Christ Church Outreach News: June 19, 2025
- Christ Episcopal Church
- Jun 19
- 4 min read
Somos Amigos to Hold 25th Anniversary Celebration in N. Bethesda
Somos Amigos Medical Missions is going back to its roots to celebrate its 25th anniversary. That would be Georgetown Preparatory School, 10900 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, MD 20852, where founders of Somos Amigos got the idea to help people in a remote part of The Dominican Republic. The reception is scheduled from 5 to 7 pm on Saturday, June 28 as a fundraiser. Tickets are $75 per person and can be ordered online.
Dr. Michael Keegan will be honored as a board member emeritus. He is the nonprofit organization’s first physician who made more than 40 trips prior to his retirement, as described on the Somos Amigos Facebook page. The event will bring together volunteers who have traveled to the mountainous village of Naranjito, where Somos Amigos holds quarterly clinics.
Christ Church parishioners George and Shahra Toth and Jim and Dione Mahoney, as well as Dione’s sister and brother-in-law, are expected to attend. This is also an opportunity for would-be volunteers to learn about Somos Amigos, including its origin.
“More than 20 years ago, one physician and one dentist, one teacher and six high school students responded to a petition from an isolated farming community with no electricity and no running water,” Somos Amigos says in an online history posted for the event. “What began as a project to bring fresh water to a small village in rural Dominican Republic is now a lively primary school and a bustling health clinic that serves over 5,000 people for miles around.”
Christ Church is a longstanding supporter of Somos Amigos, in part due to the encouragement of former parishioners Mary and Ed Keath. In recent years, we have welcomed Executive Director and CEO Frank Brightwell to make an annual visit. On March 9, he expressed thanks and updated the congregation on the nonprofit’s growth and the progress of several patients whom we have helped. (You can view his sermon during the 10:30 service at this link on YouTube.)
Most recently, the Outreach Commission approved $1,000 in donations to Somos Amigos for patients’ referrals, as described in the Outreach Blog of May 1, 2025 and the Outreach Blog of May 29, 2025. The funds go toward specialty care such as surgeries, colonoscopies, mammograms, and cataract removal. These are Vestry-approved Outreach budget funds derived from contributions to Christ Church. Thank you!
One patient who needed referral care is Euclides, a father of six who works as a taxi driver and a Somos Amigos staff member. Clinic physicians diagnosed colon cancer that required surgery. After the successful operation, he was discharged on May 30. Brightwell visited him three days later and has since been kept abreast: “All seems to be on track as far as his recovery goes.” For example, Euclides has progressed from a liquid diet to pureed food, Brightwell says.
“All in all, he is a very lucky man. He knows many people have made his care possible and that even more are praying for him. Euclides is such a good and humble person – most days I get messages expressing gratitude,” Brightwell says.
Columbia Community Care Needs Diapers and Infant Care Items
Columbia Community Care (CCC) collects and distributes essentials to families in need. It operates three distribution sites on Saturday mornings and has resumed making home deliveries to those without transportation. A shopper fulfills their grocery lists at the pantry and then delivers goods to the recipients’ homes. To volunteer at the sites or as a translator or shopper, go to “Volunteer Opportunities.” Those who need help are urged to go to “Get Help” on CCC’s website.
Please keep collecting diapers, baby wipes, sanitary and personal care items, and adult diapers. Put them in the yellow bin, marked “CCC,” inside the Parish Hall. Our point of contact is Leigh Smith, who monitors the bin and delivers its contents.
An Interfaith Vigil for Refugees, Asylum Seekers, and Immigrants
In recognition of World Refugee Day and the difficulties facing immigrants and refugees worldwide, we ask that you please consider attending the Interfaith Vigil for Refugees, Asylum Seekers, and Immigrants on Sunday, June 29.
Coordinated by a cross-section of congregations involved in immigrant and refugee work, and attended by participants from many faiths, this Interfaith Vigil is hosted by the Columbia Jewish Congregation, one of our strong partners in the Christ Church Interfaith Refugee Ministry. Beginning at 5:00 p.m. on June 29, the Vigil will be held at the Oakland Mills Interfaith Center - “The Meeting House” - at 5885 Robert Oliver Place, Columbia 21045. This important gathering is open to the public – please invite your family, friends, and neighbors.
FISH Asks for Volunteers As Well as Groceries and Toiletries in its Bin and Basket
FISH of Howard County is calling for volunteers. If you are interested, ask parishioner Andy DeLong, who is FISH treasurer and a board member of the nonprofit, which provides committed support to Howard County residents. Please continue to put non-perishable foods and toiletries in the FISH basket at the altar or in the bin on the breezeway. The neighbors you help are grateful for all you do in their 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.
