CEC Outreach News: March 13, 2021
March LEMS Committee Update
Some of the Lake Elkhorn Middle School students are starting to return to in-person learning this month. The LEMS committee purchased hand sanitizer for the teachers/staff and over five thousand disposable face masks for use by both teachers and students to help keep them safe while they finish out the school year. The school administration is extremely grateful for the support Christ Church has provided throughout the pandemic as they teach and learn during very unusual circumstances.
The LEMS committee is continuing to provide food for ten families one weekend a month with this month's distribution occurring on March 11th. If you have any questions or want to help, please contact lemspc@christchurchcolumbia.org.
Join Us Next Monday - and on April 19th and May 17th - to Feed the Hungry at Grassroots
It will soon be the third Monday of the month, and parishioners are looking forward to hands-on volunteerism, which has been elusive during these pandemic times. Please join us by preparing a side dish or dessert or by bringing pantry items for the monthly meal that we provide for 50 residents of Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center‘s live-in facility.
On Monday, March 15th, please plan to arrive between 3:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. outside Old Brick. Also please sign up online no later than noon on Sunday, March 14th, so coordinators will know what you plan to bring. Click on the Christ Church Grassroots Meal link on SignUpGenius to learn which items are still open on our menu.
You’ll also find a document in the “Files” category showing the latest list of needed items at that facility, located on Freetown Rd., by Grassroots’ Hotline clients, and by the homeless friends who are served curbside at the Dorsey/Rt. 1 Day Resource Center (DRC) in Jessup.
It was at the DRC where Christ Church once cooked and served a monthly meal in-person that had to be suspended due to coronavirus restrictions. Therefore, we adapted our tradition. Nowadays, coordinator Nancy Winchester acquires fried chicken at Weis and meets the other volunteers as they enter the Christ Church parking lot. Nancy then transports the food to Freetown Road for handoff to the staff of Grassroots.
Additional participants — and the resulting side dishes, desserts, fruit, and granola bars to complement our main course — are always welcome. Be sure to mask up and practice social distancing for safety. You’ll find lots of information at the sign-up link, but for questions contact Nancy or co-coordinator Shahra Toth or email outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org.
Save the dates for the subsequent meals, which will be on April 19th and May 17th. The time and place remain the same, and please arrive no later than 3:30 p.m. because the departure for Grassroots is prompt. Email us at outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org if you'd like more information.
Grassroots Offers Training in March in QPR Skills to Help Prevent Suicides
Once again, Grassroots offer members of the community a chance to learn skills that could help save a life from suicide. QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer -- the three simple steps anyone can learn to help save lives, just as individuals trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver learn what to do. The online seminar is free to Howard County residents, employees, or students.
On Tuesday, March 16th from 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Grassroots and the Horizon Foundation are offering QPR training for youth age 13 or older and their families. There is also a session for adults on Monday, March 29th, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. To register for either one go here; to learn more, email amanda@grassrootscrisis.org to speak with Amanda Ganoe, the sessions’ organizer.
Collection Drive Continues to Provide Diapers, Personal Care Items for CCC
Parishioners continue to support Columbia Community Care (CCC) by collecting diapers, baby wipes, sanitary and personal care items at the request of this all-volunteer organization. Please put them in the yellow bin, marked “CCC,” just inside the Parish Hall door. You can drop off items 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.
In a separate initiative at Christ Church, our Racially Aware Group of Episcopalians (R.A.G.E) will host CCC leaders at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, March 22nd. Our guests are invited to talk on Zoom about the needs in Howard County and their work with a proposed Social Justice Center. Please save the date.
Donate Groceries for FISH in the Altar Basket or in the Yellow Bin
As worship resumes, the basket of groceries for FISH of Howard County will reappear at the altar. But for the convenience of parishioners who continue to observe pandemic precautions, the yellow bin marked “FISH” remains on the breezeway between the Parish Hall and Old Brick. In winter, keep the weather in mind and avoid putting items in the bin that will freeze.
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.