This update covers January through June 2024.
In an effort to keep the congregation better informed about its work, the Mission and Local Outreach Committee shares periodic informational updates. In addition to increasing awareness about what it is doing in the community, nationally, and globally on the congregation’s behalf, these communications also encourage participation in hands-on mission opportunities. Here is a summary of activity from January to June.
Local Mission. On the fourth Monday of every month, CMPC volunteers provide and serve hot dinners at Grassroots Route One Day Center in Laurel for the homeless in our community. The number of persons using the Center continues to grow, as does the need for food. This is an ongoing mission that welcomes new volunteers. Suzy Crabb is the point person for this mission. Susan.crabb@verizon.net
Rebuilding Together Howard County work days on April 26-27 attracted 12 CMPC volunteers at all skill levels to perform work in Elkridge, including cleaning, washing and painting walls and ceiling in a large living area, replacing skirting around one unit, power washing the exterior of two properties, staining decks, installing fire and CO2 detectors, and gardening clean up. Thanks to Todd Stubbs for organizing the effort with help from Wes Millard and Josh Gliptis.
A recognition lunch for Cold Weather Shelter and Route 1 Day Resource Center volunteers was held after worship in Fellowship Hall on May 5. Approximately 35 persons attended. The Fellowship Committee helped set up the room and provided drinks. Thanks to Suzy Crabb for help planning the event, getting the food from Wegmans, and baking cookies! Leftover food was donated to Grassroots.
The Home of Our Own Howard workday on May 7 organized by BJ Walworth had a morning and afternoon shift with four volunteers. Additional volunteers for future workdays are welcome. For more information, please contact bjwalworth@hotmail.com.
To-date, the committee has made donations to support scholarships at the CMPC Preschool, Howard County Food Bank which is run by the Community Action Council of Howard County, Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center and, Home of Our Own Howard. These programs are consistent with the committee’s focus on addressing homelessness in our community and demonstrate the increasing need for a growing number of vulnerable families.
National Mission. The committee continues to support the mission of Dustin and Holly Garner at OneEleven Ministries in Kansas City where they are preparing interns to sing and pray the Bible and share God’s goodness through evangelistic outreaches.
It also made a donation to support the summer camp at Pine Springs Camp in Jennerstown, PA, which a number of CMPC families attend. Pine Springs strives to provide every camper with an encounter with Jesus Christ that leads to growth in faith and discipleship.
Global Mission. The committee made a donation to Friends of the Presbyterian Education Board (Pakistan), whose mission is to provide high quality education to individuals of all religious backgrounds, regardless of their ability to pay, and who choose to attend a missionary-based institution reflecting Christian values
The Fifth Sunday Offering this year were accepted on behalf of Rebuilding Together Howard (March 31) and Pine Springs Camp (June 30).
Of course, this work would not be possible without the generous support of our congregation for which we are very grateful and appreciative.