St John Evangelical Lutheran Church (SJELC) is housed in a handsome brick building with a welcoming red door. It is located on Old Montgomery Rd. in Columbia. Rev. Dr. Brian H. Hughes is the pastor of the church. The SJELC, being an evangelical community, takes the gospel to everyone in Eastern Howard County. Church members also perform acts of kindness in the community, such as handing out cold bottles of water at local outdoor sporting events or helping a senior citizen or single mother with home repairs.