May 18, 2022
Blessings to you,
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 am each week. For a full list of upcoming faith community events, visit http://harccoalition.org/events/..  FAQ sheet for submitting news for this newsletter.
Interfaith Prayer
May what I learn from words of faiths not my own
Open new vistas of holiness….and welcome whole-hearted connection.
It is not how we understand our own religion alone
That offers holiness…
But how we share the action of any holy meaning
That wraps us all in loving connection.
Courtesy of Reverend Valerie T. Wills
Interfaith Calendar
A weekly listing of upcoming events and commemorations from religions around the world by the Interfaith Coalition. Calendar for May 19 to 25.
Creatively Engaging Your Community While Remaining True to Who You Are
By Paul Nixon
Lewis Center for Church Leadership

"Prioritizing community needs in your ministry plan does not always mean letting go of the life-giving practices your fellowship has historically embraced. There’s nothing gained in trying to be something we are not. But there is sometimes much to be gained in discovering constructive ways to share pieces of our tradition with new folks." Read more.
June Calendar of summer children's programs available; Info wanted for July & August
HARC is once again working with area congregations and organizations to put together VBS and Children's Summer Activity Calendars. Here is the calendar for June 2022 (or go to our website anytime to find the latest version). Calendars for July and August will be developed as information becomes available.  Please send information on your programs to Charlotte at [email protected].
FREE Conn Electric Organ
Conn Electric Organ Looking For A New Home! The organ is FREE to the first person interested & includes the bench. Contact Hagerstown Church of the Nazarene, 141 N. Edgewood Drive, Hagerstown, MD for further information. Please call the office 301-797-4524 or email [email protected] to set-up a time to see it. The new owner is responsible for pick-up & delivery to its new home.
Updated Food & Clothing Resources list; Zion UCC pantry added
The Food & Clothing Resources list for Washington County has been updated again! Zion Reformed UCC has added a food pantry along with their well-established soup kitchen. Please replace your list with the new one to give out to people in need. 
Updated Church of the Holy Trinity list of items needing new homes
Church of the Holy Trinity has more items that need homes:
The New Century Hymnals and Discs / Other Miscellaneous Hymnals / NRSV Bibles / Five-Piece Brass-Colored Offering Plate Set and Wooden Stand / Communion Sets / American and Christian Flags / Altar Candles (oil) (1" diameter) / Royal Blue Choir Robes with Blue and White Stoles / White Acolyte Robes (short) / Box of "old" paraments / Banners.
Please be in touch with Consistory President Barb Ware if interested in any of the items. She can be reached at 301-331-2605 or [email protected]
Interim/Transitional Pastor Wanted
First Christian Church located in Boonsboro is seeking an interim pastor starting for approximately 6 months and could lead into a permanent part-time position. The responsibilities include preaching, pastoral care, and assisting the congregation.  First Christian Church is open to clergy from denominations not affiliated with the Disciples of Christ for the interim position. If interested, contact Richard Riddle, Chairperson at 410-227-7374 or call Tammy Walker, Church Secretary at 240-625-1886.
Blessing Box
First Christian Church of Boonsboro, 12 A St. Paul Street will have a blessing box and will be located on the church's front porch.
Volunteers wanted for HARC Hike - June 4
The HARC Hike for Hunger & Hope is fast approaching - Saturday, June 4 - and we could use some extra hands to help out on hike day. Our volunteer needs are the following: help with set up, serving, and clean-up of the celebration & lunch (shifts 8-10:30 and 10:30-2), and someone with an SUV/minivan to transport hikers to their vehicles, as needed. If you can help, please contact Kathy at 301-842-4272 / [email protected]There's also still time to register for this event! Visit our website for details.
Host Family Recruitment
Broadfording Christian Academy is looking for individuals and families to join our host family program. Since 2010, this ministry has welcomed international students, grades 6-12, from over 20 countries around the world. A host family is someone willing to share their food, family, and faith with an international student. Hosting options range from school year, semester, summer, or respite. Monthly stipend available. Application, home visit, and background check required for placement. Submit inquiries by email: [email protected] or by phone: 301-797-8886. Let's reach the world together! Host Family FAQs
“Do you have contracting experience? If so, let’s talk!"
United Way’s Day of Caring event relies on skilled volunteers during the planning stages. Right now, they are in need of volunteers to review project requests prior to event day in September. Typical volunteer site contractors will visit the location of a resident or nonprofit organization, review the nature of the request, assess the estimated level of skill, associated costs, and quantity of volunteers needed to meet the scope of the request. They will determine if the request can move forward to be paired to a fitting volunteer team. To express interest, please email Jocelyn Hauer, Director of Engagement, [email protected], or by calling 301-739-8200 x 103.
Pop-Up-Pantry - May 18
Wednesday, May 18, 2:30 - 4:30 pm
St. Mark's Lutheran Church Parking Lot
601 Washington Avenue, Hagerstown

