Christ Church Outreach News: August 15, 2024
LEMS Thanks You!
The final stage of the Lake Elkhorn Middle School summer project is now complete. This past Tuesday, August 13th, an enthusiastic team of parishioners lined up their trucks and SUVs, rolled up their sleeves, and hoisted 53 completed backpacks and countless boxes of school supplies into their vehicles. We then caravanned over to LEMS and delivered them with time to spare before school begins on August 26th. These backpacks and supplies will be available to the students who come to the new student orientation, which is always deeply appreciated by families who struggle to provide all the items needed for a successful start to the school year.
Thank you to all of you who contributed financially to this yearly effort, those of you who filled all those backpacks with supplies, and those who delivered them with such good spirits! Stay tuned as we hope to have more opportunities to partner with LEMS in the upcoming school year. If you'd like to help in the future, please speak with Cathy Whittaker at church, or email lemspc@christchurchcolumbia.org
Episcopal Relief & Development Aids Victims of Western Wildfires
A fire that began on July 24 in a Northern California gully has continued to burn across multiple counties, destroying homes and livelihoods. Immediately, Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD) began providing hands-on guidance to the Diocese of Northern California. The diocese set up a resource hub at a church and several churches began providing spiritual aid to evacuees.
The Park Fire has scorched more than 660 square miles, according to an Associated Press article on Aug. 9. ERD described In a statement on July 30 how it has partnered with the diocese to provide disaster community-engagement training to parishes in high-risk areas. That effort followed the devastating Camp Fire that destroyed the town of Paradise in 2018. Some people rebuilt and then lost their new homes in the latest fire, NBC reported on Aug. 11.
ERD shared this plea: “Please pray for the impacted communities in California and those affected by fires in the western U.S. as the emergency services work to contain the fires and bring people to safety.” ERD provided this link to a selection of prayers in times of crisis and natural disasters.
In response, the Outreach Commission at its August meeting approved sending $500 to ERD’s U.S. Disaster Response Fund on behalf of Christ Church parishioners. This is the latest in a series of disaster-relief donations, the most recent of which is helping victims of Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean. These are Vestry-approved funds derived from your pledges and contributions. Heartfelt thanks go out to one and all who make this possible.
Donate Items to the Flea Market, and Help Support Our Refugee Ministry
Please donate your in-good-condition rummage sale items to the Refugee Ministry table at the WOCC's Flea Market on September 14th. We’ll take just about anything that’s in good condition (but not clothes or furniture that won’t fit in a car’s back seat or trunk). Watch for information on where and when to bring it to the Parish Hall (not yet - coming soon!). If you have any questions, need us to transport your items, or would like to help (if you help, you’ll get first pick!) email parishioners Paula Rees (cprees@comcast.net), Diana Hall (dbhallmd@gmail.com), or Ann Barnes (annbarnes001@comcast.net), or speak with them at church. Thank you for your support.
Enter a Golf Tournament on Friday, Sept. 20, to Help Bridges to Housing Stability
Advocating for affordable housing and helping individuals and families who struggle to keep a roof over their heads is the mission of Bridges to Housing Stability. It’s a daunting task, but the nonprofit organization offers golfers a way to support the cause on Friday, Sept. 20.
Bridges will hold the third annual Sheehy Toyota Bridges for Birdies Golf Tournament at The Timbers of Troy, 6100 Marshalee Dr., Elkridge, MD. The tournament begins with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. and features a full day of golf, food, and awards. The cost for a single golfer is $200, or $800 for a foursome, which covers greens fees, unlimited range balls, food, and beverages.
The event raises crucial operating funds, says Bridges Executive Director Jen Broderick. “Every swing, every hole, and every cheer helps us make real change in our community.” Christ Church has been a supporter of Bridges since 2019.
Home Sweet Home
The WOCC, in partnership with Grassroots, is providing new home kits for those who have recently been homeless and have now found an opportunity to have a home of their own. The kits include much-needed, common materials for anyone who needs assistance with starting a new life chapter.
Please visit our sign-up sheet here, which has specific items you can provide. From trash cans to gift cards, each item will make them feel more at home. Your item donations can then be deposited into the marked bin near the Outreach table in the Tower Room of New Brick. If you have any questions or need assistance, please speak with JoEmily Knox or Sara Kirkpatrick at church, or email WOCC@christchurchcolumbia.org. We hope you'll participate in this program, which ends on September 22nd.
Columbia Community Care Requests Diapers, Seeks Volunteers at Sites
Keep in mind that Columbia Community Care (CCC) has shortened summer hours for its distribution sites, which serve our neighbors in need on Saturdays. Volunteers arrive at 9 a.m., start distribution between 9:30 and 10 a.m., and close by 11:30 a.m.
Locations are at Long Reach, Suite 107, 8775 Cloudleap Ct.; Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, 10431 Twin Rivers Rd.; and The Barn at Oakland Mills Village Center, 5853 Robert Oliver Place, all in Columbia.
Go online to learn how to volunteer at distribution sites or as a translator or shopper at its pantry, which has relocated to the rear of the Long Reach distribution site. Those who need groceries and other necessities can find information by going online to “Get Help” on CCC’s website. Find updates on the CCC Facebook Group.
CCC continues to request baby-care items and diapers, especially sizes 4-6, and pull-ups in sizes 3T, 4T, and 5T. Put these along with sanitary and personal care items and adult diapers in the yellow bin, marked “CCC,” inside the Parish Hall. Drop off items on weekdays when the church office is open or on Sundays. The Christ Church point of contact is Leigh Smith, who monitors the bin and delivers items.
Look for the FISH Bin on the Breezeway near the Parish Hall
FISH of Howard County requests non-perishable foods and toiletries, which we collect in the basket at the altar or in a marked yellow bin on the breezeway between the Parish Hall and Old Brick. FISH provides committed support to select families in need. The neighbors you help give thanks for all you do in their support.
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.
