Church Choir Practice

The Manor Church Choir practices each Wednesday evening at 6:30 pm under the direction of Betty Sue Kitchen Guyton. They sing appropriate songs dealing with what the sermon is going to be about each Sunday. They encourage anyone who would like to sing with them to come and join them, Everyone is welcome. Child care can be provided if needed.

The Growing Project Completes a Successful Year

Last year, after making some previous financial contributions, Manor became an official partner in this area’s The Growing Project. We, along with eight other churches and several corporate sponsors, each donated five hundred dollars to buy seeds and fertilizer to use in planting land that some Middletown Md.area farmers donate for that purpose. ... Volunteers provide the labor and equipment to produce a crop on the land. Several buy symbolic acres, at $ 250 each to enable more planting. Last year, every penny donated was returned more than two-fold, as we realized a cash profit of $25,865.33. This money was sent to the Foods Resource Bank, to be forwarded to the Dominican Republic Bateyes program. This money will be used to help bring safe water and other needed resources to help improve the lives of our brothers and sisters in the Dominican Republic.v

Patty Hurwitz, Chair of our group, wrote: "We have been so richly blessed to have the opportunity to share our resources with others in need, and to connect with so many people around the world through the work of Foods Resource Bank. I am grateful for each of you and the many in your churches who help to make this work possible every year. Truly, this is the Spirit of Christmas come to life for all involved."

For the last year, I have been working closely with this group as your pastor. This past week, we chose the CARS project in Africa’s Congo, as our next program to help. This project hopes to bring water and increased agricultural production to an area struggling through severe and enduring droughts.

If you are interested in becoming involved in this work, please contact our Pastor at any time.

Bible Study Group "REACHES" Out

Once again our Bible Study group did some reaching out to serve a hot, nourishing supper to those who are staying at the downtown Hagerstown Reach Shelter. Jeff and Dottie Planck was in charge of preparing and serving the seventy people who have been staying at the shelter. The other members of the Bible Study helped by preparing side dishes, helping to serve, and/or donating money towards the project. The group repeated their hit menu from last year: Plank's famous Barbecue pork sandwiches, baked beans, cole slaw, drinks and dessert made by members of the church. The food was a huge hit again this year. Thanks to the Bible Study group for this living discipleship of reaching out to "the least of these" in the way Jesus modeled, with agape love! Plans are to make this an annual event.

Vacation Bible School

The Christian Education team and Pastor Joy are starting to plan for this year's Vacation Bible School. We are currently considering an exciting Biblically based curriculum about Jesus and His teachings.

Of course, with the many days school has been canceled, we cannot set a final date until we know exactly when the school year will end. However, just as we have in the past, we still need your input as to the best dates and times for these activities. We try hard to avoid family vacation time and already established schedules for sports teams and other activities. So please take some time to e-mail Pastor Joy with dates and times that WILL NOT work for you and your family: as well as for anyone you know who might be interested. Thank you very much for this help.

Bible Study Groups

We have two groups of Bible Study during the winter months due to it gets dark early during this time and some church member prefer not to drive after dark and because some church members have to work and can not come during the day we have an evening group. Both groups decide if they want to study the same subjects or different parts of learning about the Bible. Right now we have a Wednesday afternoon class at 3 pm and a Thursday evening class at 6:30pm. During the summer we strive to combine the two classes on Thursday evening at 6 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Activities Night for different age groups each month

Children, Middlers and Youth Activities meet each month for a simple meal, a craft and to play together in a manner designed to encourage Christian behavior even at an early age. They also learn songs to increase there understanding of Christian ways and beliefs and sing together on Sunday mornings for the congregation of the Manor Church.

Young Families and Adults Activities meet at least each month for a meal together at the fellowship hall, go to each others home for fellowship and sometimes plan an outside activity. They are also responsible for keeping the church looking fresh and clean by dusting and vacuuming. They do a wonderful job of keeping our church clean and we are very appreciative of their efforts! Thank you very much!

Oldies But Goodies, this group meet each month usually right after church on Sunday for a pot luck meal and fellowship. They share a wonderful carry in lunch, play games and have lots of fun and good Christian fellowship. This group ALWAYS has a wonderful time together!

Food Bank

Manor Church of the Brethren in combination with other churches in the Williamsport Md area provide the staffing for the Food Bank several days each month. This is a rewarding experience for our church members and helps us to understand just how many people are affected by lost of jobs or health problems and they are so appreciative of the help they get to be able to put warm food on their table.

Fahrney Keedy Nursing Home

Manor Church of the Brethren provides fellowship to the residents of Fahrney Keedy Nursing Home several times a year. Several members of the church go to the nursing home and we have a great time talking with and getting to know some of the residents, we have a sing along and prayer and sometimes play bingo, celebrate any birthday with light refreshments and cake. This is an enjoyable time for our church members and for the residents.