Readings: All of this week’s readings, including the Collect, are available on The Lectionary Page website.

• 2 Kings 2:1-12
• Psalm 50:1-6
• 2 Corinthians 4:3-6
• Mark 9:2-9

Weekly News: Click to open this week’s Weekly News in PDF format. This file will give details about upcoming events at Christ Church.

Prayers

Dear Father, the needs of your children are many, seemingly more so in these wintery months.  There are those who need shelter, warmth, and food.  There are those who need comfort while in pain, loneliness and grief, and there are people who need freedom from anger and despair.  Life can be very unsteady for a myriad of reasons.  Help us know how to be your hands in service to each other.  Help us to use the gifts that you have given us to express your love. Most of all, help us to listen to Jesus’ teachings above all else.  In so doing, we can see the Holy Spirit act in our lives. We will make our way from darkness into your shining Light.

We thank you for the blessing of our Christ Church community.  We welcome those who are visiting us today.  May all of us who gather here feel the warmth of God’s love. We pray for our international and national brethren in the Iglesia Anglicana de la Region Central America, and in the Diocese of Maryland for Christ Church, Rock Spring; Copley Parish, Joppa and Ascension, Scarboro.  Lord in your mercy: hear our prayer.

We pray for all those in despair or sick in body or spirit.   We pray for all the departed. Comfort those who mourn. Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.

We rejoice with you and all who have celebrations of joy and happiness including, birthdays, wedding and baptismal anniversaries.  May we all celebrate in God’s love together.  Lord in your mercy: hear our prayer.

Thank you Lord for our time together here as your Love awakens in us.  Amen.

Sermon

It’s The Little Things
Please visit our Sermon page to hear our most recent sermons.

Readings: All of this week’s readings, including the Collect, are available on The Lectionary Page website.

• 2 Kings 5:1-14
• 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
• Mark 1:40-45
• Psalm 30

Weekly News: Click to open this week’s Weekly News in PDF format. This file will give details about upcoming events at Christ Church.

Prayers

Lord God, in this season of Epiphany, we celebrate your manifestation, or showing, in Jesus Christ:

To the wise men from the East, you showed that the babe Jesus was–

King of the Jews!

To those disciples–Simon Peter and Andrew, James and John–who were fishermen, you showed them how to–  Fish for people!

To those who questioned Jesus, you showed how Jesus made–

The blind see!  The lame walk!

The lepers clean!    The deaf  hear!

The dead rise up!    The poor receive good news!

To all people, you showed Jesus was– The light of the world!

Lord God, this week we remember Saint Valentine, priest, who was imprisoned and executed by the Roman emperor for leading people to Christ–

We see everywhere these symbols:

Red, for the blood of a martyr;  A heart, which he gave to Christ.

Lord God, we pray for your whole church universal:

Where it is corrupt,  Purify it.

Where it is in error,  Direct it.

Where it is amiss,     Reform it.

Where it is right,     Strengthen it.

Where it is in want,   Provide for it.

Where it is divided,   Unite it.

In particular, in our worldwide Anglican cycle of prayer, we hold up The Church of The Province of Central Africa.In our Maryland diocesan cycle of prayer, we hold up St. Mary the Virgin, St. Paul’s and The Cathedral of the Incarnation, Baltimore.

At every level of the church, we hold up our clergy, other leaders, and laity.

Day by day, dear Lord,

Three things we pray:

To see You more clearly,

Love You more dearly,

Follow You more nearly,

Day by day.

King of Kings and Lord of Lords, we pray for those in civil authority in our world, nation, state, and local government.  Teach all of us justice and remind us that authority comes from you.

Have your own way, Lord,

You are the potter, we are the clay.

Lord God, we pray with joy for your creation, we pray for love among the whole human family, and we pray for peace among the nations.

This is our Father’s world!

Lord God, we rejoice with those who celebrate birthdays, weddings and baptismal anniversaries.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Lord God, giver of life and health, comfort and relieve all those who suffer; strengthen them in their weakness and give them confidence in your loving care; and give your power of healing to those who minister to the needs of others.

There is a balm in Gilead,

To make the wounded whole,

A balm to heal the sin sick soul.

Lord God, the Resurrection and the Life, deal graciously with all those who have departed this earth, and all those who mourn.

We go with joy to meet our Lord,

Forgiven, loved, and free.

Lord, make us instruments of your peace.

