Christ Church Outreach News: January 19, 2023
A Group of Disabled Young Adults and Children Enjoy a Christmas Party and More at Philip’s House in Kampala, Uganda
Christ Church continues to support Philip’s House, which last month held a Christmas celebration for its disabled residents. The home for young adults and several children in Kampala, Uganda, operates on a tight budget, which means the gathering – and the gifts – would have been impossible without you.
Philip’s House was founded by a friend and colleague of parishioners Teddy and Sonni Aribiah. The founder, Jan Smart, 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, during her most recent trip to Uganda, Teddy made a point to visit Philip’s House (above photo).
The most recent contribution by Christ Church was approved by the Outreach Commission at its November meeting. We sent $500 in Vestry-approved funds so that Philip’s House could plan for Christmas and purchase a few other essentials.
“We always have many additional unexpected expenses that are needed for the well-being of our children. Your gift will be used for medical supplies and a Christmas dinner for the children. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of these beautiful children,” responded Tami Hoffman, director of the Hoffman Family Foundation, which oversees Philip’s House operations.
Previously Christ Church donated $500 in 2021 and made a strategic contribution of $1,770 in the summer of 2020, at a time when the coronavirus pandemic had hampered the staff in obtaining a reliable food supply for Philip’s House. The funds were used to build a sturdy garden fence. After that, staff and residents could grow their own without fear of losing the produce to theft or animals. On Teddy’s visit, it was clear the fenced garden had thrived.
Providing sufficient food for vulnerable residents is no small matter. At the height of the pandemic, Philip’s House chose to stretch funds and preserve adequate staffing by forgoing meat during the special Sunday meal. The menu remained special by including matoke, a banana dish that is beloved in Uganda. Bananas are among the crops in the fenced garden.
“Their collective decision to not eat meat on Sundays truly humbled me and made me think about my own privilege,” said Jan Smart, who has updated the Outreach Commission on Zoom about progress at Philip’s House.
Columbia Community Care Offers Volleyball Clinics for Youth as Part of Its Health & Healing Initiative
To provide greater opportunities for girls who might not otherwise get to develop skills in sports, Columbia Community Care(CCC) has resumed a volleyball program that was popular during the summer. On Mondays from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., CCC offers “Key Elements” at the Columbia Association’s Supreme Sports Club, 7080 Deepage Dr., Columbia, MD 21045. The program is part of CCC’s Health & Healing initiative. Please spread the word.
“Our amazing volleyball program features an individual/small group tailored experience taught by collegiate volleyball athletes…The program will prepare participants for the high school level or club volleyball,” says the CCC website. Referring to its summer session, CCC says most of its participants made their high school teams and all participants made huge strides in their skills, teamwork, and confidence.”
The program is for ages 10 to 18 and costs $25. For information, please text 410-868-6858.
The Health & Healing initiative is among four categories of CCC programs, which include Essential Resources, Liberation Education, and Purpose Pathways.
The Outreach Commission asks parishioners to continue supporting CCC, which updates its needs and volunteer opportunities on the CCC Group on Facebook. In general, please collect 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. Leigh Smith has become our representative, taking parishioners’ donated items to a CCC site for distribution on Saturdays.
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.
