Ep. 156 ft. Mahogany Thomas

Lewis Center for Church Leadership

"How can congregations cultivate fruitful partnerships with nonprofits that promote human flourishing and abundance? In this episode we with Mahogany Thomas, chief program officer of Bread for the City, about building partnerships to meet the needs in your community." Podcast.

Tuesday, November 12, 12:00 - 1:30 pm

Zion Reformed UCC

201 N. Potomac Street, Hagerstown



This month's program is the HARC Lighthouse After-School Program, developed to serve a need for fun educational and enrichment opportunities for children after the school day ends. This program is a collaboration of several HARC member houses of worship (more are wanted!) and Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) that kicked off in September 2024. Meet our new Program Coordinator, hear from the WCPS Community Schools Coordinator, and learn ways that you and/or your congregation can help with this important program. Please RSVP by Friday, November 8 at noon. More info and parking

Sunday, November 24, 4:00 - 5:00 pm

Benevola United Methodist Church

19925 Benevola Church Road, Boonsboro, MD

Please join us for this uplifting service featuring Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Baha’i, and Native American faith traditions. This service is free and open to the public. It will be a unique service: the first half will have no music, and the second half will be filled with music. This is to honor the preferences of our different faith traditions. A Community Choir will be featured - would you like to participate? If so, please arrive at the church by 2:45 pm. Everyone is invited to stay for a reception following the service! A free-will offering will be taken at the door of non-perishable food, cleaning & paper supplies, personal hygiene products, and monetary donations for Katie’s Cupboard, Benevola UMC’s food pantry. Flyer and bulletin inserts - please share

The Salvation Army is seeking a Housing Monitor as a key employee to assist in reopening their shelter for women and families. This is a temporary, part-time position that pays $15-$16.50 per hour, Key responsibilities are: Monitor the activity of program participants on an assigned shift ensuring safety, security, and compliance to Shelter rules; Maintains accurate and complete records and logs containing information; Ensure that the Shelter is maintained in a neat and proper order. Learn more and apply on their website by October 31.

Haven Lutheran Church is seeking a part time Church Secretary, M-F, 9AM to 1PM, (20 hours) with some flexibility per week. Professional demeanor necessary as you will be the first point of contact with visitors and members to our church office. Self motivated, attention to details, organized and flexible. Computer skills a must, be comfortable working in a church office environment. For more information visit our website at www.havenlc.org/about-us/job-opportunities for all the details; OR you may email a Cover letter and resume to havenoffice@havenlc.org; OR fax those same items to (301-733-8725) no later than Oct 31st, attention: Personnel Committee.

Do you have a heart for ensuring children don't go hungry? Micah's Backpack, a collaborative program where bags of food are provided for children to take home each weekend of the school year, is greatly in need of sponsoring churches/faith groups/any group that wants to help! This would mean providing bags weekly with our support. The school year has started off with more children in need of the program than anticipated at several schools, and they now have waiting lists to add children to the program. Current sponsoring churches are already spread thin, so we need more help. We even have funding to hep you do it financially! If you are interested, or would like more information, please contact Kathy at 301-842-4272 or director@harccoalition.org. Thank you for considering this important ministry!!

St. Ann Church is seeking a part-time (5-10 hours/week, flexible schedule) Facilities Assistant for weekly classroom and multi-purpose room set-ups and maintenance for parish events and activities. For more information contact David Matera, Director of Operations at 301-733-0410 ext. 102 or dmatera@stannchurch.com. Candidates must be able to handle physical workload (lifting and moving tables, chairs, etc.) with some evening and weekend availability.

Thursdays, October 24 - November 24, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Otterbein United Methodist Church

108 E. Franklin Street, Hagerstown

Otterbein UMC is hosting a new session of Chair Yoga beginning on Thursday, October 24. The series will run for 5 weeks, concluding on November 21. They will meet in the OUMC auditorium. The cost is $25.00 ($5.00/session). Scholarships are available upon request. Register on-line: https://otterumc.org/chairyoga, or e-mail Kate in the church office: office@otterumc.org or call 301-739-9386. Flyer.

