Christ Church Outreach News: May 16, 2024
Last Call: Please Bring Maseca and One-Pound Bags of Rice and Beans by Pentecost Sunday so RISE Can Help Baltimore County Neighbors in Need
The collection deadline is Sunday, May 19, to do your part to collect three crucial items in short supply at RISE, a multicultural ministry in Baltimore County. Bring one-pound bags of rice and dried beans and any size bags of Maseca instant corn masa flour, which can be used in making tortillas, tamales, and pupusas.
The drive ends on Pentecost Sunday when Christ Church has traditionally celebrated its international roots. Put items (no cans or large bags, please) into the marked bin on the breezeway near the door to Old Brick. Many have already done so, and we've now added an additional container. Hearty thanks go to all!
RISE – or Refugee & Immigrant Support for Empowerment – is a program of Christ the King (CTK), whose rector is the Rev. Mary Eliot, formerly a member of the clergy at Christ Church. Besides free food, RISE also offers programs such as “Camp in a Bag” aimed at children. Volunteers distribute produce and staples every other Wednesday, helping 15,000 people in 2023.
The next date is Wednesday, May 29, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at CTK, 1930 Brookdale Rd., Baltimore, MD 21244. Volunteers are welcome. Go to “What is RISE”
for information and to sign up. As CTK states in “Our Story”, “RISE is actively seeking to connect and form new partnerships, working with others to overcome the challenges of food insecurity, language barriers, insufficient housing, under-employment, transportation limitations, racism, and the trauma of economic insecurity.”
Bridges to Housing Stability Thanks to All Who Supported Its Beans & Bags Event As a Way to Help End Homelessness in Howard County
Despite wet weather on Sunday, May 5, a group from Christ Church came to Centennial Park to support Bridges to Housing Stability, an advocate for families who struggle to keep a roof over their heads. Bridges wrote that proceeds from the fundraiser “will directly support our efforts to provide services, resources, and support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in our community.”
Bridges expressed gratitude to everyone who enjoyed the 2024 Beans & Bags event. “Your willingness to brave the rain led to a wonderful afternoon of food, fun, and community. With the support of our congregations, attendees, sponsors, and community supporters, we were able to raise over $28,000 to support our services in Howard County!”
Funds were raised through sponsorships, individual donations, meals purchased to enjoy at the park or for carry-out, a silent auction, and fees for teams competing in a cornhole tournament. This year Christ Church had no team in the tournament, which was won by a pair from First Presbyterian Church of Howard County. Maybe next year? It’s not too soon to begin practicing your cornhole skills!
The event is a crucial annual fundraiser, and Christ Church is a sponsor at what Bridges calls the “Ghost Pepper” level in recognition of a $1,000 contribution as outlined in the Outreach Blog of April 18, 2024. It’s a worthy cause, including recent Bridges’ initiatives described in the Outreach Blog of Feb. 15, 2024.
Christ Church was represented by a group including longtime Bridges’ supporters Jim and Marilyn Collins (top article image). In 2022, he was honored as one of Bridges’ “Heroes for Housing.” Also attending were the Director of Youth & Family Ministries Kiona Lookingbill and son Marcus, Stacey Frith, and Patricia Fanning. Many parishioners pitched in by donating and ordering carryout chili from Absolutely Perfect Catering. Thanks to all the participants!
Columbia Community Care Needs Diapers and Other Baby-Care Items
Columbia Community Care (CCC) continues to need baby-care items and diapers. Sizes 4-6 are in the greatest demand, as are 3T-4T and 4T-5T pullups. Please continue to collect these along with sanitary and personal care items and adult diapers. Put them 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 its contents.
Those who need groceries and other necessities can find information by going online to the “Get Help” section of CCC’s recently revamped website. Or learn how to volunteer at CCC’s distribution sites or as a translator or a shopper at its pantry. Check for updates on the CCC Facebook Group.
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.
