These are exciting times for Emmanuel United Methodist Church in North Laurel. If you haven't heard, an expansion project is underway. According the church's website, the current building limits the congregation's ability to "fully serve the needs of the membership and restricts their ability to reach out to local and global communities." Many outreach programs will benefit from the new space at Emmanuel. The Laurel Advocacy and Referral Service (LARS) will have some new housing space for families who need assistance. Winterhaven, an interfaith ministry that houses homeless guests in the winter months in area churches, synagogues and mosques will also be able to use the new space. The congregation has decided to use 10 percent of the financial gifts made to support the building project for other outreach programs. In addition to LARS and Winterhaven, local Prison Ministry Organizations and the Youth Scholarship Program of the Women and Community Association will benefit from the generosity of Emmanuel's congregation. The Youth Scholarship Program allows low-income youth, especially those of single mothers and those from remote villages, to complete their high school and post-high school study.
Members of the church who use the building on a regular basis will enjoy the new building's large, accessible entrances, stairways and restrooms with showers. Additional classrooms for the preschool and Sunday school classes will be enjoyed. Upgraded office space, an elevator and a dedicated space for the youth program is promising for everyone. Improved meeting rooms will be made available to church groups and the community. Outside, the parking lot will be reconfigured and expanded so there will be plenty of space for everyone to park. If you would like to learn more about the church's plans for expansion and read the thoughts of church members, visit its website at http://www.eumclaurel.org/expansion/. This huge undertaking began over 10 years ago with a brief discussion and an idea among worshippers. The year 2016 will be added to the history books of Emmanuel United Methodist Church along with 1893, 1952 and 1992 which have all been important in the growth of this church.
The Reservoir Booster Club is hosting a Bingo Night on Saturday, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m. at Pallotti High School. Buy your tickets now by going to bingo.rhsboosterstore.com. This will be the biggest fundraiser of the year for the booster club and will replace the Gator Gala that had been held in the past in March. Plans are underway for a silent auction, 50/50 raffles and instant bingos. Adults over 21 are invited and can bring their own alcoholic beverages. For only $20 per person, this promises to be a fun event.
A Fall Fling will be held at Hammond Middle School on Friday, Oct. 21 from 3 to 5 p. m. This is an opportunity for kids to hang out with friends, enjoy music played by a DJ, play basketball and eat pizza. There is a $5 participation fee and permission slips will be collected on Oct. 17 and 18 only.
Fall is full of activities at the North Laurel Community Center. One of them is the Fall Spooktacular planned for Sunday, Oct. 23, from 3 until 4:30 p.m., for children ages 3 to 12. Crafts, treats, games and fall refreshments will be enjoyed by families who are encouraged to come in their favorite costumes. The cost is $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers. Preregistration is required by calling410-313-0390.
If you are a crafter, you will want to consider the Tinsel and Treasures Fair to be held at the North Laurel Community Center on Saturday, Nov. 19. Vendors over age 18 must pre-register by calling 410-313-0459. There is a $25 fee for one space and one table.