Christ Church Outreach News: September 3, 2026

Christ Church Donates to UNICEF to Aid Victims of Nepal Flood Disaster

The collapse of a Himalayan glacier on Aug. 26 caused flash flooding in steep river valleys between Nepal and Tibet, killing more than 1,000 people and leaving 4,000 missing. Rescuers now face the threat of more flooding and vast mudslides as they search for survivors in tunnels, according to a Sept. 2 report by NPR.

UNICEF has mobilized aid to those displaced by the utter devastation. In an online post updated on Aug. 31, UNICEF estimated that more than 17,000 children in Nepal are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. It has been working in Nepal since 1964 and is partnering with the government to be most effective.

In response, Outreach Commission members approved a $500 contribution to UNICEF. Thanks to parishioners’ pledges and contributions to Christ Church, Outreach can draw upon Vestry-approved funds each year for disaster aid. The donations are in keeping with our mission to help those in need – locally, nationally, and internationally.

Please join in praying for those harmed by natural disasters. At times like these, one helpful resource for parishioners is the prayer hub provided by Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD), which offers an online guide to people seeking comfort and hope. There you’ll find prayers in a time of a disaster and prayers amid crisis.

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What a Haul! Kudos to Everyone Who Brought Natural-fiber Clothing to Help Visually Impaired People and their Families in Nigeria

Christ Church successfully completed its clothing drive for the Living Above Limitation Charity Foundation (LALCF), which sends lightweight, natural-fiber garments to visually impaired people in Nigeria. Their disabled residents and their families face greater barriers than the general population and may not be able to afford sufficient clothing.

Outreach Commission member Sonni Aribiah led the drive. With the help of Sexton John Sencherey, he loaded bags and bags of clothing on deadline day, Aug. 30 (see photos). Next stop was Laurel, Md., where LALCF founder Dr. Liz Trimnell was effusive in her praise of Christ Church for the quality and quantity of our collection. Next steps will involve her shipping the clothes by ocean freighter, with the goal of their arrival in Calabar, Nigeria, before Christmas, which is Sonni’s hometown. She founded the charity to provide Braille classes, vocational training, white canes, and similar aids to the blind. Read about how LALCF helps visually impaired residents, their spouses, and children on its Facebook page.

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‘Birdies for Bridges’ Golf Tournament to be Held on Friday, Sept. 25

It’s not too early to hit the practice greens. Bridges to Housing Stability will hold its annual Sheehy Toyota Birdies for Bridges Golf Tournament on Friday, Sept. 25, at The Timbers of Troy, 6100 Marshalee Dr., Elkridge, MD. Participants will help Bridges achieve its mission – advocating for affordable housing and helping individuals and families who struggle to keep a roof over their heads.

The tournament begins with a light breakfast, a shotgun start at 9 a.m., and a full day of golf, food, and awards. Check-in opens at 7:30 a.m. The cost for a single golfer is $200, or $800 for a foursome, which covers greens fees, unlimited range balls, food, and beverages.

The event is for a worthy cause. All proceeds from Birdies for Bridges will benefit Bridges and its work to provide a path to self-sufficiency to prevent and end homelessness through affordable housing solutions and advocacy in Howard County.

Christ Church has supported Bridges in various ways since 2019, most recently last fall, when a group of volunteers spent several workdays refurbishing a Columbia townhouse. Known as Guilford House, it is the residence of several returning citizens who have gotten their lives on track after incarceration. Bridges operates this transitional housing in partnership with the Howard County Department of Corrections.

Read about improvements – made indoors and out – by a team led by Vestry and Outreach member George Toth in the Outreach Blog of Dec.18, 2025. “The transformation is night and day!” said Sarah Hicks, Affordable Housing Program Manager at Bridges.

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Columbia Community Care Takes a Break on Labor Day Weekend, as It Plans to Deep Clean its Shared Pantry with FISH to Prepare for Fall

FISH and  Columbia Community Care (CCC) partnered last year and merged pantries. CCC provides home-delivered food to Howard County residents and at three sites on Saturday mornings, except on holiday weekends. Therefore, all sites will be closed for the Labor Day weekend on Saturday, Sept. 5.

CCC’s shared pantry with FISH, located at 8775 Cloudleap Ct., in the Long Reach Shopping Center, will also close for grocery deliveries on Friday, Sept. 4, as volunteers perform housekeeping. “We are going to deep clean and reorganize the pantry that day,” said CCC Pantry Manager April Lee. For updates, visit the CCC 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 continues 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 or email 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 home by giving just one day a month to assist those who could benefit from FISH's financial assistance. Training is provided. Thank you!

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.