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May 20, 2026

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In the Spotlight

HARC Challenge Hike great day, exceeds goal


Saturday, May 16 twelve hardy souls completed the Ed Poling Memorial HARC Challenge Hike, traversing 10 or 20 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Maryland. The terrain was tough, but the weather was beautiful, spirits were high, and we were blessed with great support from our hospitality team. We...

3 Questions AI Is Forcing Your Congregation to Ask


By Kenny Jahng 

Lewis Center for Church Leadership 


As AI reshapes everyday life, pastors are increasingly facing difficult conversations about identity, truth, and human connection within their congregations. Kenny Jahng, Editor-In-Chief at Church Tech Today, outlines three major disruptions church leaders must confront:

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Food, Clothing and Personal Care Resources Lists Updated


The Food, Clothing and Personal Care Resources lists have been updated with a number of changes as of 5-13-2026.  Please replace your previous lists! Thank you! English / Spanish.

Northern Cross Summer Learning Camps 2026


Play, Learn, & Explore All Summer Long! Join them for themed, hands-on preschool camps for children ages 2–5, designed for fun, learning, and discovery in a structured, nurturing environment.

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.

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HARC & Member Events

County Commissioners Election Forum + Meet & Greet

Thu., May 21 | 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Washington County Free Library, Rooms 308-309

100 S. Potomac Street, Hagerstown

Thu., May 28 | 6"00 - 8:00 pm - Board of Education & County Commissioners Candidates Meet & Greet

Hancock Town Hall, 126 West High Street, Hancock


Decisions made at the county level impact our daily lives. HARC is offering candidate forums and a candidate meet & greet for the 2026 primary election in partnership with the League of Women Voters. All are free and open to the public with non-partisan moderation, and all candidates have been invited. Get to know the candidates before the primary election on June 23, 2026. The May 21 forum will be recorded.

Tea and Bingo!

Sat., May 23 | 11:30 am

Unity of Hagerstown

18313 Lappans Road, Boonsboro, MD


Luncheon, a great selection of teas & one Bingo Card, luncheon, friends, fun! Bingo prizes vary yet all average $50 retail. Bring your friends and wear your fanciest hat! To reserve your spot visit https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/dinner-and-game-night or visit unityhagerstown.org.

Zion Senior Day Center

Fri., May 29 | 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Zion Reformed UCC

201 N. Potomac Street, Hagerstown


Are you a senior looking for a welcoming place to enjoy meals, companionship, music, exercise, and activities? The Zion Senior Day Center offers a warm and engaging environment where you can connect and thrive. How can you be part of this program? ..

HARC Canal Hike - register, donate or volunteer!

Sat., May 30 | 8 am, 9 am or 9:30 am

Canal Towpath & Zion Lutheran Church, Williamsport


Enjoy a supported 5K or 10K hike on the beautiful C&O Canal towpath OR a "virtual hike" - any day, anywhere. Includes scenic water views, water & Gatorade refills and snacks along the way with a celebration lunch to follow at Zion Lutheran Church, where participants can relax and enjoy a delicious meal and fellowship. 2-1 match on ALL fundraising! Proceeds support HARC programs, with a significant portion going to Micah's Backpack and the Refugee Welcome Network. Bulletin InsertsFlyer. Can't participate? Donate to support a hiker and your donation will be TRIPLED. We also need a volunteer van/bus driver from 8-9 am. Contact Kathy: kathy@harccoalition.org or 301-842-4272

A Jewish Food Festival To Go

Sun., May 31 | 11:30 am - 2:30 pm

Congregation B’Nai Abraham

53 E. Baltimore Street, Hagerstown


Welcome Summer with a Delicious Jewish Food Order! Order Deadline: Thu., May 28. EZ Order & pay online: www.bnaiabraham.net/donations/. Click on donate and choose fund raiser from the drop down menu. Please specify your order in the comments when making a PayPal donation. Nosh boxes are $25-$29; soups are $10; order/pay online or mail hardcopy and check to “Congregation B’nai Abraham” to Mike Armel, 384 Key Circle, Hagerstown, MD 21740. Info: 240.675.0130; michael.armel069@gmail.com

Community Renewal of Vows

Date TBD

Zion Reformed United Church of Christ

201 N. Potomac Avenue, Hagerstown


This summer Zion Reformed UCC would like to offer a Worship Service (not Sunday at 10) to provide a collective renewal of vows. They imagine a potluck meal where we show each other wedding photographs and share stories of our lives together. Then we go into the sanctuary for a wedding with wedding music and a ceremony of renewal of vows. They will get a photographer to take photos of the couples too. Invite children and family. Most children don’t ever get to attend a parent’s wedding. Contact Zion by messaging or calling (301) 739-7244. A date will be picked that works for all. Website / Facebook.

Save the Date - Free Baltimore Children's Choir Concert

Fri., June 26 | 7:00 pm

John Wesley United Methodist Church

129 N. Potomac Street, Hagerstown


Featuring a varied and engaging program ranging from classical choral repertoire to multicultural works and contemporary selections. A free-will offering will be received to help offset touring expenses.

Community Events

Presenting CE Topic: Maintaining an Ethical Posture in a Politically Charged Climate

Thu., May 21 | 1:00 – 4:15 pm

Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine

11120 Medical Campus Road, Hagerstown


This workshop examines how counselors can maintain an ethical and therapeutic posture when politically charged issues arise in clinical practice. Participants will explore how political beliefs—both their own and those of their clients—may influence clinical judgment, the therapeutic alliance, and treatment planning. Cost: $85.00 includes 3 CE Hours Certificate of Attendance. Website for more info.

Young Leaders Development Listening Session

Sat., May 30 | 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Gateway Church

11017 Kemps Mill Road, Williamsport, MD


Maryland Christian Chamber of Commerce’s Young Leaders Committee is building something from the ground up — and they want you in the room where it happens. The Committee’s first Listening Session will gather input from emerging leaders like you: young people who are ambitious, faith-driven, and ready to integrate their calling with real-world impact in business and ministry. This isn't a lecture. It's a strategy session — and your perspective is the whole point. If you're between 16 and 26 and you've thought about starting something, leading something, or changing something — this is your moment to get in on the ground floor. Complimentary lunch included. Contact Form. Website. Facebook.

Save the Date - Free Gun Safety Talk

Sat., June 20 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Brownsville Church of the Brethren

1911 Rohrersville Road, Knoxville, MD


Join Brownsville Church of the Brethren to learn how to ... Have conversations with children about safety with guns; Store guns in safe ways at home; Talk with parents about safe storage; Share tools with others. Web calendar Facebook.

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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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