A Warm Welcome on Old Taneytown Road
Emmanuel Baust United Church of Christ sits along Old Taneytown Road in Carroll County, just outside Westminster, Maryland, where a long history of country-parish life continues in a friendly, open setting. The congregation's motto, "United in Christ's love, a just world for all," captures the spirit of a church that sees itself less as a building and more as a gathered family.
"We are a friendly church where all are welcomed into the family of Christ," the church says. "No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you're welcome here - to explore your faith, to meet new people, and to strengthen your personal relationship with God." That welcome extends to longtime members, neighbors from the surrounding farmland, and anyone who happens to be driving past the front doors on a Sunday morning.
Sunday Morning at 10:00
Worship takes place at 10:00 a.m. every Sunday, in person in the sanctuary and online through a livestream that is also archived for those who miss a service. The service draws on a long UCC tradition, with printed bulletins that include hymn numbers, an altar dressed in fresh flowers arranged by a local florist and dedicated by members each week, and choral and instrumental music led by an accompanist and a choir director. Hymnals, prayers, and sermons anchor a service designed to feel familiar and grounded.
For those who cannot attend in person, the livestream is the main connection each week, and a Vimeo archive lets visitors catch up later. A Zoom link is also posted so that worshipers at home can join together for the full experience.
Pastor Roger Wilmer, Jr.
Emmanuel Baust is served by Reverend Roger W. Wilmer Jr., who came to the church after a long career in organ donation and transplantation. Born in Philadelphia and raised in the church under the pastorship of his grandfather, the late Reverend Dr. T.R. Washington, Wilmer earned a degree in Surgical Technology before becoming a transplant coordinator. He later answered a longtime call to ministry, earned a Master of Divinity from Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, and was ordained an Itinerant Deacon in 2003 and an Itinerant Elder in 2005.
Before coming to Emmanuel Baust, he pastored congregations at Saint Peter's A.M.E. in Shippensburg, Bethel A.M.E. in Mercersburg, and St. James A.M.E. in Chambersburg, often serving alongside his wife, Reverend Cheryl Wilmer. He stands on the words of Matthew 28:19-20: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
Music ministry at the church is shared by two longtime educators. Jennifer Sullivan Brown, the accompanist, holds a Bachelor's in Music Education from Hood College and a Master's from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and spent forty years teaching music in the public schools. Beth Brandenburg serves as Choir Director.
Bible Study Through the Book of Acts
Thursday evenings at 6:00 p.m. bring the congregation and any curious neighbors together in the parsonage for Bible study. The group is open to all ages and all levels of understanding, and no church membership is required. Recent weeks have focused on the Book of Acts, with chapter-by-chapter handouts covering Acts 14 through 28 and a closing session titled "The Mission Continues With Us."
For those who cannot make it in person, Bible study is also offered online through Zoom, with a link posted for the Thursday evening meeting. Sessions follow the same handouts and discussion format, allowing members and friends near and far to follow the story of the early church together.
GriefShare and the Baust Literary Society
Two smaller gatherings round out the church's small-group life. The GriefShare Group meets on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. in the parsonage, offering a thirteen-week support experience for anyone moving through the grief process. Designed as a safe and welcoming place where people understand the difficult emotions of grief, GriefShare helps participants learn helpful ways of coping and gain solid support at each step.
The Baust Literary Society gathers readers, both church members and visitors, around a monthly book. Recent picks have included titles that move between historical and contemporary Maryland settings, and the group meets in the parsonage to talk over characters, plot, and themes. Anyone with a good read to suggest is welcome to pitch the next title.
Lunches, Yard Sales, and a Country Car Show
Emmanuel Baust takes its fellowship off-site and into the community in several ways. "Let's Do Lunch" sends the group to a local restaurant on the first Sunday of each month - most often Flick's Pub in Taneytown - for an informal meal and a chance to catch up. A separate Mature Christian Luncheon gathers older members and friends for food and conversation on its own schedule.
Each fall the church hosts an annual Car & Tractor Show, a country fundraiser that fills the grounds with classic and antique cars, tractors, and "Dream Rides and Show Stoppers" from across the region. The day includes a bake table, food, and apple sundaes. An indoor yard sale in the Parish Hall runs the same weekend, with donated household items, decor, and miscellaneous treasures for sale.
Supporting the Mission
Emmanuel Baust United Church of Christ is part of the United Church of Christ, with two layers of regional connection that the congregation takes seriously: the Catoctin Association and the Central Atlantic Conference. The church helps underwrite both bodies' annual gatherings and shares the UCC's wider work, including General Synod, through online video and shared news.
Members and friends support the church's ministry through cash or checks placed in the offering plate before Sunday worship or mailed to the church office. Prayer is also a part of the congregation's rhythm: a prayer request form invites anyone to be added to the church's prayer list, and weekly altar flowers are dedicated by members who reserve a Sunday in advance. A monthly newsletter, the worship bulletin, and an active Facebook page keep the community connected between Sundays.