Christ Church Outreach News: April 29, 2022
CCD Requests Prayers for Special Projects and for Its Staff and Disabled Children in Thailand as the Pandemic Continues
Christ Church has received updates accompanied by heartwarming photographs from the Christian Care Foundation for Children with Disabilities (CCD), which the Outreach Commission supports through the nonprofit organization, CCD-USA.
Wasan Saenwian, executive director of CCD in Thailand, wrote to Michon Semon and the rest of the Christ Church Outreach Commission that some activities continue to be restricted due to the pandemic in Thailand and that one of its group homes was impacted earlier this month. Seven boys and four staff members had COVID-19. Please pray that they recover their health.
Yet, despite the pandemic, CCD manages to keep up its work at its main operation, Rainbow Rehabilitation Centre, and at four Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) programs in various provinces of Thailand. “Thank the Lord for his goodness to us all,” he wrote.
The nonprofit reported on an exciting new project, organic mushroom farming, that raises money while also providing teaching opportunities for young adults. They learn not only agricultural skills but also math, weights and measures, and retailing.
Christ Church is a long-time supporter, paying toward the annual salaries of a physical therapist and an occupational therapist through Vestry-budgeted funds to Outreach.
At this point in time, CCD also requested five specific prayer points. One is that Bung-Gee, a young adult who recently professed his Christian faith, “will grow deeper in His Love and become stronger in His Word.” Two is for the mushroom project, that it will have maximum benefit to the CBR program’s children in terms of “physical therapy, critical skills, and income of their parents.” Three is for a proposal that needs government approval to begin work on a handicap-accessible bathroom. Four is for a favorable outcome in buying a stationary bike “that will get the best one and best price.” Five is for “protection from God” of CBR program staff members when going into the community.
To speak to someone who has seen firsthand CCD’s work in Thailand, please email outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org, and we will put you in touch with Michon.
The Episcopal Diocese of Maryland Sponsors Bishop’s Appeal
This weekend, we’re supporting our diocesan ministries by raising funds for the Bishop’s Annual Ministries Appeal. Your gift to the Appeal supports the collective ministries of our diocese and 15 percent of every gift raised by our parishioners will stay here to support our very own outreach and ministry. This is a wonderful opportunity to support the ministry of our congregation and of our diocese! Any funds directed to Christ Church will be considered for designation by the Vestry.
Please prayerfully consider a gift to the Bishop's Annual Ministry Appeal. Gifts can be made online at: https://episcopalmaryland.org/give. Or you can send a check to: “The Bishop’s Appeal,” 4 E University Parkway, Baltimore, MD 21218. When you do so online, the donation page gives individuals the option to check a box: “I would like to share a portion of my gift with my congregation.” It also gives the option to designate funds to particular ministries of the appeal. Click on “Learn More” to read about the options.
The 2022 appeal is directed to the following 12 causes:
● Our youth will be loved unconditionally and given a safe place to grow and flourish.
● Our Sutton Scholars will sharpen the soft skills needed to become leaders in our community.
● Seafarers far from home will feel cared for and loved when they arrive in our harbor.
● Immigrants and refugees will get dedicated support to transition to life in a new country.
● Our young adults are cared for and supported through our college campus ministries.
● Patients, faculty, and medical staff at Johns Hopkins Hospital will be cared for and loved.
● Latino families will find a home in The Episcopal Church.
● The history of our churches and diocese will be preserved for generations to come.
● We are challenging violence and injustice of every kind through Truth and Reconciliation.
● Our Claggett Center will provide spiritual renewal and rest for our faith community.
● Our children will become confident readers through reading camps at our churches.
You’ll recognize a cause already supported by the Women of Christ Church, the Baltimore International Seafarers Center.
Afghan Refugee Family Update
A big thank you to everyone who contributed toward the Eid gift basket for the four members of our Afghan refugee family – an overflowing basket of gift cards and food will be delivered to the family this weekend. And don’t forget that two opportunities to meet the family, here at Christ Church, are coming up on Sunday, May 8 and again on Sunday, May 22. The family will be here in the New Brick lower level to meet us and to share in refreshments from 9am – 10:15am, on both dates. Please plan to stop by – you will be glad you did.
Columbia Community Care Needs Diapers, Personal Care Items
At Christ Church, members of R.A.G.E and the Outreach Commission ask parishioners to continue supporting the all-volunteer organization, Columbia Community Care (CCC). Please collect diapers, baby wipes, sanitary and personal care items, and adult diapers. Put any of these in the yellow bin, marked “CCC,” inside the Parish Hall. Drop off items on weekdays when the church office is open or on Sunday. Look for updates, such as requests for volunteers at the three distribution sites, posted in the CCC Facebook Group.
Donate Snacks, Crackers, and Cookies to FISH in Bin on our Breezeway
Organizers for FISH of Howard County are continuing to ask for cookies, crackers, and snacks to fulfill its shopping lists. The yellow bin is between Old Brick and the Parish Hall. Thanks for your contributions to our neighbors in need.
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.
