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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As long as the soul is within me
I thankfully acknowledge You
O Lord my God and God of my fathers
Master of all deeds,
Lord of all souls
Blessed are You, O Lord, who restores souls.
Jewish: The Talmud
- (Thanks to Reverend Valerie Wills, Interfaith Coalition. for providing this prayer)
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'We really do need to put our faith into action:' Rector retires from full-time ministry
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Story and picture by Mike Lewis
The Herald-Mail
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New Reach executive director has a history of helping the homeless
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by Dave Rhodes
The Herald-Mail
"A homeless drug addict found her way to college and employment through the programs offered by Reach of Washington County. A man who became homeless after his mother died found full-time work through Reach and eventually took a seat on its board of directors. Those are some of the rewards of serving with an organization that helps the homeless to recover and the impoverished to avoid becoming homeless, according to Jeannie Asbury, its new executive director. " Read more
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Doleman Black Heritage Museum Inaugural Juneteenth Celebration and Believers Unity Walk - June 18 & 19
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Speakers & Entertainment Friday, June 18, 5-9:30 pm
and Believer's Unity Walk Saturday, June 19 at 9:00 am (gathering 8:30 am, opening prayer 8:55 am); followed by all-day events
Both at University Plaza
50 W. Washington St., Hagerstown
The two-day event celebrates the historical significance of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in ending slavery and promotes unity through cultural inclusion and nonprofit resource outreach in the community. Learn more about Friday. Learn more about Saturday.
HARC and HARC's Racial Justice Team supports these events. Clergy and faith community members are especially encouraged to participate in Saturday's Believer's Unity Walk. Let's show our UNITY as people of faith.
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The Real History of Juneteenth
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by Sam Blum
Lifehacker
"Many of America’s most venerable traditions commemorate our country’s slow march away from its past. It’s a national history heavily defined by slavery, the stains of which still resonate today. The 19th century was, in some ways, when this country’s nascent trajectory veered from the path of barbarism toward something closer to ostensible equality. One of the most seminal days in that journey was June 19, 1865, known for over a century as Juneteenth." Read more
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Street closures - June 18
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On the evening of Friday, June 18th, the Hagerstown Downtown Criterium bicycle race will be held on streets in the City Center. The race route consists of a loop on portions of W. Washington Street, S. Potomac Street, W. Baltimore Street, Hood Street, and Summit Avenue; the race route will be closed to all vehicular traffic during the event, and detour plans will be implemented to direct traffic around the closures. The linked map (click on picture) shows the race route and the proposed street closures and detours. The affected streets will close to traffic at 5:00 PM, and are expected to be reopened to traffic by approximately 10:30 PM.
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Saturday, June 19 starting at 3:00 pm
Zion Reformed UCC (in the parking lot)
201 N. Potomac Street, Hagerstown
All are welcome!!! Hot dogs, games, crafts, music, and more! Bring your family and friends! 301-739-7244, www.zionreformed.church
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Saturday, June 19, 10 am - 2 pm (rain date is June 26)
Trinity Lutheran Church (rear parking lot)
64 South Main Street Boonsboro
Books for all ages and of all genres are free, but a donation to support Micah’s Backpack is most appreciated. Micah’s Backpack addresses children's hunger by partnering with local schools to provide direct assistance to students and families who qualify for the free meal program. The event offers an opportunity to get out, mingle with your neighbors and support this important work of combating food insecurity in our region. The sale will be outdoors, masks are at your discretion.
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FREE Covid-19 Vaccination Clinic in Dargan - June 17
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Thursday, June 17, 9:30 am - 3 pm
Potomac Valley Fire Company
2202 Dargan School Rd, Sharpsburg (Dargan)
Ages 18 and older, Johnson & Johnson (Janssen): This is a 1 dose vaccine and is proven to be 85% effective at preventing severe illness. Walk-ins welcome or you can register for your appointment by clicking the link here or calling 240-313-3456. Flyer to post and share
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CAC helping with rent and utilities
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The Washington County Community Action Council, Inc. is now accepting applications for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program. The program will help Washington County residents who are struggling to make payments on their rent and utilities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic impact. The goal of the program is to promote housing stability. Assistance can be used for rental arrears, prospective rental payments, public and private utility and home energy arrears, prospective utility and home energy costs, and other housing-related expenses. Residents who wish to apply for this assistance should contact the Washington County Community Action Council at 301-797-4161or visit their website http://www.wccac.org/.
