CEC Outreach News: May 30, 2021
Local Families Need Our Support!
Christ Church’s Lake Elkhorn Middle School (LEMS) ministry is a partnership between our church and Lake Elkhorn Middle School, geared toward providing support to students, teachers, and families. As one element of this partnership, the LEMS Committee supports the school’s Weekend Food Program, providing food for 10 families experiencing food insecurity. This past year, we’ve done this despite the myriad challenges of the pandemic—and with the generous contributions of this congregation. The school has asked us to continue this support through the summer and into the next school year. If we’re to continue - and possibly increase - our level of support, the LEMS Committee needs parishioners to help shop for and package food, as well as parishioners to help deliver the bagged groceries to the school. Shopping is from a pre-set grocery list, is funded by the committee, and can be done on your own time. Delivery is a socially distanced, quick drop-off to the school on the second Thursday of each month at 11:00 a.m. Christ Church deeply values our partnership with LEMS, and families in our community depend on our support. If you’re available to help shop or deliver, please contact Deacon Denise at deacondenise@christchurchcolumbia.org.
Support the Diocese of Maryland’s Sutton Scholars at a Milestone Moment
People experience milestone moments, either positive or negative, and sometimes those emotions and moments intertwine. Such was the case this week during a vigil hosted by the Baltimore Interfaith Coalition for Dismantling Racism to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the killing of George Floyd. The setting was Bishop Square Park and the host was the nearby Cathedral of the Incarnation, seat of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland.
Bishop of the diocese, The Right Rev. Eugene Taylor Sutton, joined in the interfaith vigil, described on WYPR-FM, with leaders representing Jewish, Muslim, and Roman Catholic congregations, among others. He led about 100 participants in calling the names of African Americans who died in police incidents and, in a more hopeful turn, in singing the hymn, “Lift Every Voice.” More coverage can be found here.
The leaders were unified in saying that although this was a moment to mourn, it also was an opportunity to look forward. At the same time, in city neighborhoods not far from the cathedral, high school students were envisioning much brighter futures for themselves because of the diocese and Bishop Sutton’s role in founding the program, Sutton Scholars.
“It has been a longtime dream of Bishop Sutton’s to create opportunities for youth who otherwise aren’t afforded equal chances for success, ‘giving back’ from the blessings he received from caring adults who took time to help him learn about life and to grow,” the program says. “Through Sutton Scholars, we strive to pay it forward, building a brighter future for our students and for Baltimore as a whole,” the program continues in an informative video on its website.
In the video, “Who Are the Sutton Scholars? Learn More,” we’re told that these are Baltimore City students who may be at risk of falling through the cracks of the school system. They make up a maximum enrollment of 120 students (freshmen through seniors) each year. The Scholars learn soft skills and critical thinking, among other life skills. And they experience camaraderie and leadership during a summer trip to the Claggett Center for environmental stewardship, kayaking, zip-lining, and team-building on the ropes course.
Since its start in 2016, the first Scholars have completed the curriculum and are now giving advice to others. Deon Jones, the new president of the Sutton Scholars Alumni Association, says, ”Write out the steps you want to take...You have to have a purpose in life to be successful.”
To help more young people in underserved neighborhoods achieve success, you can donate online or by writing a check to “Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, Sutton Scholars.” Mail it to Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, Sutton Scholars High School Enrichment Program, 4 E. University Parkway, Baltimore, Md. 21218. Through fundraising, the program has remained self-sufficient. In 2020, the cost for one scholar was about $3,250 or $650 a week with the overall program at $450,000.
Reserve by June 6th for Bridges’ “Taste of Wine, Splash of Charity” on June 10th
Supporters of Bridges to Housing Stability are invited to a dine-in dinner and wine tasting accompanied by a fundraiser or, for those who wish to avoid in-person outings, a takeout opportunity. Tickets must be ordered by June 6th for the event, which will be held at the Iron Bridge Wine Co. on June 10. The location is 10435 Rt. 108, Columbia, MD 21044.
The goal of the nonprofit organization is preventing and ending homelessness in Howard County. Each ticket purchased, whether for takeout or in-person dining, results in a $20 contribution to Bridges’ efforts. The cost is $85 for the 5-course dinner and wine tasting or $70 for a 3-course take-out meal and bottle of wine. For information and to buy tickets, go here.
Those who attend in person will be able to take part in a silent auction to be displayed at Iron Bridge. The auction is expected to include six to eight baskets of leisure activities, vacation options, wine, and more.
Christ Church has a warm relationship with Bridges that dates to 2019 when we participated in its countywide chili cook-off, Holier Than Thou. Parishioner James Collins, a Bridges board member, was the master of ceremonies. That fundraising and camaraderie were surpassed during our own cook-off in February 2020, which raised $1,000. And that, in turn, led to Christ Church winning a Silver Ladle Award during the Chili & Challenge virtual fundraiser last fall.
Collection Drive Continues to Provide Diapers, Personal Care Items for CCC
At Christ Church, members of R.A.G.E and the Outreach Commission ask parishioners to support Columbia Community Care (CCC) by collecting diapers, baby wipes, sanitary and personal care items, and adult diapers. Please put any of these items in the yellow bin, marked “CCC,” inside the Parish Hall. You can drop off items on weekdays until 2 p.m., but we ask that you call the church office (410) 381-9365 ahead of time.
Donate Spring Cleaning Supplies for FISH in its Yellow Bin on the Breezeway
Organizers for FISH of Howard County request household cleaning supplies such as liquid dish soap, bleach, and cleanser as well as personal items such as deodorant, shampoo, and bath soaps. At present, its pantry has an adequate supply of groceries. The bin is between Old Brick and the Parish Hall.
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.
SEAFARER’S Donation Requests
We could use your help in gathering the following items. Delivery is made and the date announced when the number of collections gets reasonably accumulated. Contact Carolann Sawyer with any questions.
Bible in modern English (or Tagalog, Russian, or Chinese)
Times/Newsweek/etc. up to 3 months old
Sports Ill/People/etc. up to 6 months
Cars/Computers/Consumers up to 1 year
Reader’s Digest up to a couple of years
National Geographics post-2000
Books (except for Bibles) are less often requested, but some seafarers do appreciate action novels, as well as picture books about Baltimore or the U.S.
Action/adventure DVD’s. Recent popular CDs.
Religious books (in easy English), DVDs, CDs; rosaries.
Clothing - men’s jeans, other sturdy pants (no bigger than XL) or shorts, T-shirts, warm outerwear, and non-skid shoes/boots (in good condition only), and gloves, hats, scarves, and warm socks
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.