Still Water volunteers have been working since 2007 with Shepherd's Table, a Silver Spring nonprofit that provides help to people who are homeless or in need. Shepherd's dedicated staff and volunteers offer meals, social services, medical support, and clothing, as well as care, respect, and compassion.

Still Water supports the Shepherd’s Table in two ways:

Helping to staff the Clothes Closet, where each Wednesday morning clients can choose the clothes they need from a donated selection. Shepherd's Table also offers shower facilities, fresh underwear and socks, clean towels, and toiletries for those who wish them.

Still Water practitioners volunteer together on the Third and Fifth Wednesdays of each month, and individually on other Wednesdays when then are able to. It is a just over two-hour commitment, 9:45 - 12 noon, on Wednesday morning. Substitutes are also needed, for the occasional Wednesdays when regular volunteers are not available. If you would like to be a part of this community effort, please email Still Water at info@stillwatermpc.org, or call Still Water at 301 270-8353.

Helping to prepare and serve Sunday Brunch. The weekend brunch service began in late 2012 after the staff of Shepherd’s Table realized that many of the guests received no meals on the weekends other than the evening dinners at Shepherd’s Table.

Still Water practitioners volunteer together on the Fourth Sunday of each month. It is a three-hour commitment, 9 am to 12 noon. Following cleanup, Still Water volunteers usually sit together for meditation and reflection. Substitutes are also needed, for the occasional Sundays when regular volunteers are not available. If you would like to volunteer, or have questions, please email Still Water at info@stillwatermpc.org, or call Still Water at 301 270-8353.

[In our community] children are at the center of attention. Each adult is responsible for helping the children feel happy and secure. We know that if the children are happy, the adults will be happy, too....If you succeed in bringing your child up happily, you can share the fruit of your practice with many people. Parenting is a Dharma door. We need retreats and seminars to discuss the best ways to raise our children. We do not accept the ancient ways of parenting, but we have not fully developed modern ways of doing so. We need to draw on our practice and our experience to bring new dimensions to family life." -- Thich Nhat Hanh, Teachings on Love

Still Water offers regular opportunities for community members and their families to practice mindful living together. These include retreats in May and November, and Family Feasts or Fun Days, timed around the seasonal equinoxes. Our times together are intentionally intergenerational and child-inclusive, infused with a gentle mindfulness, and guided by an aspiration to create and nurture community. Activities and practices are geared towards children of all ages, their parents and caretakers, and other interested practitioners. Still Water also facilitates the sharing of resources and supports deepening practice for those on the path of parenting.

The community maintains an email announcement list through which we share information, teachings, and announcements related to Mindful Families programs. You may subscribe by emailing swmindfulfamilies@gmail.com.