Christ Church Outreach News: August 21, 2025
- Christ Episcopal Church
- Aug 20
- 4 min read
Thanks for Packing the Packs!
You all really are the best.... thanks to those who stayed after church last Sunday and helped us load the LEMS backpacks. It went very smoothly, and we can't thank each of you enough!
Whether you were there or not, if you can, please stop by the lower level of New Brick tomorrow, August 22, at 2:30 p.m. to help load the school supplies into cars and drive them to LEMS. That afternoon, they will host their Annual Back-to-School Block Party, where families will register their children and enjoy a picnic from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. You are welcome to help distribute the backpacks to those appreciative students and families.
Beckoning One and All to Get Involved in Christ Church Outreach
As you prepare for fall, consider making Outreach a more integral part of your life. Start by pausing during the Parish Festival and Ministry Fair on Sunday, Aug. 24, to pick up a brochure and chat with a member of the Outreach Commission about opportunities.
If you prefer to get info online, please email outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org.
Some activities occur year-round, and others are seasonal. Here are a few to anticipate as autumn approaches:
Our Fall Food Drive is scheduled for Saturday, October 4, at a local supermarket to collect non-perishable goods for the Howard County Food Bank, and gluten- and allergy-free items for SAFE Food Pantry (exact time and place will be announced). The annual Thanksgiving Drive for the food bank begins on Sunday, November 2. The heartwarming Angel Tree Drive begins on Sunday, November 23, to buy Christmas gifts for middle-school-age children. Early in December, at a date to be announced later, volunteers will help bag the unwrapped gifts for transport to the Salvation Army of Howard County, which will then distribute them to families who would otherwise have a bleak holiday.
As you respond to a call to help the less fortunate, keep in mind the scripture that underpins our mission: And the King will answer them, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” Matthew 25:40
You can read about the most recent supermarket food drive in the Outreach Blog of April 9, 2025. Read about both holiday drives in the Outreach Blog of Nov. 21, 2024.
Buy DreamBuilders Tea and Coffee on Sunday at the Parish Festival
Look for coffee and tea being sold to benefit DreamBuilders at the Parish Festival on Sunday, Aug. 24. There’s no chocolate at this time of year, but we have plenty of tea and a small selection of fair-trade coffee. It’s for a good cause so teams can prepare to rebuild after disasters. The group most recently traveled to Kentucky for the third year in a row to build homes after devastating floods.
Go Golfing Next Month to Help Bridges to Housing Stability
Golfers can have fun and support a worthy cause on Friday, Sept. 19. Bridges to Housing Stability will hold the fourth annual Sheehy Toyota Birdies for Bridges Golf Tournament at The Timbers of Troy, 6100 Marshalee Dr., Elkridge, Md. Participants will help Bridges achieve its mission – advocating for affordable housing and helping individuals and families who struggle to keep a roof over their heads.
The tournament begins with a light breakfast, a shotgun start at 9 a.m., and a full day of golf, food, and awards. Check-in opens at 7:45 a.m. The cost for a single golfer is $200, or $800 for a foursome, which covers greens fees, unlimited range balls, food, and beverages.
By golfing during “Birdies for Bridges,” you’ll help to provide a path to self-sufficiency and further Bridges’ aim to prevent and end homelessness in Howard County. Christ Church has been a supporter of Bridges in various ways since 2019.
FISH and CCC Have Combined Pantries, and FISH Needs Phone Volunteers
Earlier in the summer, FISH and Columbia Community Care (CCC) partnered to provide food services for Howard County residents. The two organizations have merged their pantries. FISH will continue to pick up donated goods from Christ Church and others. CCC will continue making distributions at three sites on Saturday mornings and by home delivery. For information, go online at CCC’s Get Help page.
CCC’s three distribution sites are open on Saturdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the following locations: Long Reach, Suite 107, 8775 Cloudleap Ct.; Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, 10431 Twin Rivers Rd., and The Barn at Oakland Mills Village Center, 5853 Robert Oliver Place, all in Columbia. For updates and other community activities, check the CCC Facebook Group.
Please put non-perishable food and personal care products in the altar basket or in a bin just inside the Parish Hall. Look for a combo label “FISH/CCC”. Please continue to bring baby wipes and diapers, especially the larger sizes.
FISH will continue to provide telephone support to Howard County residents to provide guidance and financial support because the personal touch is very important when people are in crisis. You could be the one to lend a helping hand by lending an ear!
Consider volunteering from home by giving just one day a month to assist those who could benefit from financial assistance from FISH. Training is provided. For information, ask parishioner and FISH treasurer Andy DeLong or email andydelong.fish@gmail.com. Thanks for your support.
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.
