CEC Outreach News: September 30, 2021
Help Christ Church Defend Its Title as an Award-Winning Supporter of Bridges2HS
The clock is ticking as the virtual fund-raising event approaches to support Bridges to Housing Stability, whose programs help individuals and families who are at-risk or experiencing homelessness in Howard County. The second annual Chili & Challenge will be held on October 10th, with the deadline to order chili meals on Monday, October 4th and the deadlines for donations and silent-auction bids also occurring next week.
You can support this event in three ways (the first two will help Christ Church compete for the Golden Ladle!!): 1) purchase meal tickets ($20 each), a portion of which ($12) will be donated to Bridges; 2) donate directly; and 3) participate in Bridges’ virtual silent auction online. The congregation that raises the most money through 1 & 2 above (meal ticket proceeds and/or direct donations) by Friday, Oct. 8, will win the Golden Ladle. Two runners-up will win silver ladles (as Christ Church did in 2020, shown in this photo).
Go for the Gold and prevent homelessness by using this link to purchase meal tickets and/or donate directly. PLEASE NOTE: For the best record-keeping of Christ Church contributions, we recommend you first perform the donation function and then move on to the purchase of chili meals.
1) Bare Bones Grill and Bar is providing three delicious chilis (beef, chicken, and vegetarian) this year with cornbread and coleslaw. Chili meals are available for purchase at the link above through Monday, Oct. 4, 2021. All meals must be picked up curbside between 12 – 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 10. The pickup will take place not at the restaurant but at Bridges’ office building parking lot, 9520 Berger Rd., Columbia, MD 21045.
2) If you want to donate toward Bridges’ $12,000 goal for its operations and housing programs, please do so by Friday, Oct. 8, through the Christ Episcopal Church link above. If you prefer to donate via check, please make it out to Bridges to Housing Stability (not Christ Church) and note Christ Episcopal Church/Chili & Challenge in the memo line. You must get it to Christ Church by Wednesday, Oct. 6, so that we can take checks to Bridges in time to count toward our total on Oct. 8.
3) Bridges’ virtual silent auction will take place between 8 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5, and 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 10. If you wish to view the items before bidding starts, go to the Charity Auctions Today site for Bridges.
Bridges Executive Director Jennifer Broderick, LCSW, explains the importance of stable housing and how congregations’ participation in Chili & Challenge helps make it happen. Watch a 2-minute video.
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 when the church office is open, but we ask that you call the office at (410) 381-9365 ahead of time.
DreamBuilders are Planning a Trip to Puerto Rico in January!
DreamBuilders is in the planning stages for a trip to Puerto Rico during the week of January 9-15, 2022, to repair homes damaged by hurricanes and earthquakes. We were not able to go last year due to COVID restrictions, but in 2019, we were able to help rebuild two homes, working with our St. Bernard Project (SBP) partners. They are once again allowing volunteers to come to the island and work through them, as there are many still in need of help. If you are interested in joining our group, please contact Cathy Gold or Stacey Frith to let us know.
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. The bin is on the breezeway 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.
