By Kevin Slayton And Jessica L. Anschutz

Lewis Center for Church Leadership

LeadingIdeas Talk - Podcast Episode 146

"How can church leaders better engage the public sphere and expand their prophetic witness? We speak with Kevin Slayton, a pastor with a passion for public policy and prophetic preaching, about building relationships, engaging in politics, and his book Politically Preaching, Why Politics Are Local to the Black Church." Listen.

Tuesday, June 11, 12:00 - 1:30 pm

Congregation B'Nai Abraham

53 E. Baltimore Street, Hagerstown

Tom Riford will speak with us at our June meeting about the Thomas Kennedy Center. The Thomas Kennedy Center is dedicated to celebrating Hagerstown-Washington County’s state legislator Thomas Kennedy’s tireless efforts of advancing religious liberty and inclusiveness in 19th Century Maryland; and teaching how his legacy applies today, regardless of differences that might exist among us in race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, color, orientation, and gender. Lunch provided. More info. RSVP requested by Friday, June 7 at noon so we can get a count for lunch.

Thanks to help from a volunteer, HARC's list of Food, Clothing and Personal Care Resources has been completely updated. There have been many changes, including removing some inactive listings and adding a new pantry. Please replace your old lists with this one and share with anyone in need of these services. If you have any questions or new updates, contact Kathy at director@harccoalition.org.

HARC is once again working with area congregations and children's organizations to compile summer (June-August) calendars of free and low-cost VBS, camps, and other activities for children and families. Download June here or you can find it on our website. VBS coming up the week of June 10: St. John's UCC Clear Spring. Coming up the week of June 17: Bethel UMC, Valley Grace Brethren, Welty Church of the Brethren, Zion & Christ Reformed UCC and Hagerstown Church of the Nazarene, and storytime at the library. If you have a program to include in the July or August calendar, please send info to Charlotte ASAP: harcnewsflash@gmail.com. Please include date(s), times, location, a brief description, ages served, and how to sign up.

Saturday, June 8

Shepherd's Spring Outdoor Retreat Center

Enjoy the outdoors with a 4K, 10K or half marathon hike/walk/run on the beautiful C&O Canal Towpath, plus good food and fellowship, while supporting HARC, Micah's Backpack, the Refugee Welcome Network, and other programs of HARC. Learn and more here. And please spread the word via the Flyer and Bulletin inserts. Registration is open online through this Friday, June 7 at 5 pm or register in person the day of the hike.

Sunday, June 9, 4:00 - 6:00 pm

Unity of Hagerstown

18313 Lappans Road, Boonsboro, MD

Venerable Temm Bikle, Buddhist Monk, is offering a Japanese Noodle Slide! Join us for this unique and fun experience, where participants catch noodles with chopsticks as they float down a chute. Add some broth and toppings and enjoy noodle soup! Learn more about Temm, why he felt led to pursue Buddhism, and his various efforts toward peace. An Ikebana floral demonstration will be offered. Noodles, rice balls and other Japanese food will be served. Vegetarian friendly. Cost to register is $10. Maximum 40 people. This event is a fundraiser to support Temm as he brings more peace into this world. Additional donations before and during the event are gratefully accepted. Event is sponsored by HARC’s Interfaith Team and hosted by Unity of Hagerstown. Register here. flyer

May 29 thru June 7, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Soul Haven Wellness & Recovery Center

119 E. Antietam Street, Hagerstown

Gently used summer clothing for both men and women is urgently needed to support our peer community. Kindly refrain from leaving items at the front door. More info: (301) 790-5054. Soul Haven June Calendar.

Thursday, June 6, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

American Job Center

16 N. Potomac Street, Hagerstown

The Easter Seals Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program (HVRP) Representative will be at the American Job Center on June 6, from 10 am through 1 pm. He will have lots of information for any Veteran in need. Flyer.

Thursday, June 6, 2:00 - 6:00 pm

Wheaton Park

120 Charles Street, Hagerstown

Field day games - Pieing ACH Staff - Vendors - Food - Music - and More! Vape Free Event. Block Party Flyer. Volunteers Needed Flyer. Volunteer Form.

Friday, June 7, 7:00 - 10:00 pm

City Park Band Shell

Kick-off summer at City Park with the summer outdoor movie series! Wonka  will be played for FREE at the band shell. Pre-movie festivities begin at 7:00 pm and the movie will begin at dark. Bring your own blanket or a lawn chair and maintain social distance between yourself and others at the event. Treat yourself to concessions, pre-movie entertainment, and a fun evening under the stars! Come early to save a spot! Event hosted by Hagerstown Parks and Rec.

