“Khan works at FedEx, often 10 hour days, and does so joyfully, happy to be there” shared Jane Powell, Refugee Welcome Network (RWN) volunteer and “ally” for Khan and his family. In October, his hard work was recognized by FedEx when he received a Certificate of Excellence. This was a great joy for both Khan and Jane!

“I’m soooo proud of him I don’t know what to do,” Jane exclaimed. “Oddly, he says the same of me!!!” Jane has also learned and grown in her work with Khan and other refugees, and has become a friend to him and others. Read more

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

Hosted by Benevola United Methodist Church

19925 Benevola Church Road, Boonsboro, MD

Service is FREE and open to the public! Please join us for an uplifting service featuring Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Baha’i, and Native American faith traditions. The first half will have no music, and the second half will be filled with music to honor our different faith traditions. Would you like to participate in the Community Choir? If so, please arrive at the church by 2:45 pm - there is just one song. You’re 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. Make checks payable to Benevola UMC or scan the QR code on the FLYER. Download bulletin inserts here. For more information or a to get a copy of the choir music in advance, contact HARC at 301-842-4272 or director@harccoalition.org.

MLK Day 2025 falls on Monday, January 20. Is your congregation, non-profit, or governmental office planning an observance? Let HARC know! If you are planning a special service, a community improvement event, a special meal to honor the life and work of Dr. King, please provide the details (and a flyer, if you have one) to us at info@harccoalition.org. Potential attendees and volunteers are seeking some way to honor the legacy of Dr. King. Help us to link them up with your ministry/event!

The Cold Weather Shelter has 4 unfilled weeks for the upcoming shelter season. Please contact Liz at Reach (Liz@reachofwc.org or 301-733-2371 X-114) if you are interested in hosting a week, a partial week, one evening and/or preparing a meal with your house of worship, work, friends, and family. Please visit their website www.reachofwc.org/volunteer for more information about the various volunteer positions that help run the shelter every night. These are the vacant weeks: November 26 - December 3; December 17-26; December 31 - January 7; March 31 - April 7.

Wednesday, November 20, 7:00 pm

Zion Reformed United Church of Christ

201 N. Potomac Street, Hagerstown

Join Zion Reformed UCC in this annual observance that honors the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. They welcome Karen Kendra Holmes, a Transgender Activist and Volunteer who will share her journey, 40 years and Wandering No More. They also welcome retired UCC Minister Barbara Kershner Daniel, who has walked the walk of justice for decades. Flyer.

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

OCA & Soul Haven Wellness and Recovery Center

121 E. Antietam Street, Hagerstown

Office of Consumer Advocates & Soul Haven Wellness and Recovery Center have partnered with Maryland Food Bank Turkey & Fixings Giveaway (Fresh Turkey and Canned Goods). One Per Household/ First Come First Served. Until Supplies Last. Info: (301) 790-5054. Flyer.

Saturday, November 23, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Emmanuel United Methodist Church

802 Summit Avenue, Hagerstown

Christmas Yard Sale to benefit Toys for Tots. Make space for new decorations and toys by dropping off your old ones anytime at the church. Let's help families to have a good Christmas. Church Office: 301-733-4720.

Sunday, November 24, 9:30 am

St. John's Lutheran Church

141 S. Potomac Street, Hagerstown

Come hear Guest Speaker Joshua Long from Interfaith Power and Light. The mission of this national organization is to "inspire and mobilize people of faith and conscience to take bold action on climate change." Interfaith Power and Light works with faith communities to save energy, create "green teams", and respond to climate change. Inter-generational Education and Conversation at 9:30 am. Temple Talk and special music during worship at 11:00 am. Questions and Conversations at a brief reception following worship at Noon. More info: Ann Shilling - 301-302-5810.

Sunday, November 24, 12:30 pm

Emmanuel United Methodist Church

802 Summit Avenue, Hagerstown

Thanksgiving Luncheon with turkey and all the trimmings and dessert. Music to be provided. All are invited, especially neighbors and friends to enjoy a wonderful Sunday afternoon and share in the holiday spirit. Church Office: 301-733-4720.

Monday, November 25, 7:00 pm

Unitarian Universalist Church of Hagerstown

13245 Cearfoss Pike, Hagerstown

Storyteller Fanny Crawford – creator and current coordinator of the Stories In The Round series – closes out the 2024 SITR season with tales about mirrors, masks, doppelgangers, gratitude and a few startling surprises!  Stories In The Round is a storytelling series at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Hagerstown on the 4th Monday of the month. $12 paid in advance no later than Monday at 9:00 am, $15 at the door. Children 12 years & older welcome when accompanied by a parent or group leader. Contact: Fanny Crawford, 301-730-1638 or fanitsky@hotmail.com.

