| Pastor points way to new life for inmates BALTIMORE A converted gymnasium at the  Baltimore City Detention Center recently became a house of praise and worship when the Rev. Iris Farabee-Lewis, pastor of nearby Centennial-Caroline Street UMC, became the newest member of Preachers Row to preach. You must learn to turn these stumbling blocks (of alcohol, substance abuse or bad relationships) into steppingstones toward a new life and a new existence, Farabee-Lewis told the 500 women inmates at the prison, according to the Baltimore Afro-American. More than 100 women responded to her invitation to step forward for special prayer. With faith in Jesus Christ, you can make a way out of no way, she said. I am confident that some of these female inmates may be paying (Farabee-Lewis) a visit upon their release, Commissioner LaMont Flanagan said. Her message was penetrating and touched the inner spirit of the ladies in this facility. Flanagan established the monthly religious program more than two years ago to bring Baltimores prominent ministers into the detention center to connect with those awaiting trial, the Afro-American reported.
Church member feted for volunteerism LINTHICUM HEIGHTS When Dale Townsend, 72, a member of Linthicum Heights UMC, goes c amping with Boy Scout Troop 550, he takes along a trash bag, not for the storing equipment, but for trash he picks up as he hikes. Townsend recently received the Silver Beaver award, Scoutings highest honor for an adult, in recognition not only of his volunteering with Scouts for the past 27 years, but for other volunteer achievements as well. He helps to train other Pathfinders at the BWI Welcome Center, builds houses for the Arundel Habitat for Humanity and works with the American Red Cross Central Maryland Disaster Action Team. Its not just a one-way street. All this volunteer stuff keeps me young, Townsend said. Senior center opens at church ELLICOTT CITY After two years of planning, Alberta Gary Memorial UMC opened the Evergreen Adult Day Care Center at the end of April to serve the Guilford-Jessup area of Howard County. The first nine clients have arrived, said Jean Miller. The capacity is 20. The center, located in the basement of the church, provides opportunities for seniors to enhance their health and well-being through recreation, social contact, mental and physical stimulation. Founder, Marian Grenway, is a member of the church. Under the direction of Barbara Knox, a registered nurse, the center is a hospitable community setting for older people in need of a watchful eye and assistance with activities of daily living, said Miller, the churchs liaison with Evergreen.
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