HARC News Flash 3-22-23

NEWS FLASH

March 22, 2023

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.

Eastern Orthodox Prayer

Give me strength to bear the fatigue of the coming day

With all that it shall bring.

Reverend Valerie T. Wills

Ramadan Information Sheet

Islamic Networks Group (ING)

"Ramadan is considered one of the holiest months of the year for Muslims. In Ramadan, Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Qur’an, and fast from food and drink during the sunlit hours as a means of drawing closer to God and cultivating self-control, gratitude, and compassion for those less fortunate. Ramadan is a month of intense spiritual rejuvenation with a heightened focus on devotion, during which Muslims spend extra time reading the Qur’an and performing special prayers. Those unable to fast, such as pregnant or nursing women, the sick, or elderly people and children, are exempt from fasting." Read more.

The wounds of war and a place for peace

By Wendy McFadden

Messenger

"The Civil War ended generations ago, but the wounds are still with us. Our country has not healed from the sin of slavery and the resulting violence. That is especially clear right now as the nation convulses in the pain and rage of racism.

What can we learn from the Dunker meetinghouse that became the unwitting center of a theater of war during the Battle of Antietam? How can we be a witness for peace in the battles of today?" Read more.

Replacements for Lost Benefits

EBT food and cash benefits have been stolen electronically from many people all over the country, leaving them with nothing to support their families. Maryland is the first state to provide replacements for the lost benefits. There is a limited time for people to apply, so the Wash. Co. Department of Social Services is trying to spread the word as quickly as possible. Deadlines range between April 15 - May 31 depending on when the funds were stolen. Please post these flyers (English/Spanish) in your congregations and/or share with anyone who may be affected. Questions? Call the DHS EBT Reimbursement Hotline at 1-833-330-7328. For help filing a claim, please visit Washington County Department of Social Services

Good Friday Unity Walk - April 7

Friday, April 7, 1:00 - 2:30 pm

Hagerstown City Park

Join us for HARC's annual ecumenical Good Friday Unity Walk in memory of Christ’s passion and death. Walk begins in the gazebo adjacent to the Museum parking lot. There will be 7 stops with scripture readings and meditations, and call-and-response songs between the stops. A stationary (no-walk) option will also be available at the gazebo. Please share this with your congregations! Flyer Questions? Contact Kathy at 301-842-4272 or [email protected].

Secretary Position

Needed: Church Secretary for Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church. 20 hours per week, $13.50 to $16.50 per hour, 3 weeks’ vacation. Download details and requirements. Send a resume with work references to: CELC 216 N. Cleveland Avenue Hagerstown, MD 21740. Phone: 301-733-3482. Email: [email protected].

Church Sexton Position

Grace United Methodist Church, 712 West Church Street, Hagerstown, has a Church Sexton Position opening. The purpose of the sexton is to maintain the buildings and grounds of Grace United Methodist Church. This position is 20 hours per week, with the possibility of additional hours as needed. Employee will receive paid time off as established by the One Board. For more information on the position please see the Position Description. For more information call the church office 240-347-2345.

Spring Giveaway - March 31

Friday, March 31, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Girls Inc. Warehouse

1000 Florida Avenue, Door 13, Suite E, Hagerstown

Girls Inc. is hosting a Spring giveaway! They received some items, and are excited to be able to pass these wonderful contributions to our Churches, and Non-Profit for FREE! Items are: Treadmills;Desk- Standing, L-Shaped, gaming desk, computer desks; Canopies; Lawn mower/lawn and garden items, Kitchen corner/regular Hutch- all sizes. Please review the flyer for guidelines and expectations.

Teen Challenge coming to Wash. Co.; Help needed!

