This is your weekly HARC e-newsletter, with news on faith community events and other useful information. Please forward it on to anyone else who might be interested. If you would like to get something into the News Flash, please email [email protected] by Tuesday at 10 a.m. each week. For a full list of upcoming faith community events, visit http://harccoalition.org/events/. FAQ sheet for submitting news for this newsletter.
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Visualising the Healing of the World
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Picture the world as seen from space and imagine that you are holding the world in the palm of your hands...
Holy Lord
Reverenced and loved,
Divine and of the Sacred ways,
Of this world the Light:
I visualise our world,
I caress and heal it,
I now hold its beauty in my hands.
Then it travels on a lit path
Bearing my prayer for your blessing
And returns to palms and finger tips
Cupped, protective, as a chalice filled with Peace.
- Eric Gladwin in 1,000 World Prayers (2003)
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10 Influential Asian American and Pacific Islander Activists
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By editors at Biography.com
"While often at the center of many movements, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and their groundbreaking accomplishments and contributions are sometimes overshadowed and ignored. Get to know 10 of the most influential Asian American and Pacific Islander activists who fought for marginalized people of all communities:" Learn more.
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‘Beautiful’ Ramadan returns for Israeli Muslims as restrictions lift
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By Michele Chabin
Religion News Service
"When Ramadan began on April 12, Yusef Sublaban said a silent prayer thanking God for the opportunity to observe the Muslim holy month the way it is meant to be observed: in a mosque, and surrounded by friends and loved ones.
“Thanks to Allah, this Ramadan the mosques are open, we can leave our homes and break our fast together. What a difference from last Ramadan!” Sublaban said with a joyful smile as he urged a rare visitor to buy something from his souvenir shop in the Old City of Jerusalem." Learn more
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Baltimore City Health Department, Johns Hopkins to offer COVID guidance for houses of worship
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By Colin Campbell
The Baltimore Sun
"Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott, Johns Hopkins officials and an East Baltimore bishop announced Monday a partnership to advise houses of worship on safely reopening as coronavirus-related guidance evolves amid the state’s growing vaccination campaign.
The partnership will offer churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other houses of worship both virtual and in-person guidance on best practices for reopening and the latest information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Scott said in a news conference Monday afternoon." Read more
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HARC Welcomes Rev. Don Marbury to May Meeting!
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HARC Monthly Meeting
Tuesday, May 11 from 12:30 - 2:00 pm
Location TBD
We are excited to welcome Rev. Donald L. Marbury as a speaker at our next HARC meeting! Rev. Marbury is the senior pastor of Ebenezer AME Church in Hagerstown and author of the acclaimed book "MY PEOPLE, MY PEOPLE, MY GOD!" He left a 27-year career in 1997 as a top public broadcasting executive, television and film producer, and news anchorman to pursue his call to ministry. His writings and performances of his works have earned him national and international recognition.
We hope to meet in person for this meeting, but will be making a decision between Zoom and in-person. Please RSVP here to indicate whether you plan to attend or email [email protected].
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HARC Hike Save the Date! - September 11
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HARC Hike for Hunger & Hope
Saturday, September 11
In person! Shepherd's Spring Outdoor Retreat Center and C&O Canal Towpath
(Virtual Hike is optional)
Join us for a 4K, 10K or half marathon hike on the beautiful C&O Canal Towpath in support of Micah's Backpack and HARC's work with Interfaith and justice issues. This year's hike will feature various check-in times to choose from to spread out participants and allow you to better plan your day. More info and registration coming soon!
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Partners in Care Maryland seeks volunteers, members
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Within the next ten years, at least 1 in 5 people will be over the age of 65 and older adults will outnumber children, according to the Census Bureau. Partners in Care Maryland has expanded to provide support and engagement to older adults in Washington County and is actively seeking members and volunteers. For more information, click here or contact Kerry Fair, Site Director, at 301-800-9812 or [email protected]
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Interfaith Calendar for May 6 - 12
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One of the initiatives of the Interfaith Coalition is a weekly Interfaith calendar - a listing of upcoming events and commemorations from religions around the world. The listing is for the week ahead -- Thursday to the following Wednesday -. to raise awareness of what's going on with practices of the various faiths. For suggestions or additional input, contact Ed Poling at [email protected]. Calendar
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Adult Literacy Tutors Needed!
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The Literacy Council of Washington County is in need of tutors to help adults with Basic Literacy skills and/or ESL. No experience required – they’ll train you. Tutor online from home (or in person, once it’s safe). Must be fluent in English and possess enthusiasm, dedication, flexibility, cultural sensitivity and patience. The next Tutor Workshop starts June 5. Contact the Literacy Council for more information at [email protected] / 301-739-4208 or visit our website at www.literacyofwcmd.org
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Get your shot at Family Healthcare of Hagerstown
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Any Maryland resident 18 and older can now receive a COVID-19 vaccine at Family Healthcare of Hagerstown's main location, 201 South Cleveland Avenue, Hagerstown. Request a time by clicking here.
