General Synod 2017 Service Projects

The General Synod Blood Drive

The General Synod Blood Drive in conjunction with the American Red Cross is on Friday, June 30 from 8:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. in Room 321 in the Baltimore Convention Center. Thank you in advance for being a part of our lifesaving partnership with the Red Cross, and we truly appreciate your support.

Best Friends Animal Society

Best Friends Animal Society is the only national animal welfare organization focused exclusively on ending the killing of dogs and cats in America's shelters. An authority and leader in the no-kill movement, Best Friends runs the nation's largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals, as well as lifesaving programs in partnership with rescue groups and shelters across the country. For more information on Best Friends Animal Society, visit www.bestfriends.org.

Donations from Best Friends' Wish List will be collected and distributed to no-kill animal shelter partners in the Baltimore area.

The url https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/2W16DJRL9B7GU/ref=cm_wl_rlist_go_v? links to the "Winter Wishes" list on Amazon.com to get an idea of the types of items to be purchased.. The animals would greatly appreciate donations of any safe, pet-friendly toys, food or non-toxic treats.

Best Friends posts additional wish lists on Amazon as the seasons change. These items can be purchased and brought to General Synod for distribution at local Baltimore no-kill shelters. Alternatively, items can be purchased ahead of time and shipped to Jill White, 4225 Angell Rd., Taneytown, MD 21787. For additional information on this program, please contact Jill at gs2017lac@gmail.com.

Injustice Walks (Require sign-up as part of your online registration)
Join us as we discuss injustices and solutions for those experiencing homelessness.

As the cost of housing rises, so does the number of people who are experiencing homelessness. Through Earl's Place, United Ministries, a UCC CHHSM member, has been providing supportive housing to men experiencing homelessness for almost 20 years. Join us to learn about poverty and inequality with the "Faces of Homelessness" Injustice Walk. Groups of 12-15 will join together for an introduction to homelessness in Baltimore and a guided walk (approximately one hour) we offer insights into the reality of being homeless in Baltimore. The Injustice Walks are in partnership with members of the Baltimore Area Faces of Homelessness Speakers’ Bureau and Earl's Place residents and staff.

Blue Water Baltimore (Require sign-up as part of your online registration)

Blue Water Baltimore offers the opportunity for volunteers to engage in the world of urban forestry through our community forestry tree planting and maintenance events paired with a lecture and walking tour. Volunteers will learn all about native tree species and urban ecosystems along with all the best stewardship practices and unique challenges that face Baltimore’s tree canopy. Activities can include tree plantings, pruning, mulching and general site-specific maintenance and no prior experience is necessary.

Central Atlantic Conference General Synod Shelter Project

The 2016 State of Homelessness Report indicates that there were over 26,000 people homeless in the geography covered by the Central Atlantic Conference. That is a lot of people to be without shelter during the cold nights of November through March where the temperatures can drop to single digits. In keeping with the General Synod Service Project on Homelessness, the Injustice Walks, the CAC is inviting you to participate in our "Shelter Project."

We are asking attendees to make or purchase hats, gloves, scarves, and socks. In addition, we will be collecting “Ugly Quilts” (sleeping bags) or blankets including a small pillow with each. These items are to be brought to General Synod where they will be collected and distributed to the homeless throughout the Central Atlantic Conference during the winter months. Written directions on making the quilts are available here or you can see a YouTube video here. If you are unable to bring items with you, we are happy to accept financial donations for the purchase of these items.