The HARC Lighthouse After-School Program is a brand new program that started in Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) in September! At our November meeting, Kim Duncan, WCPS Community Schools Coordinator, shared information about Community Schools and the importance of this program and other wraparound services for children in our county. Angela Yamashita, the new Program Coordinator for Lighthouse, shared how the program is going so far and how others in the faith community can get involved. And Lighthouse Steering Team Leader Rev. Scott Winnette shared how we can all help. Watch the recording of this program HERE.

In a time of many divisions, the HARC Interfaith Thanksgiving Service held on Sunday, November 24, was a beautiful event full of unity amid appreciation of our differences. The multi-colored leaves on the bulletin cover illustrated this harmony: "[they] are all alike, yet all different. And they fit perfectly together." The service started with an Islamic call to prayer, concluded with a joyous song "Bringing in the Sheaves," and featured speakers from Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Baha'i and Native American faith traditions as well as a large interfaith choir. 135 people attended the service. If you weren't one of them, you can view the recording on Facebook or it will soon be posted on Benevola UMC's YouTube page. Many thanks to the many participants who made this service amazing, and to Benevola United Methodist Church for hosting this year.

Tuesday, December 10, 12:00 - 1:30 pm

Impact Ministries

19763 Longmeadow Road, Hagerstown

In December, HARC members and friends are invited to share what’s going on in our lives and/or congregations/organizations. We will also have an opportunity to explore the new campus and worship space of Impact Ministries as they prepare for growth and expanded community outreach. Join us for lunch, fellowship, sharing. Impact Ministries will provide the lunch with a free-will offering basket. RSVP is requested by Friday, December 6 at noon so we can get a count for lunch.

If you're looking for a community meal on Thanksgiving day for yourself or someone you know, here are three options.

The Community Health Needs Assessment is a chance for all Washington County residents and those who work, play, or praise in our county to provide their input on the health status and services in Washington County. Participants' responses are anonymous and will help the Washington County Health Department, Meritus Health and partners prioritize, plan and act upon unmet community health needs.Take the Survey Now-https://bit.ly/washco-2024-chna . Focus Group Interest Form- https://bit.ly/washco- 2024-focusgroups . Focus Group Flyer. Survey Flyer.

Good news! The Salvation Army shelter for women and children has reopened! As we enter the cold weather season, we are grateful to our friends at Salvation Army for providing this important service for woman and families who have nowhere else to go. Along with this news, we have an updated Homeless Street Guide, provided by the Homeless Coalition, and HARC has updated our list of Washington County Shelters, which has more details. Homeless Street Guide / Crisis Needs Agencies.

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 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, 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.

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