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April 29, 2026

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In the Spotlight

Social Justice, Youth Engagement & Building Community


The Interfaith Roundtable returns with another meaningful conversation exploring faith, community, and connection. In this episode, Rabbi Mark welcomes Reverend Michelle Beadle to discuss how faith inspires social justice, community activism, and interfaith unity. From immigration advocacy and interfaith collaboration to community engagement and hope, Reverend Beadle shares powerful insights on living faith through action.

Stay Informed

FREE Citizens Academy


The City of Hagerstown Citizens Academy is an inclusive program designed to empower the community through education and local government and the democratic process. Program starts May 4 from 6-8 pm and goes for 6 weeks. See flyer for more info

YOUR Summer Children's Activities wanted!


HARC is once again compiling summer (June-August) calendars of free and low-cost VBS & other activities for children and families. We want to include your program(s)! Please send information to Charlotte at harcnewsflash@gmail.com as soon as possible (especially for June). Please include date(s), times, location, a brief description, ages served, and how to sign up. See calendar examples from last year here.

Add Your Voice

HARC & Member Events

HCA Concert: Into Light

Sat., May 2 | 3:00 pm

St John's Episcopal Church

101 S. Prospect Street, Hagerstown


"Into Light." Concert featuring both traditional and contemporary choral music from composers such as Aaron Copland and John Rutter to Mack Wilberg and Andrea Ramsey. Free concert admission with goodwill offering. HCA Facebook. HCA Website.

Auction for disaster relief includes Ed Poling’s kayaks

Sat., May 2 | 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

Carroll County Agricultural Center – Shipley Arena

706 Agricultural Center Dr, Westminster, MD


Many of you knew Ed Poling and, in addition to his passion for hiking and for HARC, he loved kayaking and the cause of Brethren Disaster Ministries as well. Ed’s widow, Marge, has donated two of Ed’s favorite kayaks and their newest loading equipment to be sold this coming Saturday, May 2, at the Mid-Atlantic District Church of the Brethren’s big auction day fundraiser in Westminster, Md., to benefit its disaster response ministry! Learn more

Coming soon! HARC & LWV Candidate Forums

Thu., May 7, 6-8 pm - Board of Education primary

Thu., May 21, 6-8 pm – County Commissioners primary

Thu., Oct. 1, 6-8 pm – Board of Ed general

Thu., Oct. 15, 6-8 pm – Commissioners, general

Washington County Free Library, Rooms 308-309

100 S. Potomac Street, Hagerstown


HARC is offering Candidate Forums for the 2026 election in partnership with the League of Women Voters and the Washington County Library. Mark your calendars now and share with your congregation! Forums are free and open to the public with non-partisan moderation, and all candidates will be invited. We also invite you to submit questions you would like us to consider using at our forums.

Trivia Fundraiser

Sat., May 9 | 6:30 pm

Otterbein United Methodist Church

108 E. Franklin Street, Hagerstown


Join Otterbein UMC for an evening of TRIVIA to benefit their trips to Mission Guatemala & ASP. $25 per person. $160 for teams of 8. A silent auction will be held during the event. Items include handmade Guatemalan items, gift cards and more. Register online or in-person the day of the event.

HARC Hikes 2026 with 2-1 match!

Challenge Hike: Sat., May 16

Appalachian Trail

C&O Canal Towpath Hike: Sat., May 30

NEW!  WILLIAMSPORT & Zion Lutheran Church


COMING SOON! The Ed Poling Memorial HARC Hike for Hunger & Hope is a non-competitive fundraising event open to all ages. The Canal Hike is a fully supported 5K or 10K hike on the beautiful C&O Canal towpath. The Challenge Hike has 10-mile or 20-mile options on the Appalachian Trail. 2-1 match on fundraising is back! Both hikes raise funds for HARC programs, with a significant portion going to Micah's Backpack and the Refugee Welcome Network. (Fundraising isn't required.) Bulletin InsertsFlyer. Sponsor form.

Community Events

Fish Fry Fundraiser

Sat., May 2 | 11:00 am till they run out

The SC of the House of Jacob

634 Pennsylvania Avenue, Hagerstown 


The House of Jacob is hosting a fish fry fundraiser. $15 per dinner. Info contact: Elder Eric Lyda (404) 395-5864.

MomCo - Moms Connect Group

Wed., May 6 | 6:00 - 7:00 pm  

Bethel UM Church Chewsville

21006 Twin Springs Drive, Smithsburg, MD 


MomCo is a space where every Mom is welcomed, supported, and celebrated. Free child care is available. Just reserve by calling the church 301-733-8387 so that we are prepared with childcare. Meetings: the first Wednesday of each month Church Website.

4th Annual Health Summit

Sat., May 9 | 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Zion Baptist Church

61 Bethel Street, Hagerstown


This year's theme is "Struggles of Addiction & Mental Health". This collaborative event will unite healthcare providers, behavioral health specialists, community organizations, faith leaders, and local residents to promote awareness, share prevention strategies, and facilitate access to vital recovery resources. If you are interested in participating as a vendor or a speaker contact Linda Brooks, (301) 739-5616. Event Info. Invite to participate..

The Cost of Poverty Experience

Wed., May 13 | 10:00 am - 12:30 pm

Meritus Medical Center

11116 Medical Campus Road, Suite 142, Hagerstown


Washington County Department of Social Services is offering a free immersive poverty simulation designed to offer a glimpse into of low-income individuals and families living in our community. COPE is a tool that will help you or your team deepen understanding of the realities of poverty, improve engagement practices, and foster community partnerships. Faith leaders and communities are encouraged to participate! Learn more by watching this video.

Interfaith Mental Health Leadership Seminar

Thu., May 21 | 8:30 - 11:30 am

Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine

11120 Medical Campus Road, Hagerstown


Faith leaders are often the first people families turn to during emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges. This workshop provides practical guidance for recognizing concerns, responding with compassion, supporting families, reducing stigma, and helping congregations become places where those in distress find care, connection, and pathways to appropriate help.

Share & Discover

We hope this News Flash is helpful to you. Please contact us if you know someone we should add to the email list or if you would like to be removed.

 

Blessings!

Kathy Powderly

Executive Director

David Brechbiel

News Flash Editor

P.O. Box 1158

Hagerstown, MD 21741

301-842-HARC

HARCCoalition.org

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