Where there is hatred,  Let us sow love;

Where there is injury,   Pardon;

Where there is discord,     Union;

Where there is doubt,        Faith;

Where there is despair,     Hope;

Where there is darkness,  Light;

Where there is sadness,    Joy.

Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;

To be understood, as to understand;

To be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving, that we receive;

It is in pardoning, that we are pardoned;

And it is in dying, that we are born to eternal life.  Amen.

Sermon

A Passion for Compassion
Please visit our Sermon page to hear our most recent sermons.

Readings: All of this week’s readings, including the Collect, are available on The Lectionary Page website.

• Isaiah 40:21-31
• Psalm 147:1-12, 21c
• 1 Corinthians 9:16-23
• Mark 1:29-39

Weekly News: Click to open this week’s Weekly News in PDF format. This file will give details about upcoming events at Christ Church.

Prayers

The disciples hunted for Jesus on a still dark morning in a deserted place.  When they found Him they said “Everyone is searching for You” and so it is today, over two thousand years later. We search for Jesus in the dark and deserted places of our lives and He is always there, and in finding Him, there is no more darkness, just perfect light. We pray, Savior, Lord, dwell in my heart forever.

We pray the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts as you call us to reach out in your name, that your message will be proclaimed to all whose lives we touch. Help us this week to find a quiet time with you to reflect, to write and to share a meditation for this year’s Lenten Meditation Booklet and to join in reaching out in faith throughout our church and across the Internet in a tapestry of our Lenten journeys.  We pray: Savior, Lord, dwell in my life forever.

We welcome and give thanks for all who are new or visiting with us today, as we welcome Father Earl Mullins of St. Barnabas, Sykesville, who joins us this morning in the Diocesan Pulpit Exchange. In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer we lift up the Anglican Diocese of Canada. We remember, within our own Diocese – St. Barnabas’, Sykesville; Redemption, Baltimore; Resurrection, Baltimore; St. George’s and St. Matthew’s, Dundalk; and St. Luke’s, Carey Street. Being a part of one body in Christ,   We pray: Savior, Lord, may your light shine upon our paths always.

We pray for those who suffer in mind, body or spirit; for those who are homeless, who hunger, or are persecuted. Our psalm teaches that you heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds. May they find healing and hope in the warmth of your love.  We pray: Savior, Lord, dwell in their hearts this day and forever.

We pray for those who have departed this life. Carry them tenderly home Lord to your loving and eternal arms. Cradle and comfort those who grieve and feel lost. Be at their sides heavenly Father as their comfort and peace.  We pray; Savior, Lord may the warmth of your love be with them forever.

Thank you for the gift of joy in our lives. We celebrate the Birthdays, Anniversaries of Weddings and Baptisms and all the occasions that happily fill our lives this week.  We pray: Savior, Lord, we give you thanks now and forever.

Thank you Lord for teaching us that we never need to search for you. The light of Your love is with us every moment of our lives to lead us, guide us, comfort us, heal us and to show each of us, in our own way, the way to proclaim the gift of Christ. Savior, Lord, dwell in our hearts, our days and our lives forever.  Amen.

Sermon

Please visit our Sermon page to hear our most recent sermons.

Readings: All of this week’s readings, including the Collect, are available on The Lectionary Pagewebsite.

• Deuteronomy 18:15-20
• Psalm 111
• 1 Corinthians 8:1-13
• Mark 1:21-28

Weekly News: Click to open this week’s Weekly News in PDF format. This file will give details about upcoming events at Christ Church.

Prayers

Heavenly Father, you sent Your Son to be our savior; to be a living example for us. Help us to see Christ Jesus not only as a guide in our lives, but as the authority of our lives. Let us be as astounded today at the teachings of Christ as the people of Capernum were when Jesus began his ministry. Today we come to You, in need of Your help. We pray for miracles big and small, for we know of Your great power and love for us, and trust that You will respond to our needs in Your own way and time. We respond by saying, Lord, hear our prayer.

Help us to use the gifts bestowed upon us by the Holy Spirit to the glory of the Lord and for the good of all people.  Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.

We remember all those affected by the earthquake in Haiti two years ago, and pray for those who still suffer. We pray for all who have been touched by tragedy in their lives, may God’s Love be a comfort in times of need.  Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.

