Christ Church Outreach News: March 19, 2026
- Christ Episcopal Church
- 11 hours ago
- 4 min read
Runners Will Raise Awareness of Suicide Prevention and Support Grassroots at ‘Light the Night’ 5K and Community Event on March 27
Put on your running shoes or turn out to cheer the athletes who enter the fifth annual “Light the Night” 5K, a public awareness event to be held Friday, March 27. It is intended as a “county-wide acknowledgement that we support and care for those impacted by suicide.”
Sponsors are the Howard County Department of Health, the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks, and Bullseye Running. Proceeds go to the Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Maryland (AFSP Maryland).
Christ Church is a long-time supporter of Grassroots, which in addition to helping the homeless, provides 24-hour crisis intervention that includes a supportive counseling hotline.
“Light the Night” takes place at Oakland Mills High School, 9410 Kilimanjaro Rd., in Columbia, where speakers who are active in suicide prevention will give remarks at 6:30 p.m. The race begins at 7 p.m. There will be activities for non-runners, fun take-home items such as bracelets and keychains, and resource packets on suicide prevention.
Besides raising awareness in an effort to save lives, the organizers will accept donations that will go to Grassroots and AFSP Maryland. AFSP is the largest private funder of suicide prevention research; it also creates and hosts education programs, leads public policy efforts on mental health, and supports suicide-loss survivors.
Runners are encouraged to sign up here. Registration is $36 plus online processing fees. Runners’ regular packet and shirt pickup is on Thursday, March 26, from 5:45 to 7 p.m. at Feet First, 5305 Village Center Dr, #110, Columbia, MD 21044. On race day, runners’ late packet and shirt pickup begins at 6 p.m.
Land Blessing of The Source Community Center Is Scheduled Tuesday, March 24
Columbia Community Care (CCC), which is a partner in The Source, invites residents to participate in a land blessing of the future home of the building. The interfaith service will bring together faith leaders and Columbia residents on Tuesday, March 24, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at 10750 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, Md. 21045.
The location is the former site of the Columbia Flier building, which Howard County acquired in 2014, and that CCC briefly utilized as a pantry and headquarters. The structure was demolished to make way for what the project’s real estate partner, Columbia Concepts, describes as “an inclusive, financially sustainable community hub.”
The Source will provide a modern interior of at least 60,000 square feet intended to house wellness programs, mental and physical healthcare services, childcare, movement, play, and more. CCC calls it “a space being built for and by our community.”
“But before we break ground, we bless the land,” CCC wrote in its invitation on Facebook. “We’d love to have you there.”
MOCC: Comfort Cases' Fundraising Initiatives
March Madness is almost here, and there’s still time to be part of the 2026 Comfort Cases Bracket Pool! Enter for a chance to win 30% of the total prize pot, all while supporting children entering foster care. Make a $25 donation to receive two brackets, doubling your chances to win and your impact. In the event of a tie, the winnings will be evenly split among the winners. It’s competition with a cause, and every bracket helps bring comfort and dignity to children who need it most.
From March 17–20, your generosity can go even further. During GlobalGiving’s Little by Little Campaign, $125,000 in matching funds will be available to amplify donations made through Comfort Cases' donation portal. This special four-day campaign coincides with the end of Ramadan, a meaningful time of reflection, generosity, and community support. By simply donating through their GlobalGiving page, you help unlock additional funds that allow us to serve even more children entering foster care!
Bring Items for FISH/CCC, and Consider Volunteering to Take Calls from Home
FISH and Columbia Community Care (CCC) partnered last year and merged their pantries. CCC continues to hand out food at three sites on Saturday mornings and deliver it to Howard County residents. For information, go online to Get Help. Find CCC updates, including an anniversary celebration on March 14, on its Facebook page.
FISH continues to pick up donated goods from Christ Church and others. Please put non-perishable food and personal care products in the altar basket or in a bin just inside the Parish Hall. Look for a combo label “FISH/CCC”. Please bring baby wipes and diapers, especially large sizes.
FISH will continue to provide telephone support to Howard County residents, offering guidance and financial assistance, because the personal touch is very important when people are in crisis. For information, ask parishioner and FISH treasurer Andy DeLong (see photo) or email him at andydelong.fish@gmail.com.
You could be the one to lend a helping hand by lending an ear! As a phone volunteer, you can help from your home by giving just one day a month to assist those who could benefit from FISH's financial assistance. Training is provided. Thank you always for your support.
Kenya Connect 5k Run - March 28
Kenya Connect, an outreach partner of St. John's in Ellicott City, is holding its 12th annual 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, March 28th, at St. John's. The 5K builds community while supporting the work of Kenya Connect to provide children with options and new pathways in rural Kenya.
We welcome individual participants or a team from Christ Church. We will have post-race goodies, including a Kenyan crafts market with items made by women and men in our village. We also provide hand-carved medallions from Wamunyu to the top three women and men in all age categories.
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.
