News

In the latest episode of the podcast, “Searching for Common Ground”, Rabbi Mark Perman speaks with the first Black mayor of Hagerstown, MD, Tekesha Martinez, about bridging the divide between people from different racial, ethnic, or political backgrounds and how we can help bring healing to a troubled world.  Listen here

St. John’s United Church of Christ in Clear Spring is looking for a part-time Office Administrator to work 10–15 hours a week on general office tasks like preparing bulletins, sending emails, and other administrative duties. The position offers a very flexible schedule and could be a great fit for a college student, stay-at-home parent, or anyone looking for part-time work with flexibility. If you’re interested, email Pastor Bethany at PastorBethanyA@gmail.com.

Page 3 of the Shepherd’s Spring June Update contains a nice tribute to Ed Poling as well as a short history of the HARC Hike.  Be sure to look over the whole issue for information about programs and needs as the center.

Saturday, May 31 around 115 people turned out for the Ed Poling Memorial HARC Hike for Hunger and Hope, undeterred by reports of muddy ground or possible rain.  Spirits were high as participants enjoyed a 4K, 10K or half marathon hike on the beautiful C&O Canal Towpath and the trails of Shepherd’s Spring Camp and Retreat Center followed by a delicious meal prepared by the 19th Hole/Harambee54, music, fellowship, prizes, and an on-screen tribute to Hike founder Ed Poling. We were especially honored by the presence of Ed’s sister, Beckie.

Between this event and the May 17 Challenge Hike, the event raised more than $80,000 for Micah’s Backpack, the Refugee Welcome Network and other programs of HARC!  This was in great part thanks to many participants seeking donations for their hike paired with a 2-1 fundraising match from the God’s Grace Fund.  The top fundraising individuals for this event were Christine Fink and Becky Fritts (Challenge Hike) and Mary & John Means (Canal Hike). Top fundraising teams were Hebron Mennonite for Ed Poling (Canal Hike) and Otterbein UMC (Challenge Hike).

We are incredibly grateful for everyone who made this event possible and successful, with special thanks to our amazing HARC Hike Team:  Kelly Conrad, Beth Johnston, Ed Maloy, Deacon Sue Wert, Bill Pike, Butch Eigenbrode, Ted & Elizabeth Howe, and Kathy Powderly.  We also could not do this without incredible sponsors, including God’s Grace Fund (lunch sponsor), Columbia Gas/NiSource, First Christian Church, and the Poole Law Group (see all sponsors listed here) or without our generous church and nonprofit vans & drivers – Girls Inc., Christ’s Reformed Church, St. John’s Episcopal Church, and Valley Grace Brethren Church.

Check out select pictures from the May 31 hike below, with many more posted on our Facebook page!

Saturday, May 17 was a beautiful day for a hike! That day, 14 people got out and hiked 20 miles on the Appalachian Trail to support programs of HARC, including Micah’s Backpack and the Refugee Welcome Network. The hike took 9 to 10 hours, with participants hiking at different speeds, and included breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks at “hospitality stops” along the way.

This hardy group hiked from Caledonia State Park in Pennsylvania south to Pen Mar Park. Parts of the trail were flooded from the rain earlier in the week, but all were grateful for an overall nice day. More than $9,000 was raised with this part of the hike; with a match from the God’s Grace Fund, the total will be approximately $24,000! We think Ed Poling would be proud, and was smiling from above.

Check out the pictures in Dropbox or on Facebook, and see who hiked on our Wall of Fame.

The Refugee Welcome Network (RWN) continues to welcome new families to Washington County and the United States!  Several individuals and families have arrived in the last month and the RWN warehouse is sparse, with some needs unmet.  RWN is in need of the following: Towels, queen & full sheets. electric kettles, microwaves, pressure cookers/Instant Pots and other kitchen gadgets, televisions (especially smart TVs), Rugs (we never have enough rugs!), dining table and chairs, baby mattress and sheets.  If you have new or very gently used items to donate. please contact refugeewelcome@harccoalition.org or 301-842-4272.

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.