CEC Outreach News: April 9, 2021
Beckoning One and All to Get Involved in Outreach
Parishioners who attended in-person worship services on Easter Sunday may have noticed new decor in the Tower Room. For those who are still attending remotely, the effort applies to you, too. The Outreach Commission is making an effort to better spread the word about what we do and, in turn, persuade more volunteers to participate during 2021.
The new displays in the Tower room are meant to better inform parishioners about the organizations that Christ Church supports and how these nonprofits make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate. You’ll find an alphabetical list that briefly describes our involvement and that is color-coded according to whether the operations are local, national, or international.
Handouts on the table list parishioners who are the point of contact for each organization, so please don’t hesitate to reach out and take part. If you would like a copy of the handout mailed to your home address or sent electronically by email, please request one by emailing outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org or by calling the church office at (410) 381-9365.
If you are looking for hands-on activities, you can also go to the Christ Church website, where a page called More Christ Church Outreach shows several options. One is the Lake Elkhorn Middle School partnership; another is the meal that we prepare on the third Monday of each month for shelter residents at the Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center. For Grassroots, please save the dates for the next three opportunities: April 19, May 17, and June 21.
A group of Outreach members led by Michon Semon planned and carried out the revamped presentation in the Tower Room. Others in the group include Melanie Yaksich, Shahra and George Toth, (see photo), Sonni Aribiah, Diane Phillips LaGuerre and her sister-in-law, and Patricia Fanning. The Tower Room also has a digital display of photos prepared by the Toths.
Under the table, you’ll find the two plastic collection bins that the Women of Christ Church maintain for long-term efforts that are both listed on the handout. One is the Springfield Hospital Center and the other is the Baltimore Seafarers’ International Center. The latter is a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland; the mariners’ cause has gained visibility lately through news of the container ship that had been stuck in the Suez Canal. For example, the Washington Post described the humanitarian plight of seafarers in this March 31st article.
Outreach Invites Parishioners to Attend Its April 12th Zoom Meeting
As you consider becoming more involved in helping people, members of the Outreach Commission invite parishioners to join in the discussion. The next meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, April 12. The Zoom link for Monday evening's meeting is HERE, the meeting ID is 876 3365 4968 and the password is Outreach04
Keep up the CCC Collection of Diapers, Baby Wipes, and Toiletries
The drive for Columbia Community Care, which Christ Church launched in January, is continuing as we seek diapers, baby wipes, women’s sanitary care products, soaps, shampoo, deodorant, and other toiletries. Please put them in the yellow bin marked “CCC” inside the Parish Hall any time on weekdays until 2 p.m., but we ask that you call the church office at (410) 381-9365 to let them know when you are coming.
Donate Cleaning Supplies, Personal Care items for FISH in the Yellow Bin
As spring weather improves, you can now put liquids in the yellow bin marked “FISH” on the breezeway between the Parish Hall and Old Brick. Meanwhile, organizers for FISH of Howard County are thanking parishioners for their non-perishable donations over the winter. Organizers tell us the pantry has an adequate supply of groceries at this time. Instead, they request household cleaning supplies such as liquid dish soap, bleach, and cleanser. Also the families who call on FISH during times of crisis could use personal items such as deodorant, shampoo, and bath soaps.
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.