SLYC is Coming - Christ Church Outreach News: May 28, 2026

Hear All About SLYC When ‘Grandma’ Clark Visits Us this Sunday, May 31

Please plan to welcome a leader of St. Luke’s Youth Center (SLYC), a collaborative of West Baltimore families who together provide youth with life-enriching experiences. On Sunday, May 31, we’ll hear from the SLYC team at Sunday Circle and during announcements at the 10:30 worship service.

To learn how SLYC nurtures youth, from toddlers to teens, plan to attend Sunday Circle in person or on Zoom from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Engagement Coordinator Darlene “Grandma” Clark will speak on how you can get involved. We’ll see a brief video or two and get an update on SLYC’s effort to re-envision the historic St. Luke’s Clergy House with the help of a plan by Episcopal Housing Corp. Please view this short video to learn more about SLYC's mission.

Parishioners can get better acquainted with Grandma Clark during coffee hour after the 10:30 a.m. service. It will be a great chance to learn about volunteer opportunities at SLYC’s Camp Imagination, a day camp for ages 5 to 13 held at a cooperating parish in Linthicum, Md, from June 29 to July 31.

Every summer, the SLYC youngsters engage in arts and literacy activities during five weeks of day camp, followed by one week of sleepaway camp at the Claggett Center. To support that effort, Outreach Commission members recently voted to cover the cost of two children for all six weeks by contributing $3,600 to SLYC. These are Vestry-approved funds derived from your pledges and contributions. Thank you!

There are many ways to volunteer your time, talent, or treasure to help SLYC give these children a better opportunity in this world. Visit https://www.bmoreslyc.org to learn more.

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Somos Amigos Expands Care in April, Looks Ahead to July Clinic

Somos Amigos Medical Missions held a successful spring clinic in the Dominican Republic, treating 66 new patients and adding physical therapy for the first time. The clinic welcomed representatives of the Physical Therapy Department at Marymount University of Arlington, Va., with hopes of establishing an ongoing collaboration.

This is the second expansion of care this year. In January, the clinic provided a vision component for the first time, and Somos Amigos will offer it again at the summer clinic in July. Executive Director Frank Brightwell said, “Right now, we plan to have the doctor with us twice a year. Thank you all for being a part of that!” He referred to the support of eye care by Christ Church following his annual visit. Brightwell delivered the sermon on March 1.

The Outreach Commission at its March meeting approved a $750 donation. These are Vestry-approved funds derived from your pledges and contributions. In addition, we conveyed a parishioner’s designated donation to Somos Amigos for the same cause. Thank you!  

At its April clinic, Somos Amigos treated 445 medical patients and 231 dental patients, including many children and members of the Haitian community. That continues its commitment to reach underserved populations in and around the rural, mountainous village of El Naranjito. The team of volunteers and staff performed more than 600 lab tests and dispensed over 2,400 prescriptions. The clinic also celebrated Patient #10,000, an adorable baby (above photo). Go online to News from the Clinic–Spring 2026 to learn more.

At the January clinic, repeat volunteers Dione and Jim Mahoney were joined by Dione’s sister and brother-in-law, Desiree and Jorge Arce, as well as the Arce’s nephew, Ivan. All are in a video about Somos Amigos’ future plans. You can view the video “Opening New Doors” in the Somos Amigos section of the Christ Church website.

Dates of future clinics are July 11-18 and Oct. 10-17, 2026. Go here for volunteer information. Or ask parishioners who have volunteered; others include Outreach member Shahra Toth and physicians Ellen Boudreau Hoke and Preethi Jackson. 

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Bring Items for FISH/CCC, and Consider Volunteering to Take Calls from Home

FISH and Columbia Community Care (CCC) partnered last year and merged pantries. CCC continues to hand out food at three sites on Saturday mornings and by home delivery to Howard County residents. For information, visit Get Help online. For updates on community services such as youth programs, check CCC’s 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 (seen in this 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!

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SAVE THE DATE!  June 7 is the Next Annual Matzohball 5K Run

Join in the 22nd Annual Matzohball Run, organized by DreamBuilders member congregation Temple Isaiah on Sunday, June 7th, starting at 8:00 a.m. at Western Regional Park in Woodbine. 

The proceeds benefit DreamBuilders, Grassroots, HopeWorks, and others to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable communities in need of support. Christ Church supports all of these organizations, so your help directly assists these groups.

If you would like more information, please speak with Cathy Gold at church.

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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.