News

The 2023 Oscar results inspired me to watch the movies, “Everything Everywhere All at Once” and Guillermo de Toro’s “Pinocchio”.  I found them to be a bit slow in parts, but I watched on to the end.  My heart found a similar God-at work message in each of these two extremely different creations:

• Choose life with its myriad, unexpected challenges.
• Embrace community in all of its complex diversity.
• Respond always with exuberant love and kindness.
• Be open to experience connection, peace, hope, and joy in each new day.

The movies gave us the symbol of a woman wearing a google eye on her forehead and a wooden boy.  I chose the lap robes, that I make for folks, as a symbol to remind me of these God empowering insights.  These blankets represent kindness, utility, and an energizing riot of color to me.  What symbol of God-at-work will you see and choose today?

Linda Sappington

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is looking for a Director of Children Ministry to teach their children about God and the Bible.

For a full job description contact Dianna in the Church Office – diannaplotner@fcchagerstown.org or 301.733.0144

The Refugee Welcome Network (RWN) is currently working with six Afghan refugee families, most of which are seeking asylum due to fear for their lives in their home country.  Most were professionals in Afghanistan – medical professionals, seamstresses, a journalist – and one was involved in security with the national army.  They all faced many hardships coming to the United States, and had almost nothing left when they arrived.  Most are now in legal limbo, unable to support themselves or their children until they reach a certain point in their asylum case.

God has brought many people in the faith community and various organizations together to form a network to help.  Thank you to so many of you who have already donated goods and services, giving of your time, treasure and expertise!  The families still have many needs, but some current highlights are:

• Volunteers to provide transportation – contact Susan Strobl, 301-730-9654
• 4 car seats – contact Pam Bradford, pfbradford@myactv.net
• Financial assistance for housing, electric, water – donate through HARC and designate for refugees, or ask about needs for specific families
• Grocery gift cards
• Jobs – nothing is too small!

For more information, contact HARC at director@harccoalition.org or 301-842-4272.

Sleep In Heavenly Peace is in urgent need from the community for bedding donations as their supply is running low.

Website: https://shpbeds.org/chapter/md-hagerstown/

Be a part of the 2nd Annual Bridge to Hope Affair on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at Cortland Mansion in Hagerstown, MD, to raise funds and awareness of the importance of mental health care in a thriving community. This business attire/black tie optional dinner includes a welcome reception/cocktail hour, dessert and craft coffee bar, music, and silent auction. Sponsorship opportunities and individual tickets are available! Contact Chris Boryan, Director of Development, with any questions at 301-733-0331 x1721 or chris.boryan@brooklane.org.

Tickets and sponsorships and additional information here