Christ Church Outreach News: August 22, 2024
Christ Church Helps Fund a Physical Therapist at CCD-Thailand
To help disabled children live more fulfilling lives, Christ Church has long supported CCD-Thailand. The non-profit organization, Christian Care Foundation for Children with Disabilities, relies on a community-based model that prevents institutionalization.
Recently the Outreach Commission approved a donation of $2,500 to CCD to be used toward the salary of a physical therapist. CCD Founder and Executive Director Wasan Saenwian expressed gratitude: “I would like to thank Christ Church very much.”
Funds are derived from parishioner donations to Outreach and the Vestry-approved budget. Thank you on behalf of the youth and their families in Thailand whose lives are brighter as a result of your generosity. This is in keeping with the mission of the Outreach Commission to support organizations – local, national, and international – that enhance the lives of people in need.
CCD currently serves 107 children in four settings. The largest, Rainbow House, is a residential facility that also offers 30 day-care slots. Another, called New Hope, is an early childhood development center. Parishioners can find facts about CCD on its portion of the Outreach menu on the church website. An “Excellent” rating in 2023 led to an award from Thailand’s Ministry of Social Development and Human Security.
Saenwian regularly updates Christ Church through Outreach member Michon Semon, who has personal connections with CCD from her work for the organization in Thailand and elsewhere. “May the Lord bless you,” he wrote. “We all are well,” he said, describing a “very active” team of leaders and a staff of 36, two of whom are physical therapists. They enable children and young people to improve mobility.
Save on Coffee: Buy DreamBuilders Goods On Sunday at this Sunday's Parish Festival
Look for coffee and tea being sold to benefit DreamBuilders at the Parish Festival this Sunday, Aug. 25. The fair-trade coffees will be half-price to clear the way for renewed inventory in the fall. There’s a limited selection of teas. It’s for a good cause as teams prepare to travel to rebuild after disasters. In June, Christ Church Director of Youth & Family Ministries Kiona Lookingbill and two youth helped build homes in Kentucky.
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 September 14th flea market. We’ll take just about anything that’s in good condition (but not clothes and not 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!!). If you need us to pick up your items, have any questions, or would like to help (you’ll get first pick!), please 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.
Have Fun While Helping Bridges to Housing Stability at Its Annual Golf Tournament on Friday, Sept. 20
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. Now golfers can support the work and enjoy an outing on Friday, Sept. 20. Bridges will hold the annual Sheehy Toyota Bridges for Birdies Golf Tournament at The Timbers of Troy, 6100 Marshalee Dr., Elkridge, MD. The fun 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 pullups 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.
