CEC Outreach News: February 3, 2022
Leaders of Saint Luke’s Youth Center to Visit on Feb. 13 to Thank Christ Church for Supporting Children at 2021 “Camp Inspiration”
In the midst of winter’s chill, take a moment to recall what it was like during the warmth of last summer. For youth in West Baltimore, their four-week summer day camp was all the sweeter because 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.
Camp Inspiration is held by St. Luke’s Youth Center, which operates year-round as the nonprofit SLYC from the former St. Luke’s Episcopal parish at 217 N. Carey Street, Baltimore, MD. Two of the leaders of SLYC plan to say “thank you” in person by attending Christ Church on Feb. 13.
Please save the date so that you can greet them in person or virtually. They expect to be present for Adult Forum at 9:30 a.m., for the 10:30 a.m. worship service, and at the Zoom Coffee Hour that follows online.
Engagement coordinator Darlene Clark and Executive Director Amanda Gardner Talbot will be available to talk 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.
They’ll also describe in-person tutoring and other volunteer opportunities that you may wish to explore as individuals or in small groups, as well as pandemic protocols intended to keep everyone safe.
The Outreach Commission liaison to SLYC is Michon Semon, whom last August was accompanied by parishioner Nancy Winchester at the end-of-camp presentation hosted by St. James, Lafayette Square. Toddlers to teens were performing. Since then, Nancy has donated one of her lovely, handmade quilts for SLYC fund-raising.
SLYC offerings range from its “Moms on a Mission” program to SLYC After School, which impacts 40 young people, ages 4 to 19.
Requests to parishes for “time, gifts, and talents” go well beyond tutoring students in math, reading, and writing. For example, there are needs for carpenters, architects, and landscapers or for grant-writers and graphic designers. Plan to meet the SLYC leaders on Feb. 13 and learn more. Or you can email the executive director at amanda@bmoreslyc.org.
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.
African Team Ministries is Back
After 2020's COVID-19 hiatus and 2021's abbreviated booth, ATM is back! Handcrafts will be on display from Sunday, February 13th through the 27th, and at the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on March 1st, if it's held. 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.
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.
