Christ Church Outreach News: July 21, 2022

Christian Jail Ministry Requests Parishioners’ Prayers, Expresses Gratitude for Continuing Support

One of the nonprofit organizations that Christ Church has supported for many years is Christian Jail Ministry (CJM), doing so most recently by donating $450 for its work at the Howard County Detention Center (HCDC). The Outreach Commission approved the contribution at its July meeting, drawing from its 2022 Vestry-approved budget. That means your funds are helping reach people who might otherwise be ignored.

CJM board member, Dr. Dale K. Pace, ThD, recently wrote to the parish:

“In the last 16 verses of Matthew 25, Jesus says that when the Son of Man comes in His glory at the judgment, separation of the sheep from the goats for entrance into His kingdom will be impacted by the way they treated the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, and the imprisoned. Jesus says the way such were treated is, in fact, how He was treated by them. This passage is very challenging for everyone.

“This note directs your attention to some like those mentioned by Jesus: the thousand-plus people from Howard County who pass through the Howard County Detention Center, our local jail, every year. I hope your congregation prays for them, asking God to open their minds and hearts to Jesus, and to guide, encourage, and comfort them as they respond to Jesus.

“I also hope your congregation prays for Christians who minister to those at the jail,” he wrote, adding that since 1979, CJM has provided chaplains as well as Scriptures and religious materials for inmates at HCDC.

Some of you may recall that on Nov. 4, 2018, HCDC Chaplain Gerard M. Washington preached at both services of Christ Church. The Rev. Washington was accompanied by his wife, Gwen, and during his sermon was joined by a former detainee, Gerald, who spoke of God’s Grace and how CJM had helped him (above).

“We appreciate the financial support from Christ Church and your help with administrative matters years ago,” wrote Dr. Pace. In response to his letter, please pray for him and other CJM leaders, for Chaplain Washington as he goes about his weekly rounds, for former detainees such as Jerry and, most fervently, for current inmates as CJM seeks to meet their spiritual needs.

LEMS Partnership: We're Getting Ready, and You Can Help

Thanks to all of you who have expressed an interest in helping with the Lake Elkhorn Middle School Partnership. We're currently in the process of getting the supplies together for 125 students and will need your assistance in putting bags together for 50 students on Saturday morning, July 30th from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Some of the boxes of supplies are heavy, so people with strong arms and backs are appreciated, but not required. The supplies for the remaining 75 students will be distributed over the course of the school year, as needed.

We also need help at the church on Tuesday, August 16th from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. to deliver the supplies to Lake Elkhorn Middle School. We are also in need of a truck or van to transport the supplies and people who are able to load and unload heavy boxes, so if you can help, please let us know.

We so appreciate the financial assistance that we have received thus far. In addition to school supplies, Melissa Shindell, principal at LEMS, has asked if we can support their staff appreciation pizza party on August 26th and possibly buy the staff spirit wear as we did last year. If you would like to support these activities that help both students and staff start the school year with enthusiasm, you may give in any of the following ways:

• If you’d like to write a check, please make sure you write “LEMS school supplies” on the memo line, drop it off at the church office, or mail it in.

• For giving online via computer/tablet, you'll find our "Support Christ Church" button at the top of every page of our website, or you can click here. On the secure form, choose "LEMS" from the FUND drop-down menu and write "school supplies" on the MEMO line.

• To give via text, simply text CECGIVING to 73256 using your mobile device, and you'll immediately receive a link to our secure form. Click the link, choose "LEMS" from the FUND drop-down menu, and write "School Supplies" on the MEMO line so that your donation is used as you wish. (Note: This number will never send you unsolicited texts. To cancel further messages, text STOP. If you need assistance with text giving, text HELP. Standard text message and data rates may apply).

If you have questions about our LEMS partnership or would like to help on either of those days, please contact Cathy Whittaker at catharinewhittaker@gmail.com. Thank you!

Afghan Refugee Ministry Update

We are so pleased to welcome members of the Columbia Jewish Congregation to our multi-faith Afghan refugee ministry work. CJC has a long history of working as advocate for and providing direct help to immigrants and refugees here in Howard County, so it brings new hands to help our efforts and knowledge gained from their years of experience. Welcome aboard, CJC, and thank you.

Collection Drive Continues to Provide Diapers, Personal Care Items for CCC

At Christ Church, members of R.A.G.E and the Outreach Commission ask parishioners to support Columbia Community Care(CCC) by collecting diapers, baby wipes, sanitary and personal care items, and adult diapers. Please put any of these items in the yellow bin, marked “CCC,” inside the Parish Hall. You can drop off items on weekdays when the church office is open or on Sunday. At Christ Church, Violet Smith is our representative and is responsible for taking parishioners’ donated items to a CCC site for distribution on Saturdays.

Donate Toiletries, Cleaning Supplies for FISH in its Yellow Bin

Organizers for FISH of Howard County are continuing to ask for cookies, crackers, and snacks to fulfill its shopping lists. The yellow bin is between Old Brick and the Parish Hall. Thanks for your contributions.

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.