Christ’s Reformed Church and Aspiring to Serve will be hosting a Spring Event featuring crafters and direct-to-home vendors. Sales of table spaces will benefit CRC and ATS. If you would like to participate, please contact the church office at 301-733-4144
New Board Members Elected at Annual Meeting
The Hagerstown Area Religious Council (HARC) elected new members to its Board of Directors during its annual membership meeting on January 10, 2023.
Elected to the Board for 2023 are:
President: Rev. Christopher Serufusa of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church
Pastor Chris has been with the United Methodist Church of the Baltimore/Washington Conference for 27 years. He moved to Washington County four years ago with his wife, Elizabeth, and two sons, Mukisa, 17; and Mugabi, 15. Pastor Chris joined the HARC Board in July 2021 and was just elected to a one-year term as its president. “I appreciate [HARC’s] mission of caring and helping the needy. My prayer is to be a bridge,” he said. “I want to close the gap of racism that separates people. We are one people in the Lord.”
Vice president: Rabbi Mark Perman of Congregation B’nai Abraham
Rabbi Mark Perman and his wife, Elizabeth, arrived in Hagerstown in January 2022 so he could become the spiritual leader of Congregation B’nai Abraham. Prior to moving to Los Angeles to be with Elizabeth in December 2020, Rabbi Mark had served as rabbi/cantor at B’er Chayim Congregation in Cumberland for four years. Previously, Rabbi Mark had also served congregations in Texas, Connecticut, Georgia, and New Jersey. He has worked as a hospital, hospice, and prison chaplain.
Rabbi Mark is excited to be on the board at HARC, since helping to build interfaith cooperation and connectedness has been a priority for him since graduating from Hebrew Union College-JIR in New York with ordination as a cantor in 1997. He is also a 1986 graduate of New York University. Rabbi Mark and Elizabeth enjoy sharing their home with their poodle, Chloe and cat, Apollo. When not working, Mark enjoys playing tennis, hiking, and hosting his weekly podcast and radio show called “The Interfaith Roundtable.”
Secretary: Kelly Z. Conrad, HARC PR & Marketing Volunteer; Writer, Novelist
Kelly began her 20-year career in the communications field as graphic artist, design editor, and copy editor at the former Herald-Mail Company, followed by positions as managing editor of several corporate in-house magazines. She also earned a master’s degree in mental health counseling and worked as a therapist for several years.
Kelly retired in 2016 and now uses her writing, editing, and communications skills as a volunteer for HARC, as well as for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness (PAILA) of Washington County. Kelly is an award-winning novelist in the historical fiction genre, with two published novels — Shaman and its sequel, The Passage — and an anthology of personal essays titled 7 p.m. (and other essays). She is passionate about making sure marginalized voices are heard. “I love everything HARC stands for,” Kelly says. “Contributing feeds me on many levels.” She lives in Hagerstown with her husband, Marcus.
At-large Board member: Rev. Les McIntosh, Sr., of Impact Ministries
Les L. McIntosh Sr. is the Lead Pastor of Impact Ministries in Hagerstown, Md. He is a native of Youngstown, Ohio, husband to beautiful wife Danita McIntosh and the father of five children, Kayla, Leslie Jr., Sydnee, Adriãna and Darian, and grandfather to Zola.
Pastor Mac is an anointed prolific Bible preacher and teacher. His passion for Christ began in childhood and includes service to the Kingdom as a deacon, elder, dean of Christian education, Sunday school teacher, men’s leader, evangelist, choir member and musician. He received his Elders License under the pastorate of Bishop David L. Herron of Warren, Ohio. Pastor Mac has a strong passion for ministry and a heart to serve leaders. He is also a successful business entrepreneur who founded and ran Les Energy LLC for 12 years until following God’s call to focus fully on ministry.
“I’m excited to be part of HARC, whose work I admire,” said Pastor Mac, “as well as excited to make an impact with those committed to making change.”
