LOTHIAN, Md. — From food and coats to energy assistance and lasting partnerships, a historic church in Lothian is showing how faith—when lived out—can transform an entire community.
There are places that feel different the moment you arrive.
Places where no one asks your background before offering help.
Places where you are not treated as a problem to solve, but as a person who matters.
For hundreds of families across South County Anne Arundel, Miracle Temple Church in Lothian has become that place.
This Saturday, December 20, Miracle Temple will host its Holiday Giveaway, but the meaning of the day reaches far beyond a single event. It reflects a broader transformation nearly three years of consistent, community-centered work rooted in service, dignity, and belonging.
EVENT INFO:
Saturday, December 20 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Miracle Temple Church | 5501 Sands Road, Lothian, MD 20711
Built on Sacred Ground, Living Out a Legacy
Miracle Temple Church stands on historic ground once home to the Bristol Rosenwald School, where Black children once gathered to learn and to believe their lives had value in a world that often denied it.
Founded by Elder James and Edith Dorsey, Miracle Temple was established with a clear purpose: to serve people, not just seat them. That purpose remains unchanged only expanded.
From Sacred Roots to a Community Hub for All
When Minister Justin Wills, the founders’ grandson, stepped into leadership as Assistant Pastor and President, he did not seek to reinvent the church, but to restore it to its community-centered mission.
“I wanted Miracle Temple to be known for what it does for everyone,” Wills said.
Under his leadership, the church intentionally shifted into a community hub, opening its doors wider and building partnerships beyond church walls. The pantry became a point of connection. The clothing closet became an experience rooted in dignity. The campus became a lifeline.
The transformation did not erase the church’s history it fulfilled it.
Showing Up Before the Spotlight
Since May 2023, Miracle Temple has operated a community food pantry, serving families month after month often quietly, always consistently.
Today, the church serves 800 to 1,300 individuals and households each month, a growth driven by trust, not publicity.
What’s Happening This Saturday
This Saturday’s Holiday Giveaway is the largest Miracle Temple has hosted, reflecting the strength of its community partnerships.
Families attending can expect:
• 100 whole, farm-raised chickens, sourced from Hidden Farms (Great Mills, MD) and purchased and donated by Dino Granados, owner of Granados Tire & Auto Service (Owings, MD)
• 175 holiday hams, donated by Dino Granados and the Anne Arundel County Police Department – Southern District
• Ground beef and ground turkey
• Fresh produce and fruit
• Household essentials
• Brand-new coats for all ages, provided by Calvert Fellowship Church (Chesapeake Beach, MD) (first come, first served)
• Stockings filled with surprises for children, provided by the Anne Arundel County Police Department – Southern District (children must be present)
Doors open at 10:00 a.m. Families are encouraged to arrive early to get in line.
Help Beyond the Table: Energy Assistance & Resources
Miracle Temple recognizes that hunger is often part of a larger struggle.
Julie C. Snyder, Director of Community Engagement and Development with the Anne Arundel County Community Action Agency, will be on site with her team to assist residents with energy assistance applications and related resource navigation.
Julie and her team will be providing:
• Assistance with Maryland energy assistance applications
• Guidance on utility relief programs
• Information on additional county support services
What Residents Need to Bring for Energy Assistance
To receive help, applicants are asked to bring copies of the following documents:
• Photo ID
• Social Security cards for every household member
• Proof of income for the past 30 days for all household members 18 years and older
(or a copy of an annual Social Security award letter, if applicable)
• A copy of the household’s electric bill
Additionally, each household will be asked to complete a short question form required by the Anne Arundel County Food Bank. This information is used to help secure funding and food resources so pantry services can continue throughout the year.
A representative from the Health Ambassador Team will also be on site offering optional surveys. Participation is completely voluntary.
Community Partnerships Making This Possible
This work is made possible through strong, trusted partnerships, including:
• Dino Granados, Owner – Granados Tire & Auto Service (Owings, MD)
• Hidden Hills Farm Great Mills MD – (chicken source)
• Anne Arundel County Police Department – Southern District
(with leadership support from Corporal Richard Brookman)
• Anne Arundel County Food Bank
• Anne Arundel County Community Action Agency
• Calvert Fellowship Church – Chesapeake Beach, MD
A Church That Welcomes You Every Week
Miracle Temple’s commitment to community does not end with a giveaway.
The church’s doors are open every Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m.
All are welcome no matter your background or your story.
Ways to Give, Donate, and Get Involved
Miracle Temple Church is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Ways to Give:
• Cash App: $MiracleTemple5501
• Zelle: MiracleTemple71@outlook.com (write “PANTRY” in the note section)
Volunteer Opportunities:
Volunteers are welcomed monthly to assist with pantry distribution, events, and outreach.