Tuesday, November 26, 6:00 pm

Robert W. Johnson Community Center

109 W. North Avenue, Hagerstown

Show Off Your Talent .... Win Cash Prize!!! MC for the night – Ryan Smetzer. Local Celebrity Judges: Dwayne Freeman; Heather Aleshire; Matthew Mauriello; Helen Mency; and Stryker—the Hagerstown Boxcars Mascot! RULES: No profanity; no sexually explicit language or movement; this is a family friendly environment. Info Flyer.

Wednesday, November 27, 7:00 pm

St. Paul's Lutheran Church

24 E. Baltimore Street, Funkstown, MD

Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service will be held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Funkstown, MD along with the congregations of Emmanuel UMC, and St. Paul's Lutheran Church. All are welcome. Info: 301-733-4720.

Saturday, December 7, 1:00 - 3:00 pm

EM Tobias Family Center

324 E. Antietam Street, Hagerstown

Rediscover the true meaning of Christmas at ValorExcel’s inspiring, family-friendly book launch event! Celebrate the hope and joy found in Christ with their new book, "A Christmas Miracle” by author Lori Wriston. Experience an afternoon of faith, fellowship, and festive cheer, complete with refreshments, live music, the chance to meet the author, a photo booth, and an opportunity to create your own Christmas ornament to take home! Facebook. Website. Download a flyer.

Sunday, December 8, 3:00 pm

Trinity United Church of Christ

30 W. North Street, Waynesboro, PA

Join Trinity UCC as they welcome the Harrisburg Gay Men's Chorus for an afternoon of choral Christmas music and holiday cheer! Mark your calendars - HGMC is back with another FABULOUS concert series to ring in the holidays! Join them for a show filled with joy, merriment, and a little bit of hijinks! This concert series is family friendly and FREE to the public! Flyer. Trinity UCC Facebook Event. HGMC Concert Series Schedule.

Sunday, December 8, 4:00 pm

Zion Reformed UC

201 N. Potomac Street, Hagerstown

Bobby Jo Valentine - Heart-Opening Folk/Pop. "Catchy songs with good tunes and intelligent thoughtful lyrics in the tradition of Bob Dylan and Cat Stevens" - (Stephen Swartz, Creator of Wicked and Godspell) Please RSVP to zionrucc@myactv.net or (301) 739-7244. Flyer.

Friday, December 13, 6:00 - 8:00 pm

The City of God - Hagerstown

32 East Avenue, Hagerstown

Join The City of God - Hagerstown for a Community Christmas Celebration! They will have Christmas Cookies and Karoke as well as a Live Nativity scene and animal interaction for families! Facebook event.

Thursday, December 26, 3:00 - 7:00 pm

Various churches in Hagerstown (see web page)

A wonderful opportunity to see the interiors of historic downtown Hagerstown houses of worship. Learn about the architecture and ecumenical heritage from docents and guides. Music, refreshments and local art will be featured at some locations. This is a self-guided walking/driving tour and can be started and ended at the house of worship of your choice. Parking is available at individual houses of worship in their lots and/or along the nearby streets as permitted. You can use the interactive map at Main Street Hagerstown’s Historic Houses of Worship tour page to navigate and learn more about the participating houses of worship. Questions regarding the tour can be directed to Tiffany Ahalt, Visit Hagerstown at Tiffany@visithagerstown.com or 301-991-2863, or the Hagerstown Area Religious Council at 301-842-4272 or info@harccoalition.org (through December 20). In case of inclement weather, the tour will be postponed to December 27. Notices will be posted on the HARC website and tour Facebook page and announced on WJEJ. More info.

Thursday, December 26, 3:00 - 7:00 pm

Trinity Lutheran Church 

15 Randolph Avenue at Potomac Street, Hagerstown

Trinity will have an additional event during the Historic Hagerstown Houses of Worship Tour. Their Harry Potter Experience will showcase two parts: 1) both areas of Harry's world, London and Scotland, divided by the hills. Watch the "Hogwarts Express" move between the regions and scenes on our 4' by 8' layout! 2) a magic room - come get the kids' picture taken, in costume, by a friend or family member! For more info, contact steamuk@gmail.com. Flyer.