To Respond in Faith
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
Community Outreach
Alcoholics Anonymous®
Hughes hosts a weekly meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous® every Saturday at 8 p.m. in the Parlor.
According to its web site, AA is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Its primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.
Narcotics Anonymous
Hughes hosts a weekly meeting of Naroctics Anonymous every Tuesday at 8 p.m. in the Social Hall.
NA's earliest self-titled pamphlet, known among members as "the White Booklet," describes Narcotics Anonymous this way: "NA is a nonprofit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. We … meet regularly to help each other stay clean. ... We are not interested in what or how much you used ... but only in what you want to do about your problem and how we can help." Membership is open to all drug addicts, regardless of the particular drug or combination of drugs used. When adapting AA’s First Step, the word “addiction” was substituted for “alcohol,” thus removing drug-specific language and reflecting the “disease concept” of addiction.
Schizophrenics Anonymous®
Hughes hosts a weekly meeting of Schizophrenics Anonymous® every Friday at 6 p.m. in Conference Room.
(SA) is a self-help group for persons who have schizophrenia or a schizophrenia-related illness. Schizophrenics Anonymous is organized and managed by persons experiencing schizophrenia or a related disorder. It is administered in partnership with the National Schizophrenia Foundation.
Parish Nurse Team
The Parish Nurse Team is the cornerstone of Hughes' congregational care ministry. Parish nurses are volunteers who are members of the congregation. Currently there are 8 nurses who provide services. One, Carol Whitney, has completed the certification program in Equipping Lay Ministry (Parish Nurse Track) at Wesley Theological Seminary.
Meals on Wheels
The Health and Welfare Committee provides a team of volunteers to deliver Meals on Wheels every Friday. Meals on Wheels delivers meals to frail, sick, home-bound seniors. Many recipients live alone and appreciate not only the nutritious meals but also the friendly visit. Volunteers are the lifeblood of the program. Often elderly persons are placed on waiting lists, not because there isn't enough food, but because there are not enough volunteers to deliver the food. Call Mary Jane Harns (301-946-5536) to volunteer or to find out about requesting service.
Shepherd's Table
The Shepherd's Table has been providing hot meals and vital life-saving services for the homelss and needy of Montgomery County and the Washington metropolitan area for nearly 14 years.
As stated in its mission statement, the Shepherd's Table's goal "is to provide food, clothing, counseling, medical and other support services, effectively and compassionately, to individuals and families seeking assistance in meeting their basic needs and helping them to reach their fullest potential." Shepherd's Table isthe largest and most comprehensive program of its kind in Montgomery County, serving an average of 50,000 meals per year.
Hughes members serve meals at this resource center for the homeless and needy the fourth Wednesday of each month. Contact the Church for more information about Shepherd's Table.
Silver Spring Interfaith
Housing Coalition (SSIHC)
We are among many local churches that support development of transitional housing for impoverished people. Help is needed on-going. Silver Spring Interfaith Housing Coalition (SIHC) buys affordable, transitional housing and provides it to needy people in Silver Spring. Hughes is among more than 40 congregations who support SSIHC. Hughes volunteers are needed to provide outreach to new residents. This is an opportunity to put your faith into action. Read more about Silver Spring Interfaith Housing Coalition on their new web page.