HAITI HYGIENE KIT PROJECT

Though this project has been completed, we can't top talking about this rewarding experience - led by children from our Sunday School.  A group from St. Matthew made the 45 mile drive to New Windsor, MD (southwest of Westminster) to deliver boxes of hygiene kits to The Brethren Service Center.  The personal care items were donated by St. Matthew members and assembled by our children from Sunday School.  We thought it would be a good idea to deliver the items in person and learn more about this fascinating organization.  It was a day well spent!  The Brethren Service Center has been helping people in need for over 65 years, working in areas of relief and development, disaster response, social justice, peace education and hospitality.  The United Church of Christ is a partner in this ecumenical work around the world.  

UNITED MINISTRIES/EARL'S PLACE www.unitedministries-earlsplace.org

United Ministries, Inc. is a nonprofit organization formed in 1993 by St. Matthew pastor, Reverend Eugene Bartell, to promote social justice and provide housing and supportive services to persons who are committed to changing their lives, without regard to race, color, age, disability, religion, national origin or sexual orientation.  Earl's Place provides long-term housing and supportive services to formerly homeless men who are in recovery from alcohol or substance abuse.  Visit their website to find out how you can help with volunteer service or by donating needed items.

THE SUPPER CLUB

Originally, this was a program that served and fed the hungry at First United Evangelical United Church of Christ in East Baltimore, started over 23 years ago by their former pastor, Reverend Eugene Bartell.  The church was recently forced to closed, but that did not deter the St. Matthew members.  They presently still volunteer as a group once a month at the Baltimore Station.   Located at 140 W. West Street, in Baltimore.  The Baltimore Station is an innovative therapeutic residential treatment program supporting veterans and others who are transitioning through the cycle of poverty, addiction, and homelessness to self-sufficiency.  Check out the events calendar to see the next scheduled Supper Club volunteer date or call 410-235-3738. 

NEIGHBORS IN NEED (FLOODS IN PAKISTAN)

The extraordinary floods that have brought so much devastation and death to Pakistan weigh heavy on our hearts.  Fortunately, we can help through the international arm of the United Church of Christ and our World Wide Communion "Neighbors in Need" offering.  We also minister in partnership with organizations like Church World Service who have been on the ground in Pakistan from the beginning.  We receive our "Neighbors in Need" offering every Fall.   It is from these funds and this offering that the United Church of Christ supports the work of Church World Service...bringing emergency supplies, clean water, hygiene and other forms of aid and assistance.  

SERRV www.serrv.org

Yet another program on the grounds of The Brethren Service Center in New Windsor.  Housed in its own dedicated retail space, this store sells crafts, jewelry, woven baskets, tea and coffee made by small-scale artisans and farmers in underdeveloped countries.  The items are sent to the U.S. to be sold at a fair price.  Selling (and purchasing) these exceptional crafts and tasty teas and coffees provides a livelihood for some of our poorest neighbors around the world. Visit their website to view a catalogue of items.

For more information about any of these projects and/or St. Matthew, please contact our office on Monday, Wednesday or Friday between the hours of 9am and 12noon at 410-235-3738.  Of course, if you're interested in joining us for our 10am worship service, you are more than welcome to just show up - we'll make you feel right at home!