Friday, October 25, 8:30 am

Robert W. Johnson Community Center

109 W. North Avenue,Hagerstown

Volunteers are needed every 4th Friday of the month. The Pantry on the Go food drop serves the community fresh fruits and vegetables. Volunteers begin packing boxes at 8:30 am. Food distribution begins at 10:00 am. RWJCC welcomes volunteers for all its activities. Flyer. Facebook / Website. Contact info: ej@rwjcc.org or 301-790-0203.

Friday, October 25, 5:00 - 7:00 pm

Bethel United Methodist Church 

21006 Twin Springs Drive, Smithsburg, MD

Trunk or Treat with Bethel Church, New Beginnings Church and the Chewsville Lions Club in a Halloween event for all ages. Free hot dogs, popcorn and drinks. Costume contest at 6:30 pm. Download a flyer.

Saturday, October 26, 9:30 am

Washington Monument State Park

6620 Zittlestown Road, Middletown, MD

Every year, Prime Time for Women honors the incredible legacy of Grandma Gatewood, the first woman to solo thru-hike the Appalachian Trail at 67 years old! She didn’t let anything hold her back, overcoming domestic violence and the expectations of others to conquer 2,091 miles from Georgia to Maine. Now it’s your turn to embrace that same spirit of adventure! Choose from a variety of hikes tailored to all skill levels, explore the stunning autumn foliage, make new connections, and be inspired by the legacy of Grandma Gatewood. A portion of the proceeds will support The Elder Group, a nonprofit dedicated to ending elder abuse and providing essential services to seniors and displaced persons. Grandma Gatewood Web page. / Prime Time For Women Website. (P.S. Men and children are welcome to join too!)

Saturday, October 26, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Washington County Health Department

925 N. Burhans Blvd., Hagerstown

National Drug Take Back Day is coming up on Saturday, October 26. This is a great opportunity to safely dispose of any unused or expired medications and help prevent substance misuse in our community. Info: 240-313-3310, TTY 1-800-552-7724, WASHCOHEALTH.ORG Flyer.

Saturday, October 26

John Wesley United Methodist Church

129 N. Potomac Street, Hagerstown

Don't forget to reserve your spot in front of John Wesley United Methodist Church for some of the best seats in town! Call the church office at 301-733-0391 to reserve chairs for you and your family. Seats are only $6 each. Concessions and restroom will be available. Ask about our new VIP seating!

Sunday, October 27, 4-6 pm (doors open at 3:30)

St. John's Episcopal Church

101 S. Prospect Street, Hagerstown

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of foot-tapping bluegrass, savory food, and good company! Join St. John's Church for a family-friendly event featuring the live, high-energy sounds of Fertile Soil, one of the area’s finest bluegrass bands. Sing along to your favorite tunes, enjoy hearty home-cooked food, and connect with fellow bluegrass fans in the community. Event is FREE, but please make reservations here.

Sunday, October 27, 3:00 pm

St. Mark's Lutheran Church

601 Washington Avenue, Hagerstown

Everyone is welcome to join St. Mark's, Trinity, and Christ Lutheran Churches in Hagerstown for a special Community Reformation Service. Attendees can look forward to a worship experience featuring a joint choir as they come together to celebrate the Reformation.

Sunday, October 27, 4:00 - 6:00 pm

Hagerstown Church of the Nazarene

141 N. Edgewood Drive, Hagerstown

Hagerstown Church of the Nazarene invites families to this fun and safe evening for your children to go around to decorated cars for candy and games. They will also have FREE hot dogs for the whole family to enjoy. Contact the church for questions: 301-797-4524 or visit their website: hagerstownnaz.org. Facebook.

Monday, October 28, 7:00 pm

Unitarian Universalist Church of Hagerstown

13245 Cearfoss Pike, Hagerstown

Renee Spears Emanuel, native Baltimorean and now proud citizen of Hagerstown, member of the MD Griots’ Circle and the National Association of Black Storytellers, recipient of the 2023 “Women in the Arts Award” whose love for the spoken word inspired her career as a speech-language therapist and fuels her performances in libraries, schools, festivals, home concerts, and conferences - returns for her second appearance at Stories In The Round and an evening of folk tales, fairy tales and original stories. $12 in advance. $15 at the door. Children 12 & older welcome when accompanied by a parent or group leader. Contact: Fanny Crawford, 301-730-1638 or fanitsky@hotmail.com.

