Leading Ideas Talks Podcast

Lewis Center for Church Leadership

"How can an improv comedy show explore the intersection of faith and real life in community? In this engaging episode, we speak with Katie Phillips about how Improv Church offers creative ways for engaging people in worship." Listen.

Tuesday, Jan. 14, 12:00 - 2:00 pm

St. Ann Catholic Church

1525 Oak Hill Avenue, Hagerstown

All members and affiliates are requested to attend our annual meeting! Representatives of other houses of worship and community members are welcome as well. We’ll conduct some business – voting on the 2025 budget and electing new board members and officers – and we’ll spend a little time reviewing our strategic plan and gathering input from YOU. We will focus on ways we are living out God’s love and seek guidance on how we can continue to do so in our work together in the coming year. Join us also in thanking outgoing President Rev. Chris Serufusa and Secretary Kelly Conrad, who have helped to shape this work, and welcoming our incoming President Rabbi Mark Perman, Vice President Rev. Les McIntosh, and Secretary Charlotte Trout. And we’ll thank Mike Johnston for the blessing of God’s Grace Fund’s generosity in 2024 and commitment for 2025. RSVP requested by Fri., Jan. 10 at noon so we can get a count for lunch and other activities.

HARC is working in partnership with the City of Hagerstown to identify agencies who will be open and need volunteers on Monday, January 20, 2025, in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. It is our goal to encourage the public to participate in a Day of Service and to volunteer at our existing non-profits and/or houses of worship throughout the downtown area. If your organization or house of worship can take volunteers on that day, please respond this email with the following information: location, time, number of volunteers needed, and activity/description.

If you can let us know as soon as possible regarding volunteer opportunities, that would be great. We would like to push this out to the public early next week. Please sent your info to Kathy Powderly at director@harccoalition.org. 

Thursday, Jan. 9, 7:00 - 7:30 pm

Washington County Health Department

Online Info Session

The FREE National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) is a 12-month evidence-based lifestyle change program delivered virtually via your mobile phone or computer through the HALT Diabetes Platform. It can help people cut their risk of developing type 2 diabetes in half. Participants work with a lifestyle coach in a group setting to receive a 1-year lifestyle change program that meets weekly for 16 weeks (core), then once a month for 6 months (post-core). (Online program begins on Mon., Jan. 13, then meetings begin Thurs., Jan. 16, from 7-7:30 pm and continue weekly for 16-18 sessions. Followed by monthly sessions for 6 months.) More info and Registration form. Contact: Lindsay Ridenour, 240-313- 3302; Email: lindsay.ridenour@maryland.gov

Fridays, Jan. 10 – Feb. 14, 1:00 - 3:30 pm

Senior Activities Center

535 E. Franklin Street, Hagerstown

Do you have diabetes or have you been diagnosed with prediabetes? If so, consider attending the Living Well with Diabetes program. During this six week program you will work with trained facilitators to develop the tools you need to assist you in managing your diabetes or prediabetes. During the six week program they will be leading discussions in the following topics and more: healthy eating/menu planning, physical activity, addressing high/low blood sugar, preventing complications, dealing with difficult emotions, action planning. For more information or to register, please call Kim at 301-790-0275. Flyer.

Workshop - Saturday, Jan. 11, 1:00 - 4:00 pm

Meeting - Monday, Jan. 20, 5:30 - 7:00 pm

Foxville School House

14814 Foxville-Deerfield Road, Sabillasville, MD

A Dream Journal-Making Workshop will be held at Foxville School House on Jan. 11. Materials will be supplied. $25 materials fee. For information, call Pastor Julie Brigham at 240-405-2173. Find them on Mount Moriahs Facebook Page and St. Pauls Facebook Page. / Dream Group Meeting will be held at the Foxville School House on Jan. 20. Dreams are one of the ways God's Word is revealed in the Bible. What might your dreams reveal about your Soul's conversation with God. Learn more about dreams and how we can support one another in a community of dream work. Pastor Julie Brigham leads the group and has trained through the Haden Institute. For information, call 240-405-2173.

