Christ Church Outreach News: March 9, 2023
Inviting You to Remotely Join Us on Monday, March 13, at the Monthly Outreach Meeting
As we approach Spring, consider getting involved in Outreach at Christ Church. Please join us remotely for the Outreach Commission’s 7:30 p.m. meeting on Monday, March 13. You can help us to fulfill our mission, which has a local, national, and international scope. Information to log on will be provided in the Church notices about online activities. See you on Zoom!
Grassroots Thanks Christ Church for Volunteering; Next Opportunity is March 13 to Feed the Hungry In Person or by Dropping Off Menu or Pantry Items
Leaders of the Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center recently gave a shout-out to Christ Church for its steadfast support of the nonprofit organization’s programs. Its crisis intervention services range from addressing opioid misuse to aiding homeless people in Howard County.
In its February 2020 newsletter, Grassroots thanked Christ Church for helping to spread the word about expanded services for those struggling with opioid addiction and for a “regular stream of volunteers.” In the newsletter’s section titled “You Can Help,” please scroll down to the paragraph labeled “Volunteer,” which says: “Grassroots is blessed with hundreds of volunteers who do everything from stocking the pantry to cooking meals for shelter residents.” It goes on to praise the volunteers from Christ Church. Kudos all around!
Thus inspired, please join our tradition of feeding the homeless on the second Monday of each month. To participate on March 13, please sign up by Sunday, March 12. We most recently took part on Feb. 13th. Shahra Toth is the coordinator, assisted by Dione Mahoney.
If you wish to volunteer or bring food for the Day Resource Center (DRC) at the Dorsey Center, our DRC online signup form describes the procedure. The drop-off time for side dishes, desserts, and fruit is 12:45 p.m. in the Christ Church parking lot near Old Brick. In-person volunteers also gather at that time to carpool to Jessup.
Parishioners who cook or shop for the evening meal for 50 residents of a live-in center on Freetown Rd. make their drop-off later, arriving in the parking lot at 3:15 p.m. A volunteer transporting the food departs at 3:30 p.m. Get details in our Grassroots online signup form or, for more information, email outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org .
The Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center operates both facilities. It’s efficient to provide for groups at two separate venues on the same day. Your donations and Vestry-approved funds pay for the entrees. Thank you! The DRC and the Live-In Facility have wider needs for their pantries and welcome in-kind donations to be dropped off for delivery on the second Mondays. Look for the latest needs list under the words “Related Files” on each of the signup sites online.
The Ticket Deadline is THIS MONDAY, March 13th for an Upcoming ChiliFest & Cornhole Tournament to Benefit Bridges to Housing Stability
The clock is ticking as Bridges to Housing Stability has moved up its deadline to buy tickets to the “ChiliFest & Cornhole Tournament” being held on Sunday, March 19, from 1- 4 p.m. Please help Christ Church make a competitive showing by purchasing tickets at this link no later than this Monday, March 13.
Parishioners are encouraged to participate to help us win a ladle award for fundraising or a spirit award for in-person attendance (Christ Church has won the "Golden Ladle" in the past for donations raised).
The festive event takes place at First Presbyterian Church of Howard County, 9325 Presbyterian Circle, Columbia, MD 21045. There will be live music by the School of Rock and Long Reach High School Guitarists, door prizes, a 50/50 raffle, and an in-person auction. Tickets have been sold out for competitors in a cornhole tournament, which will be outdoors, weather permitting.
Chili meals prepared by Absolutely Perfect Catering ($25 each) may be eaten at the event or for carryout. Choices are Texas-style beef chili, white bean turkey chili, and vegetarian chili.
Ticket purchases and individual contributions will also enhance our chances in this year’s competition for a ladle award. Be sure to designate Christ Church when you purchase tickets online. Look for the green box labeled “Continue to your info.” Next, choose the category “Individual” and look for the wording: “Credit the following congregation with my purchase.” You’ll find Christ Episcopal Church in the alphabetical dropdown list.
With parishioners’ generous support through contributions to Christ Church, we will be a "Tabasco" Level sponsor. The Outreach Commission at its Feb. 13 meeting voted to donate $500 in Vestry-approved funds for Christ Church to become a sponsor.
Columbia Community Care Requests Diapers, Personal Care Items
Please continue supporting Columbia Community Care (CCC) by giving essentials and with your time and talent. Please look for updates, such as requests for volunteers, 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. Recently CCC listed several great needs: baby wipes, diapers in sizes 4,5, and 6, diaper pull-ups in sizes 4T-5T, shampoo, men’s and women’s deodorant, and toilet paper. 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 Sunday. Our point of contact is Leigh Smith, who delivers the contents of the bin.
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.
