By Dr. Anne Bradley

Institute for Faith, Work & Economics

"It’s election season in the U.S., and we are hearing a lot about voting. This reminds me of a public service announcement that I saw on television four years ago, where a Hollywood actress asked people to vote. I suspect she wouldn’t want my vote if she knew what it was, but she was encouraging voting nonetheless.

On Election Day, Americans proudly wear the red, white and blue “I voted” sticker, which is kind of a badge of honor. There are many in the world who are denied the benefits of democratic institutions, and this keeps them oppressed." Read more.

Saturday, September 7

Join the City of Hagerstown in celebrating our hometown hero, Aaron Brooks and his amazing accomplishment of winning the bronze medal in wrestling from the 2024 Paris Olympics! The community is invited to attend all events listed on the City's Facebook page. Mayor Tekesha Martinez has asked the faith community to "secure the gates of our city with prayer" for Aaron and for the safety and prosperity of our city, and to raise banners welcoming Aaron home, if we are able. Wouldn't it be awesome to have prayer on the north, south, east and west ends of our city Saturday morning? Time frame for Welcome Home events: 9:00-11:30 a.m. Autograph Signing at Younger Toyota, 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Processional from Younger Toyota to Meritus Park, 12:00 p.m. Homecoming of Hope Celebration at Meritus Park (gates open at 10:30 a.m. with free entry). All parking decks will be FREE that day. Find more details on the Facebook page.

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 refugees 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.

Hebron Mennonite Church (Hagerstown, MD) is looking for an administrative assistant to work 10-12 hours a week. Responsibilities include designing weekly bulletins, sending church emails, and taking minutes at select meetings. Position could start as early as September 9. For more information, or to apply for the position, email pastor@hebronhag.net or call the church office (301-797-3697).

Here are Resources that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offers, either online or in person. They have specialists over each category who are willing to individually help people that might be interested in these programs. Please share this with anyone you feel it could be valuable/useful for.

GOCI, Faith & Blue, and HAPCOA are sharing a program that provides free medical equipment to residents of Maryland who are facing financial constraints. The available equipment includes wheelchairs, hospital beds, walkers, crutches, canes, lift chairs, and toilet seats. Flyers: Spanish and English. No Cost to Recipients. Simple Application Process. Information: alex4prevent@verizon.Net / 240-372-5433. hapcoa.org

A 12-week program that provides trainees with a combination of 50 of classroom and in-practice educational learning in Person-Centered Hospitals and Nursing Homes visitation. Flyer. For more information, contact: Chaplain Richard W. Bower at 301-745-4285, or email at rich.bower@maryland.gov.

Girls on the Run inspires girls of all abilities to recognize their individual strengths while building a sense of connection and confidence. They are seeking volunteer coaches who facilitate lessons that blend physical activity with life skills development to create opportunities for joyful movement and meaningful connections. Teams (elementary and middle school) meet twice per week over an 8- to 10-week season. At the end of the season, the team completes a celebratory 5K event, which provides a tangible sense of accomplishment and sets a confident mindset in motion. They are currently seeking volunteers to help as coaches in Washington County - particularly in Hagerstown at Bester Elementary, Pangborn Elementary, Hickory Elementary, Lincolnshire Elementary, and Eastern Elementary. Website / Facebook. / Flyer.

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

Sunday, Sept. 15, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm, 1:30 - 2:30 pm

Congregation B'nai Abraham

53 E. Baltimore Street, Hagerstown

A Jewish Food Festival To Go. Order Deadline: September 10. NOSH BOX (includes stacked sandwich on rye, deli pickle, cole slaw, delicious dessert); MATZAH BALL SOUP; BUBBIE’S FAMOUS CABBAGE SOUP. EZ Order & pay online: www.bnaiabraham.net/donations/. Download Order Blank and Info.

Tai Chi Introduction - Tuesday, September 10, 5:00 pm

Chair Yoga - 6 wks starting Thursday, September 12, 11:00 am

Tai Chi - 8 wks starting Tuesday, September 17, Beginning: 5:00 pm; Intermediate: 5:45 pm

Otterbein United Methodist Church

108 E. Franklin Street, Hagerstown



Tai Chi Introduction (Flyer) - free discussion/intro to Tai Chi. This is an opportunity to learn what Tai Chi is, how it's practiced, and the benefits of incorporating this practice into one's lifestyle. Instructor: Paul Cote.

Tai Chi classes (Flyer) resume on Sept. 17 with two levels offered. Instructor: Paul Cote. Register on-line (for both Tai Chi events) or contact Kate in the church office: office@otterumc.org / 301-739-9386.

Chair Yoga classes (Flyer) resume on Sept. 12. Instructor: Jane Baer. Register on-line or contact Kate in the church office (info above).

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.

Friday, September 13, 6:00 pm

St. Andrew Presbyterian Church

10813 Donelson Drive, Williamsport, MD

CHURCH WOMEN UNITED OF WASHINGTON COUNTY HUMAN RIGHTS CELEBRATION. Dinner cost: $15. Please pay at the door. Catered by St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Women. Reservations are due by Thursday, Sept. 5. Call or text Tammy Coyle at 240-409-2410 or email (preferred) to tammy.coyle93@gmail.com. Program begins at 6:45 pm. Guest Speaker: Mae Colon will share about Hope Center’s ministry. Child care during the program will be provided free of charge by Dominique Burford, an experienced early childhood educator. Prior registration is required. Please call Debbie Keefer at 301-988-2928 by Thursday, Sept. 5. Flyer.

Saturday, September 14, 8:00 am - 1:00 pm

Lowes

12809 Shank Farm Way, Hagerstown

Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP)-Hagerstown is doing a bed build as part of Bunks Across America. You are invited to participate, bring your friends, and spread the word. This is their biggest build ever - 100 beds, so 150 volunteers are needed. Any and all helping hands aged 12 and up are welcome, and this could count as student community service hours. Lowes is sponsoring all the lumber, providing lots of help, the parking lot, and lunch! Please sign up HERE.

Sunday, September 15, 2024, 3:00 PM

Dunker Church

Antietam National Battlefield, Sharpsburg, MD

54th Annual Dunker Church Service. All are welcome. Guest Speaker: Gene Hagenberger. “The Undiscovered Country“. Gene Hagenberger has pastored congregations of the Church of the Brethren and served as Mid-Atlantic District Executive Minister from 2009-2022. Since 2023 he does NPO fundraising. Special music: Back Row Singers, Hagerstown CoB, Carol Scheppard, bagpipes, Adam Lane, vocal/guitar.  For more information, contact Rachel Black, 240-291-1859. Flyer.

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

The Maryland Theatre

21 S. Potomac Street, Hagerstown

Taste of the Town tickets are officially on sale. Info link on attending and/or being a sponsor.  Here is a link to the event website if you want to check out the vendors signed up so far: www.tasteofthetownwc.com. They will continue to take Sponsorships until the 20 tables sell out, and General admission tickets will be available now and at the door. Please grab your friends, family, coworkers and join them. Share with your networks, businesses, and houses of faith. To purchase tickets, visit mdtheatre.org/town or call the local Box Office at 301-790-2000. Updated Flyer.