News

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 1^st 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.

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.

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.

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!

What is the Season for Non-violence?  How do we practice non-violence and peacemaking?  How do we get these practices into the wider community?  At HARC’s December 13 meeting, Rev. Sandy Boyer, Coordinator of HARC’s Interfaith Team addressed these questions and more, sharing practical resources and diving into a little discussion and practice around this very relevant topic.

The program was recorded; you can watch it on our YouTube channel.

The official Season for Nonviolence begins by marking the anniversary of the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi on January 30 and ends on the April 4 anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Between are 64 days of practice of the principles of Gandhi, King, and others to bring about peace and nonviolence in our world today.  HARC encourages congregations and organizations to actively participate in this designated season.  Find resources on our website HERE.

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. 

Global Vision Christian School Broadfording (Broadfording Christian Academy) is looking for middle/high school teachers in the areas of math, science, English, or social studies.  Part-time or full-time opportunities are available.  Teaching opportunities begin as soon as January 9, 2023.

Feel free to spread the word to anyone interested.  For more information, contact Pastor Bill Wyand at pastor@broadfording.com or call 301-797-8886 (ext. 1257).

January 12, 19 & 26, 7-8:30 pm via Zoom

In January, the group will discuss “The Book of Joy” by the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.  These two holy men have survived more than fifty years of exile and the soul-crushing violence of oppression. Despite their hardships — or, as they would say, because of them — they are two of the most joyful people on the planet.  With this book they answer the question: How do we find joy in the face of life’s inevitable suffering?  This month’s book club is facilitated by Rev. Sandy Boyer, HARC Interfaith Coordinator.  For a Zoom link, contact director@harccoalition.org.  Houses of worship:  consider gathering interested members in person to join via one computer to include those who don’t use Zoom and add to the fellowship. Flyer with more info

Gatekeepers is a non-profit organization in Hagerstown, MD focused on helping inmates and ex-offenders re-enter and rejoin their communities following interactions with the criminal justice system. Led by ex-offenders Bill Gaertner and Keith Roys, Gatekeepers is getting people back on their feet and reintegrated into society through their Business of Living program, which is a comprehensive roadmap to help individuals lead productive lives. Gatekeepers is partnering with the American Idea Foundation & Notre Dame’s Lab for Economic Opportunities to help validate their approach using evidence and data. Check out the video to see how Gatekeepers is transforming lives and learn more about their efforts here: https://www.gatekeepersmd.org/. To learn more about the American Idea Foundation visit: https://americanideafoundation.com/.