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September 9, 2026

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In the Spotlight

Mike Parsons viewing and mass


HARC grieves the loss of Dr. Michael Parsons, who passed on to the next life on September 2. Mike was an active member of HARC for many years as a lay representative of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He enjoyed participating in HARC’s Interfaith Team, attending HARC meetings, and loved discussing books in the Interfaith Book Club. A viewing will be held at Rest Haven on Wednesday, September 9 from 5-7 pm. His funeral mass is Thursday, September 10 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church

Bill Pike celebration of life


A celebration of life will be held for William “Bill” Pike on Saturday, October 31 at 11:00 am at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Hagerstown. Bill was a kind soul who loved to volunteer for his church, HARC, Reach, a shelter in Virginia, and in any other way he could help people....

Stay Informed

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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 9-1-2026.  Please replace your previous lists. Thank you! English / Spanish. The latest lists can always be found on our website.

Microwaves for Micah's


As we begin the school year and permission slips are collected for Micah's Backpack, we are getting reports that some families don't have a microwave oven for children to heat the food received in the bags. If you have a gently used microwave to donate or can purchase a new one, please contact Elizabeth at elizabeth@harccoalition.org. New microwaves can be purchased and delivered directly to our office from our Wish List

Hope Center Urgent Needs


The Hope Center at Hagerstown Rescue Mission is running low on some of the items our community relies on: 16 oz. Peanut Butter; SpaghettiO’s; Canned Fruit; Cereal; Snacks; Pasta Sauce. If you are able to help, please consider donating one or more of these items to keep our community fed! Donations can be shipped to 125 N. Prospect St., Hagerstown MD or brought to their Administrative office at 215 W. Church St., Hagerstown.

Landscaping Tools Wanted


A client in HARC & AACF's ENOUGH program is starting his own landscaping business. He does great work and thanks to a member of the Unitarian Church he now has some tools. He still needs more equipment to truly be successful, including a lawn mower, hedge trimmer, string trimmer, chainsaw, and any other landscaping tools. If you have tools/equipment to donate, please contact Julien Patrick, HARC/AACF Bilingual Community Worker, at jpatrick@aacfmd.org or (301) 6159-512 Ext. 2011

Add Your Voice

HARC & Member Events

UPDATED HARC Meeting: Salvation Army

Tue., Sept. 15 | 12:15 - 1:45 pm

Salvation Army

541 George Street, Hagerstown


After a summer hiatus, our monthly HARC meetings return. In September, our meeting will be at the Salvation Army, where we will hear from Major Mark Van Meter about current programs, including the largest women and families shelter in Washington County. Earlier this year, a devastating fire closed the Salvation Army's thrift store, hurting an important revenue source. We'll learn about progress on this and funding needs. A free will offering basket will be out for donations toward the meal and SA's programs. RSVP requested by Friday, September 11 at noon so we can get a count for lunch and other activities. Bring your empty ink cartridges; we recycle them as a fundraiser for HARC.

FCC Annual Community Celebration

Sun., Sept. 13 | 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

First Christian Church

1345 Potomac Avenue, Hagerstown


Join First Christian Church for a fun-filled afternoon of food, music, games, and family activities. Food — Serving begins around 11:30 am; Bingo with Quay — 12:00 – 1:00 pm; Bouncy Houses — Fun for the kiddos!; Face Painting by Elizabeth — 12:00 – 2:00 pm; Antietam Dairy — 11:00 am – 2:00 pm; Live Music with All Grassed Up — 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. Bring your family, friends, and neighbors and come enjoy an afternoon of community, fellowship, food, and fun!

An Evensong Preaching Series

Sun., Sept. 13 | 5:30 pm

St. Mark's Episcopal Church

18313 Lappans Road, Boonsboro, MD


An Evensong preaching series on the Apostles’ Creed begins on Sun., Sept. 13. Each Evensong will occur on the second Sunday of each month, ending in July, 2027. St. Mark's Father Montgomery+ will be the first preacher to begin the series. At each service, a preacher will reflect on one article of the Creed. All are welcome to attend these spiritually enriching services. Facebook / Website.

Food Drop

Tue., Sept. 15 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Otterbein United Methodist Church

108 E. Franklin Street, Hagerstown


This is a one-time, food “drop”. Bring sturdy grocery type tote bags to carry your food/produce home. Recommended especially for those who fall within the WIC Income Guidelines - (Example: Family of 4 with income less than $40,793). For More Information Call Maryland Food Bank – Western Branch, 301-733-4002 OR Otterbein United Methodist Church, 301-739-9386.

Tai Chi & Chair Yoga Classes

Tai Chi: Tue., Sept. 15 - Nov. 17 | 5:00 & 5:45 pm

Chair Yoga: Thu., Sept. 17 - Oct. 15 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Otterbein UMC Auditorium

108 E. Franklin Street, Hagerstown


Tai Chi: 8 classes (Off Sept. 22 & Nov. 3). 5:00 pm: Beginning course is for the novice of any age who wishes to learn a simplified version of the profound art form. 5:45 pm: Intermediate course is for those who have had 6 months of exposure to the beginner level material. Cost: $40.00. RSVP Kate: 301-739-9386. Info and Registration: https://www.otterumc.org/taichi. Flyer. Chair Yoga: 5-week series led by Jane Baer. Suitable for all levels and abilities. No previous experience necessary. Low impact yoga postures from the comfort of a chair. Cost: $25.00. ($5/class). RSVP Kate: 301-739-9386. Website Registration: https://www.otterumc.org/chairyoga. Flyer.