Sunday, January 12, 12:30 pm

Concordia Lutheran Church - Outreach Center

17906 Garden Lane, Hagerstown, MD

Annual "Great Bowls of Fire" Chili Cook-Off Youth Fundraiser. Fundraiser for our young people to attend the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans in July. People can purchase voting tickets to vote for the best tasting chili. For more information, contact: Tim Buss, dcetimbuss@gmail.com. Event webpage.

Monday, January 13, 7:00 pm

St. John’s Episcopal Church

101 S. Prospect Street, Hagerstown

Do you find yourself wondering why the world seems crazy? Do you question the truth and what is YOUR truth? Do you find that big, complex ideas baffle your mind? Perhaps you are not alone. Join this discussion group to explore some important issues with others who are also on a journey for insight and understanding life’s moral and ethical dilemmas. January discussions led by Rev. D. Stuart Dunnan. Flyer with more details.

Tai Chi - 7 wks starting Tuesday, January 14, Beginning: 5:00 pm; Intermediate: 5:45 pm

Chair Yoga - 7 wks starting Thursday, January 16, 11:00 am

Otterbein United Methodist Church

108 E. Franklin Street, Hagerstown



Tai Chi classes resume on Jan. 14 with two levels offered. Instructor: Paul Cote. (Flyer) Register on-line (for both Tai Chi events) or contact Kate in the church office: office@otterumc.org / 301-739-9386.

Chair Yoga classes resume on Jan. 16. Instructor: Jane Baer. (Flyer) Register on-line or contact Kate in the church office (info above).

Saturday, January 18, 9:30 am

Hagerstown Community College

11400 Robinwood Drive, Hagerstown

This six-month continuing education series is designed for leaders interested in growing their leadership skills. The series is made of up of three (3) courses created to develop the skills needed to lead ethically and morally, with an emphasis on faith-based values developed through scripture. Topics include understanding gender differences and leading in male-dominated fields, decision-making, values alignment, communication, time management, conflict resolution, self-advocacy, and organizational development. $450 (6 months); $150 (2 months). Deadline for RSVP: Fri., Jan. 17. Website Link. Info Contact: Paul Shadae, spaul@cornerstoneforwomenleaders.com

Saturday, January 18, 4:30 pm

Trinity Lutheran Church (Fellowship Hall)

15 Randolph Avenue, Hagerstown

All are invited to a free pork & sauerkraut dinner with sides and dessert at Trinity Lutheran Church. Enter using the door to Fellowship Hall off the parking lot behind the church at 15 Randolph Ave. The dinner is sponsored by the Trinity Lutheran Church Outreach Program. A free-will offering will be accepted. All are invited and welcome! Info: office@tlchag.org or 301-733-2878. Flyer.

Monday, January 20, 9:00 am

VIRTUAL at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA

Sponsored by and live-streamed at www.thekingcenter.org. Established in 1968 by Coretta Scott King, the MLK, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change (“The King Center”) empowers people to create a just, humane, equitable, and peaceful world. Participate in the annual service honoring Dr. King’s birthday.

Thursday, Jan. 23, 2:30 - 4:00 pm

Hagerstown Community College

Starting and ending at the Student Center

Take an active role in keeping Dr. King’s message alive by participating in a short ceremony followed by a walk through campus. Beginning in the Student Center, participants will embark on a reflective journey around campus with brief stops to dive deeper into Dr. King’s vision while taking a break from the winter chill. Learn more on HCC's website about this and other celebrations/ learning opportunities during the week of MLK Day. Campus map

Monday, Jan. 27, 5:00 - 7:00 pm

Smithsburg Library (Community Room)

66 W. Water Street, Smithsburg, MD

Want to invest in your local community, but don't know where to begin? The Literacy Council of Washington County can help! Come for a "taste" test of tutoring. Literacy Council volunteers will be manning hors d'oeuvres stations. Feel free to sample their wares (vote for your favorite), chat with the "chefs" about the adult tutoring services LCWC provides, and perhaps sign up to start the tutoring journey yourself! Questions? Email Office@LiteracyOfWCMD.org. Flyer.