Christ Church Outreach News: February 23, 2023
Christ Church Parishioners’ Donations of Items for Earthquake Survivors Go to Turkish Embassy
After a plea went out to Christ Church parishioners last week, a collection of items that included a new, handmade baby blanket was delivered to the Turkish Embassy on Saturday, Feb. 18, to help earthquake survivors. The embassy had asked for certain in-kind donations such as new or unused blankets, sleeping bags, mats, and tents. They are being flown daily to Türkiye, which is experiencing a bitterly cold winter.
On Feb. 6, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake and a secondary tremor soon afterward hit Türkiye and Syria, causing a death toll that is greater than 44,000, countless injuries, and massive destruction. The area was shaken by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock on Feb. 21.
When U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken traveled to Türkiye and met with Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Feb. 20, Blinken described donations he saw at the embassy. As recorded in the official remarks, he said: “The American people – communities, and businesses, as Mevlut said – have seen the heartbreaking images and they have been standing up, too. We have nearly $80 million in donations from the private sector in the United States, individuals. When I visited the Turkish embassy in Washington, I almost couldn’t get in the front door because boxes were piled high throughout the driveway to the embassy.”
That’s a similar scene that greeted Vestry and Outreach member Diane Phillips LaGuerre on Saturday, Feb. 18 when she delivered the donations from Christ Church to the Embassy (see above photo). It is located at 2525 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20008. If you still wish to help but require transport of any new or unused items to the Embassy, please email outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org.
For humanitarian relief efforts in Syria, the Outreach Commission earlier this month voted to contribute $750 to UNICEF. These are Vestry-approved funds derived from your pledges and contributions. Heartfelt thanks go out to one and all who make this aid possible.
Buy Tickets by March 14 to Help Bridges to Housing Stability End Homelessness in Howard County
The clock is still ticking, but everyone has been given a few more days to buy tickets to the “ChiliFest & Cornhole Tournament” being held by Bridges to Housing Stability. Please take advantage of the recently extended deadline: Tuesday, March 14. The festive event takes place on Sunday, March 19, from 1- 4 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Howard County, 9325 Presbyterian Circle, Columbia, MD 21045.
Says Bridges Executive Director Jen Broderick: “We’ve had to make a few changes since the pandemic changed our world three years ago, but I think the revamped event is going to be just as much fun.” Besides the cornhole competition, there will be live music by School of Rock and Long Reach High School Guitarists, door prizes, a 50/50 raffle, and an in-person auction that includes amazing baskets.
While there will be no chili cookoff, you can purchase tickets for chili meals prepared by Absolutely Perfect Catering ($25 each) to be eaten at the event or for carryout. Choices are Texas-style beef chili, white bean turkey chili, and vegetarian chili. Parishioners are encouraged to participate (Christ Church has won the "Golden Ladle" in the past for donations raised).
With parishioners’ generous support through contributions to Christ Church, we will be a "Tabasco" Level sponsor. The Outreach Commission at its Feb. 13 meeting voted to donate $500 in Vestry-approved funds for Christ Church to become a sponsor.
Ticket purchases and individual contributions will also enhance our chances in this year’s competition for a ladle award. Be sure to designate Christ Church when you purchase tickets online. Look for the green box labeled “Continue to your info.” Next, choose the category “Individual” and look for the wording: “Credit the following congregation with my purchase.” You’ll find Christ Episcopal Church in the alphabetical dropdown list.
You also can purchase tickets ($40 for 2 registrations) to compete as a team in the cornhole tournament. The cornhole competition will be outdoors, weather permitting.
For additional information and to place your order for meals or to compete in the cornhole tournament, click on this link. Don’t miss the March 14 deadline to buy tickets. Let's go, Christ Church!
Save the Date: DreamBuilders Mandatory Meeting for Summer Mission Trip - March 4
If you are interested in joining DreamBuilders to repair homes in Kentucky in June, make sure you attend our mandatory meeting on Saturday, March 4th, at 2:00 p.m. The meeting will be at Temple Isaiah (12200 Scaggsville Rd., Fulton). We will have all the information you will need about the June trip, but if you have any questions before then, please see or email Cathy Gold at cgold2000@aol.com. It’ll be a life-changing event, for you and for the people we’re helping in Kentucky. Hope to see you there!
Also, please check out the great article about DreamBuilders below, which features homeowner, Orlando Lopez Pizarro. Orlando is one of the three we supported during our last trip! Click the image to see the entire article.
Columbia Community Care Seeks Volunteers on Saturdays, Continues to Request Diapers, Personal Care Items
Please continue supporting Columbia Community Care (CCC) by giving essentials and with your time and talent. Please look for updates, such as requests for volunteers on Saturday mornings, posted in the CCC Facebook Group or on the “I Can Help” portion of its website. For example, you’ll find a need for volunteers to sort grocery items at the CCC pantry building, 10750 Little Patuxent Parkway in Columbia.
Please keep collecting diapers, baby wipes, sanitary and personal care items, and adult diapers. Put any of these in the yellow bin, marked “CCC,” inside the Parish Hall. Drop off items on weekdays when the church office is open or on Sunday. The Christ Church point of contact is Leigh Smith, who monitors the bins and delivers their contents.
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.
