Loch Raven United Methodist Church sits along Loch Raven Boulevard in the Loch Raven neighborhood of north Baltimore, a stretch of corridor better known for its auto shops and row-house blocks than for houses of worship. The church has put down roots there as an open, dynamic and multicultural community of faith, a place that prides itself on welcoming newcomers into the family in Christ and on building long friendships across cultural lines.
Sunday Worship at Ten
The single weekly gathering that anchors the congregation is the Sunday worship service at 10 a.m. Worship is described as warm and informal yet grounded in the liturgical tradition. Scripture readings follow the lectionary, a three-year cycle that exposes the assembly to a wide range of biblical texts. The Lord's Supper is celebrated monthly. Hymns old and new are sung with vigor, and members share their joys, concerns and prayers together. The music blends choir, handbells and organ, with repertoire that spans generations.
Services are livestreamed on YouTube, so members who are traveling, ill or simply at home can follow along. The church's tagline sums up the tone: "Worship with us! Sunday at 10 a.m."
The Music Ministry Team
Music carries a special weight at Loch Raven. The Music Ministry Team is led by Dr. Tyrone Stanley, the music director. Cathleen Miles directs the handbell choir and Ken Trammell serves as organist. Together they shape the sound of each Sunday, accompanying the congregation through lectionary-based liturgy with anthems, hymns and bell choir pieces that draw on both classical and contemporary traditions.
Outreach on Loch Raven Boulevard
The congregation views itself as a steward of God's gifts to the wider neighborhood. Its outreach committee hosts and partners with a long list of local groups, opening the building and lending volunteer time to work that reaches well beyond the church walls.
- Food Pantry - The church's own food pantry is open on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., distributing groceries to neighbors facing food insecurity.
- Assistance Center of Towson Churches (ACTC) - Loch Raven UMC supplies monthly donations of non-perishable food items and supports ACTC's Thanksgiving basket program with a monetary collection each November.
- Scouting - The building provides meeting space for Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and Brownies each week.
- Parish Nurse Program - Wellness programs are offered throughout the year for both members and the community.
- Al Anon - Family members of alcoholics meet weekly in the building for mutual support.
- Habitat for Humanity - The congregation has partnered with Habitat for Humanity for several years, helping rebuild homes for Baltimore City residents.
- Community Assistance Network, Inc. - The church supports childcare for low-income community residents.
- Halstead Academy - A partnership with the nearby school addresses the needs of enrolled children.
- Glendale-Glenmont Community Association - The church provides space and support for neighborhood programs.
- Aerobics - A community aerobics program meets weekday mornings and evenings and Saturday mornings in the building.
Missions Near and Far
The missions committee organizes support for organizations in three concentric rings - local, national and international. On the international level, the congregation partners with Doctors Without Borders, Heifer International, Life Water for Canada, Ludhiana Medical College in India, Samaritan's Purse (Shoebox Ministry) and the Warne Baby Fold orphanage in India. Nationally, it supports the Society of St. Andrew and The Samaritan Women. Locally, in addition to ACTC and the food pantry, members serve Manna House by preparing and serving breakfast, donate cookies to the Board of Child Care, make sandwiches for Essex UMC on the 3rd or 4th Tuesday of each month and collect supplies for Abbottston Elementary School - including Kleenex, hand sanitizer, hand soap and Lysol products - and gather hotel-size toiletries year-round for Essex UMC's hospitality ministry.
Small Groups and Bible Study
Faith formation at Loch Raven is intentionally small and relational. "Going His Way" is the current adult Sunday school class, meeting after the worship service in Room 128. The pastor's Bible study is also a regular offering, with its schedule currently listed as TBD. For members who want a deeper reading of scripture, this is where they gather to ask questions and grow together.
Children and Family Life
The church celebrates the children's ministry in worship twice a year, gathering the congregation around the youngest members in a way that reflects the family's central place in congregational life. The scouting programs that meet weekly in the building extend this commitment to children and youth throughout the week.
Weekly Prayer and Communications
A weekly prayer call ties members together outside the sanctuary. Each week, prayer requests and reflections are shared by phone, with flyers available through the church office. The bulletin is posted weekly and The Spire newsletter keeps members informed about the wider life of the congregation.
Giving, Visiting and Contact
Online giving is available through Vanco, where donors can set up recurring or one-time gifts. Checks may also be mailed to the church office. The church sits at 6622 Loch Raven Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21239, with office hours Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can reach the office at (410) 825-0900 or by email at office@lrumc.org. The church welcomes anyone who wants to step inside its doors at 10 a.m. on a Sunday morning and become part of the family.