Adult & Teen Challenge of Maryland is opening a recovery home in Keedysville soon. Their mission is to: "teach men principles with purpose. Through biblical principles we help men define who they are and provide them with the tools needed to assist them in the process of recovery. Adult & Teen Challenge offers both personal growth and group studies and mentoring." Help is needed to get started in Wash. Co. See info sheet for financial and volunteer opportunities. For more info, contact Jonathan Gray at [email protected] / 703-926-2765.

Washington County ROSC & Washington Goes Purple Presents: Gambling Disorder: The Hidden Addiction - March 29

Wednesday, March 29, 2023, 2:30 - 3:30pm

Zoom (see flyer for zoom information)

Did you know that the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling offers Peer Recovery Support at no cost to help individuals seeking to limit, control or stop their gambling? The Center’s Peers have lived experience with problem gambling and have been in recovery a minimum of two years! They are trained in how to assist those seeking help when experiencing “out of control” gambling behavior by providing access to treatment, connecting them to resources, and supporting them with encouragement during the recovery process. Please see the attached flyer and share!

Spring Equinox Dance Workshop - March 25

Saturday, March 25, 1:00 - 4:00 pm

Unity of Hagerstown

18313 Lappans Road, Boonsboro MD

This workshop is an invitation to reconnect with the Spring energies of Mother Earth through the universal language of dance. It is a time to heal, dance, laugh, release, and reconnect in a safe, sacred stress-free space, include meditation, creative visualization, warm-up exercises, and step-by-step dance instruction. Everyone can have a good time, regardless of skill, talent, or experience. $20. Info at www.unityhagerstown.org.

Cinderella Shop - Saturdays in April

Month of April, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

Zion United Church of Christ

210 N. Potomac Street, Hagerstown

The Zion United Church of Christ is sponsoring its annual Cinderella Shop event. Each Saturday during the month of April, the Cinderella Shop will be open to sell gently used, clean prom gowns. All gowns will be sold for $25.00 (cash or check made payable to R.E.A.C.H.). See flyer for more information and contact info.

Pancake Fundraiser Breakfast with Easter Bunny and Egg Hunt - April 1

Saturday, April 1, 9:00 am - 1:30 pm

Grace United Methodist Church

712 W. Church Street, Hagerstown

Join Grace UMC for a Pancake Fundraiser Breakfast to support the T.H.R.I.V.E. Food Pantry. Bring the kiddos out and let them enjoy eating breakfast with the Easter Bunny! Breakfast is from 9-11am and the cost is $6 for ages 10 and up, $4 for ages 3-9 and children 2 and under eat free! Activities to follow the breakfast that include an Easter Egg Hunt! 11:30am-1:30pm. Activities and Egg Hunt are FREE for all the kiddos to enjoy! Make sure to bring your camera to take photos with the Easter Bunny! ALL CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT!! See Flyer.

CASA, Inc. Cornhole event - April 8

Saturday, April 8, 11:00 am

Antietam Brewery

140 Western Maryland Parkway, Hagerstown

CASA, Inc. presents a Cornhole Tournament. Prizes, 50/50 Raffle, Food Truck, Tip Jars. Registration: 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. Tournament: 12:30 pm. Cost: $20 per player / $40 per team. For more information call 301-739-4990. Website. See flyer.

Save the Date! Downtown Earth Day Activities - April 22

Saturday, April 22

Downtown Clean-Up: 9:00 - 11:00 am

Tree Planting & Stormwater Stenciling: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

The City of Hagerstown invites the public to participate in several Earth Day activities happening on Saturday April 22. DOWNTOWN CLEAN-UP: Volunteers meet at University Plaza at 9:00 a.m. and will divide up into groups to conquer and clean up several alleys and sidewalks within the Main Street district.

TREE PLANTING & STORMWATER STENCILING: Hagerstown Youth Council, Parks and Recreation, and Engineering will host an Earth Day and Arbor Day celebration at the Hager House. Volunteers meet in front of the Hager House at 11:00 a.m. and will participate in tree planting, stormwater stenciling, and clean-up around City Park. SIGN UP TODAY!