Christ Church Outreach News: September 18, 2025
- Christ Episcopal Church
- Sep 18
- 4 min read
This Sunday, Please Welcome Anna Katz, a Grassroots Visitor Who Will Speak during Sunday Circle on the Theme of “Generosity”
Many parishioners are involved in volunteer roles each month, helping the Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center, so it's fitting that we’ll hear directly from a Grassroots visitor today, September 21. Join us at Sunday Circle from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. in Old Brick or on Zoom.
Anna Katz, who is director of grants and support, will describe Grassroots’ resources, which range from sheltering families to suicide prevention. The nonprofit organization answered more than 87,000 crisis calls on its hotline during Fiscal Year 2025 and provided substance-use-disorder services to more than 200 people. It helped more than 1,500 at the Day Resource Center (DRC), located at the Leola Dorsey Community Resource Center.
That’s the location most familiar to many at Christ Church, where a team led by Outreach member Shahra Toth serves a hot midday meal on the second Monday of each month. Christ Church also funds the purchase of supplies for DRC’s pantry, ranging from sports drinks for hydration during summer to hand warmers in the winter.
In response to a DRC request, the Outreach Commission at its Sept. 8 meeting approved a purchase of 300 pairs of socks for $213. These will be greatly appreciated by DRC clients, many of whom live outdoors in a vehicle or in a tent in the vicinity of MD Rt. 1 in Jessup. The socks were purchased with Vestry-approved funds donated to the church by parishioners. A hearty thanks!
Our meals team also drops off dinner for residents of Grassroots’ Emergency Shelter, which houses 71 people. The next date to volunteer to provide meals at either facility is Monday, Oct. 13. Check our DRC online signup form or our Grassroots online signup form for details. Throughout the year, the Women of Christ Church sponsors “Home Sweet Home” housewarming kits to help those served by DRC or the shelter to get started in a new residence.
Last week, Jo Emily Knox, Diane LaGuerre, Dione Mahoney, Shahra Toth, and George Toth shared their experiences during a “Service”-themed Sunday Circle. FISH board member Andy DeLong explained how parishioners can volunteer from their own homes once a month by speaking on the phone with people who seek help. You can view it by clicking the image below.
As you respond to a call to help the less fortunate, keep in mind the scripture that underpins the mission of Christ Church Outreach:
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
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 September and 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 Nov. 2.
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 range from early childhood education to eviction prevention.
At its Sept. 8 meeting, the Outreach Commission approved a donation of $500 to CAC to help low-income households meet their utility bills at a time when rates are again rising in Maryland. The funds were drawn from a Vestry-approved budget based on parishioners’ contributions to Christ Church. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
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.
