Archives for February 2023

The Refugee Welcome Network (RWN) is currently working with six Afghan refugee families, most of which are seeking asylum due to fear for their lives in their home country.  Most were professionals in Afghanistan – medical professionals, seamstresses, a journalist – and one was involved in security with the national army.  They all faced many hardships coming to the United States, and had almost nothing left when they arrived.  Most are now in legal limbo, unable to support themselves or their children until they reach a certain point in their asylum case.

God has brought many people in the faith community and various organizations together to form a network to help.  Thank you to so many of you who have already donated goods and services, giving of your time, treasure and expertise!  The families still have many needs, but some current highlights are:

• Volunteers to provide transportation – contact Susan Strobl, 301-730-9654
• 4 car seats – contact Pam Bradford, pfbradford@myactv.net
• Financial assistance for housing, electric, water – donate through HARC and designate for refugees, or ask about needs for specific families
• Grocery gift cards
• Jobs – nothing is too small!

For more information, contact HARC at director@harc.datachievereview.xyz or 301-842-4272.

Sleep In Heavenly Peace is in urgent need from the community for bedding donations as their supply is running low.

Website: https://shpbeds.org/chapter/md-hagerstown/

Be a part of the 2nd Annual Bridge to Hope Affair on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at Cortland Mansion in Hagerstown, MD, to raise funds and awareness of the importance of mental health care in a thriving community. This business attire/black tie optional dinner includes a welcome reception/cocktail hour, dessert and craft coffee bar, music, and silent auction. Sponsorship opportunities and individual tickets are available! Contact Chris Boryan, Director of Development, with any questions at 301-733-0331 x1721 or chris.boryan@brooklane.org.

Tickets and sponsorships and additional information here

ZION Reformed United Church of Christ is seeking a person to set up and operate the streaming of our worship service each Sunday morning.  The time commitment would be 10 am to 12:30 pm up to a maximum of 3 hours each Sunday.  Previous knowledge of our streaming system is not required.  Training will be provided as needed.  If interested, please submit your resume, including any technology training and skills you may have, and references to the Church Office, Attention: The Personnel Committee, ZION Reformed United Church of Christ, 201 N. Potomac St., Hagerstown, MD 21740.   A successful applicant will be required to submit to a background check and to agree to the policies of ZION’s Personnel Manual and the UCC Safe Conduct Guidelines

Registration or donation link: https://tinyurl.com/23pe6cnx or use the QR code

Questions: contact Amy or Jeff 240-625-8722 or 301-991-2851

You can walk or run!  Bring a stroller, push a wheelchair, walk your dog, take a walk with a friend or run for fun for a great cause!

Why Water?

Nearly 1,000 children under age 5, in underdeveloped countries, die every day from diarrhea caused by contaminated water, poor sanitation, and improper hygiene. But we believe the global water and sanitation crisis can be solved within our lifetime.

Why is this event a 6K instead of a 5K?

Six kilometers (or 3.7 miles) is the average round trip distance a person in the developing world must walk to find water that is often unsafe to drink. By participating in this event, you are walking/running that distance so they won’t have to.

How much does it cost to participate?

Through World Vision’s water projects, every $50 provides life-changing clean water to one person. So your adult registration fee of $50 provides clean water to one person for life! Youth (18 and under) registration is $25.

Read more at https://harc.datachievereview.xyz/event/global-6k-for-water/

HARC, Islamic Center Hagerstown, Sheppard Pratt and other area organizations and houses of worship have started a Refugee Welcome Network (RWN) to better assist refugee families in our area with the many challenges and needs facing our struggling neighbors.  God has blessed us with many resources!  The RWN currently still has the following needs for the seven families we are currently serving (updated February 14).

• immigration lawyers nd people willing to fill out applications under the guidance of an immigration lawyer.
• Used cars (old beaters that still run are fine)
• bicycles, bus vouchers (including for Bayrunner rides to Baltimore)
• double or queen beds with mattresses
• Volunteers to become English tutors or teach a class
• sewing machines
• Jobs! For documented and undocumented adults, limited English skills.
• apartments/homes (one family specifically needs an apartment on the north end of Hagerstown for $1,200/mo or less)
• Financial assistance – for legal process, rent, utilities, etc. (donations can be made through HARC)
• Grocery gift cards
• Furniture and household supplies are also needed, but we’re waiting to see what we already have vs. need.

For more info or to help, contact Kathy at director@harc.datachievereview.xyz or 301-842-4272, for tutoring contact Jane at office@literacyofwcmd.org, and for housing contact Basheer at bazizi@nocsmart.com

HARC plans to once again offer a Good Friday Unity Walk in City Park for the community. Last year’s event drew approximately 100 people and was a beautiful time of reflection, poetry and song, as we walked and re-lived, through story, the events of Jesus’ Passion and death.  Original planning team members who have choreographed this event for years are no longer able to continue.  We have a small team eager to plan the event, but could use a couple more people who love this event and want to help it continue.  Fresh ideas are always welcome!  If interested, please contact Kathy at director@harc.datachievereview.xyz or 301-842-4272.

Our thanks goes out to Martin’s Snacks and Route Sales Representative Ron Snoeberger for setting up regular donations of single sized potato chips for the Micah’s Backpack program! Snacks are an added bonus in the regular weekend meals provided by sponsoring churches and organizations for this program, and sometimes aren’t included due to the extra cost. This generous donation helps keep the kids happy and costs down for sponsors. Thanks also to Clint Rawlings for helping to secure the donation!

Are you blessed with musical talents? Can you play the piano and have time to give to bless our Church and the Lord with your joyful noise? Bethel United Methodist Church, Chewsville is seeking a Pianist to play during their Sunday Worship service and for other Church events scheduled throughout the year. Sunday service begins at 10am, other
special events as scheduled.
Have you always wanted to play the Organ? Well, you’re in luck, Bethel United Methodist Church, Chewsville is seeking someone just like you! Don’t know how to play, no problem – their current Organist, Ms. Sue is willing to teach you all you need to know. Their hope is that once trained you will become the Organist to play during their Sunday Worship service and for other Church events scheduled throughout the year. Sunday service begins at 10 am, other special events as scheduled.

The Church is located at 21006 Twin Springs Drive, Smithburg, MD 21783. If you are interested or
have further questions, please email SPRC Chair Karen Keefer at klkeefer73@gmail.com.