Christ Church Outreach News: April 13, 2023
Please Tell Us How You’ll Help! Take Part on April 22, 12-4 p.m. in the Christ Church Food Drive at River Hill Giant Supermarket to Aid Two Food Pantries
Once again, Christ Church will hold a food drive at a local Giant supermarket, resuming a hands-on, family friendly activity that had been halted by the pandemic. The goal: engage shoppers in collecting hundreds of pounds of non-perishable groceries for the Howard County Food Bank and – new this year – for its partner, SAFE Food Pantry.
Please consider taking a shift of at least one hour. Plan to bring your kids, too. While supplies last, we have Christ Church T-shirts in adult and youth sizes for participants. Ask for yours when you sign up this weekend after worship services. Then, during the drive, please wear it so that shoppers will see that you’re representing Christ Church.
The drive will be held on Saturday, April 22, from noon to 4 p.m. at River Hill Giant, 6050 Daybreak Circle, Clarksville, MD 21029. We need plenty of volunteers to participate, to load the collected goods, and to deliver our anticipated haul to the food bank, which is operated by the Community Action Council of Howard County. Outreach member Michon Semon is leading the drive. For information or to get involved, please email outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org.
The need is great due to the end of federal emergency food assistance tied to the pandemic and to inflation. Low-income households struggle to afford the cost of groceries, up 11.3 percent. People who are on medically restricted diets are especially challenged. In Howard County, SAFE provides free gluten-free and allergy-safe foods.
According to an April 10, 2023 article in The Baltimore Sun, the expiration of pandemic benefits at the end of February left about 600,000 to 700,000 Marylanders short an average of $82 per month. Food pantries in Howard County and throughout the state are facing increased demand due to these gaps.
Bridges to Housing Stability Expresses Gratitude as Christ Church Helps to End Homelessness by Supporting the 2023 ChiliFest Event
County Executive Calvin Ball was among the guests at the “ChiliFest & Cornhole Tournament” held by Bridges to Housing Stability on March 19. Christ Church was one of the official supporters of the fundraiser, contributing $500 to become a "Tabasco" Level sponsor.
Executive Director Jennifer Broderick thanked Christ Church, along with other sponsors: “It's a Wrap! We appreciate everyone who came out to support Bridges and enjoy a great day! Special thanks to Bridges’ Board, staff, event committee & volunteers! The live music by School of Rock & Melly HC (Long Reach High School guitar band) was enjoyed by all,” she wrote in emails.
This year the Golden Ladle went to First Presbyterian Church, which hosted the event and raised the most money to support Bridges’ mission, which is to end homelessness in Howard County. As you may recall, First Presbyterian also won the top award at a chili cook-off in 2019, when the event was last held in person. During the years that events were held virtually due to the pandemic, Christ Church won a Golden Ladle in 2021 and a Silver Ladle in 2020.
The Spirit award for best in-person attendance on March 19 went to St. John Baptist Church, which also was a Tabasco-level sponsor. The first-place team of Paul and Kevin Matthews won the event’s Cornhole tournament, which was held outdoors.
An online portal tallied in-person and takeout meal purchases and donations by parishioners. Including the sponsorship, Christ Church donated $1,000 to Bridges. Thanks to one and all who contributed. In letters to Christ Church, Bridges wrote that our giving “will touch the lives of those who are in need of stable, affordable housing.” And in a handwritten note, Broderick wrote: “We’re so grateful for your partnership and support.”
Enjoy the Baltimore International Seafarers' Center Harbor Cruise on April 26
The deadline for ordering tickets is Saturday, April 15 for a fundraiser to support ministry at the Baltimore International Seafarers’ Center. Tickets are $65 each. Enjoy food and beverages by “Yes Chef!” while exploring the working Port of Baltimore from the water. Depart on Wednesday, April 26, at 4:45 p.m. at Baltimore Finger Piers, 555 Light St., Baltimore MD. Tickets are here.
Walk or Run to Benefit Columbia Community Care Starting at 9 a.m. on April 22
On Saturday, April 22, Columbia Community Care (CCC) will hold a Spring Fun Run/Walk starting with a 9 a.m. kickoff party at the former Columbia Flier building, 10750 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia. Please bring a non-perishable item to donate.
The start time for competitors is 10 a.m. Advance registration costs $20 or $10 for children ages 12 and under. Same-day registration for adults is $25. Registration is preferred by Saturday, April 15. To register, go online to CCC events. Information also can be found on the CCC Group on Facebook. All registered participants will get discount cards to Feet First Sports, located at 5305 Village Center Dr., Suite 110, in Wilde Lake Center. The course ends at the center.
At Christ Church, Leigh Smith is our representative who takes parishioners’ donated items to CCC. Please continue your support by collecting diapers, baby wipes, sanitary and personal care items, and adult diapers. Put them in the yellow bin, marked “CCC,” inside the Parish Hall on weekdays when the church office is open or on Sunday.
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 their 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.
