By Sharon Mager, BaptistLIFE Correspondent
(adapted from Inner Harbor Ministry Newsletter July-Sept.)
CURTIS BAY, Md.—The Inner Harbor Ministry’s (IHM) annual block party in June brought the biggest crowd ever with 450 people in attendance. Volunteers gave away all of the chips, cotton candy, popcorn and snow balls available. Visitors were also offered gently used clothing, shoes and health kits.
“Bussie the Clown” entertained children and adults using balloons. The Gospel message was presented and many lifted their hands to commit their lives to Jesus.
The annual block party is just one of IHM’s community outreach ministries.
There are many opportunities to partner with IHM. Each Thursday evening, volunteers cook and serve food to at least 100 people who come to get a meal, eat together and be with others. Many are very needy. They bring containers to take home leftovers and bread.
A short devotional is presented before each meal.
There are some openings available to provide meals in August, September, November and December. Churches, Sunday school classes, small groups and families are welcome to help. The commitment is to provide and serve meals for 100 guests at the Saint Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Curtis Bay.
For Thanksgiving meals, supplies and help are needed.
Interim Director Elwood Ulmer said there is a critical need for table ministers – those who would just sit and chat with people, get to know them, be a friend, a kind listener, and someone who can offer a prayer and, if the Holy Spirit directs, share Christ.
In addition, supporters donate school supplies to give to families. There is a need for pencils, pens, notebooks, backpacks, erasers, crayons, rulers, safety scissors and glue sticks.
For more information or to volunteer, call Interim Director Elwood Ulmer, (443) 912-9777.