CEC Outreach News: May 1, 2021
African Team Ministries Sale - Now Through Sunday
African Team Ministries is coming back to Christ Church just in time for Mother's Day! We missed our originally scheduled sale in 2020 since we could not gather in person at the time, so we expect to now offer wonderful ATM goods on the 25th of April and 2nd of May, after each service. Hand-crafted jewelry, wooden and soapstone carvings, nativity sets, and other fashion accessories will be on display and for sale. We can provide private showings by appointment this Friday evening and on Saturday, as well. Contact Sara Kirkpatrick via Realm, by calling the church office at 410.381.9365, or you can leave Sara a message at 410.258.1357. African Team Ministries is a Christian ministry working as an intermediary between African and American churches. With help from Episcopal, Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, and Anglican denominations, we provide funding for orphan and refugee relief missions and evangelism in East Africa.
Christ Church Donates New Sheets As Grassroots Residents Obtain Housing
Thanks to parishioners at Christ Church, 10 new households in Howard County soon will be sleeping soundly on brand new sheets. That’s in response to a request from the staff of Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center, which has begun arranging for some of the families and individuals at its live-in facility to move to permanent housing.
To equip the residents’ kitchens and linen closets, Grassroots turned to some of its faith-based partners, including the Outreach Commission at Christ Church. Grassroots asked for the new bedding by early May, in time for the largest group of individuals to move in response to assistance tied to the pandemic.
So, at its April meeting, the commission approved a purchase drawing from parishioners’ donations as the source of the funds. When many of you so graciously donate for the purpose of “General Outreach,” the funds are ready when needs arise in the community. And what better example than the chance to help those who were once homeless go from congregate living at Grassroots to a place of their own!
Commission member Dione Mahoney volunteered to take on the shopping and spent $215 of “General Outreach” funds to buy 18 full-size sets, which include microfiber sheets and pillowcases in an array of colors. A Christ Church parishioner had earlier purchased and donated two sets when the Grassroots move was still in the planning stage, which means that in total we are able to accommodate 10 households.
“That would be a huge help,” said Volunteer Coordinator Monteith Mitchell, who along with Jane Solberg, RN, of the Grassroots staff took delivery at the Freetown Road facility on April 27. Outreach Commission members Michon Semon and Patricia Fanning handed over the sheets. Mitchell called the relocation effort of multiple residents “a historic move.” So thanks, Christ Church, for being a part of history!
Save the Dates: May 17 and June 21 to Help Feed the Hungry at Grassroots
For the individuals who remain at the Grassroots live-in facility as well as any new arrivals, we’ll plan to bring the same menu of chicken, side dishes, and desserts at our next meal drop-offs. They take place on May 17th and June 21st. Plan to arrive between 3:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. outside Old Brick, bringing with you a side dish or dessert for 50 residents. You can also bring pantry items such as granola bars.
Please sign up online no later than noon on Sunday, May 16th, so coordinators will know your plans. Click on the Christ Church Grassroots Meal link on SignUpGenius to learn which items are still open on our menu. You’ll find lots of information at the sign-up link, but for questions contact Nancy or co-coordinator Shahra Toth or email outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org.
To further help our neighbors in need, some parishioners take it upon themselves to provide the evening meal for the 50 adults and children. Here is a link to the sign-up list which has openings through June 30th. It’s your choice to provide an entree and side dishes, or just the entree. You can cook in your own kitchen, or order out. Grassroots encourages an order of 12 pizzas -- four with cheese and the rest with meat (any kind), or rotisserie chickens (12 to make a meal), but discourages lasagna or other pasta entrees.
Collection Drive Continues to Provide Diapers, Personal Care Items for CCC
At Christ Church, our Racially Aware Group of Episcopalians (R.A.G.E.) and the Outreach Commission ask parishioners to support Columbia Community Care (CCC). We collect diapers, baby wipes, sanitary and personal care items as well as adult diapers such as Depends. Please put any of these items in the yellow bin, marked “CCC,” just inside the Parish Hall door. You can drop off items on weekdays until 2 p.m., but we ask that you call the church office (410) 381-9365 ahead of time.
Donate Spring Cleaning Supplies for FISH in its Yellow Bin
Organizers for FISH of Howard County request household cleaning supplies such as liquid dish soap, bleach, and cleanser. Also, the families who call on FISH during times of crisis could use personal items such as deodorant, shampoo, and bath soaps. At the present time, the pantry has an adequate supply of groceries.
In general, if you have suggestions about ways to help the community, if you want to get involved, or if you need assistance, please email Christ Church Outreach at outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org. Your help is greatly welcomed and appreciated. Thank you.