Church Yard Sale

Sat., Sept. 19 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Haven Lutheran Church parking lot

1035 Haven Road, Hagerstown


Haven Lutheran Church will he holding a church yard sale to benefit the church Property Maintenance Fund. Info: info@havenlc.org

Interfaith Progressive Dinner

Sat., Sept. 26 | 5:00 - 9:00 pm

Various Locations


Enjoy learning about different faiths through food! Courses of a meal will be served at three different houses of worship as we progressively move as one group from place to place. Reservations: $25 per person general admission, $10 for students (including college). Event is limited to a maximum of 100 people. Ticket deadline is September 18, 2026.

Save the Dates - Candidate Forums – general election

Thu., Oct. 1 | 6:00 - 8:00 pm – WC Board of Education

Thu., Oct. 15 | 6:00 - 8:00 pm – WC Board of County Commissioners

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. Share with your congregation! Forums are free and open to the public with non-partisan moderation, and all candidates will be invited. Use this form to submit any questions you would like to be asked.

Community Events

Braver Angels

Thu., Sept. 10 | 6:00 - 8:30 pm

Vanish il Forno

7704 Old National Pike, Boonsboro, MD


Join the League of Women Voters of Washington County for an introduction to Braver Angels, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening American democracy by bringing people with differing political views together in constructive dialogue. During this informal evening, participants will: Learn about the Braver Angels mission and approach; Experience several practical conversation techniques; Explore ways to listen with curiosity, reduce misunderstanding, and find common ground where possible; Meet neighbors who care about building a stronger community. More Info.

Food Festival

Sat., Sept. 12 | 4:00 pm

Salem Reformed Church

13182 Salem Church Road, Hagerstown


Good Food. Good Fellowship. Great Community! Homemade soups, sandwiches, sides and desserts. Dine in only begins at 4:00 pm. Dine in and Carry Out begins at 5:00 pm (until sold out). Facebook / Website

Human Rights Day

Fri., Sept. 18 | 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Downsville Christian Church

8641 Downsville Pike, Williamsport, MD


Church Women United Celebrates Human Rights Day! Women of DCC and the hospitality committee will host the event. The cost of the meal is $15.00. Reservations need to be made by September 12 to Tammy Coyle at 240-409-2410 or email tammy.coyle93@gmail.com. During the program, Jane Powell will share about HARC & AACF's Engaging Neighborhoods, Organizations, Unions, Governments and Households (ENOUGH) initiative, a collaborative effort to alleviate poverty for children and families in the south end area. “Young Church Woman” Awards will also be presented.

56th Annual Dunker Church Service

Sun., Sept. 20 | 3:00 pm

Little White "Dunker Church"

Antietam Battlefield, Sharpsburg, MD


Hymns, sharing of scripture, special music and readings, prayers and a message by Guest Speaker Denise Kettering-Lane, associate professor of Brethren Studies at Bethany Theological Seminary. New this year – livestream the service www.tiny.cc/DunkerChurchWorship / Facebook Group. All are welcome.

Perspective Taking for Positive Conflict

Wed., Sept. 23 | 8:30 - 11:45 am

MSOM | Fletcher Conference Center

11116 Medical Campus Road, Hagerstown


Gain practical tools for navigating conflict with greater understanding. This course is designed to highlight how our personal perceptions, values, and bias influence our interactions with others. The discussion will focus on how conflict arises in both the therapeutic (client) and work (peer) settings, and how to navigate the conflict to help the relationship strengthen instead of becoming a destructive force. Sign-in & Breakfast Opens 8:00 am. Cost: $85. Includes 3 CE-Hours. Questions? Nettie Blowers, Community Health Education Specialist, nettie.blowers@brooklane.org, 301-733-0331 x3828.

Trauma-Informed Community Training

Fri., Sept. 25 | 10:00 am - 3:30 pm

Public Safety Training Center

18350 Safety Place, Hagerstown


On behalf of the City of Hagerstown, you are invited to participate in a Trauma-Informed Community Training.This training is free and open to the community and will provide an opportunity to learn more about trauma-informed approaches and how we can work together to build a resilient community. *Please note the breakout session for the faith community and community members. If you have any questions, please contact david.washington@maryland.gov.

Color Splash Volunteers Needed

Sat., Sept. 26 | 5:00 am - 12:00 pm

Hagerstown Fairgrounds Park

Hagerstown


The Color Splash 1K & 5K Fun Run is looking for enthusiastic student volunteers to help make the event a success. Volunteers may assist with event setup, registration, color stations, course support, and cleanup. This is a great opportunity for students to serve their community while earning SSL hours in a fun, energetic environment. Race Registration. QR Code for Volunteers.

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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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