| |
Service
Members of Transfiguration participate in the many opportunities available to enhance the lives of those within our congregation, and in the community by reaching out and giving comfort and assistance to people in need, and by working to improve the quality of life of all in the community by helping to make policy changes that will be beneficial to the community as a whole.
Action in Montgomery (AIM)
A Faith based nonpartisan political action group organized to pressure county legislators to address various issues affecting the lives of county residents. Meetings are on an as needed basis. Transfiguration was one of the first congregations to become active members of AIM, and we work diligently to help promote and accomplish the goals that have been established by AIM from the suggestions of the AIM congregations.
AIM members have recently attended the County budget meetings to testify on behalf of a local community that needs sidewalks for the safety of its residents, and convinced the county officials to make a commitment to have the sidewalks installed this summer. Several meetings have been held with county officials to update, expand programs, and renovate several community centers. We have succeeded in obtaining commitments from the county executive and several members of the county council.
Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts
Both organizations assist young people in having fun growing up responsibly, serving their community and learning new skills meet in the parish hall and often participate in service projects sponsored by Transfiguration. The Boy Scouts meet from 7:30 - 9:00 on Friday evenings, the Girl Scouts meet on Monday evenings
Colesville Community Council of Churches(C-4)
A nonprofit community organization established and supported by the churches in the Colesville area. C4 assists county certified residents by providing them with mental and physical health programs, mentoring programs, daycare, clothing, household furnishings, baby clothing, supplies and furniture, school supplies, toys, and emergency financial assistance through EMEAN.
Clothing, toys and household items are donated to the Clothes, Toy and Baby Closets managed by C-4, to be distributed to residents certified by the county as being in need. In addition to donating items, volunteers from Transfiguration assist in organizing the donated items in January and July, but may assist at any time. Volunteers help out at the Clothes Closet for a few hours each week on Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday between the hours of 9:00 am to 12:00 noon during our scheduled months.
We participate in several other C-4 activities such as:
- Strawberry Festival- fundraiser that provides some money for the operation of C-4, and gives community organizations an opportunity to set up booths and tables to promote themselves. It gives us an opportunity to evangelize by passing out information and talking to members of the community who come out to meet, greet, and enjoy themselves.
- School Supplies Drive- In early summer we collect school supplies and donate them to C-4 who then gives them out to need eligible students in the community.
- Toy Closet- In late November, Transfiguration members participate in a Toy Drive by bringing in Toys which are then donated to C-4 for distribution to children who would otherwise not have a very good Christmas.
Eastern Montgomery Emergency Assistance Network (EMEAN)
Provides a single point of contact to help residents in specific zip codes and referred by Social Services with emergency money for rent or mortgage payments, utility payments, and prescription assistance. Funds for this program come from the area churches and government resources. Transfiguration is one of the supporting churches.
Outreach Committee
We participates in special projects with various community associations that assist people with specific needs. Past activities have included giving Holiday Baskets of food to eligible Head Start families, Business Clothing Drive to donate clothing to organizations that assist men and women who are returning to the work force after having had traumatic life experiences. We also sponsor the sale of jewelry and other crafts made in East Africa through African Team Ministries to provide health services for many of the people in East Africa. Meetings are held as needed to carry out the planned activities.
Knit & Purl Group
We meet and fellowship while crocheting and knitting hats and scarves to be donated to area shelters, and baby blankets for donation to foster children programs.
The Prayer Shawl Ministry functions as part of the Knit and Purl group. Shawls and lap quilts are knitted or crocheted for donation to seniors in nursing homes and anyone who has experienced a life changing trauma. Prayers for the recipient are said as each shawl or quilt is begun and upon completion. The combined Knit & Purl and Prayer Shawl Ministries meetings are held the 3rd Wednesday of the month; however, you need not be present to be a participant. You can make the items from the comfort of your home, while traveling, laying on the beach or anywhere, and donate them. If you are interested in participating and are in need of yarn, patterns, instruction or assistance, all are available.
Transfiguration proudly participates in these additional programs:
- Seabury Resources (formerly Episcopal Senior Ministries) is a nonprofit corporation whose mission is to provide quality, affordable services to help seniors of all faiths maintain their independence and dignity throughout the Episcopal Diocese of Washington.
- Shepherd's Table, a nonprofit organization in downtown Silver Spring dedicated to helping people who are homeless or in need.
- Our Little Roses Ministries works to rescue and transform the lives of homeless girls in Honduras, as well as to provide health, dental, housing and literacy services to single mothers.
|
|
