Christ Church Outreach News: March 26, 2026
- Christ Episcopal Church
- Mar 26
- 4 min read
Supporting RISE to Help Neighbors in Need in Baltimore County
Christ Church continues to join with several congregations in the Baltimore metropolitan area that support RISE, a ministry that offers food and other aid to families who are struggling.
The Outreach Commission at its March meeting voted to send $500 for RISE to its founder, Christ the King (CTK). Funds are derived from a Vestry-approved budget and from your contributions to general Outreach. This is in keeping with our mission to support organizations – local, national, and international – that enhance the lives of people in need. Many thanks for your generosity!
CTK is an Episcopal parish in the Woodlawn area of Baltimore County whose rector, The Rev. Mary Eliot, is a former assistant rector at Christ Church. During the 2020 pandemic, CTK established RISE to address food insecurity among immigrants and others. The ministry also includes a program helping mothers and babies.
RISE conducts twice-monthly distributions of free food, including produce, rice, beans, and maseca. Since January, its volunteers have been feeding 1,360 people per month, of whom 330 to 500 are children. Its partners include the Maryland Food Bank and First Fruits Farm.
In a note of gratitude for our $250 donation last year, CTK’s rector said RISE has fed more than 60,000 people since 2020. “It would not be possible without your support. Thank you from our neighbors and the RISE team,” she said.
Food distributions take place at midday on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month at CTK, 1930 Brookdale Rd., 20244, which is just off Security Boulevard in Baltimore County.
Volunteers are welcome to help with preparation as well as distribution. For more information and to sign up, go online to “What is RISE.”
A Land Blessing Takes Place at the Site of The Source Community Center
Columbia Community Care (CCC) held a land blessing on March 24 of the future home of The Source, a community center facilitated by Howard County to expand opportunities for young people. Representatives of the Christ Church Outreach Committee attended.
CCC Executive Director Erika Chavarria welcomed residents and supporters to the interfaith service. It began with a Native American blessing, followed by prayers from more than a dozen faith leaders from Christian, Jewish, and Muslim congregations. Find a post that begins, “Many traditions. One heartbeat,” on CCC’s Facebook page.
The location at 10750 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, Md. 21045 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.”
CCC promotes youth programs, including STAND and PUSH, that will use space at The Source to provide services such as tutoring. The community center is expected to house a gymnasium, wellness programs, mental and physical healthcare services, and childcare.
Please Bring Diapers, Non-Perishables for CCC/FISH, And Consider Volunteering from Home to Take Phone Calls From Neighbors in Need
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 by home delivery to Howard County residents. For information, go online to Get Help. Find CCC updates 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 (above 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 financial assistance from FISH. 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.