Wednesday, October 30, 5:00 - 7:00 pm

In the Salvation Army Gym

525 George Street, Hagerstown

The Salvation Army is hosting their annual Hallelujah Carnival on Wednesday, October 30. It's a safe and fun-filled evening! All children must be accompanied by an adult or will not be permitted to enter. No scary costumes, please. They ask that you keep costumes family-friendly. Please feel free to share this with the community. Everyone is welcome. Flyer.

Thursday, October 31, 6:30-8:30 pm

Trinity Lutheran Church

15 Randolph Ave, Hagerstown - Back Parking Lot

Family fun event! Treats, hot dogs, coffee, hot chocolate.

Everything free & everyone welcome! Flyer

Friday, November 1, 12:00 pm

Zion Baptist Church

61 Bethel Street, Hagerstown

Church Women United of Washington County MD Celebrates WORLD COMMUNITY DAY. Lunch Cost: $15. Please pay at the door. Meal made by Zion Baptist Church Women. Program begins at 1:00 pm. Reservations are due by Thursday, October 24. Please call or text Tammy Coyle at 240-409-2410 or email (preferred) to tammy.coyle93@gmail.com. Flyer.

Saturday, November 2, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Foxville School House

14814 Foxville-Deerfield Road, Sabillasville, MD

A labyrinth and Soul Collage will be offered at Foxville School House. Soul Collage is an intuitive process anyone can do. Participants are invited to bring copies of family photos for Soul Collage. For information, call Pastor Julie Brigham at 240-405-2173.

Saturday, November 2, 3:00 pm

Trinity Reformed UCC

33 Potomac Street, Boonsboro, MD 

Help honor and celebrate our veterans. Guest speakers: Jacob Norotsky of Wounded Warrior Project and Jack Myers, World War II veteran. If anyone would like to share a vet’s picture to be displayed in the church windows, they need the pictures by October 1 along with the vet’s name, rank, and years of service. Informational tables will be set up with representatives from the following organizations: Brook Lane Counseling, Red Cross of Shenandoah Valley, VFW Post 3285, Thrive USA Home Care, Maryland Department of Veterans & Military Families, Martinsburg VA Medical Center, Washington County Health Department, Health Services of Washington County, Washington County Suicide Prevention Coalition, The NeighborHOOD Counseling. More info. Flyer.

Sunday, November 3, 4:00 pm

St. Mark's Lutheran Church

601 Washington Avenue, Hagerstown

Knock On Wood Marimba Band will perform at St. Mark's Lutheran Church. The band is a quintet of experienced percussionists who present a unique celebration of rhythm and melody. Their selections draw on traditional tunes, ragtime, Latin, and classical transcriptions, as well as original pieces composed by members of the ensemble. All are welcome. There will be a Freewill offering and a reception following the performance. Flyer.

Saturday, November 9, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Robinwood Professional Center

Atrium & Suite 142 (Blue Entrance Parking)

11110 Medical Campus Road, Hagerstown

Meritus Health FALL INTO BETTER HEALTH SENIOR EXPO! Light refreshments, Raffles & giveaways, Vendor presentations with a variety of information for seniors, Cooking demo and samples, Workshops: 9:30 - 10:00 am - Advanced Directives; 10:15 - 10:45 am - Caring for the caregiver; 11:00 - 11:30 am - How to Age Boldly. Churches/organizations interested in setting up a table can contact Cindy Missling. (Vendor Form) Questions? Call 301-790-8964. Flyer.

Friday, November 22, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

OCA & Soul Haven

121 E. Antietam Street, Hagerstown

Turkey & Fixings Giveaway (Fresh Turkey and Canned Goods). One per household. First come, first serve. Until supplies last. Flyer.

Tuesday, December 10, 8 am - 4 pm

Morgan State University

1700 E. Coldspring Lane, Baltimore, MD

Join the Maryland Department of Health Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities at their annual conference: Making Progress, More to Do Health Equity Conference: Celebrating 20 Years. Register here. Flyer