NEWS FLASH
August 10, 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

Wonderous Source of innovation
May you take the words of our ancient faiths as being a single voice:
Of hope…of wisdom…of courage.
We would dare to build together a world that rejoices.
Be with us that this may be so.  Amen.
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 August 11 - 17.
Iran steps up persecution of its Baha’i minority
By Debbie Mohnblatt/Media Line
The Jerusalem Post

"The Baha’i community in Iran, the country’s largest religious minority, is suffering escalated persecution in the aftermath of the arrest of several members, accused by the government of spying for Israel." Read more.
Please join us in praying for the Baha'i people in Iran!
 Click here for additional news from Baha'i World News Service. 
"Youth Ministries & Teen Texting"
by Brotherhood Mutual
 
"Communicating with youth means meeting them where they live: their phones. Engagement through social media apps and texting is a sure-fire way to reach youth in your ministry. But it can also lead to grooming and abuse. Does your youth texting policy address consent, expectations, and education? A well-followed policy allows for communication while helping to limit liability and harm."  Read more
Male Mentors wanted! 
Big Brothers Big Sisters has 29 boys waiting to be matched with a Big Brother! They are asking for the community's help in spreading the word about the need for male volunteers. Their team has set a goal to match all these boys within the next 60 days, but they can't do this without you! The journey to becoming a Big is easy. Contact Alicia Taluskie at [email protected] 301.375.0939 to learn more. Houses of worship: Please publicize in your bulletins, newsletters, or other communications.
Health & Wellness Fest - August 11
Thursday, August 11, 4:30 - 7:00 pm
Family Healthcare of Hagerstown
201 S. Cleveland Avenue, Hagerstown

Health screenings, health education, giveaways, food, cooking demonstrations, activities for all ages. This is an early United Way Day of Caring event. See flyer.
Personal Care & Baby Supply Drives - Now through September 12
In partnership with Community Action Council, United Way is supporting the basic needs of vulnerable individuals in our community. Prior to the Day of Caring, items will be collected at various locations across the county.  During the Day of Caring, volunteers will sort and package care kits for distribution in local shelters. See flyer for more info.  Another satellite Day of Caring event is the 3rd annual Community Baby Drive in partnership with Carson Wealth Management Group and Family Healthcare of Hagerstown. See flyer for more info.
Back to School Block Party - August 13
Saturday, August 13, 3:00 - 5:00 pm
Zion Reformed UCC Parking Lot
201 N. Potomac Street, Hagerstown

Join Zion Reformed UCC in their parking lot for lots of fun, food, and games. All the children and youth that attend will receive a bag full of school supplies. Contact 301-739-7244 / [email protected] for more information.
Free Community Day Event - August 14
Sunday, August 14, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Washington County Museum of Fine Arts
401 Museum Drive, Hagerstown

Celebrate Allure of the Near East: Treasures from the Huntington Museum of Art a culturally themed with a Community Day at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. Activities begin at 1 pm, with an Interfaith discussion in the gallery; from 2 to 4 pm, learn about the sitar and enjoy live performances and demonstrations by Sitar Niketan; and at 2:30 pm join Museum Director Sarah Hall in the galleries for a Director's Highlight tour. Throughout the day kids can make and take a Near Eastern-inspired project with Samir Razzak. Facebook Event page .
Food Drop - August 16
Tuesday, August 16, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Otterbein United Methodist Church Parking Lot
(Corner of E. Franklin and N. Locust)
108 E. Franklin Street, Hagerstown

This is a one-time, food “drop” for our neighborhood. Suggest you bring sturdy grocery type tote bags to carry your food/produce home. 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. Flyer.
Free Outdoor Movie Night - "The Greatest Showman" - August 19
Friday, August 19, 8:30 pm
Rehoboth United Methodist Church
16829 Lappans Road, Williamsport, MD

Rehoboth United Methodist Church is having a free Outdoor Movie Night on Friday, August 19. The movie "The Greatest Showman" will be shown on their 25-foot screen and will begin at approximately 8:30 PM. Please see the flyer for more information.
Sunset Hike - August 23
Tuesday, August 23, 5:30 pm
Unity of Hagerstown
18313 Lappans Road, Boonsboro, MD

Unity of Hagerstown is planning a sunset hike to Annapolis Rocks, Tues., Aug. 23 at 5:30 pm.. The easy path is about 2.5 miles one way and sunset is at 7:56 pm. Meet at the parking lot on Rt 40 at 5:30 pm. And bring a meal for a mountaintop dinner, if you like. And don't forget the flashlights and head lamps for easy walk back down. For more info and to let us know you'll be coming- [email protected]
Interfaith Progressive Dinner - September 11
Sunday, September 11, 5:00 - 9:00 pm
Zion UCC, Congregation B'Nai Abraham, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Islamic Society of Western MD mosque

We will remember the events of 9-11, and celebrate the International Day of Peace with hope in our interfaith relationships. To honor this day, an Interfaith Progressive Dinner will be held at four different local houses of worship. One part of the meal — appetizers, soup/salad, entree, desserts — will be served at each location as we progressively move as one group from place to place. This is an opportunity to learn about different faith traditions, sample spiritually and culturally relevant foods, remember 9-11, celebrate the International Day of Peace, and build Community. $20 donation per person. Buy 4 tickets, get 1 FREE. Event is limited to a 100 people. Learn more and get tickets
T’ai Chi Classes Resume - September 14
Wednesday, September 14, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Otterbein United Methodist Church

Come and experience T’ai Chi at Otterbein. Classes will resume in the fall of 2022 on Wednesdays, 5:00-6:00 pm. The start date is yet to be determined but anticipated for September 14th.  We are recommending a $5.00 donation per class to help pay our instructor. All ages are welcome. To register, sign up on-line or call the church office: 301-739-9385. More information about the classes and instructor, Paul Cote, are included in the flyer.
Parish Nursing Course Coming This Fall: Sept. 23, 24, and Oct. 14, 15
Have you heard of Parish Nursing or Faith Community Nursing? It’s an exciting opportunity for congregations of all faiths to expand programming related to health and wellness. Registered Nurses (RNs) lead this ministry by being a health educator, a caring presence, a referral source for health resources in the community, and an integrator of faith and health. For RNs or Clergy interested in this ministry sponsored by Meritus Health, our course is planned for September 23, 24, and October 14, 15, 2022 at Otterbein United Methodist Church.  Click here for an informational brochure and click here to download the registration form. Questions? Contact Wendy Zimmerman, Program Manager.
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