The Hagerstown Lions Club will hold a Pop-Up-Pantry on the parking lot at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Wednesday, May 18, 2:30 - 4:30 pm, or until all are distributed. These are drive-through events open to the public. Lions will be distributing 20 lb cartons of fresh fruit/vegetables to each vehicle as they come through.  
A Conversation with Maia Szalavitz - May 19
Thursday, May 19, 6:00 pm
Washington County Library
100 S. Potomac Street, Hagerstown

Join the Washington County Health Department and Recovery Oriented Systems of Care for A Conversation with Maia Szalavitz, Award Winning Neuroscience Author, Journalist and Mental Health Advocate and the Author of the recently released "Undoing Drugs; The Untold Story of Harm Reduction and the Future of Addiction". Questions? Call 240-313-3310. Flyer.
Installation of Rabbi Mark Perman - May 27 - RSVP by May 20
Friday, May 27, 7:30 pm
Congregation B'nai Abraham
53 E. Baltimore Street, Hagerstown

Installation of Rabbi Mark Perman. Oneg (festive gathering) following service. Anyone planning to attend to RSVP by May 20 to [email protected] or 301-733-5039. Flyer.
Symphonic Brass Ensemble - May 21
Saturday, May 21, 4:00 - 6:30 pm
Trinity Lutheran Church, 15 Randolph Avenue, Hagerstown
 
With Brass and Pipes
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hagerstown is pleased to announce a concert with the Maryland Symphony Orchestra Symphonic Brass Ensemble and guest organist Christopher Schroeder from Grace United Methodist Church, Baltimore, MD. Musical selections will feature works from Bach, Gabrieli, Richard Strauss and Purcell. This being a ticketed event, premium seating is $40.00, general admission is $20.00, children under 12 free. Read more information.
Evening Prayer Services
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 5:30 pm
Saint John's Episcopal Church
101 S. Prospect, Hagerstown

Saint John's Episcopal Church holds an Evening Prayer service at 5:30 pm on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Enter through the open door in the breezeway. Everyone welcome.
Prayer Meeting for our Nation & Region - May 26
Thursday, May 26, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Brooke's House Coffee & Chocolates
1083 Maryland Ave (in South Side Shopping Center), Hagerstown

Join Pastor Brett McCoy and Pastor Greg Winslow (https://www.hiddenmannaministries.org) for a prayer meeting as Christians unite by birth right, not denomination, in Christ Jesus to lift our nation and region in prayer. See Facebook event for more info.
HARC Hike for Hunger & Hope - June 4
Main Hike: Saturday, June 4
4K, 10K, half marathon hikes on C&O Towpath
Challenge Hike: Saturday, June 11
20-mile hike on the Appalachian Trail

This is HARC's largest FUNdraiser of the year, and an opportunity to get out and enjoy the beautiful outdoors, fellowship and fun, while raising funds for HARC and Micah's Backpack. Please consider participating, sponsoring, and/or sharing information in your congregation and circles. More info here
Free Adult Mental Health First Aid Course - June 10
Friday, June 10, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Brook Lane Main Campus          
Community Room
13121 Brook Lane, Hagerstown
 
The Adult Mental Health First Aid course is an 8-hour program appropriate for anyone 18 years and older who wants to learn how to help a person who may be experiencing a mental health related crisis or problem. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, psychosis, and addictions. The adult course teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help an individual in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Mental Health First Aid uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis, select interventions and provide initial help; and connect people to professional, peer, social, and self-help care. Questions: 301-733-0331 x1228 or [email protected]. Visit www.brooklane.org current events to register.
Save the Date! Corn Hole Toss - June 12
Sunday, June 12, 12:00 pm
First Christian Church
12 A St. Paul Street, Boonsboro, MD

First Christian Church of Boonsboro will be holding a corn hole toss (with light refreshments). They are located across from the fire department.
Save the Date! Free Organ Concert - June 19
Sunday, June 19, 4:00 pm
John Wesley United Methodist Church
129 N. Potomac Street, Hagerstown

John Wesley United Methodist Church invites you to join them for a relaxing afternoon of organ music by Dr. Jonathan Giblin, former Organist and Director of Music for John Wesley UMC from 2010 – 2013. The concert is free and a reception will follow the performance. A freewill offering will be accepted to help defray the cost of the concert.  301-733-0391. Flyer.
Save the Date! Senior Expo - July 28
Thursday, July 28, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Otterbein United Methodist Church Parking Lot
108 E. Franklin Street, Hagerstown

Washington County Cares Senior Expo. Vendors will provide information regarding the services they offer as well as applications for benefits. Bingo on the hour with Prizes! Free Health Screenings! Flyer
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          
Executive Director
                  
David Brechbiel
News Flash Editor
P.O. Box 1158
Hagerstown, MD 21740
(301) 842 4272