Grant Funding for Sacred Places
Historic houses of worship across America contribute significant value to their communities, and their historic and cultural significance are essential parts of our national heritage. Although many historic sacred places are considered icons of stability in their communities, today congregations of every faith face challenges in stewarding their aging and architecturally complex facilities.
Apply for a grant from the National Fund for Sacred Places to keep these places as an important part of our national cultural heritage.
The National Fund provides training, planning grants, technical assistance, capacity-building support, and capital grants up to $250,000 to congregations of all faiths for rehabilitation work on their historic facilities.
Submit your letter of intent by February 24 for projects such as:
- Urgent repair needs that are integral to life safety.
- Projects that improve the usability or ADA accessibility of the property.
- Renovation projects that support important community outreach.
Apply Here: https://www.fundforsacredplaces.org/apply/
Now in its seventh year, the National Fund for Sacred Places is made possible thanks to the generosity of Lilly Endowment Inc. Since its inception in 2016, the National Fund has awarded over $18 million to 97 community-serving congregations representing 24 faith traditions in 36 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
The fund has supported projects that range from steeple stabilization to exterior masonry repair to HVAC replacement. Learn about the 2022 grant recipients here.
Tell the Full American Story
The 100,000+ historic houses of worship across America play a crucial role in shaping the character of our communities and helping to preserve the full American story. Many are works of art whose beauty and history make them irreplaceable parts of our national cultural heritage. All are places that bring people together, strengthening, and enlivening communities.
In the face of changing demographics and inadequate resources, the National Fund for Sacred Places provides funding to congregations of all faiths for rehabilitation work on their historic facilities.
Apply today at www.FundforSacredPlaces.org.
The National Fund for Sacred Places is a program of Partners for Sacred Places in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Afghan refugee family receives warm welcome in Hagerstown
Abdul and Nasira Sarfaraz and their four boys arrived in Hagerstown a little over a month ago, following a long and arduous journey, mostly on foot from South America, though they originally fled from their devastated home country of Afghanistan. They arrived with little more than the clothes on their backs and one contact, who agreed to sponsor them. Since then the faith and non-profit community in Hagerstown have worked together, offering a warm welcome and many basic needs for this family, demonstrating the love of God to our neighbor.
Coordination of this effort came through Shepherd Pratt Homeless Outreach and the kind-hearted Cindi Messersmith, HARC, and members of Trinity Lutheran Church, who spent the last year helping another Afghan family get settled here, followed by St. John’s Episcopal Church and other individuals. With outreach to the faith community and help from other community organizations, the Sarfaraz family went from 6 people living in one room of their sponsor’s house to a small house on their own with much of the furniture, housewares and supplies they need. Special thanks goes to Sleep in Heavenly Peace for providing beds for all four children, along with sheets, blankets and pillows for each. Thanks to many members of the community for dropping of furniture and supplies, food, and gift cards for food.
“A world thank you,” said Abdul Sarfaraz in a text, using Google translate. Though the family doesn’t speak much English yet, all of the children and the parents know how to say “Thank you” and are so very appreciative of the help. The children are now in school and Abdul and Nasira are working toward asylum. They are legally not allowed to work yet, so ongoing support of this family is needed while they work through the legal process. We pray they will continue to feel welcome and loved in our community.
This week two more Afghan families came forward for help, so the need continues and HARC would like to start a Refugee Welcome Team for Washington County. If you can help on the team or with any needs for these three families, please contact Kathy at director@harccoalition.org or 301-842-4272.
Sponsors and Participants Needed for Coldest Night of the Year Walk
Reach is partnering with Blue Seas Foundation to hold Maryland’s 1st EVER Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) family-friendly walk on February 25, 2023 at 5:00 at HCC’s ARCC.
CNOY is when we step outside the warmth and comfort of our own homes to raise awareness and funds for the most vulnerable in our community. Reach needs participants, team captains, and sponsors. See the attached poster and the Sponsorship Package – please reach out to your circle – friends, church, coworkers, business owners, schools, . . . start your own team or join Reach’s team.
