Charlotte

On Tuesday, May 13, HARC welcomed Emily Keller, Special Secretary for Overdose Response for Maryland to speak at our meeting with faith leaders and community members. Emily shared the great progress her new department is making with overdose response, treatment for addictions and prevention and answered questions from audience members. We are truly grateful for her time with us and for all she is doing for our community and state!  Watch the recording HERE.

Position available for Technical Support Associate at Christ’s Reformed United Church of Christ in downtown Hagerstown, MD. The person best suited for this position must be available from 8:30-11:00am Sunday mornings. They must be able to run the sound system, PowerPoint slides, and Zoom while recording the service for YouTube. We would appreciate some experience but are willing to train. Compensation commensurate with experience. If interested, please contact Rev. Norville at reverend.norville@gmail.com.

For the month of May 2025 , Habitat for Humanity Washington County is asking churches to take a special offering to support their work.  In addition, June 19, 2025 will be a Church build day with Habitat at McCleary Hill

• Flyer attached to use as a bulletin insert (or as desired)
• If a church is willing to participate in either of these activities, they can contact Melanie Watts at melaniewatts@habitat-wc.org or they can contact Bill Wyand at pastor@broadfording.com.
• For the June 19 build day, churches can come for the whole day or part of the day. They are still working out the details for that day.

Paid 6-week commitment from the end of June to the beginning of August ($500/wk). Responsible for leading approximately 8-10 campers each week with a co-counselor (or CIT). Must be an enthusiastic leader, active listener, positive role model, and nurturer to each camper. Must possess a mature and active faith in Christ with the ability to creatively lead Bible studies and devotions, and a passion for selflessly investing in children and youth. CPR and First Aid required (these trainings will be completed during staff training). Must be at least 18 years of age. Send resume and cover letter to info@shepherdsspring.org or apply here. Other positions available, including NURSES – learn more HERE.

For the month of May 2025 , Habitat for Humanity Washington County is asking churches to take a special offering to support their work.  In addition, June 19, 2025 will be a Church build day with Habitat at McCleary Hill

• Flyer attached to use as a bulletin insert (or as desired)
• If a church is willing to participate in either of these activities, they can contact Melanie Watts at melaniewatts@habitat-wc.org or they can contact Bill Wyand at pastor@broadfording.com.
• For the June 19 build day, churches can come for the whole day or part of the day. They are still working out the details for that day.

The Salvation Army needs help covering their soup kitchen lunch a couple weeks during the summer. Their lunch time is from 12:00 PM until 1:00 PM.
They need coverage the week of May 5 through May 9 and July 7 through July 11. If anyone is interested in helping prepare and serve a meal during that time, please reach out to Nichole Griffin at 301-733-2440 extension 3. Thank you!

Rehoboth UMC in Williamsport is seeking a part-time Next Gen Ministry Coordinator who can focus their time developing the children, youth and family ministries of the church through teaching, leadership development and communication with the larger church. This is a part-time position with room to grow with the ministry. Theological training or experience leading in a Christian setting is required. Applications can be sent to jobs@rehobothumc.org, and more details can be found at https://rehobothumc.org/jobs

In this sacred season, we invite you to join faith communities across the region in deepening our commitment to caring for creation.

We are excited to share a special resource created by Green Muslims. This Ramadan Calendar highlights the beautiful work Muslim communities are already doing to be khalifa (stewards) of our natural world and offers daily actions to help us live in harmony with the Earth, its creatures, and one another. Click Here

Lent is a time for reflection on our personal lives and on the world, so that we may repent (turn away from) unintentional or intentional behaviors that cause harm. This year concern and grief for the environment may be heavy on the heart. The Creation Care Lent calendar offers a focus on personal and community resilience. Each Sunday includes a lectionary verse with a devotional question that can be explored in your quiet time or with others. Click here.

Consider printing these calendars for your home, sharing them with your congregation, or using them as bulletin inserts to inspire collective action.

May this season of prayer, reflection, and action strengthen our shared responsibility to protect and restore the world we all call home.

The Interfaith Team of HARC

Shepherd’s Spring Outdoor Retreat Center is a faith-based hidden gem in south Washington County. Nestled along the C&O Canal with access to the towpath, the space is beautiful and serene – yet there’s a lot going on that local ministries should be aware of. Check out the Summer Camps and start booking now! Take your youth group to experience the Global Village – an incredible opportunity to learn about other cultures. Or book a retreat with a comfortable lodge and cabins. Learn more on their website: https://www.shepherdsspring.org/.

Summer Camp Brochure
Global Village Brochure
Retreat Brochure

Micah’s Backpack is now serving more than 1,300 children, with no waiting list. Praise God! We are thankful to ALL of the churches and organizations who made this happen, but will highlight two who helped eliminate the waiting list. Christ’s Reformed Church joined Micah’s Backpack in January, serving five children at Bester Elementary School. Their program is already going strong with an enthusiastic team. Thank you, CRC! First Christian Church was able to switch schools to Bester and took on the remaining 16 students there – quite a load while also serving two other schools. Thank you, FCC!

Interested in becoming a Micah’s Backpack sponsor? We need more help next school year to spread the load and help more children. If interested in joining this rewarding ministry, contact Kathy at director@harccoalition.org or 301-842-4272.