By Rabbi Jessica Lowenthal

Interfaith America

"On October 15, 2023, Temple Beth Shalom in Melrose, Massachusetts held a town-wide communal mourning service. The synagogue community had come together for a Jewish ritual event earlier in the week, but this gathering was open to all. As someone who has been deeply connected to Israel and strongly committed to fostering a shared future for Israelis and Palestinians, I knew how divisive this meeting could have been.   Nevertheless, despite people’s particular political leanings, our community held the moment’s complexity – including our horror, anguish, and fear." Read more. 

Saturday, September 21, 5:00 - 9:00 pm

Starts at Congregation B'Nai Abraham

53 E. Baltimore Street, Hagerstown

To honor the International Day of Peace, an Interfaith Progressive Dinner will be held at three different local houses of worship representing three different faith traditions. Small plates of food will be served at each location as we progressively move from place to place. Don't miss this great opportunity to learn about different faith traditions, sample spiritually and culturally relevant foods, celebrate the International Day of Peace, and build community. Learn more and register HERE. Flyer.

United Way is seeking projects and volunteers for this year's Day of Caring, held on September 21. Please submit your Residential Day of Caring Project Request here as soon as possible. Applications for Nonprofit Day of Caring Projects can be submitted here. Deadlines for both projects are coming soon! If you're interested in volunteering for the DOC, fill out this form to make an impact on Washington County. Or you can Make an online donation here (select "Day of Caring" and manually enter your donation in the amount field). Contact Kate Younkins, Director of Engagement, with any questions at 301-739-8200 x 103 or kate@uwwcmd.org with.

HARC's Lighthouse After School Program is in need of Volunteers and Program Leads starting this fall/winter. Do you have a talent you can share (reading, art, music, gardening, STEM, etc.), willingness to support students, and a desire to be the change in your community? If so, we would love your help! Requirements: Commitment to regular sessions (flexible scheduling and short-term commitments available) and a passion for working with children. Interested in making a difference? Contact Angela at (240) 347-0780 or yamashitaangela6@gmail.com. Flyer - please share! And an announcement in bulletins would be appreciated.

Tuesdays at 9:00 am

Safron Bakery Cafe

287 Eastern Blvd N, Hagerstown

Weekly Bible study for Christian clergy and lay ministers. A time to dig into scripture with other pastors. Typically follows the Lectionary, so it can also help you prepare your sermons a week ahead, if you follow the Lectionary cycle. If interested, contact Kyle Powderly at acts2024@gmail.com or just show up.

The Hospice of Washington County Bereavement Team announces a resource "toolkit" for grieving children and teens! This "toolkit" is a box full of multiple resources, comfort items, workbooks, and materials that have been designed to match a student's developmental level. Toolkits are available for the following age groups: Pre-K/Kindergarten, Elementary School, Middle School, and High School aged students. Each toolkit provides educational and helpful materials to help a student and family navigate grief and loss. English and Spanish resources are available. Information Website. Request a Toolkit. Information Email: Bereavement Counselors Stephanie Nalley and Jennifer Morningstar. Check out a video to preview these toolkits.

Do you struggle to understand people in addiction? Do you encounter people using in your neighborhood or around your place of worship and feel uncomfortable or afraid? Have you heard of "harm reduction" and thought of it as just a needle program that's causing more harm than good? This book may be worth a read. "Drugs & Jesus is the first book of its kind to pioneer a theological framework for people of faith and specifically evangelical Christians, to help them engage in the ministry of harm reduction. Drawing from his own ground-breaking efforts to equip faith communities at the epicenter of America's rural opioid crisis, Josh takes readers on a journey of theological and practical transformation that will give them a renewed sense of mission by stirring their compassion for the most vulnerable members of their community."

Now throughout the Fall Months

John Wesley UMC

129 N. Potomac Street, Hagerstown

Supply beds and bedding to children of families who can't afford beds! For Sleep in Heavenly Peace, 18835 Artillery Road, Hagerstown, MD, 844-432-2337, ext. 5958. Website. Flyer.

Ten Thousand Villages in Hagerstown has an opening for a general manager beginning in September. Interested applicants should email the store at Hagerstown@tenthousandvillages.com, or stop by the store at 13625 Pennsylvania Avenue, Hagerstown during regular business hours. The store is open Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm and Saturday, 10am-4pm. Make a difference in the lives of impoverished artisans throughout the world through the fair trade marketing of their products. Oversee a team of volunteers helping run the store, who have a passion for making a difference through the generous giving of their time and talents. (301) 797-3020. Website.

HARC has completed our summer calendars of free and low-cost VBS, camps, and other activities for children and families. Here is the new AUGUST calendar, which you can also find on our website. Coming up for the week of August 5: VBS Rehoboth UMC, VBS Hagerstown Church, VBS Smithsburg Valley Church. Coming up for the week of August 12: HARC’s Summer Day Camp. Please feel free to share with the community and anyone who may be interested!

Wednesday, July 31, 7:00 pm

Hagerstown City Park Bandshell

501 Virginia Avenue, Hagerstown

Free Christian music series featuring the group SCOTT DAY BAND (Facebook). Hosted by Valor Ministries. Flyer.

Tuesday, August 6, 5:00 - 8:00 pm

Fairgrounds Park, Hagerstown



National Night Out! Celebrate public safety for an evening promoting police and community partnerships. Vendors and games available for free to the community! Event hosted by Hagerstown Police Department