Sunday, June 8, 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Unity of Hagerstown

18313 Lappans Road, Boonsboro, MD

Come enjoy a day of dance and meditation with Candice Tritch, founder & CEO of Dance Alchemy, all in a safe, sacred, stress-free space. This dance workshop is an invitation to reconnect with the Summer energy of Mother Earth through the universal language of dance. The day will include meditation, creative visualization, warm-up exercises, and step-by-step dance instruction. Fee: $20. Flyer. There’s something for everyone to enjoy! IF YOU CAN MOVE, YOU CAN DANCE! For more info: dance.alchemyorg@gmail.com

Sunday, June 9, 3:00 - 4:30 pm

Trinity Lutheran Church

15 Randolph Avenue, Hagerstown

Dr. Stephen Marini (biography) will present this 90-minute workshop, where we’ll learn about how our Early American ancestors arrived in our area, what they knew about sacred singing, and how they practiced it. We’ll give it a try ourselves, and get good enough to sing several songs in that style from some of the earliest tune books published in our region - then we’ll congratulate ourselves! We’ll end with a Q&A about what we learned, both musical and historical. Please call or email so we know how many chairs! (301) 733-2879, office@tlchag.org. (Enter Fellowship Hall from the parking lot in back.) Flyer.

Sunday, June 9, 4:00 pm

Saint John's Episcopal Church

101 S. Prospect Street, Hagerstown

Music at St. John's Concert Series will feature The Sunderman Wind Quintet (Gettysburg College) and pianist Scott Crowne playing the music of Garth Baxter, Jenni Brandon, Frances Poulenc, and Hollis Thomas (member of St. John's). A woodwind quintet, made up of a flute, oboe, clarinet, French horn and bassoon, provides a colorful ensemble. The works that will be played will draw upon jazz, folk, night, and, yes, frog music. Come and have an engaging and lively afternoon of music! Info: 301-733-2560 x108. Flyer.

Monday, June 10 & 24, 5:00 - 7:00 pm

Sunday, June 23, 1:30 pm

Foxville School House

14814 Foxville-Deerfield Road, Sabillasville, MD

Dream Group Meetings will be Monday, June 10, and Monday, June 24. Dreams are one of the ways God's Word is revealed in the Bible. What might your dreams reveal about your Soul's conversation with God. Learn more about dreams and how we can support one another in a community of dream work. Pastor Julie Brigham leads the group and has trained through the Haden Institute. A Journal-Making Workshop will be Sunday, June 23. If you wish, bring fabric for the journal cover. Free; call Pastor Julie Brigham at 240-405-2173 to register. For information, call 240-405-2173.

Friday, June 14, 8:00 - 11:30 pm

Cortland Mansion

19411 Cortland Drive, Hagerstown

The Friends of the Doleman Black Heritage Museum Annual Masquerade Ball with a Cotton Club Twist will occur Friday, June 14. Press Release. The FoDBHM Masquerade Ball is seeking sponsors to further the museum's mission. For sponsorship opportunities, please email them directly at saunders@dbhm.org or parson@dbhm.org, purchase tickets from a board member, or through https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/c4c71bb0-f4b9-4f31-9c5f-d8315a6316d0.

Saturday, June 15, 12:00 - 9:30 pm

Wheaton Park

114 Charles Street, Hagerstown

Doleman Black Heritage Museum will be hosting its annual Juneteenth Celebration. FREE and open to the public. Includes vendors and activities for all ages. You are invited to join a celebration of this momentous occasion with a day filled with activities for the whole family. Event Activities Press Release.

Friday, June 21, 6:00 - 8:00 pm

University Plaza

50 W. Washington Street, Hagerstown

DECADES MUSIC SERIES: 1980s featuring The Reagan Years. Throw on some legwarmers and windbreakers and go downtown for FREE live music featuring your favorite 80s hits! Bring a blanket or chair and grab food from a downtown restaurant. Event hosted by City of Hagerstown.

Friday, June 21, 7:00 pm

St. John's Lutheran Church

141 S. Potomac Street, Hagerstown

St. John's Lutheran Church is having an Organ Concert by Jeffrey Donnelly. It will feature works by Vierne, Giroud, Peeters and others including the World Premiere of a New Composition by Mr. Donnelly who has composed 30 works and transcribed many to organ. This is to Benefit the Restoration Fund for their 1931 Original Moller Organ. Flyer.

Monday, June 24, 7:00 pm

Unitarian Universalist Church of Hagerstown

13245 Cearfoss Pike, Hagerstown

Five members of the Antietam Storytellers Guild compete for laurels and a cash prize while battling for the 2024 Best Liar title. Your vote counts. Come to cheer them on! $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.

Friday, June 28, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm (or until supplies last)

Soul Haven

119 E. Antietam Street, Hagerstown

Fresh Produce Food Drop on Friday, June 28, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm (until supplies last). June’s event will Include a limited supply of shelf stable items. Info: 301-790-5054. Flyer.

August 14-16, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Washington County Free Library Fletcher Branch

100 S. Potomac Street, Hagerstown

Small Hands - Big Hearts: Community Builders Summer Day Camp for 1st thru 5th Graders. "Be A Builder - At Home, At School, And In My Community." Free of charge, Community Guests, Cooking, Music, Games, Service, Arts & Crafts & Library Adventures! Directed by Hagerstown Area Religious Council. Click Here to sign up and register by August 2. Poster. For questions- Ashlee at jon2ash@gmail.com