome to St. Luke's Lutheran Church of Derwood

Mission Statement

In response to God’s love, St. Luke’s Lutheran Church exists to:

Worship God
Grow in Faith
Spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ
Reach out in service to those in need

Our Core Values

Join our spiritual family at St. Luke's Lutheran Church of Derwood. Together, we form a warm and welcoming community where everyone is valued and supported. We believe in fostering meaningful connections, providing care and comfort, and embracing diversity. Come and be a part of our vibrant spiritual family.

Church History

St. Luke’s Lutheran Church is the oldest Lutheran congregation in Montgomery County. The first official congregation in 1892 was led by an itinerant Pastor who would travel by train from Washington D. C. to nearby Washington Grove to hold services in a member’s home. As the congregation grew, they met briefly in another church and a school until land was purchased at the corner of Muncaster and Muncaster Mill Road. The cornerstone for the first church was laid in 1900 and the building was completed in 1901.

With a focus on community outreach, the congregation outgrew the little church on the corner and a building fund was started in 1945. Property was purchased along Muncaster Road and the existing building was completed in 1957.

During the next 70+ years, through periods of growth and change, St. Luke’s has continued to gather for worship, study and fellowship and remained committed to live out our call to love and serve God and to share God’s love with the world.

What We Believe

Who is Welcome?

Welcome is what our church strives for. We recognize that people may have been hurt by experiences with church. They have been made to feel that they cannot be their God-given selves in a church setting. We work toward reconciliation with all people and share our fundamental belief that God’s love and grace are limitless for everyone. All are welcome here with their whole selves, which includes one’s race, ethnic background, past wrongdoing, economic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability, and legal status. Questions and doubts are welcome.

Meet Your Team

Welcome to our church community! We are blessed to have a dedicated team of staff members who are committed to serving our congregation and supporting our mission. Each member brings unique gifts and talents to our ministry, working together to foster a welcoming and nurturing environment for all. We invite you to get to know them and join us in our journey of faith.

Pastor

David Newman

I am from Muhlenberg County, KY where I met my spouse (Jane) while in High School. I graduated from Eastern University and the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. Before becoming a pastor in 2001, I spent 20 years in the nuclear power industry, first as a reactor operator and later as an operations instructor. Jane and I have four adult children and two, going on three, grandchildren. Our two youngest children were adopted through the foster care system, and we have had several foster children over the years. My hobby is rock n’ roll. I enjoy listening to music and go to several concerts every year. Before coming to St. Luke’s in February 2024, I served two congregations in PA and one in MO. I love being a pastor and am excited to see what God is doing in this congregation as we dream God’s dream and work for racial justice and gender equality. Hope to see you soon!

Administrative Assistant

Betsy Krotz

Betsy Krotz was born in Washington DC but raised in Western Pennsylvania. She is a graduate of West Virginia University and has a degree in Elementary and Special Education. Betsy and her husband live in Damascus and have an adult son. She enjoys teaching the middle school Confirmation class, working as a special education paraeducator for MCPS, and reading.

Music Director

Jim Buras

Music Director Jim Buras was born in Louisiana and raised in Montgomery County. Jim earned a degree in music from Catholic University. He worked as a general music teacher in Montgomery County for over 25 years and is now retired. His wife Amy is also a retired elementary teacher and plays flute in our band. They live in Damascus and have an adult son and daughter. Jim and Amy provide the creative talent and music for both St. Luke’s Vacation Bible School and our Christmas play.

St. Luke's Cemetery

The St. Luke’s Cemetery is located one mile from the church on Briardale Road in Derwood, Maryland. It was established in 1926 on land donated by the Lowry family. Cemetery plots are available for purchase and use by members and their families.

For more information about the St. Luke’s Cemetery please contact the church office at 301-926-1220 or by email at stlukesmdc@aol.com.

Reconciled in Christ

Since 1974, ReconcilingWorks: Lutherans for Full Participation has advocated for the full welcome, inclusion, and equity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual/aromantic (LGBTQIA+) Lutherans in all aspects of the life of their Church, congregations, and community.