Christ Church Outreach News: June 30, 2022

Saint Luke’s Youth Center Showcases Its ‘Camp Imagination’ Online and In-Person on Friday, July 1 with Jazz and Poetry

At St. Luke’s Youth Center (SLYC), young people who have been participating in its Camp Imagination will share original works of poetry, dance, music, and art on Friday, July 1, at 4:30 p.m. The program, called “The Dream Project, Visions of Renewal in West Baltimore,” will be available on Facebook Live.

Besides showcasing the talents of the youth, the program is a fundraiser for SLYC’s summer camp. Christ Church is among the supporters of SLYC, a non-profit organization that operates year-round from the former St. Luke’s Episcopal parish at 217 N. Carey Street in Baltimore. Earlier this month, five members of the Christ Church Outreach Commission visited SLYC (It’s pronounced “slick”) to get a first-hand look at its needs and aspirations.

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.

Earlier this year, Outreach donated $500 in Vestry-approved funds to support SLYC’s summer camp. Thanks to all parishioners for your contributions to make that possible, and consider logging on or attending the program to see your funds in action. Enjoy guest performances by Granny Slam (aka Grandma Clark), Gayle Danley, and Jazz by Aaron Hill. You can access the event by going online to the SLYC Facebook page.

SLYC has been in the news as the recipient of a reparations grant from the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, as outlined in a May 25 announcement by the Reparations Committee. Among other things, the funds will go toward an arts instructor.

SLYC’s collaborative model includes families, staff members, supporters, and volunteers from several Episcopal parishes.

Please mark your calendar for another opportunity to engage with SLYC: On Sunday, Aug. 7, leaders Amanda Gardner Talbot and Darlene Clark are invited to speak at Christ Church, during both worship services.

To learn more, email the executive director at amanda@bmoreslyc.org. Alternatively, you can email outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org, and ask to be put in contact with Michon, who is the Outreach Commission’s liaison to SLYC.

Maryland Diocese Needs Volunteers for General Convention in Baltimore

For those seeking volunteer opportunities, here’s one that offers a great way to see the governance of The Episcopal Church in action and meet people from across the church. The Episcopal Diocese of Maryland on Tuesday published a request for more volunteers to offer hospitality to the bishops, deputies, and support staff who will attend the General Convention in person at the Baltimore Convention Center from July 8-11.

The Right Rev. Eugene Taylor Sutton issued an appeal in a video on YouTube.

You can sign up here for a variety of volunteer roles available. Shifts start on July 7th and include staffing the registration desks to logistical support during the legislative sessions. The diocese especially needs volunteers in public safety/community awareness to help create a welcoming and safe environment for guests.

“Whether you have a few hours to spare or can be there for all five days, we need you!" said an email from the Diocese.

Lake Elkhorn Middle School Supplies

Our parish has had a partnership with Lake Elkhorn Middle School (LEMS) for over five years. Just over a mile away, LEMS is truly our neighboring school and at Christ Episcopal Church we believe that we should love our neighbors. We have this partnership because many LEMS families are financially stressed. Over 50% of LEMS students qualify for free and reduced meals, the highest percentage amongst the middle schools in Howard County. Last year we supplied school supplies for students and also gave each staff member a bright blue school shirt. In prior years we supplied families who needed assistance with bags of food on Fridays that lasted through the weekend.

This year, Melissa Shindel, the principal at LEMS, has asked for the support of Christ Church parishioners to provide school supplies for 125 children for the upcoming school year. It costs about $50 to buy the school-required supplies for just one child so we need over $6,000 to reach this goal. The school will distribute the supplies the week of Aug 22nd, so we are requesting your generous financial support now to reach this important goal. We also will need your help delivering the supplies that week, so let us know if you might be able to help.

Contributions can be made in several ways:

If you’d like to write a check, please make sure you write “LEMS school supplies” on the memo line, drop it off at the church office, or mail it in.

For giving online via computer/tablet, you'll find our "Support Christ Church" button at the top of every page of our website, or you can click here. On the secure form, choose "LEMS" from the FUND drop-down menu and write "school supplies" on the MEMO line.

To give via text, simply text CECGIVING to 73256 using your mobile device, and you'll immediately receive a link to our secure form. Click the link, choose "LEMS" from the FUND drop-down menu, and write "School Supplies" on the MEMO line so that your donation is used as you wish. (Note: This number will never send you unsolicited texts. To cancel further messages, text STOP. If you need assistance with text giving, text HELP. Standard text message and data rates may apply).

If you have questions about our LEMS partnership or would like to help, please contact Cathy Whittaker at catharinewhittaker@gmail.com.

Columbia Community Care Requests 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.