CEC Outreach News: August 5, 2021
Inviting One and All to Get Involved in Christ Church Outreach
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. As summer wanes and fall beckons, consider joining us at our next meeting to learn more about opportunities. It will be held virtually at 7:30 p.m. this coming Monday, August 9th. so join us. The Zoom link is here, Meeting ID is 876 3365 4968 and Password is Outreach! To become active in other ways, email outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org.
Keep in mind the scripture that underpins our mission: And the King will answer them, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” Matthew 25: 40
Expressing Gratitude to Participants in a Recent Restaurant Donation Day that Helps Bridges To End Homelessness
Supporters of Bridges to Housing Stability had multiple choices to make at the latest restaurant donation day to help those who risk homelessness in Howard County. On July 29, Cured Table & Tap and 18th & 21st each donated 10 percent of participating diners' receipts, and Bridges supporters could select takeout or dining at one of the two sister venues in the Merriweather District in Downtown Columbia. For those who chose outdoor dining at Cured, dogs and their owners were welcome on the patio (see photos).
One of Bridges’ strengths is its Housing Connections Program, which has served 49 households. Housing Connections works with landlords and low- to moderate-income county residents to support both parties during the tenancy search and initial lease term. This results in stable housing for the families and timely rent payments for the landlords. Watch a brief video featuring a client, Victoria, on her path to self-sufficiency that you can find under the heading “Success Stories” on the Bridges’ homepage.
Christ Church has a warm relationship with Bridges that dates to 2019, when we participated in its countywide chili cook-off, Holier Than Thou. During our own cook-off in February 2020, we raised $1,000. And that, in turn, led to Christ Church winning a Silver Ladle Award during the Chili & Challenge virtual fundraiser last fall.
Progress Reported by Friends of Sabina at Its Primary School in Uganda during a Coffee Hour/Adult Forum on Zoom
Leaders of Friends of Sabina (FOS) described many ways the nonprofit organization is making progress at Sabina Primary School in rural Uganda. On Sunday, Aug. 1, Father Manny, Deacon Denise, and members of the Outreach Commission hosted Ann Marie Davis, who recently returned from Uganda, and Maria White, who are the co-founders of FOS.
Both thanked Christ Church parishioners and Outreach for spiritual and monetary support during the founding period of FOS, which is revitalizing the school.
Outreach continues to support Sabina through FOS. For example, Christ Church pays the librarian’s salary and covers the costs of an upgraded internet service, using $2,000 in Vestry-approved funds in 2021. Thanks to Christ Church parishioners for making that possible! It turns out the talented librarian, Richard Tumusiime, plays a multi-faceted role at Sabina, even serving as a soccer coach. To see a brief video about him, as well as other videos and photos of Sabina, go to the 41:50 mark of a recording of the Zoom meeting on the Christ Church YouTube channel.
More than a decade ago, Christ Church began supporting Sabina Primary School and its library through the organization, Children of Uganda (COU). Parishioners collected shipments of books for the library, which evolved into the Ssanje Community Resource center, playing a vital role for residents of the surrounding area. West of Lake Victoria and north of the border with Tanzania, the area is located in Kyotera District (formerly in Rakai District).
In late 2019, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese that owns Sabina Primary School entered into a management agreement with FOS, then a newly-formed organization that is co-managed by White and Davis, both former members of the COU Board of Directors. FOS embarked on an improvement program that includes replacing infrastructure such as the obsolete kitchen complex. For example, new energy-efficient stoves were shown in the Zoom session.
Beginning in 2020, Outreach encouraged parishioners to sponsor Sabina students whose families otherwise cannot afford fees and tuition. Christ Church members stepped forward to support eight children, and several sponsors were updated during the Zoom session on the students and their experiences in a year of pandemic challenges. A photo of many of the children can be seen on the Christ Church website that also has details for anyone wishing to sponsor a child. This year during Lent, Christ Church youth and Sunday School children dedicated their Mite Box collection to FOS for the eventual purchase of chicks or other livestock.
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 Personal Care and Cleaning Supplies for FISH in Bin on our 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.
Lake Elkhorn Middle School Supplies - THANK YOU!
We are excited to report that we have exceeded our goal of $5,000 for school supplies for the students at LEMS. We are very grateful to the generous parishioners of Christ Church for their responsiveness to the needs of families in our local community. We have ordered the supplies and will fill the bags in the near future - stay tuned for details in upcoming communications. If you would like to help us bag the supplies, please contact Onyx Williams at ow6062@gmail.com or Cathy Whittaker at catharinewhittaker@gmail.com.
SEAFARER’S Donation Requests
We could use your help in gathering the following items. Delivery is made and the date is 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.