June 22, 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
The stars…
The grasses…
The children with children in their arms…
May we each embrace this holy truth:
We are not alone.
Our lives are shared moments.
May we be each other’s holy poetry and prayer.
Amen.  Blessed be.
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 June 23 to 29.
DeVon Franklin: It Takes a Village
By Heather Thompson Day
Christianity Today
PODCAST

"In this episode Heather and DeVon talk about his experience being raised one of three sons with a “village” of women supporting him after his father’s untimely death. DeVon also shares what he believes are some of the fair criticisms of Christianity, while encouraging people to follow after the model set before them in the life of Jesus Christ." Listen and read more.
HARC Hike for Hunger & Hope Raises $24,000
This year HARC held our 10th annual HARC Hike for Hunger & Hope, raising funds for HARC and the Micah’s Backpack program. On Saturday, June 4, local and regional hikers participated in the main HARC Hike, walking or running 4K, 10K or half-marathon distances on the C&O Canal Towpath OR doing a “Virtual Hike” at a time and place of their choosing. It was a beautiful, cool day and we were so grateful! Then a week later, on June 11, another group of hardy individuals hiked 23 miles on the Appalachian Trail for the HARC Challenge Hike. This hike took 12 hours to complete and included rocky, uneven ground with steep climbs and descents. The event exceeded a goal of $24,000 in proceeds. Read more.
Washington Recovers Resilience Speaker - June 24
Friday, June 24, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
University Plaza
50 W. Washington Street, Hagerstown

Bring your chair, bean bag, coffee, frisbee, soda, popcorn, nerf ball, or lunch on Friday, June 24 as the Washington County Health Department Division of Behavioral Health Services are excited to have Philip Scolaro sharing his story. This event is held rain (indoors) or shine (outdoors). Please grab your folding chair and come hear this man's journey. If you have any questions please call David Washington at 240-313-3310. Flyer.
Food Truck Party - June 26 - June 30
Sunday, June 26 - Thursday, June 30 - 4:00 - 6:00 pm
First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
1345 Potomac Avenue, Hagerstown

The Food Trucks are for all to enjoy at their own expense. Bring lawn chairs and/or blankets to enjoy your dinner on the lawn. Children registered and attending our VBS will enjoy dinner and dessert at no cost. More info: Dianna, Church Office, 301.733.0144. Schedule: Sunday, June 26: Salsa Mama and Trey’s Sweets & Treats; Monday, June 27: Diego’s World and Tuckers Pucker; Tuesday, June 28: Bentwood Smokers and Tuckers Pucker; Wednesday, June 29: Old Fireman’s BBQ and Trey’s Sweet & Treats; Thursday, June 30: Boondok’s BBQ and Trey’s Sweets & Treats
Pastor Breakfast - July 6 (RSVP by June 27)
Wednesday, July 6, 9:00 - 11:00 am
Homewood at Williamsport Community Center Chapel
16505 Virginia Avenue, Williamsport, MD
 
Join us for fellowship, networking and a delicious breakfast. RSVP by June 27 to Rachel Nichols, 301-582-6839, [email protected]Flyer.
Save the Date! Parking Lot Movie Night - July 16
Saturday, July 6, 7:30 pm
Zion Reformed UCC
201 N. Potomac Street, Hagerstown

Zion Reformed UCC will be showing Disney’s award-winning movie Encanto in their parking lot. There will be snacks, popcorn, and more. Contact them for more information at 301-739-7244 / [email protected].
Save the Date! An Evening of Musical Worship with National Christian Choir - July 24
Sunday, July 24 - 6:00 pm
Saint Ann Catholic Church

Saint Ann Catholic Church and The National Christian Choir presents an evening of musical worship! Admission is free. Seating will be available beginning at 5:00 pm. The Choir is an auditioned choir of 100+ members whose mission is “to glorify God through a unique ministry of music which draws people into a new and deeper relationship with Him.” Singers come from over 100 different churches within a 5-state region surrounding and including Washington DC. Flyer.
Save the Date! Back to School Block Party - August 13
Saturday, August 13, 3:00 - 5:00 pm
Zion Reformed UCC
201 N. Potomac Street, Hagerstown

Zion Reformed UCC will be hosting a Back to School Block Party in their parking lot, Join them for lots of fun, food, and games. All the kids that attend will receive a bag full of school supplies. Contact them for more information at 301-739-7244 / [email protected].
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
Election Volunteers Needed
The W.C. Board of Elections needs over 200 additional volunteers to assist with the upcoming Primary and General Elections. Each Election Worker is provided with training that is comprehensive, well done, and understandable. Stipends are paid for the training and the days you work. This year they have two Early Voting sites AND ALL their regular voting sites. To volunteer for Election Judge positions, go to  https://www.washco-mdelections.org/become-an-election-judgeSee training schedule. THEY NEED YOU NOW!!
Info wanted for July & August VBS and other children's activities
HARC is once again working with area congregations and organizations to put together VBS and Children's Summer Activity Calendars. Here is the calendars for June 2022, July 2022, and August 2022 (or go to our website anytime to find the latest version).  Please send information on your programs ASAP so they can be included to Charlotte at [email protected].
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