Christ Church Outreach News: January 16, 2025
Episcopal Relief and Development Gets Wildfires Disaster Aid
As wildfires have swept through entire communities in California, Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) began taking steps to help the people of the Los Angeles area cope with the devastating loss of lives and property. Since Jan. 7, wind-driven flames have destroyed homes, businesses, schools, and houses of worship, as shown in a series of photos displayed by NPR.
ERD established a Wildfire Response Fund and posted statements updating supporters on the destruction and efforts to help. In a Jan. 14 post, ERD says at least 24 people have died and 180,000 have been displaced. “Episcopal Relief & Development is actively supporting diocesan leaders in communities impacted by the Southern California wildfires and working with them to identify the needs of people in their communities that have been severely affected.”
On behalf of Christ Church parishioners, members of the Outreach Commission voted at its January meeting to immediately contribute $1,000 to ERD to assist in relief efforts. These are Vestry-approved funds derived from your pledges and contributions. Heartfelt thanks go out to one and all who make this possible.
ERD asks for our prayers and provides guidance on its Wildfire Prayer Experience page. When you pray, you can press a link to be in solidarity with others doing the same. Content includes prayers for first responders, for those who have died, for those who have lost homes, and for those who minister to people who face such tragedy.
CCC Calls for Translators, Shoppers and More in the New Year
Columbia Community Care (CCC) has called for volunteers at its distribution sites and for translators and “shoppers” at its pantry in the Long Reach Village Center. After a holiday break. home delivery resumed on Jan. 3 to those without transportation. A shopper fulfills their grocery lists at the CCC pantry, located at Suite 107, 8775 Cloudleap Ct., and then delivers goods to the recipients’ homes. To volunteer, go to “Volunteer Opportunities.”
Those who need help are urged to go to “Get Help” on CCC’s website.
Please keep collecting diapers, baby wipes, sanitary and personal care items and adult diapers. Put them in the yellow bin, marked “CCC,” inside the Parish Hall. Our point of contact is Leigh Smith, who monitors the bin and delivers its contents.
FISH Asks for Volunteers As Well as Groceries and Toiletries in its Bin and Basket
FISH of Howard County is calling for new volunteers. If you are interested, ask parishioner Andy DeLong, who is FISH treasurer and a newly-elected board member of the nonprofit, which provides committed support to Howard County residents.
Please continue to put non-perishable foods and toiletries in the FISH basket at the altar or in the marked yellow bin on the breezeway between Old Brick and Parish Hall. The neighbors you help are grateful for all you do in their support.
Lake Elkhorn Middle School Needs Your Help for National History Day
Cindy Drummond, the LEMS Community School Site Coordinator, would like any members of Christ Church to serve as a judge for National History Day projects that the 7th and 8th Graders have created. You can come for however much time you have available on Friday, January 31 (we know many of you are not available during the school day, but if you are, this would be a great way to further your involvement with LEMS!). You can stop by any time between 8:30 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. that day, and you don't need to be concerned about being knowledgeable about history - it is all very straightforward and gives the students an opportunity to showcase their hard work to the community.
Here's the breakdown from the NHD website:
To continue the celebration of our 50th anniversary, NHD’s 2025 theme is Rights & Responsibilities in History. To study rights and responsibilities in history, we must ask questions. Who decides who has rights? Does everyone have the same rights? Who decides on the limits individuals should or should not have? Why? What led to establishing certain rights, and to whom were they given? How have people, governments, or institutions decided what parameters should be set to enforce responsibilities? How are such decisions justified?
The key to this theme is addressing BOTH rights AND responsibilities. These are two powerful forces in history, but one does not work without the other.
The Social Studies department leader will provide you, as a judge, with guidelines to assist you. Your role will be to listen to a student present their work either a paper, a poster, a documentary, or a presentation. Judges encourage our students who worked very hard to complete their projects. We appreciate any amount of time you have to give that day, so please RSVP (email below) as soon as possible to let us know if you can serve as a judge this year.
Please email Cindy at Cindy_Drummond@hcpss.org if you're interested. Thank you for your consideration!
Sutton Scholars Fundraiser at TopGolf - February 20
Join the Board of Sutton Scholars for a fundraiser partnering with TopGolf in Baltimore. The Sutton Scholars High School Enrichment Program helps Baltimore City high school students become confident, competent, and capable contributors to their communities by equipping them with the life skills that are essential for academic, workplace, and personal success. Whether you are a golf aficionado or want to have a fun night out with friends, we invite you to gather at TopGolf on Thursday, February 20th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Learn more here.
MOCC School Fundraiser
Christian Beginnings Preschool is a Christ-centered and ADW-approved preschool that is fully accredited by the Maryland State Department of Education. They offer classes for three- and four-year-olds (pre-K) during the school year. Their philosophy is that our students will begin to see God in their world and in others while learning and playing in a joyous Christian setting. The school offers a Christian foundation with an emphasis on kindness, caring, and seeing & sharing the love of God in many ways.
This school was established in 1996 by Ed Chrzanowski’s mother, Marie Rose Chrzanowski. CBP continues as an amazing learning experience for the children of the St. John Vianney Catholic Church community and serves as a testament to her memory.
The MOCC are asking the Christ Church family to help us support our brother Ed, and honor his mother’s memory by making a contribution to the continued mission of this amazing program. The goal is to make a donation in Rose’s name to the preschool. We will be collecting donations for the next few months, and they canbe made by using Realm (choose "Men of Christ Church" in the FUND dropdown and write "preschool fundraiser" in the memo line) or by check.
The MOCC thanks everyone in advance for their generosity as we look to provide a token of gratitude for the legacy of a wonderful soul and educator. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Duane Smith at mocc@christchurchcolumbia.org
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.
