By Alia Chughtai

Aljazeera

"The three-day festival celebrates the completion of the fasting month of Ramadan by Muslims across the world."

"As a new moon was not sighted on Monday evening after Maghrib prayers, Muslims in Saudi Arabia and neighbouring countries will fast one more day, completing 30 days of Ramadan. The first day of Eid will then be celebrated on Wednesday, April 10. The first day of Eid al-Fitr is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon marking the start of the month of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar. Read more

By Mica Rosenberg, Kristina Cooke and Jackie Botts

REUTERS

"Their journey starts with a humanitarian visa for Brazil: one of the few remaining exit routes for Afghans fleeing Taliban rule.

It ends, after a perilous trek overland through Latin America across at least 11 countries, with scaling the border wall and jumping onto U.S. soil." Read more.

First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, Hagerstown has an Associate Minister position available. The Associate Minister curates a community of youth and adults who have fun sharing church. The Associate Minister resources mission ministries of our congregation. Annually, the Associate Minister develops a ministry out of their passion for serving Jesus and the community. The Associate Minister will share worship, pastoral and teaching opportunities with the Senior Minister on a scheduled frequency. Disciples of Christ affiliation or ordination not necessary; this position is flexible for the right person. To Apply: Contact Rev. Dr. Marcus Leathers, Regional Minister of the Christian Church of the Capital Area RM@cccadisciples.org 202-823-0800 www.cccadisciples.org. Job Description.

Saturday, April 13, 5:00 pm

Zion Reformed United Church of Christ

201 North Potomac Street, Hagerstown

The Science of Murder (a deadly Dinner play) By Toby Otero. Come enjoy dinner and a Murder Mystery. $15 singles, $25 couple. Doctor Mingus is one of the most important figures in science today and you are lucky to be invited to the Mingus Estate to witness an experiment that will change the world as we know it! Our subjects are a husband and wife that just don't see eye-to-eye anymore. With the help of his henchman, Idiot, his maid, Patrice and a host of uninvited guests ... Can Doctor Mingus help them understand each other again? The subjects are strapped in, the switch is thrown, the power goes out and things just go downhill from there. Join us for this annual mystery dinner theater event! Further info: 301-739-7244, zionrucc@myactv.net.  Flyer.

Sunday, April 14, 4:00 pm

Saint John’s Episcopal Church

101 S. Prospect Street, Hagerstown

The Saint John’s Concert Series presents "A Festival of Hymns" with Dr. Paul D. Weber, Composer/Conductor, Florence Jowers, Organist Hollis Thoms, Composer and Jacqueline Thoms, soprano soloist. Featuring A Paul D. Weber Hymnary: So Great A Cloud of Witnesses And the World Premiere of Hollis Thoms’ Hymn Preludes. The program may be viewed live at Facebook.com, after the service on the church’s Website under the FB & Worship tab (click link for Festival of Hymns). Info 301-733-2560 x 108. Flyer.

Tuesday, April 16, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Otterbein United Methodist Church Parking Lot

(Corner of E. Franklin and N. Locust)

108 E. Franklin Street, Hagerstown

This is a one-time, food “drop” for our neighborhood. Suggest you 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. Flyer.

Chair Yoga - 6 Thursdays April 18-May 23, 11 am - noon

Beginning T'ai Chi - 6 Wednesdays April 24-May 29, 5-6 pm

Otterbein United Methodist Church

108 E. Franklin Street, Hagerstown

Each program costs $30. See flyers for more info: Chair Yoga flyer T'ai Chi flyer. Register on-line: https://otterumc.org/chairyoga / https://otterumc.org/taichi, or contact Kate in the church office: office@otterumc.org or call 301-739-9386.

Friday, April 19, 7:00 pm

Christ Reformed UCC

117 W. Main Street, Sharpsburg, MD

Ernie Couch and Revival will be performing in a free and open to all show with refreshments to follow. EC&R is a Gospel group consisting of Ernie, Jason and Memphis Couch. This three generational group is based in Nashville and has been Grammy nominated. Read more.

