Christ Church Outreach News: October 24, 2024
Christ Church Donates to Christian Jail Ministry to Support Religious Education and Pastoral Care for Detainees and Their Families
Christ Church has long supported Christian Jail Ministry (CJM), which provides pastoral care to people who might otherwise be ignored. Again this year, the Outreach Commission approved contributing $500 for its work at the Howard County Detention Center (HCDC).
Chaplain Kevin Griffith expressed gratitude: “Your support means a great deal to us, and it will make a significant impact on our efforts. Additionally, I would like to extend my sincere thanks for your unwavering support and prayers over the many years. Your commitment to our Ministry has been truly invaluable, and we are deeply appreciative of your continued partnership.”
CJM board member, Dr. Dale K. Pace, ThD, wrote to the parish: “CJM appreciates the financial support that Christ Church has given to this ministry over the years; and in the distant past, the use of its facility for some of CJM's office functions. We praise God for your help with this ministry.”
Please pray for CJM leaders and volunteers as they go about their weekly rounds and for detainees as CJM seeks to meet their spiritual needs. Bible study is one way that CJM reaches them; our donations provide religious materials such as a detainee’s worksheet for Romans 9:16, Unit II. Volunteers at partner churches grade the worksheets. If you are interested in participating, email outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org.
Volunteers are recognized at an annual banquet that includes present and former CJM leaders such as retired Chaplain Gerard M. Washington. On Nov. 4, 2018, Washington preached at both services of Christ Church, accompanied by a former detainee who shared how CJM helped turn his life around, as described in the Outreach Blog of July 20, 2022. The current HCDC Chaplain Griffith, who was recently photographed holding a detainee’s Bible packet, joined Washington at the banquet (above photo).
The donation to CJM is drawn from the 2024 Vestry-approved Outreach budget, derived from your pledges and contributions. Heartfelt thanks go out to one and all who make this possible.
Help Families in Need by Filling the Altar Basket, our FISH Bin on the Breezeway
If you are concerned about people in our midst who are going hungry, please consider regularly donating non-perishables to FISH of Howard County. Please put groceries and/or toiletries in the basket at the altar in New Brick (pictured) or in the marked yellow bin on the breezeway between Old Brick and Parish Hall. FISH provides committed support to select families in need, and the neighbors you help give thanks for all you do in their support.
Columbia Community Care Needs Diapers, Recruits Volunteers of All Ages
Columbia Community Care (CCC) keeps its pantry open each Wednesday, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., in hopes of attracting youth who earn community service credits at their public schools by sorting supplies. Also teens can help at upcoming events that CCC is sponsoring. Find options on the CCC Facebook Group.
People of all ages can volunteer at the pantry, located in the rear of the Long Reach distribution site at Long Reach Village Center, Suite 107, 8775 Cloudleap Ct. Also consider volunteering at that site on Saturdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. or one of the other distribution sites: Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, 10431 Twin Rivers Rd., and The Barn at Oakland Mills Village Center, 5853 Robert Oliver Place. Go online to learn how to volunteer.
Those who need groceries and other necessities can find information by going online to “Get Help” on CCC’s website.
CCC continues to request baby-care items and diapers, especially sizes 4-6. Put these along with sanitary and personal care items and adult diapers 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 items.
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.
