CEC Outreach News: February 18, 2022
African Team Ministries - This Sunday
After 2020's COVID-19 hiatus and 2021's abbreviated booth, ATM is back! Handcrafts will be on display through the 27th of this month and at the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on March 1st. This ministry provides East African, primarily Kenyan, artisans with a market for their beautiful creations. Come & see intricate wood carvings, privative musical instruments, eye-catching soapstone décor, natural elements nativity sets, stunning necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and more!
We also need volunteers to help with set-up, selling, and pack-out. If you are interested in helping and are available after services or on Shrove Tuesday, please contact Sara Kirkpatrick at kirkpasf@gmail.com, leave a message at 410-730-6797.
Leaders of Saint Luke’s Youth Center in Baltimore Say “Thanks” to Christ Church During a Visit on Feb. 13th
Despite the snowy weather on the morning of Sunday, February 13th, leaders of St. Luke’s Youth Center attended worship services and Adult Forum at Christ Church. As seen in the above photos, they were here to say “thank you” in person for our support in 2021 that helped Baltimore youth make the most of their four-week summer day camp.
Camp Inspiration is held by the nonprofit SLYC, which operates year-round from the former St. Luke’s Episcopal parish at 217 N. Carey Street, Baltimore, Maryland. During camp, families could choose to pick up their children as late as 6 p.m. That option made it much easier for working parents, and it lengthened their kids’ fun and learning opportunities. The extended care was funded in part by a $500 contribution from Christ Church.
“We are grateful,” said SLYC Executive Director Amanda Gardner Talbot, speaking on behalf of 35 families who make up the collaborative in a West Baltimore neighborhood not far from the B&O Railroad Museum. She is carrying on the work of her late father, an SLYC founder. The Very Rev. Van H. Gardner, who served for 21 years as dean of the Episcopal Cathedral of the Incarnation, passed away early last year.
Talbot was accompanied by Darlene Clark, engagement coordinator, and Nyah Vanterpool, board member, who together invited parishioners to volunteer at SLYC.
Volunteer opportunities include in-person tutoring and after-school activities that newcomers may explore as individuals or in small groups. A program called SLYC After School impacts the lives of young people, ages 4 to 19. Pandemic protocols are in place to protect the health of helpers, staff, and children.
Leaders spoke briefly at the end of Adult Forum about SLYC’s collaborative model that includes families, staff members, supporters, and volunteers from several Episcopal parishes. The Episcopal Diocese of Maryland is among the partners.
SLYC’s liaison on the Outreach Commission is Michon Semon who, along with Nancy Winchester, represented Christ Church at an end-of-camp celebration. Since then, Nancy has made a lovely quilt for SLYC fund-raising. Parishioners got a sneak peek of the handmade quilt after Adult Forum.
For more information about SLYC, please email amanda@bmoreslyc.org.
The 2021 contribution for Camp Inspiration was made from Vestry-approved funding of the Outreach Commission, which strives to address needs locally, nationally, and internationally. For questions, please email outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org.
SAFE Offers Gluten-Free, Allergy-Safe Foods on Third Saturdays
The SAFE Food Pantry, a nonprofit organization that helps people who require gluten-free and allergy-friendly groceries, has relocated indoors so that it can continue free distribution during the winter months. The next availability takes place this Saturday, February 19th, from 10 a.m. to noon at the NonProfit Collaborative, 9770 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD 21046.
If you have gluten-free or allergy-safe foods to donate, you can bring them without making advance arrangements. Or, if you or others whom you know are in need of these items, please come to Patuxent Woods, which is on an RTA bus line.
Another way to obtain food from SAFE is through its partnership with the Howard County Food Bank. Clients of the food bank can receive pre-bagged, non-allergenic food items when they check-in for their monthly visits. For more information, please call or text a SAFE volunteer at 443-741-1060.
The Long Welcome: Refugee Ministry Update
Our refugee family continues to make great progress in their transition to life in the U.S. After weeks of hurdling administrative requirements, and thanks to the tremendous efforts of Paula Rees, Mati was successfully enrolled in Wilde Lake High School. He recently shared that his school back in Afghanistan was just one room, so getting to classes at Wilde Lake has been interesting. But he’s making friends and learning how to navigate the technology used for instruction. His mother Ziba just moved up a level in her English class at Howard Community College, and she enjoys Mother Marcia’s supplemental tutoring sessions. The entire family is immensely grateful for Christ Church’s support. In fact, calling from Afghanistan, the family’s father recently expressed his deep appreciation to everyone for taking such good care of his family. He is aware there is a large group behind the effort, who’ve contributed in so many different ways.
Moving forward, the ministry team is engaging in workforce preparation, exploring options for higher education, and mentoring in financial literacy, among other tasks. In fact, we particularly need help with fundraising—a critical part of being able to help the family meet both their short- and long-term goals. If interested, contact Deacon Denise. Finally, our Signup Genius for donations has been updated; just go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c44aaaf22a1fac34-refugee to access it. Thank you for all you do to serve the many needs of the world.
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. You can put any of these items in the yellow bin, marked “CCC,” inside the Parish Hall. Drop off items on weekdays when the church office is open or on Sunday.
The items as well as groceries and produce are distributed at three sites: Long Reach Village Center, Suite 9, 8775 Cloudleap Ct.; Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, 10431 Twin Rivers Rd., and at the Barn/Teen Center indoor space in the Oakland Mills Village Center, 5851 Robert Oliver Place, all in Columbia.
Recipients are welcomed from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. For volunteers, donations and drop-offs begin at 9 a.m. You’ll find updates, such as requests for volunteers at specific sites, posted in the CCC Facebook Group.
Baltimore Seafarers News
As a reminder, the Women of Christ Church gather donations for Seafarers throughout the year. At this time, they are looking for magazines, cards, notebooks, gloves, hats, and scarves. If you’d like to donate any of these items, the "Seafarers" box is under the table in the Tower Room of New Brick.
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.
