Christ Church Outreach News: August 17, 2023
Christ Church Sends Aid to Maui Wildfire Survivors
On Aug. 8, a catastrophic wildfire consumed the Hawaiian town of Lahaina on the island of Maui, killing at least 106 people and displacing hundreds. It is the deadliest wildfire in the United States in more than a century and the worst natural disaster in the history of Hawaii. Among the historic structures believed to be destroyed is Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, according to an Aug. 11 statement posted by Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD).
To encourage the many people who are lifting up prayers for Maui, ERD suggested turning to its resource, “Prayers in the Time of a Disaster.”
Christ Church responded with a post on its website and action by the Outreach Commission. On behalf of parishioners, Outreach members voted at the Aug. 14 meeting to contribute $500 to the Hawaii Community Foundation for its disaster relief efforts. This is the latest in a series of disaster-relief donations, including ones earlier this year to help tornado victims in Mississippi and Arkansas and earthquake victims in Syria and Türkiye. These are Vestry-approved funds derived from your pledges and contributions. Heartfelt thanks go out to one and all who make this possible.
Community Action Council Will Use $400 Donation for a Mobile Pantry
The Outreach Commission at its August meeting took steps to help meet the great demand for food among our disadvantaged neighbors. Christ Church donated $400 to the Community Action Council of Howard County, which expressed deep gratitude. These are Vestry-approved funds derived from parishioners’ pledges and contributions. Your support counts. CAC’s Director of Food Assistance Services said the funds are coming at a perfect time and will be used to help supply its mobile pantry next week at Deep Run Elementary School in Elkridge. The pantry is set up to fill a gap between the start of school and the end of the Howard County Public School System summer lunch program, which ran from June 21 to Aug. 4. Thanks to you, CAC will be “feeding kids most in need!”
Columbia Community Care Seeks Volunteers for Home Delivery Teams
Please continue supporting Columbia Community Care (CCC) by giving essentials and with your time and talent. People can choose tasks to suit them such as gardening, but currently the greatest need is for Spanish translators and for other members of the home delivery teams that provide free groceries to those lacking transportation.
Here is a CCC signup form that explains the duties for so-called “shoppers,“ who fulfill the grocery list not at a store but at the pantry and then deliver the goods. Other volunteers sort and stock items at the CCC pantry building, 10750 Little Patuxent Parkway in Columbia. Look for updates posted in the CCC Facebook Group or on the “I Can Help” portion of its website.
Please keep collecting diapers, baby wipes, sanitary and personal care items and adult diapers. Put any of these 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 bins and delivers their contents.
Save the Date for the DreamBuilders Spaghetti Dinner
Please support DreamBuilders’ annual dinner and fundraising event in October 14th at Temple Isaiah. Bid on a wonderful selection of auction items at the silent auction and purchase tickets for their iPhone 14 raffle! All proceeds directly support DreamBuilders mission trips and projects. For more information, be sure to check out their flyer at https://ibb.co/CWdTBbb
Donate Snacks, Crackers, and Cookies to FISH in Bin on our Breezeway
Organizers for FISH of Howard County continue to ask for cookies, crackers, and snacks to fulfill their shopping lists. Please put items in a basket that has been returned to the altar. Or drop them in the yellow bin on the breezeway between Old Brick and the Parish Hall. Thanks for your contributions to our neighbors in need.
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.