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Suicide: The Silent Struggle - May 7
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Friday, May 7, 7 - 7:45 pm
presented on Facebook Live
This FREE Facebook Live Event will focus on suicide and the importance of talking, listening and learning about suicide and caring for our loved ones. Thoughts of suicide can often feel isolating and hopeless. In this event, Brook Lane hopes to break the stigma surrounding suicide by coming together to take down the wall of isolation and spread knowledge on how to help someone who feels hopeless and has these thoughts. No matter a person’s age, race, cultural background or socio-economic status, they may develop suicidal thoughts. Join Shannon Snowman, LGPC to learn more about the warning signs of suicide, how to approach someone you are concerned about and the available community resources. Learn more. Flyer.
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Free Farmer's Market Hours Change - May 8, 15, 22, and 29
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Saturday, May 8, 15, 22, and 29, 9 am until supplies run out (volunteers are needed at 8 am to help offload the truck)
Gateway Ministries
11017 Kemps Mill Road, Williamsport
Food will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis to those in need in our community. There are no income restrictions on the food giveaway. This event is made possible through the USDA's Farmers to Family Food Box Program. Every family receives 15 lbs of produce, 5 lbs of meat, 5 lbs of dairy and 1 gallon of milk. Anyone from your church or ministry interested in volunteering or with questions should contact Patty Mays at 304-279-5181. Flyer.
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Project Playhouse is here! - May 11
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Saturday, May 11, 8 am
Valley Mall
Project Playhouse is an event in which Habitat for Humanity of Washington County partners with local businesses and community groups to provide custom playhouses for local low-income families. Each playhouse will provide children in need a safe place to play and imagine what home means to them. All the funds raised will support the construction of affordable homes in Washington County. For more information, go to the Habitat for Humanity website or Facebook page. Flyer.
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Wednesday, May 12, 7 pm
via Zoom
Kate Clifford Larson, PhD will speak on the topic, Harriet Tubman, "Am I to Conceal This?"_Please see the flyer for Zoom information.
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Community Clergy Training Part 2 - May 13
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Thursday, May 13, 10 am - noon
Webinar
The first hour of the training addresses Suicide Prevention and the second hour will introduce you to the Warrior 2 Soul Mate program for veterans and their partners. We will discuss typical issues we find in relationships and talk about strategies we teach to help with communication. If you attended the training in March, you are welcome to attend the whole event for a Suicide Prevention refresher or log in at 11 for the Warrior 2 Soul Mate training. Learn more/RSVP.
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Be Kind to Your Mind - May 14
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Friday, May 14, 12 noon - 12:45
Presented on Facebook Live
This FREE Facebook Live Event will focus on minding your thoughts. Every action, decision, and spoken word originates with a thought. We often underestimate the control we have over the thoughts that come into our minds - both positive and negative. When you take the time to evaluate your thoughts, you can better control their influence on your mind and body. Join Susan Corley, LCSW-C to learn how to improve your thinking, which in turn will improve your self-esteem, mood, relationships and more. Learn more. Flyer.
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Tuesday, April 20, 9 am - 1pm
Otterbein United Methodist Church
108 E. Franklin St., Hagerstown
This is a one-time, food “drop” for the neighborhood. Note change in distribution times. Please remain in your car if you drive in and a volunteer will come to you. You will receive a box of food when you arrive and sign in and be sent home, one box per family unit. Walk-ups allowed as long as social distancing is followed. Masks are recommended, highly suggested. Volunteers will be wearing masks and gloves. Follow direction of the volunteers. Recommended especially for those who fall within the WIC Income Guidelines - (Example: Family of 4 with income less than $40,793). For more information call Maryland Food Bank – Western Branch, 301-733-4002 or Otterbein United Methodist Church, 301-739-9386.
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World Vision Global 6K Walk/Run for Water - May 22
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Saturday, May 22, 9 am (or virtually, at your own location/time)
Former Shop 'n Save/Food Lion (Across from the Martin's Food Store)
18719 North Pointe Drive, Hagerstown
In many countries, children walk miles to get water for their families. This water is usually polluted. Spending time walking for water means many kids can't go to school and are exposed to other dangers during their walk for water. We are holding the event in-person for those who are comfortable with that. Participants can still do their walk/run virtually if they wish. For the in-person walk, please join us on May 22, 2021 at 9am. If you want to go the virtual route. you can plot your own course. Monies raised go toward providing clean water to the world's neediest children. For more info and to register, please go to:
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We hope this News Flash is helpful to you. Please contact us if you know someone we should add to the email list or if you would like to be removed.
Blessings!
Kathy Powderly
Interim Executive Director
Hagerstown Area Religious Council
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P.O. Box 1158
Hagerstown, MD 21740
(301) 842 4272
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