Christ Church Outreach News: May 23, 2024
Hearty Thanks for Helping Baltimore County Neighbors in Need by Collecting Bags of Rice, Beans, and Maseca for RISE
You pitched in as Christ Church collected a trove of 111 items that leaders of RISE, a multicultural ministry in Baltimore County, had told us were needed most. The drive that ended on May 19 brought in 33 one-pound bags of rice, 50 one-pound bags of dried beans, six cans of beans, three packages of pasta, five packages of seasoning, and 14 bags of Maseca instant corn masa flour. What a haul!
We timed the drive to coincide with Pentecost Sunday, when Christ Church traditionally celebrates its international roots. We held it at the suggestion of Parish Administrator Aisha White, who will transport the goods to Christ the King (CTK), which she attends.
RISE – or Refugee & Immigrant Support for Empowerment – is a program of CTK, whose volunteers distribute food every other Wednesday to people in need. The next date is Wednesday, May 29, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at CTK, 1930 Brookdale Rd., Baltimore, MD 21244. For information and to volunteer, go to "What is RISE"
Through the Outreach Commission, Christ Church has been supporting RISE monetarily since July 2021. Thank you to one and all for making that possible by contributing to the church and donating to General Outreach. If you wish to personally direct a gift to RISE, put “Outreach-RISE” in the Realm dropdown note, on the memo line of your check, or on your envelope holding a cash donation in the collection plate.
Somos Amigos Plans a “FUNdraiser” on Sunday, June 9th
Get your tickets for a carnival-themed afternoon of fun at a beautiful Northern Virginia farm, where Somos Amigos Medical Missions will welcome supporters in the DC-MD-VA metro area. The “FUNdraiser” takes place on Sunday, June 9th from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Sylvanside Farm,19606 Telegraph Springs Rd., Purcellville, Va., 20132.
Former Christ Church parishioners Mary and Ed Keath plan to travel from their home in Oregon to attend and show their support for the ways in which Somos Amigos provides care in the Dominican Republic. In a video on Vimeo taped three years ago, Mary says volunteering there has helped her live out her baptismal vows. Her first trip in January 2005 and the Keaths’ subsequent trips led to the involvement of Christ Church.
The event will celebrate 25 years of Somos Amigos’ medical and dental care while raising funds as the nonprofit organization looks forward. Tickets are $45 each or four for $110. You can order tickets up until June 9th for this event, where you'll enjoy games, music, snacks, beer, wine, hot dogs, and hamburgers by Smokin Willy BBQ. Spencer Bates, a former volunteer who is a favorite at the Georgetown Piano Bar, will perform. Nature and history buffs will want to tour the property and see the majestic Clydesdale horses. Sylvanside Farm dates to 1744, with breathtaking views, manicured grounds, and restored barns.
A live auction that starts at 4:15 p.m. will feature the chance to bid on two VIP tickets and backstage passes to meet Stephen Colbert and see a live taping of The Late Show. A longtime supporter of Somos Amigos, Colbert appears in a video on Vimeo, saying he is eager to meet the winning bidder. It could be you!
The auction also offers a chance to “Dunk Frank in the Dunk Tank.” Founder and Executive Director Frank Brightwell is well known to Somos Amigos volunteers Dione and Jim Mahoney, Shahra Toth, Dr. Preethi Jackson, and Dr. Ellen Boudreau Hoke, and to others from his visits to Christ Church. View his most recent sermon at Christ Church here, and you can see more photos and learn about the clinic in the Outreach Blog of Feb. 22, 2024.
Columbia Community Care Takes a Break on Memorial Day Weekend
Columbia Community Care (CCC) will close its pantry and distribution sites on Saturday, May 25, for the Memorial Day weekend. But you can still donate baby-care items and diapers. Sizes 4-6 are in the greatest demand, as are 3T-4T and 4T-5T pullups. Please 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.