For this event to be successful, we need everyone’s help. To see what CNOY is all about, click here: https://cnoy.com/location/hagerstown
T’ai Chi Classes Resume at Otterbein United Methodist Church
Have you wondered if you might enjoy learning Tai Chi? Then, come and experience a beginners T’ai Chi class at Otterbein. They would love to have you join them. Classes will resume on Wednesdays, 5:00-6:00 pm starting on January 18 through February 15, 2023 (5 week session). Cost is $25, payable at the 1st class. All ages are welcome. To register, sign up on-line or contact Kate in the church office: office@otterumc.org or 301-739-9386. More information about the classes and instructor, Paul Cote, are included in the flyer.
Invite to Local Clergy – Vespers Service to launch Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
For over 100 years the Roman Catholic Church and the World Council of Churches has jointly sponsored this annual observance from January 18 – 25 as a way for all Christians to be reminded of Jesus’ prayer for his disciples that “they may be one so that the world may believe” (John 17:21). This year’s world-wide them is: “Do Good; Seek Justice” (Isaiah 1:17)
Saint Ann Catholic Church warmly invites everyone from our local congregations to join us for a simple service of prayer & music known as “Vespers” – or Evening Prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours. Local ministers are invited to arrive at 4:00pm, to vest in your tradition’s appropriate vesture, and to please RSVP (301-733-0410 or stannchurch.com) to let us know that you will attend.
The service of prayer should take about 30 minutes and, at the conclusion, a brief tour of our sanctuary will be offered for those who may wish to remain for a few moments.
FREE Trees! Most projects considered!
The state of Maryland has a 5 Million Trees Initiative with the goal of engaging communities in getting as many trees planted as possible. As part of this initiative, a variety of grants are available to houses of worship, businesses, and neighborhoods (not individuals) who want trees for shade, healthy water, backyard buffers, or even a memorial garden or other beautification project. Projects can be small or large-scale and include contract work for planting or even high-cost site prep such as removing concrete and rebuilding around the trees. Location-wise, nearly every site in Maryland is eligible, and lots of funds are currently available, so most projects will be considered!
No grant-writing experience? Not sure if you have a viable project or which grant to apply for? No worries! The Maryland Forest Service has a dedicated specialist to help you determine a good grant “fit” and guide you through the process. To learn more contact Anna Twigg, MPA, Tree Planting Specialist for Frederick & Washington County, (301)-791-4010 / anna.twigg@maryland.gov.
Application deadlines:
February 15 for spring planting (best to apply by January)
July 15 for fall planting (best to apply by June)
Recommend applying EARLY as applications need to be approved by the forestry board, which does not meet regularly.
Funding needed for the 2nd annual Equity in Education Scholarship
HARC is once again partnering with Washington County Public Schools and the Education Foundation of WCPS to offer the 2nd annual Equity in Education Scholarship. In 2022, we provided four scholarships to future educators, who are already serving schools while pursuing their degrees. With your help, we can serve even more. Your gift of $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500 or ANY amount will make a big difference in the lives of future educators and the hundreds of children they will serve! You can make your donation through the Community Foundation of Washington County HERE (choose “Equity in Education Scholarship” from the pull-down menu) or through the HARC website. Please share this FLYER to spread the word!
St. John’s Seeks Minister of Music
The Minister of Music leads all programs that surround the musical ministry of St John’s Episcopal Church. This includes, but is not limited to, serving as the principal organist for all services, directing the Adult Choir, Youth and Children’s choirs, Instrumental groups, and providing content for the congregation’s worship services as well as coordinating for special music events including a monthly Taize service, several evensongs, and the management of an annual concert series. All efforts of the Director of Music Ministries will support St. John’s vision and ministry. Learn more about the position and how to apply HERE.