Make us a great nation, yes. But more than that, make us good, Lord, with a heartbeat that wants every person of every creed and color to know Your love, Your goodness, and Your worth. Make us wise as serpents, but gentle as doves. Turn our fears to faith, as we look to You and You alone for the future of our country. Give us God-confidence that no matter what happens, we will believe You are not only in control, but that You know exactly what is needed to accomplish Your purpose. Help us not to second-guess Your moves, but to move at Your command, always without hesitation.

 - Rebecca Barlow Jordan

"Yes, the United States is about to get its first Black vice president, as well as Kamala Harris being the first female and the first Asian American to hold the position. Yes, diversity came to Hagerstown city government in the November general election when Emily Keller became the first female mayor and two Black women were elected to the Hagerstown City Council. But panelists participating in a discussion last week at Hagerstown Community College to remember Martin Luther King Jr. still had some questions. Why are some textbooks still thin on race history in the country? Why are many Blacks still paid less than others?." Read more.

By  Michele Chabin

"An Israeli government initiative to help vaccinate Holocaust survivors worldwide against COVID-19 is drawing praise for its intentions, but also skepticism.

The initiative, announced by Diaspora Affairs Minister Omer Yankelevich on Tuesday (Jan. 12), seeks to vaccinate the estimated 200,000 Holocaust survivors who live outside of Israel. The vast majority of survivors are in their 80s and 90s — the age group most at risk for COVID-19 complications and death.'” Read more.

Thursday, January 21, 8:30 – 10:00 am

This month features an honest and open conversation about the pros and cons of taking the COVID-19 vaccine and the role that faith communities and other community stakeholders can play in spreading hope and fostering health in Washington County and beyond. Speaker: Dr. Orville Browne. Topic: To get the COVID vaccine, or not? That is the question. RSVP to 301-790-8296 or [email protected] by 2 pm today, January 20. Flyer.

The Interfaith Coalition of Washington County invites you to our annual winter retreat. The theme is “Revealing the Light within: Writing as a Spiritual Practice,” led by Leah Rampy. Join and explore the practice of spiritual writing, a gentle and creative way to tap into our interior knowing. Register on Eventbrite: Go to Interfaith Winter Retreat Tickets, Sat, Feb 6, 2021 at 9:00 AM | Eventbrite. Cost is $20.00 for the day. For more information, contact Ed Poling at 301-766-9005 or [email protected]  (If you prefer, you can also register directly with Ed.) Flyer.

Do you enjoy contemporary Christian songs and leading classical hymns as part of modern and traditional worship services?  Otterbein United Methodist Church, 108 East Franklin Street, Hagerstown, MD is searching for a part-time Music Director and accompanist to help lead our adult & youth choirs, handbell choirs, praise band, and ensembles during one weeknight rehearsal and Sunday morning traditional and contemporary services (8:00 and 10:30AM). For more information about this opportunity, please click here.

Do you have a passion for people and digital communications along with organizational and bookkeeping skills? Otterbein United Methodist Church, 108 East Franklin Street, Hagerstown, MD is searching for a Church Office Administrator. A typical day includes multiple tasks such as welcoming callers/guests, coordinating maintenance, updating the church website, creating vibrant Facebook postings, recording financial transactions and preparing monthly reports. For more information, click here.

As they gather on the eve of the feast of St. Brigid of Kildare, gatherers will explore what wisdom the ancient Celtic way might offer in these critical threshold times. The gathering will begin with brief introductions to each other and the theme followed by 30 minutes of walking or sitting silently, present to nature in a space of your choice. Gatherers will return to Zoom for sharing and conversation. For details and free registration, see the Event Page.  Information: churchofthewild2rivers.com; [email protected]