Christ Church Outreach News: October 2, 2025
- Christ Episcopal Church
- Oct 2
- 4 min read
LEMS Kindness Pantry Help, and an Invitation to Attend a Special Event
School is underway, and our church has maintained a partnership with Lake Elkhorn Middle School for many years, supporting the teachers, staff, and families to ensure students' academic success.
One way to do that is to ensure that families have access to enough healthy food. This year, on the third Wednesday of each month from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., the Roving Radish delivers boxes of nutritious food that family members can take home. That's where we come in - volunteers from Christ Church are needed to help distribute those boxes. Additionally, the staff have requested that we bring specific food and household items for their Kindness Pantry. These items will be distributed by staff at their discretion when they observe a family in need.
You can help in two ways:
Come to LEMS on Wednesday, October 15, between 2:30 and 4:30, and help distribute food boxes.
Sign up for some of the items on the SignUp Genius link and put them in the blue LEMS box in the narthex of New Brick by Sunday, October 12, so we can take them to the school. You have a choice: pasta sauce, spaghetti, fruit, dish soap, trash bags, or cooking oil.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
We also have a special invitation to join a dinner for families celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month next Tuesday, October 7, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. Christ Episcopal Church will be supplying beverages, and all are welcome to this event. Please plan to attend and meet some of the Latino families whose children attend LEMS.
Thank you for helping support the students and teachers of Lake Elkhorn Middle School!
Sign Up to Walk or Run in CAC’s ‘Steps Forward’ Fall Fundraiser
The Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC) has launched Steps Forward, a Walk/Run campaign to raise funds. In partnership with Howard County Striders, CAC is inviting individuals or teams to rack up the miles during October while soliciting donations.
Participants will receive a special T-shirt and discounted entry into the Run Through the Grapevine 8K hosted by the Striders in Mt. Airy, Md. on Sunday, Nov. 2. The annual cross-country/trail race at the Linganore Winecellars loops through the grounds of the winery.
On race morning, a non-perishable food drive will benefit the Howard County Food Bank, which is operated by CAC. As Howard County’s designated anti-poverty organization, the CAC provides multiple services as described in its 2024 Impact Report. These include early childhood education, eviction prevention, weatherization, and utility bills assistance.
Save the Date: Christ Church's Fall Food Drive to Benefit the Howard County Food Bank on Saturday, November 8
Once again, Christ Church volunteers will gather at a local supermarket to collect canned goods and staples for the Howard County Food Bank and its partner, SAFE Food Pantry.
The date for the 2025 Fall Food Drive occurs about a month later than in years past, but a slight chill in the air won’t deter our volunteers. Consider taking a one-hour shift from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 8, outside the Dorsey’s Search Giant Food supermarket, 4715 Dorsey Hall Drive, Ellicott City. A signup sheet will be available in the Narthex as the date of the drive approaches.
CAC’s Food Bank uses a client-choice model just like a grocery store so that low-income residents can select the foods they prefer for their individual households. People who have gluten- and allergy-free needs can pick up their foods at the Food Bank or during a monthly distribution at SAFE’s own site. SAFE also maintains a donation bin at Christ Church outside the rear of Parish Hall.
You can read about the most recent supermarket food drive for CAC and SAFE in the Outreach Blog of April 9, 2025. Times are hard for many local residents, so consider doing your part to fill some of the gaps.
As you respond to a call to help the less fortunate, keep in mind the scripture that underpins our mission: And the King will answer them,“Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” Matthew 25:40
FISH and CCC Have Combined Pantries, and FISH Needs Phone Volunteers
Recently, FISH and Columbia Community Care (CCC) partnered to provide food services for Howard County residents. The two organizations have merged their pantries. FISH will continue to pick up donated goods from Christ Church and others. CCC will continue making distributions at three sites on Saturday mornings and by home delivery. For information, go online to Get Help.
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 keep bringing baby wipes and diapers, especially large sizes.
FISH will continue to provide telephone support to Howard County residents to provide guidance and financial support because the personal touch is very important when people are in crisis. You could be the one to lend a helping hand by lending an ear! Consider volunteering from home by giving just one day a month to assist those who could benefit from financial assistance from FISH. Training is provided. For information, ask parishioner and FISH treasurer Andy DeLong or email andydelong.fish@gmail.com. Thanks for your 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.
