By John Pavlovitz

The Christian Century

"Have you noticed that something is missing in American spirituality?

It isn’t religion. We have plenty of that.

It isn’t Christians. There are tens of millions of professed followers of Jesus here.

It isn’t Christian churches. It’s difficult to travel a mile without encountering a half a dozen houses of worship of various denominations.

What we’re missing is kindness."

Read more. Kind Humans Survival Guide

Tuesday, September 10, 12:00 - 1:30 pm

First Christian Church

1345 Potomac Avenue, Hagerstown

We invite you to join us to learn about the Refugee Welcome Network. RWN seeks to connect individuals and families newly arrived in the U.S. and Washington County to community resources, including housing, household goods, English lessons, jobs, food and clothing, and more, and support them with friendship and community as they settle in their new home. The RWN operates under the auspices of HARC and is almost all volunteer-led. Join us for lunch, fellowship, and this unique program, including hearing from a refugee about their experience. First Christian Church will host our meeting and provide the lunch with a free-will offering basket. Ample parking is available and the building is accessible. RSVP requested by Friday, September 6 at noon so we can get a count for lunch.

The Refugee Welcome Network (RWN), DSS, Children In Need and CASA continue to work with refugee family of 6 that is desperately in need of housing. CASA has paid for a hotel stay for them for two months, but that is up the end of August and RWN has been unsuccessful in finding them housing. If you have a place they can stay temporarily OR if you have or know of an affordable apartment or home (or parsonage) the RWN can rent for them, please contact Jane at 240-469-5084 or jane.powell365@gmail.com or Kathy at director@harccoalition.org or 301-842-4272. Please pass this on to everyone you know! We don't want to see this family end up homeless.

Wednesday, September 4, 12:00 - 1:00 pm

Christ's Reformed Church

130 W. Franklin Street, Hagerstown

Come learn more about the new Lighthouse After-School Program and consider if you may want to volunteer, lead a program, or become a partner congregation. Interested in making a difference? Contact Angela to RSVP at (240) 347-0780 or yamashitaangela6@gmail.com. Flyer. Interested, but can't make this time frame? Contact Angela for another option.

Wednesday, August 21, 7:00 pm

Hagerstown City Park Bandshell

501 Virginia Avenue, Hagerstown

Free Christian music series featuring the group CALEB. Hosted by Valor Ministries. Flyer.

Friday, August 23, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm (or until supplies last)

Soul Haven

119 E. Antietam Street, Hagerstown

Fresh Produce Food Drop on Friday, July 26, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm (until supplies last). Info: 301-790-5054. Flyer.

Saturday, August 24, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

775 Frederick Street, Hagerstown

APRYL SHOWERS. Every One Matters. Get Showered and Refreshed. Lunches provided by Rik's Cafe. There will also be other necessities available. Sponsored by Platoon Veteran Services. Flyer.

Monday, August 26, 7:00 pm

Unitarian Universalist Church of Hagerstown

13245 Cearfoss Pike, Hagerstown

Octogenarian Ellouise Schoettler, visual artist; fabric collagist who uses quilt making to explore genealogy; spoken-word-artist and political activist from both local and national halls of power – describes the arc of her life interview-style with dear friend and fellow creative Susan Gordon, reminiscing about Schoettler’s recurring response to hardship, devastating personal, familial, national and world challenges – to re-invent herself, reminding all the rest of us what we – especially women – are capable of. $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.

Tuesday, August 27, 7:00 pm

Hagerstown Church of the Brethren

15 S. Mulberry Street, Hagerstown

Hagerstown Choral Arts is holding auditions for it’s 2024-2025 season. Love to sing? No music preparation is necessary. Rehearsals begin in September. Want to know more about the organization visit their website at https://hca-md.org/. Questions: ContactUs@HCA-MD.org. Poster.

Friday, August 30, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Office of Consumer Advocates & Soul Haven Wellness & Recovery Center

119-121 E. Antietam Street, Hagerstown

Housing, Employment, Expungement, Resource Event! Fun!! Walking Tacos!! Drinks!! Snow Cones!! Door Prizes!! Games!! Re-Entry Team: Stanley Ireson & Ryan Graham. Flyer. Info: 301-790-5054.

Yoga Mondays, Sept. 9 - Oct. 7, 6:00 - 7:00 pm

Chair Yoga Tuesdays, Sept. 10 - Oct. 8, 2:30 - 3:30 pm

Unity of Hagerstown, Meeting at the Fellowship Hall

St. Mark’s Episcopal

18313 Lappans Road, Boonsboro, MD

Traditional Yoga: De-stress, revitalize and create feelings of well-being. Learn Sun Salutations and basic poses with modifications, breathing techniques, relaxation and chanting. Bring a yoga mat and water. Chair Yoga: Get your energy moving gently as we isolate, rotate and stretch to a full range of motion. Seated in a chair and standing while holding the chair for short periods, we’ll incorporate deep abdominal breathing, pre-yoga exercises, modified yoga poses, balancing, and a final meditative relaxation. Both classes facilitated by Jann Richards. For more info 240-409-5940, unityhagerstown@gmail.com or wwwunityhagerstown.org

Tuesday, September 10, 2:00 - 5:00 pm

Zion Reformed United Church of Christ

201 N. Potomac Street, Hagerstown

Zion UCC's 2nd Annual Community Resource Fair. Non-profit agencies which offer services and resources to those in need are invited to register as a participating agency. Please contact Carroll Sager at  carroll.sager@gmail.com for registration and set up information.

Thursday, September 12, 3:00 - 5:00 pm

University Plaza

50 W. Washington Street, Hagerstown

Washington County Department of Social Services and The Washington County Health Department, Division of Behavioral Health Services in partnership with Washington Goes Purple are excited to announce their 1st START community event! The goal of this event is to inform the community about the changes they are implementing within child welfare to reduce the stigma surrounding services offered to families struggling with substance use disorder while actively parenting. They aim to provide education, community resources, and promote a collaborative approach. Poster.

3rd Thursday of each month, 12:00 - 1:30 pm

Resuming September 19

Otterbein United Methodist Church

108 E. Franklin Street, Hagerstown

Memory Cafe is a safe environment for those living with early-stage Dementia as well as their care partners. This group offers a unique blend of educational and social interactions for all attendees. Each cafe is sponsored by a local senior care professional. Join them for an afternoon of fun experiences as well as a light lunch and socialization. Attendance is free. Information contact Carolyn Perrygo, Member, Dementia Friendly Washington County at 301-733-4331, c.perrygo@myactv.net. Flyer.

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

Congregation B'Nai Abraham, Beaver Creek Church of the Brethren, and Islamic Society of Western Maryland

To honor the International Day of Peace, an Interfaith Progressive Dinner will be held at three different local houses of worship with four faith traditions participating. Small plates of food will be served at each location as they progressively move as one group from place to place. This is an opportunity to: Learn about different faith traditions; Sample spiritually and culturally relevant foods; celebrate the International Day of Peace; and build community. Cost: $25 per person. Event is limited to a maximum of 100 people. Ticket deadline is September 17 (unless sold out sooner). See the full event schedule and purchase tickets from the event page.

Sunday, September 29, 5:00 - 8:00 pm

The Maryland Theatre

21 S. Potomac Street, Hagerstown

ON SALE NOW: Reach of Washington County presents the 19th Annual Taste of the Town on Sept 29! Taste of the Town is one of the largest and oldest tasting events in the area, showcasing the culinary talents of local chefs. Ticket proceeds go directly to Reach’s programs. To purchase tickets, visit mdtheatre.org/town or call the local Box Office at 301-790-2000.