Ministries of Mission and Service

The Ashland Church Community has embraced a wide variety of mission and service projects as an expression of their love of God, the community and one another.   The Annual Report to the Congregation Celebrating Mission 2003 to 2005 offer personal insights into many of the projects.

Here is a summary of some of the active projects.  Is there a project to which God calls you?  If you would like to join this work, please contact the project lead through the church office.  If you are a church member and would like us to add a project please contact the church office.   Note that all projects sponsored by the church are subject to the approval of Session.

The Linus Project - provides hand made blankets to critically ill children.  The Ashland chapter serves as a gathering point for contributions throughout the area.  Contact Lee Pribble.

Habitat for Humanity - the Ashland team is very active in projects serving families in need in Baltimore City.   Contact Dick Uhler.   Read Dick's update for 2010.

United Church Assistance Network - provides an array of emergency services in Cockeysville. The Center is operated by a group of churches in the community.  Volunteer opportunities are available and training is provided.  Contact Dick Uhler.   Read Dick's Update for 2010.

Crop Walk - This annual fundraising effort benefits Church World Services.   Funds are returned to our community in the form of support for both UCAN and Habitat for Humanity. Contact Dick Uhler.

Sarah's Hope: It's not about the food!  In the Sandtown Winchester community of dwontown Baltimore, Sarah's Hope is a program for single mothers and their children to improve parenting skills and transition to self sufficiency that is operated by St. Vincent de Paul.   Ashland supports the program by providing hot meals, packed lunches and collections for seasonal activities.  Meals are delivered once a month - since there are three teams each team only serves four times a year.   As part of this ministry we seek to share a bit of God's Kingdom with these families by affirming the mother as an effective parent and modeling an attitude of gratitude for the children.   There are opportunities to participate.  If you would like to contribute to the mission contact Carol Walter by emailing cbwalter at gmail dot com.  Read our update for 2010.

Red Cross of Central Maryland - Ashland hosts bi-annual blood drives, which are open to the community at large.  Contact Noble Pribble.

The House of Ruth - Regular collections of school supplies and other personal needs are undertaken for the House of Ruth, a shelter for abused women and their families.   Contact Julee Jackson.

The Guatemala Partnership - This outreach to the Mayan Indians in Guatemala is a project of the Baltimore Presbytery.  The Partnership provides both medical and educational support, and encourages the Mayans economically and culturally.  Here in Maryland, the Partnership offers informational presentations and organizes regular visits to the Guatemala project.  More information is available at www.guatemalapartnership.org or by contacting Bill and Bonnie Clarke.

The Cuba Partnership - Ashland's sister church relationship with the Presbyterian Church in Cabaiguan has grown to become a formal Presbytery to Presbytery partnership between El Centro and Baltimore.  Ashland provides medical and humanitarian assistance and encourages the Cuban church in their community outreach projects in Cuba.  More information is available at www.cubapartnership.org or by contacting John Walter.

Fletcher Padoko's Kasupe project - Cares for orphans in Malawi under extreme conditions.  Ashland began supporting Fletcher Padoko as a seminary student in Africa.   When he has visited Ashland, the church has inspired by his commitment and the magnitude of the work he has undertaken in Malawi. Opportunities to support this project are evolving.   Contact Margie Berlin and JoAnn Ruther.

30 Hour Famine for World Vision - Our youth and their adult advisors fast together as a community to inspire donations for World Vision and gain an appreciation for the many dimensions of poverty.   Contact a youth group member.

Is there a project for you?