CEC Outreach News: October 7, 2021
Inviting One and All to Get Involved in Christ Church Outreach
The Outreach Commission is making an effort to better spread the word about what we do and, in turn, persuade more volunteers to participate. Now that fall has arrived, consider joining us at our next meeting to learn more about opportunities during the remainder of 2021. It will be held virtually at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, October 11th. Get the Zoom link for the Outreach meeting, or become active in other ways, by emailing outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org. Keep in mind the scripture that underpins our mission: And the King will answer them, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” Matthew 25: 40
Christ Church Supports the Community Action Council of Howard County
Now that you’re familiar with the spiritual motivation underpinning Outreach activities, here’s the mission statement of an important Howard County nonprofit organization that Christ Church supports. The Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC) aims: “To diminish poverty, enable self-sufficiency and advocate for low-income families and individuals.”
To help CAC meet its goals, the Outreach Commission recently voted to contribute $1,000 in Vestry-approved funds to the CAC, which now lists Christ Church in a “Village of Supporters” that will be thanked publicly next week. On Oct. 14, the CAC is holding its annual Holland Awards event, conducting it virtually yet again as a result of the pandemic.
Parishioners can take pride that their contributions to Christ Church are helping CAC conduct programs such as weatherization, energy and housing assistance, and an early childhood education effort that expanded during 2021 to serve more preschoolers.
Of course, parishioners are well aware of the CAC’s vital role in feeding the hungry. In pre-pandemic times, Christ Church held periodic food drives at Giant supermarkets to collect groceries for the CAC’s Howard County Food Bank. The last drive was held on a sunny fall day two years ago (see photo).
Perhaps in 2022, with advances against the coronavirus, Christ Church will be able to resume our food drives. In the meantime, CAC offers multiple volunteer opportunities at the food bank, outdoors in a community garden, in early childhood education services, and in its office.
To learn more and to enjoy the virtual Holland Awards program, you can purchase a ticket with proceeds benefiting the CAC. Place your ticket order soon and please do so by Monday, Oct. 11. The cost is $30 or, for a gift bag and the ingredients to participate at home during a cocktail hour, $60. That activity takes place on Oct. 14 from 6 to 6:30 p.m. The main event is from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Keynote speaker will be Columbia Association President and CEO Lakey Boyd.
The honorees are Neighbor Ride and Kathleen Koch, chair of the Howard County Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD). Neighbor Ride connects county seniors, and COAD promotes collaboration among nonprofit organizations, faith-based communities, and business to solve problems especially in times of emergency.
Last chance to Help Bridges to Housing Stability to End Homelessness
The Chili & Challenge competition among congregations ends Friday, Oct. 8, so we hope you’ve made your donations to support Bridges to Housing Stability by clicking this link to the Christ Church page on Bridges’ website. These donations put Christ Church in the race to win a Golden Ladle or Silver Ladle award. You can also participate in the event by bidding in Bridges’ silent auction, which takes place through Sunday, Oct. 10 at 8 p.m.
Bridges2HS works to prevent and end homelessness in Howard County through affordable housing solutions and advocacy.
Collection Drive Continues to Provide Diapers, Personal Care Items for CCC
At Christ Church, members of R.A.G.E and the Outreach Commission ask parishioners to support Columbia Community Care (CCC) by collecting diapers, baby wipes, sanitary and personal care items, and adult diapers. Please put any of these items in the yellow bin, marked “CCC,” inside the Parish Hall. You can drop off items on weekdays when the church office is open or on Sunday.
DreamBuilders are Planning a Trip to Puerto Rico in January!
DreamBuilders is in the planning stages for a trip to Puerto Rico during the week of January 9-15, 2022, to repair homes damaged by hurricanes and earthquakes. We were not able to go last year due to COVID restrictions, but in 2019, we were able to help rebuild two homes, working with our St. Bernard Project (SBP) partners. They are once again allowing volunteers to come to the island and work through them, as there are many still in need of help. If you are interested in joining our group, please contact Cathy Gold or Stacey Frith to let us know.
Donate Personal Care and Cleaning Supplies for FISH in Bin on our Breezeway
Organizers for FISH of Howard County request household cleaning supplies such as liquid dish soap, bleach, and cleanser as well as personal items such as deodorant, shampoo, and bath soaps. The bin is on the breezeway between Old Brick and the Parish Hall.
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.