Saturday, April 20, 8:30 - 10:30 am

St. Andrews UMC

1020 Maryland Avenue, Hagerstown

The United Methodist Men of St. Andrews United Methodist Church will host a potato drop in the church parking lot. They will be offering 50-pound bags of Maine Potatoes to organizations and smaller bags to individuals in need. To reserve one or more bags of potatoes, please contact John Davidson at 301-730-7359, write him at davidjoh@myactv.net or go to www.bwc.umm.org to order online. Flyer.

Sunday, April 21, 2:00 pm

Halfway African American Cemetery

11027 Clinton Avenue, Hagerstown

Thanks to a Maryland Heritage Areas Authority matching grant and generous supporters, Friends of Halfway African American Cemetery have completed the public access pathway into the Halfway African American Cemetery. A ribbon-cutting event to celebrate this new public access will be on Sunday, April 21. This is open to the public and they welcome all visitors. Street parking is available. For questions, please see their Facebook page (Friends of Halfway MD African American Cemetery) or contact Elizabeth Paul at eapaul@myactv.net or 301-991-1309.

Monday, April 22, 7:00 pm

Unitarian Universalist Church of Hagerstown

13245 Cearfoss Pike, Hagerstown

Susan Gordon returns to Stories In The Round to continue the story of Liza and John Ingram, living in the West Virginia Alleghanies at the seep beginnings of Laurel Fork below Bayard Knob in the Cheat River watershed, who fight to keep their land from being lumbered out. Her novel-in-progress, set in the early 1900’s when these mountains were clear cut of every standing tree, includes the history of the land with the towns, hamlets and families who struggled to survive the disaster around them. Gordon is a prose writer of fiction and memoir, a poet, a storyteller, and was a narrative therapist until her retirement in 2023. $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Children 12 & older welcome when accompanied by a parent or group leader. Contact: Fanny Crawford, 301-730-1638 or fanitsky@hotmail.com.

Challenge Hike - Saturday, May 18

Appalachian Trail, meeting at Weverton

4K, 10k & half marathon Hikes - Saturday, June 8

Shepherd's Spring Outdoor Retreat Center and C&O Canal Towpath

Register now and spread the word for the 12th annual HARC Hike for Hunger & Hope! This family-friendly event benefits HARC and Micah's Backpack, and is a great opportunity to get outdoors and have fun. Choose a 4K, 10K or half marathon hike/walk/run on the C&O Canal Towpath or 1 20-mile Challenge Hike on the Appalachian Trail. TEAMS are encouraged. This year we have an exciting matching pledge from the God's Grace Fund. HARC Hike participants who raise funds beyond a $200 suggested fundraising goal will see any additional amounts raised matched 2-1 for triple the impact. Learn more and register. Flyer / Bulletin inserts / Sponsorship form / Manual registration form / How to set up a team

Washington Goes Purple T-Shirt Art Contest - April 1 - 30: Be part of something meaningful by participating in the Washington Goes Purple T-Shirt Art Contest. The winning design will become the official emblem for the WGP shirts of 2024. This is an incredible opportunity to leave a lasting impact and contribute to the Washington Goes Purple initiative's mission of preventing substance abuse. Info Flyer.

The Washington County Health Department is sponsoring an Art Contest for Tobacco Cessation - May 31. They're hosting an art contest aimed at promoting tobacco cessation. This contest invites participants to unleash their creativity and submit artwork that conveys the importance of quitting smoking. Selected pieces will be displayed at our prestigious World No Tobacco Day Red Carpet Event on May 31st. It's a chance to showcase talent while raising awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco. Info Flyer.

Saturday, August 24, 12:00 pm

TBA, Hagerstown

Heart 2 Heart pageant program, a different kind of pageant, places an emphasis on inspiration, empowerment, and leadership. They offer: Fun & support while building relationships; A platform to celebrate individual uniqueness; Opportunities to improve communication skills, social skills, & self-confidence; A platform to advocate for important issues & build better communities through service. Flyer. Info Packet. Info and Email RSVP.