Christ Church Outreach News: June 16, 2022
“Getting to Know You” — Outreach Members Visit Saint Luke’s Youth Center to Learn about Plans and Needs as Its Summer Camp Approaches
Leaders of St. Luke’s Youth Center (SLYC) gave five members of the Christ Church Outreach Commission a warm welcome during a visit on June 10. The field trip to SLYC (It’s pronounced “slick”) allowed us to get a first-hand look at needs and aspirations beyond the upcoming summer camp.
The non-profit organization, which operates year-round from the former St. Luke’s Episcopal parish at 217 N. Carey Street in Baltimore, has been in the news as the recipient of a reparations grant. Among other things, the funds will go toward an arts instructor. Christ Church is scheduled to hear more about reparations on Sunday as the parish marks Juneteenth.
During the field trip, Outreach members observed SLYC After School, a program that engages young people from the surrounding West Baltimore community. After completing homework, some of the children played volleyball on the tree-lined grounds. Others remained in the newly-painted basement space to read or to play chess with a neighborhood volunteer.
SLYC’s collaborative model includes families, staff members, supporters, and volunteers from several Episcopal parishes. Administrative coordinator Jackie Franklin and her husband, Jordan Franklin, a construction-trades expert, led a tour of the historic building, which has suffered water damage since it ceased being used for worship more than a decade ago.
According to a post by the diocesan archivist, St. Luke’s from its inception in the mid-1800s was an outpost of the Anglo-Catholic movement that had begun in England. The immense sanctuary reflects that background.
Please mark your calendars for two opportunities to engage with SLYC:
● On Sunday, Aug. 7, leaders including Amanda Gardner Talbot and Darlene Clark will speak at Christ Church, during both worship services.
● On Friday, July 1, at 4:30 p.m. SLYC’s will hold an online and in-person poetry program, “The Dream Project, Visions of Renewal in West Baltimore.” The fundraiser for summer camp will be available on Facebook Live.
Youth who participate in Camp Imagination will share original works of poetry, dance, music, and art. Enjoy guest performances by Granny Slam (aka Grandma Clark), Gayle Danley, and Jazz by Aaron Hill. You can enjoy the event by going online to the SLYC Facebook page.
For the second year in a row, the Christ Church Outreach Commission has donated $500 in Vestry-approved funds to support SLYC’s summer camp. Thanks to all parishioners for your contributions to make that possible.
Last month, the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland presented SLYC and five other organizations with reparations grants, as outlined in a May 25 announcement by the Reparations Committee. The award was described in a May 26 news article in The Washington Post and in coverage of the presentation, including photos, that appeared on May 27 in The Baltimore Sun.
Parishioner Sonni Aribiah, a member of the Reparations Committee and of the Christ Church Outreach Commission, took part in the field trip to SLYC. Also making the visit were Dione Mahoney, Melanie Yaksich, Patricia Fanning, and Michon Semon.
To learn more, please email the executive director at amanda@bmoreslyc.org or email outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org, and ask to be put in contact with Michon, who is the Outreach Commission’s liaison to SLYC.
Columbia Community Care Needs Diapers, Personal Care Items
At Christ Church, members of R.A.G.E and the Outreach Commission ask parishioners to continue supporting the all-volunteer organization, Columbia Community Care (CCC). Please collect diapers, baby wipes, sanitary and personal care items and adult diapers. You can put any of these items in the yellow bin, marked “CCC,” inside the Parish Hall. Drop off items on weekdays when the church office is open or on Sunday.
You’ll find the group’s updates, such as requests for volunteers, posted in the CCC Facebook Group.
Donate Snacks, Crackers, and Cookies to FISH in Bin on our Breezeway
Organizers for FISH of Howard County are continuing to ask for cookies, crackers, and snacks to fulfill its shopping lists. The yellow bin is 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.
