The Good Shepherd Ministries is looking to utilize their spacious building, more fully. The building has a large sanctuary, a fully equipped kitchen, large recreational space, multiple children’s education rooms, and 2 nurseries. Please reach out to discuss leasing options if there is any way we could work with your ministry, church, or childcare organization! Contact 304-481-4627 or sarahcatmartins@gmail.com.
HARC received $30,000 Reparations Grant from Episcopal Diocese
A huge thank you to the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland for investing $30,000 of their Reparation Grant fund in two of HARC’s racial Justice initiatives – the Washington County Black Professionals Network and the Equity in Education Scholarship. We are extremely grateful for the Episcopal Diocese’ support of these efforts to foster diverse teachers and economic prosperity for African Americans in Washington County, MD. Photo: Father Todd Young and Tania Anderson represent HARC’s board and Racial Justice Team to accept the award.
Free chairs available
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, located at 601 Washington Avenue in Hagerstown, has over 100 Samsonite padded metal folding chairs free on a first-come, first-served request(s). Please contact the church office at 301.733.7550 if you are interested in any or all of the chairs.
17 People complete 20-mile HARC Challenge Hike in the rain
Kudos to 17 people who completed the HARC Challenge Hike on Saturday, May 13! It rained nearly all day, but everyone kept their spirits up and made it to the finish, enjoying camaraderie and the beauty of the Appalachian Trail. Thanks to everyone who participated for making this a great hike, and raising more than $9,000 for HARC and Micah’s Backpack!
Top individual fundraiser this year was Becky Fritz with $1,450!! Tammy Love came in just behind her with $1,210! Walking on Sunshine was the top fundraising team with $1,065 raised for the cause by Trish O’Brien, Karen Ziska-Beckley and Ethan Roberts. Thanks to everyone who did fundraising for this event!
Thanks also to our awesome support team! Jonathan Harris helped lead the hike, Sue Wert provided the fabulous food (with special desserts made by Elaine Rose), and Sue Wert and Kyle Powderly met everyone at stops along the way with food, drink and transportation.
HARC’s goal is to raise more than $30,000 total with this event and the June 10 hike. It’s not too late to sign up for the June 10 hike – a 4K, 10K or half marathon on the C&O Canal towpath. Learn more at https://harccoalition.org/hike/.
See more pictures from the Challenge Hike on our HARC Hike Facebook page.
Visit the Challenge Hike Wall of Fame to see some pictures from past hikes.
Putting Religious Traditions and Values into Practice with Jonathan and Ashlee Harris and Father Todd Young
The Interfaith Roundtable with Rabbi Mark Perman
For the first half, Rabbi Mark is joined by fellow Hagerstown Area Religious Council members Rev. Jonathan Harris and Ashlee Harris of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They talk names and assumptions about members of their faith as well as their community and charity work. You can find out about volunteer opportunities at https://www.justserve.org/. The second half features a chat with another HARC member, Father Todd Young of St. John’s Episcopal Church. They discuss the openness of the Episcopal Church and how Father Todd navigates their message in the modern world. Listen to the podcast. Listen to The Interfaith Roundtable Saturday mornings on 98.9 FM/AM 1490 WARK or catch the podcasts here.
Congregations wanted to participate in children’s activities, camp, VBS
HARC has three upcoming opportunities for area congregations to work together to provide activities for children in the community:
- Juneteenth celebration, Saturday, June 17, 10 am – 3 pm. Will your congregation commit to 1 hour of a children’s activity of your choice? contact Kathy at director@harccoalition.org or 301-842-4272.
- Fun children’s camp to strengthen families (theme TBD), August 14-18, 9-3 each day. Come together with other congregations for a shared children’s camp, serving children in your own congregation as well as the community. Committed congregations and volunteers wanted. Contact Ashlee at jon2ash@gmail.com.
- Joint VBS with other churches once per week in the evening for 4 weeks. Contact Rev. Doug Hoffman, revdhoff@gmail.com/ 301-733-0391