Inter-faith News from Montgomery County

Dear Colleagues and Friends,   Life is filled with cycles and my latest one has been among the most rewarding of my life. Serving as the Montgomery County Interfaith Community Liaison has made it possible to serve on a peer level with dedicated county officials and amazing faith leaders. Our mission of creating a compassionate, inclusive and equitable community has been empowered by identifying 767 faith communities and developing a data base of 5,174 supporters and friends.   The Executive Committee of the Faith Community Advisory Council consists of highly credentialed and respected leaders of faith traditions ranging from Anglican to Zoroastrian co-chairing working groups and committees:   Click to read full statement       41st Annual Virtual Interfaith Concert   Thursday, November 19 7:30 PM EST Potomac Area Interfaith Communities Virtual Thanksgiving Service  & Community Support Projects    Thursday, November 19 7:30 PM EST A Time to Embrace   Saturday, November 21 8:00 PM EST     In response to daily number of new cases rising, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich has issued Executive Order 122-20 that reduces capacity limits. Details for houses of worship are found at the bottom of page 8 and on to 9. You will find additional resources on our website www.MontgomeryCountyInterfaithMD.org.    Faith leaders represent the trusted voices people naturally turn to for guidance. We want their voices to be well informed and able to provide accurate and compassionate guidance. The following forum will provide an opportunity to learn from our county officials, raise questions and share concerns.    COVID-19 Updates for Faith Communities Tuesday, November 24, at 3:00 pm   Join the event here   County Executive, Marc Elrich  County Public Health Officer, Dr. Travis Gayles Office of Emergency management and Homeland Security Director, Dr. Earl Stoddard   Q&A for questions and expressions of concern.         Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services COVID Rent Relief Program     Are you behind on rent payments? If you have lost income due to the impact of COVID on our community, you may be eligible for rent relief.    The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is providing short-term financial assistance to eligible households who have lost income due to the COVID pandemic. While funds are available, the program will provide up to $4,000 in rent relief to eligible households for rent arrears and a rent credit for future months.    Click flyer to learn more!     COVID Testing Centers Needed!   If you are interested, willing and able to offer your church parking lot as an outdoor Covid-19 Testing Center, please email: Secretary@bmcmc.org.   Able to serve implies the facility has a parking lot. Set up will be handled by the County. We understand there are many questions to which answers are needed to provide a firm, “yes.” We will connect you with the individuals who are able to answer all your questions and discuss the particulars of what is needed.   Again, please reply to Secretary@bmcmc.org if you are interested. Please provide the name of your church, location within Montgomery County, and the best way to reach you.     Imagining New Possibilities Through Development An Online Forum for Faith Communities   In case you missed it! Watch the forum now     Presentations by;   ·     Montgomery Planning Department   ·     Arlington House Corporation & Habitat for Humanity   ·     Bozzuto    ·     MainStreet Partners    ·     Neighborhood Development Company      Staying Connected While Social Distancing   We are updating the COVID-19 tab on our website regularly. It has special resources for families, technological assistance, healthcare, volunteers, grant opportunities and much more!   Stay in Touch If you would like your event featured in the  Faith Community Advisory Council newsletter, please contact us at interfaith@montgomerycountymd.gov