News

Please contact Joel with any questions at 301-733-2440 extension 6

Parade Seats for the 96th Annual Alsatia Mummers Parade – October 28
Don’t forget to reserve your spot in front of John Wesley United Methodist Church for some of the best seats in town!  Call the church office at 301-733-0391 to reserve chairs for you and your family.  Seats are only $6 each.  Concessions and restroom will be available.  And ask about our new VIP seating!
John Wesley United Methodist Church,  129 North Potomac Street, Hagerstown, MD

Rabbi Mark Perman
Congregation B’Nai Abraham

Dear Friends in Faith,

We are all horrified by what is taking place in Israel at this time. As we all know, early October 7 in the southern part of Israel, Hamas terrorists attacked without warning causing at least 900 Israeli deaths, thousands of injuries, and also took civilian hostages and other prisoners of war.

After a day in Israel that is being referred to by experts in the region as Israel’s Pearl Harbor, referencing the deadly surprise attack by Japan on the American naval base in Hawaii on December 7th, 1941, we at Congregation B’nai Abraham stand by the words of Andrew Rehfeld, the president of Hebrew Union College- JIR, the seminary that trains men and women for the Reform rabbinate and cantorate who wrote today that: “As we conclude the fall festivals, our sukkot remind us of our fragility, a message tragically reinforced by the appalling events unfolding in Israel. With gratitude to the brave Israeli soldiers and the dedicated first responders who are steadfast in their work, we pray for a quick resolution of the conflict, speedy return of hostages, and full recovery of the wounded.” I would add that we also need to pray for the families of the dead, wounded, and those taken captive, who are enduring unimaginable suffering at this hour.

May God bless the people of the state of Israel, its military, and its government as it prepares to tackle one of its greatest challenges since the 1973 Yom Kippur war.

For an additional perspective, consider attending the October 15 presentation by Minister Hacker the Minister of Economic Affairs at Congregation B’nai Abraham

To celebrate the National Day of Peace, HARC’s Interfaith Team held the second annual Interfaith Progressive Dinner, designed to introduce community members to different faith traditions, building understanding, dialogue and relationships among people of different faith backgrounds. Participants enjoyed experiencing the “flavors” of four different faith traditions through culturally relevant food and short programs, ranging from quiet meditation to lively music and dancing, to evening prayers and dessert at the mosque. Host faith groups included Unity of Hagerstown (new thought), Baha’is of Washington County, Impact Ministries (Christian Pentecostal), and the Islamic Society of Western Maryland (Muslim). See pictures and videos on HARC’s Facebook page. Watch the program portions for each faith group on YouTube.

The Salvation Army is looking for a cook for their soup kitchen. The Christmas season is approaching and they want to continue to be able to run their soup kitchen as well. Please use this link to apply for the position. Please contact Nichole with any questions at 301-733-2440 extension 2.

Recently, there has been an influx of refugee families in Washington County and no one to help them outside of the Refugee Welcome Network (RWN). We need funds, furnishings and volunteers to stabilize them and help us work with them toward self-sufficiency. 

Just in the last few weeks, the RWN settled two new families into housing with a third currently waiting for housing and help. At the same time, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) just became available to our Afghan families who are undocumented; this is a chance to become documented and an opportunity to receive work permits much faster than through the asylum process, as well as a path to citizenship!  However, TPS costs $1,190 per family x 3 families = $3,570.

The community has been incredibly generous in helping our refugee friends become settled and self-sufficient. Several families are nearly ready to “graduate” from this support network, so we know the system works and has been a blessing. Thanks to all who have been a part of that through your contributions of time, treasure and talents!  However, RWN funds are super low and we need your help to cover monthly rent payments and TPS applications, as well as other urgent needs that arise for food, medical and more. We estimate needing at least $20,00o over the next 5 months just to bring the current families to self-sufficiency and obtain TPS for three families. If you can help with even a small gift, please donate via the HARC website and designate “refugees.”

Another great need is VOLUNTEERS to be family “friends” and to help on various teams, such as procurement of furniture and goods, transportation, asylum applications, housing, etc.  If interested, contact Kathy at director@harccoalition.org.

We also need many furnishings to set up housing for our newest families.  Here’s what we currently need below (updated 10/3/23). If you can help with anything, please contact Jane Powell at jane.powell365@gmail.com or 240-469-5084.  Keep in mind that the families are in small apartments with limited space and narrow staircases, so large pieces of furniture don’t work well.

Living Room

Sofa (not sectional)
Coffee table
TVs & tables for TV
area rug
wall clock

Kitchen

kitchen table with 4 chairs (small to medium size, not dining table)
silverware
baking sheets
area rug

Bedroom

queen mattress & frame
queen sheets
dresser (tall style, not long)
area rug (prefer 6 x 8 or bigger)
mirror

Baby

changing table
crib sheets (top sheets only)
toddler sippy cups
toys and books

Misc

trash cans
coat trees
table with a chair to use for study/work
bath towels
Grocery gift cards or Visa gift cards