Outreach

"And they'll know we are Christians by our love." So says the familiar hymn. How we live out Christ's love in our church, our community and the greater world speaks to who we are as Christians and members of Emmanuel. From our location on Scaggsville Road, we offer opportunities to travel many paths to reach out in Christians love.

For Information about our numerous outreach programs contact one the committee co-chairs:

The Agencies We Serve

Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services (LARS)

LARS serves the greater Laurel area by assisting homeless and low-income individuals and families in crisis with Homeless Outreach, Emergency Services and Transitional Housing. We participate in the Homeless Mini Walk each fall which supports the work of LARS and helps LARS receive major grants to fund their work with people in need. Contact: Paul Sutton 301-604-7496 or PVS9@cdc.gov.

Food Banks

We support three food banks throughout the year located at Grassroots Shelter (Columbia), LARS, and Elizabeth House (Laurel). These food banks supply non-perishable food, personal care items, and paper goods to those in need. You may leave goods in the two large labeled baskets located at our front doors (the two doorways that face Scaggsville Road.)

Food Bank Shopping List:

• Boxes of Cereal
• Cans of Tuna, Chicken or Spam
• Cans of Vegetables
• Cans of Fruit or packages of fruit
• Meals in a can (Spaghetti O's, Baked Beans)
• Canned Soup or packages of dry soup mix
• Boxes of dessert mixes
• Boxes of granola bars
• Boxes of crackers
• Powdered Milk
• Jars of Peanut Butter
• Rice or Beans or Pasta
• Macaroni and Cheese
• Side Dishes (stuffing or instant potatoes)
• Paper Products (toilet paper, paper towels)

Elizabeth House

On the first Saturday of every month members and friends of Emmanuel volunteer to staff Elizabeth House for their free dinner to the people of Laurel. Carolyn and Tyrone Taylor coordinate EUMC's monthly volunteers at Elizabeth House. Sign up to volunteer at the Outreach Bulletin Board located to the left as you enter our Fellowship Hall or contact: Carolyn and Tyrone Taylor at 301-953-2557 or donbri12@comcast.net

Grassroots Shelter

Located in Columbia, Grassroots Shelter is a non-profit organization that provides emergency shelter, a transitional housing program and a 24-hour hotline. We support Grassroots with donations of food and money and several times throughout the year we provide dinner to the shelter residents at Grassroots. Contact Outreach Committee Chair for more information.

Youth Ministries

Throughout the year, Emmanuel youth take part in ministries to help our community. For one week in the summer, a team of teens and adults from Emmanuel take on a work project. For many years they travelled to Frostburg, Maryland to do home repairs for needy families and individuals. In 2010 they will be going to the Gulf Coast to participate in post Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Contact: Donna Meoli at the church office or dmeoli@comcast.net.

Winterhaven

Every year we offer hospitality to homeless men and women when we host them as our guests at Emmanuel for one week in February. Winterhaven is a collaborative program of many faith-based organizations that provide shelter and food during the winter months. Contact: Nancy Herron at 301-725-4364 or nancrabs4@yahoo.com.

American Red Cross

Emmanuel holds blood drives on a regular basis to assist the Red Cross in their efforts to collect the blood that is needed. Please visit The Red Cross to view a list of upcoming drives at Emmanuel, or to sign up to donate at an upcoming drive. You can also call 1-800-272-2123, or 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to schedule an appointment to donate using sponsor code 13952. Any questions should be directed to Elaine Williams at dekka25@yahoo.com.

Volunteer In Mission (VIM) Opportunities

Offers you a chance to participate in a mission trip to another country where you provide assistance to communities in need and develop personal relationships with people whose lives are very different from your own. Contact Outreach Committee Chair for more information.

See the journal from the 2009 mission to Nicaragua.

Emergency Assistance to Individuals/Families in Crisis

Throughout the year we respond to individuals and families who are in crisis in our community with financial assistance and food cards which they use to get groceries.

Adopt A Family Christmas Gifts

Every year we adopt between 10-15 families through LARS Adopt A Family program. Emmanuel friends and members purchase gifts that the family members request. Camp Hope families whose homes we have repaired are also sent gifts. Contact: Nancy Herron at 301-725-4364 or nancrabs4@yahoo.com.