Christ Church Outreach News: May 2, 2024
Last Call: Help Bridges at Its Chili and Cornhole Event this Sunday, May 5th
The clock is ticking to help Bridges to Housing Stability, an advocate for families who struggle to keep a roof over their heads. The deadline is THIS FRIDAY, May 3rd, to order your tickets for the 2023 Beans & Bags event to be held on Sunday, May 5, from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at Centennial Park, Pavilion H, 4760 Woodland Rd., Ellicott City 21042.
Chili has been a key part of fundraising for Bridges, which last year added a cornhole tournament to its repertoire. But the real competition has to do with funds raised through individual donations or by meals purchased to enjoy at the park or for carry-out. Tickets are $25 for an adult and $10 for a child. Please participate so that Christ Church makes a good showing.
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 contribution 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.
Help Baltimore County Neighbors in Need by Collecting Bags of Rice, Beans, and Maseca for RISE Between Now and Pentecost Sunday
Please pitch in as Christ Church conducts a targeted food drive for three crucial items in short supply at RISE, a multicultural ministry in Baltimore County. We are collecting 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 began last Sunday and will end on May 19. That’s Pentecost Sunday, when Christ Church has traditionally celebrated its international roots. Please put your Maseca, rice, and beans (no cans or large bags, please) into the marked bin on the breezeway near the door to Old Brick.
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. Its volunteers distribute food every other Wednesday to families who likely would go hungry otherwise. RISE also offers programs such as “Camp in a Bag” which is aimed at children and another that helps mothers and babies.
The mission of RISE appears online in CTK’s “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.”
RISE offers free food, primarily consisting of produce, rice, beans, and Maseca on distribution days at CTK, 1930 Brookdale Rd., Baltimore, MD 21244. Distributions are planned from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15, and Wednesday, May 29. Volunteers are welcomed to help with preparation as well as distribution. For more information and to sign up, go online to “What is RISE.”
CTK says that RISE fed 15,000 people in 2023, adding an expression of gratitude: “Thank you to the many donors who help make this possible.” Last year Christ Church was among supporters of RISE. The Outreach Commission approved donations to CTK of $250 each in March and July, and $100 in September. These funds for RISE were derived from parishioner donations to Outreach and a Vestry-approved budget drawn from your pledges and contributions. Please accept our heartfelt thanks.
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.
Lake Elkhorn Middle School Needs Your Help on May 14th
Tracey Williams, the counselor at LEMS, has asked Christ Church to supply a dinner for the families and provide childcare during the next workshop on Tuesday, May 14th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the cafeteria. We need adults and high school students who can serve food to all and play games with the children, ages Kindergarten to 8th grade. Please contact Deacon Denise deacondenise@christchurchcolumbia.org or Cathy Whittaker catharinewhittaker@gmail.com if you can help.
Enjoy Food and Drink to Help Support DreamBuilders!
Come join us at Bushel & Peck restaurant in Clarksville, MD on Wednesday, May 15th from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. for an evening of dining, refreshments, and fellowship in support of DreamBuilders. One month later, DreamBuilders will be building three homes in Hazard, Kentucky, and a portion of the proceeds from your meals and drinks will go directly toward funding the materials for these three homes. PLUS, if you come to the fundraiser between 5-7 p.m., you’ll be able to enjoy our favorite Christ Church band - Small Delusions!
Between the services on May 5th and 12th at Christ Church, we'll have two items for sale: the first is a batch of 50/50 raffle tickets that cost $5 each or are 5 for $20. The winning ticket will be drawn at the restaurant on May 15th, but you don’t need to be present to win (we'll contact the winner that evening by phone if they're not present). Those days, you can also buy DreamBuilders chocolates, tea, and coffee in advance of Mother’s Day. All proceeds from the sale of these items will be used towards the costs of building the three Kentucky homes this summer.
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.