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Washcloths for Wellness seeks help and service
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Washcloths for Wellness would love your help knitting and crocheting washcloths, donating soap, or donating funds for this project. 100% of financial donations is used for supplies of yarn and soap. For every dollar donated, one washcloth and one bar of soap is given to someone in need. Everyone deserves a
clean start! WFW is blessed to support local organizations such as Reach, The Salvation Army and The Rescue Mission. More info: visit the website or contact Denise Kelly at [email protected] / 240-291-2977. Brochure
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Register now and spread the word! HARC Hike for Hunger & Hope
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Main Hike: Saturday, September 11
Shepherd's Spring Outdoor Retreat Center
Challenge Hike: Saturday, September 25
Appalachian Trail starting at Pen Mar Park
Virtual Hike: September 4 - September 11
Come out on September 11 and enjoy a 4K, 10K, or half marathon hike on the beautiful C&O Canal Towpath to support HARC and Micah's Backpack! Fully supported hike with fun features for families, snacks and drinks along the way, and a delicious lunch celebration at the end. This year we will also celebrate 20 years of interfaith work that came out of the tragedy of 9-11. Towpath not challenging enough? Join our 20-mile Challenge Hike on September 25 on the Appalachian Trail. Learn more
Sponsorships wanted! Support this event and our work with Micah's and more - Sponsor Form
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VBS and summer children's/family programs; Info wanted for July & August
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Vacation bible School programs will be held this coming week at St. John's Episcopal Church. Click on the link below to view the calendar of Family Friendly Summer Activities for June 2021 (or go to our website anytime to find the latest version.) Calendars for July and August will be developed as information becomes available.
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Meals on Wheels Volunteers Wanted
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Meals on Wheels of Washington County is in need of volunteers to deliver a hot noon-time meal to medically home-bound seniors throughout Washington County. Volunteers are needed every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:30am – 12:30pm in various locations throughout Washington County, Maryland. If you are interested or would like more information please email Susan at [email protected]. Thank you in advance for making time to Help Us Help Your Neighbors! Flyer
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Bikes for the World Collection - June 26
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Saturday, June 26, 9 am - 12 noon
Otterbein United Methodist Church
108 East Franklin Street, Hagerstown
Put your old bike or sewing machine to good use. Help someone get to work, school, and health services. More info/flyer.
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Interfaith Calendar for June 17-23
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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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Collect books for children's literacy - Community Book Drive!
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We are once again collecting books for children's literacy efforts through the 9th Annual Community Book Drive, and we need your help! This is a community-wide effort to collect new and used books for children ages birth to eleven. We especially need books that reflect the diverse population of Washington County. Books will be collected by businesses, communities of faith, individuals, government and non-profit agencies August 1 - September 13, then sorted and counted on the United Way Day of Caring September 16. Books will be distributed to vulnerable children throughout Washington County to help with literacy and school readiness. Collecting books is FUN and EASY. If your church, faith community, organization or business would like to help with this effort, contact Kathy at [email protected] or 301-842-4272. The Community Book Drive is a partnership of the Hagerstown Area Religious Council, United Way of Washington County, The Hagerstown Rotary Club, and Bester Community of Hope. Learn more on the HARC website.
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2 Agricultural Grants for young adults
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Applications are now available for two annual grants through a qualifying organization to support a young adult (ages 16-21) who is a member of FFA and/or 4-H from Washington County, Maryland or the surrounding area, who is pursuing an agricultural endeavor. Visit the Community Foundation website to learn more about the Gene Wiles Memorial Fund and the Kevin Barkdoll Livestock Memorial Fund.
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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
Executive Director
Hagerstown Area Religious Council
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P.O. Box 1158
Hagerstown, MD 21740
(301) 842 4272
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