Outreach and service to the community has always been a theme of the life of St. Mark’s. During Epiphany this year, we were privileged to hear from seven different groups and agencies where St. Mark’s members serve as volunteers or in paid positions. There followings short summaries of these presentations, plus contact names and numbers.
Just since the January-February presentations, several members have stepped out in faith and service to help these groups. Why "re-invent the wheel" of community service when we can support these (and other!) most worthwhile agencies doing God’s work in our community? Our Easter faith is one of the risen Jesus, sending the disciples out into the world to preach, baptize, teach, and heal. We can be Easter Christians as we respond to the needs of others in the name of our risen, living and active Lord! And let me know what you are doing so that we might encourage one another!
--The Rev. Anne O.
Weatherholt, Rector
Contact: Joan Fell (St. Mark’s member), Executive Director
Breast Cancer Awareness offers breast cancer support, education services and early detection programs. Volunteers are always welcome for help with mailings, setting up health fairs and other assistance. If you or someone in your family has had breast cancer, you are encouraged to get in touch! You may be able to support someone else going through the same experience!
Phyllis Riordan,
St. Mark’s member, is a regular volunteer at Breast Cancer Awareness.
18 West Franklin
St. Telephone: 301-733-9234
Contact: The Rev.
Charles McGinley "Father Mac"
(retired, former
St. Mark’s Rector)
For a decade, the
Free Clinic has provided free comprehensive medical care to the uninsured
or underinsured of Washington County. Volunteers, supplies, and funding
are always welcome. St. Mark’s members Anita Elliott, Marge Moore and Adele
Montgomery have been volunteers, along with Father Mac’s wife, Trink McGinley.
Randolph Avenue
Telephone (St. John’s Church): 301-733-2560
Contact: Laura Bendell and Mary Behan, St. Mark’ members
Founded by St. John’s
Episcopal Church, this is one of the only shelters for transitional housing
that can accommodate families. Residents, who are recommended by various
local agencies, enter for about a three-month period to allow them to "get
on their feet" financially and to move into subsidized housing. Volunteers
and household supplies are needed.
13315 Highlane
Street, PO Box 2193 Telephone: 301-733-2371
E Mail: faith_reaching_out@yahoo.com
Contact: Terri Baker, Director
REACH is a grass
roots volunteer coordinating agency. The three main programs run by REACH
are the Crisis Intervention program (founded 1990) to respond to acute
needs for shelter, food, medicine and related needs. The cold weather shelter
(founded 1996) provides shelter and related services including meals. Interfaith
Volunteer Caregivers (founded 1997) empowers the elderly, handicapped and
others through services provided by caring and compassionate volunteers.
St. Mark’s Youth and Men’s group helped provide meals for the Cold Weather
Shelter this winter!
Contact: Barbara
Creager (St. Mark’s member) Telephone: 301-797-3923
Based on the Laubach
Literacy Method "each one, teach one," anyone who can read can learn to
be a tutor. Over 17% (16,000) persons in Washington County are considered
functionally illiterate (4th grade or below). Tutors are desperately needed!
St. Mark’s members Bill Johnson and Peg Hayzlett are currently teaching
others to read!
Heifer Project, International
Provides livestock and training for needy families in more than 100 countries.
P.O. Box 8058, Little Rick, AR 72203
800-422-0474
United Thank Offering
A major volunteer mission arm that begins with daily prayers and gifts of thanksgiving by women, men, and children. UTO grants have been the seed money and support for a wide range of community ministries.
815 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017
800-334-7626
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