Christ Church Outreach News: December 31, 2025
- Christ Episcopal Church
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Christ Church Helps Disabled Residents of Philip’s House in Uganda Gain Christmas Cheer, a Brighter New Year
Christ Church continues to support the disabled residents of Philip’s House, which operates on such a tight budget that its Christmas celebration would have been impossible without your generosity. Thank you!
The Outreach Commission in November approved sending $800 of Vestry-approved funds to support the home in Kampala, Uganda. Of these funds, $500 was designated for the annual Christmas party, which included a special meal and gifts for the disabled residents. The remaining $300 is to purchase pharmacy supplies, such as anti-malaria medicines.
The donation to the Hoffman Family Foundation, which oversees Philip’s House operations, was derived from funds contributed to Christ Church by parishioners. A hearty thanks! This is in keeping with the mission of the Outreach Commission to support organizations – local, national, and international – that enhance the lives of people in need.
The founder of Philip’s House, Jan Smart, is a close family friend of CEC parishioners Teddy and Sonni Aribiah, and their sons, Jonah and Luke. Jan established the home as a memorial to her late brother, Philip, who was disabled. It is located on the grounds of an orphanage where Teddy grew up, and that the Aribiah family visited last summer, spending time at Philip’s House with its children and adults.
During the pandemic, Christ Church made a strategic contribution of $1,770 that helps residents to this day. It was Summer 2020, when lockdowns had threatened a reliable food supply. Staff members used our funds to build a sturdy garden fence. Ever since, they no longer fear losing their home-grown produce to theft or animals.
Teddy and Sonni continue to update us about developments at Philip’s House, which in recent years has benefited from an in-house clinic. It is run by a pharmacist whose education was made possible by his sponsor, Jan, the Philip’s House founder.
CCC Resumes Operations After Taking a Holiday Break
Columbia Community Care (CCC) has announced that after shutting down operations for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, it will reopen on Saturday, Jan. 3.
The three distribution sites are located at Long Reach Village Center, 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, MD. Hours are 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. or while supplies last. People who require home deliveries should "Get Help" on CCC’s website to make a request.
MOCC's Comfort Cases Donation Drive - FINAL DAYS!
Thanks to everyone who has already contributed to the MOCC's current R.A.K. (Random Act of Kindness), supporting Comfort Cases. In our country today, the number of kids entering the foster care system is steadily rising, and that's where Comfort Cases come in - they're a small duffel bag or backpack designed to provide a bit of comfort for youth as they enter the local foster care system. Every donation aims to provide comfort to those who are experiencing this firsthand.
The MOCC is accepting donations from now through January 10th, and you can see a donation bin in the Narthex. You can also speak with Duane Smith or any MOCC member to get more information about Comfort Cases. We are also taking donations for Comfort Cases at this Saturday's Christmas Dinner, so if you're coming, we hope that you'll consider bringing something to help this cause.
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.