We pray for the successful travels of the Children of Uganda as they tour the United States and perform. May their hearts be blessed as they bless those with whom they share their talents.  Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.

We pray for political leaders throughout the world, that their decisions may be guided by wisdom rather than fear, courage rather than anxiety, and love rather than hate.  Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.

We pray for our Christ Church family, and all that gather to hear the Word of the Lord and celebrate in community. We rejoice with those who are visiting today. We pray especially the Anglican Church of Burundi; and in the Diocese of Maryland Advent, Baltimore; Emmanuel, Baltimore; and Grace and St. Peter’s, Baltimore.  Help us to see past our differences to the love of Christ that binds us all together.  Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.

We pray for those in our greater community, especially those who cannot find shelter from the cold of winter or are in need of food, medicine, or other physical necessities. We pray for those who are sick in mind, body, or spirit, and in need of your comfort. May they find comfort in your love and the love of friend and neighbor.  Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.

We pray for all those who have departed this life.  Comfort those who mourn today.  Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.

As we celebrate the possibilities of a new year and begin anew our journey with Christ in his ministry, we rejoice with those who have celebrations of joy and happiness, including birthdays, wedding and baptismal anniversaries. May our rejoicing be an opportunity to share Christ’s light and love with others.  Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, we know you hear our petitions, and answer in your time, and in ways we often do not appreciate until later. Give us the courage to trust in you, and help us to always be astounded by the gifts you give us and by the great love you have for us. Amen.

Sermon

 
Only Preaching
Please visit our Sermon page to hear our most recent sermons.

Readings: All of this week’s readings, including the Collect, are available on The Lectionary Pagewebsite.

• Jonah 3:1-5, 10
• Psalm 62: 6-14
• 1 Corinthians 7: 29-31
• Mark 1:14-20

Weekly News: Click to open this week’s Weekly News in PDF format. This file will give details about upcoming events at Christ Church.

Prayers

Heavenly Father, you are our rock and our refuge.   This world is a temporary home for us but, too often, we put our hopes and our faith in its transitory treasures.   But you have not given up on us, even as we forget where our real hope lies, even as we give up on ourselves and one another.  We pray: Thank you, Father, for your loving-kindness.

We pray on behalf of people throughout this world who suffer from natural or man-made disasters.  We pray that you help those in power and those with little power to find ways to relieve the suffering.  Help each of us to serve you by serving others.  We pray, Thank you, Father, for your loving-kindness.

We thank you for the worldwide church of Christ and for the home we find in Christ Church, Columbia.  We thank you for the love we feel towards each other in this parish.   We thank you for the presence today of visitors and newcomers.   May we welcome them with the love we felt when we were new.   Thank you, Father, for your loving-kindness.

In the Anglican Communion, we pray for the Greja Episcopal Anglicana do Brasil.  And, within the Diocese of Maryland, we pray for St. James’, Mt. Airy; St. Paul’s, Point of Rocks; St. Timothy’s, Frederick; and Transfiguration, Braddock Heights.  Thank you for their ministries and for your loving-kindness.

We pray for hope and courage for those in our parish and among our loved ones who are ill, lonely or suffering in other ways.  We pray that they will remember your loving-kindness, for which we thank you.

We pray for the souls of the departed.   We pray for comfort and strength for those who mourn.  May we all remember the good news that is in your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Thank you, Father, for your loving-kindness.

We thank you for the birthdays, wedding anniversaries and other occasions of joy that will be celebrated by members of our congregation. Thank you, Father, for your loving-kindness.

We can all be subject to fear, self-centeredness and a desire for earthly things.  Our time here is short.  But the good news is that we have a permanent and solid foundation in God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  As we repent of our shortcomings, we know that we are forgiven.  Dear Father, help us to remember that.  Amen.

Sermon

No sermon this Sunday.

Please visit our Sermon page to hear our most recent sermons.

Readings: All of this week’s readings, including the Collect, are available on The Lectionary Pagewebsite.

• 1 Samuel 3:1-10(11-20)
• Psalm 139:1-5, 12-17
• 1 Corinthians 6:12-20
• John 1:43-51

Weekly News: Click to open this week’s Weekly News in PDF format. This file will give details about upcoming events at Christ Church.

Prayers

Our God is the Creator of all and the center of our Being, with Him is order, purpose, unity and peace.  He has invested His loving care in all of humanity.  His knowledge is boundless.  He has created time within eternity.  He has instilled within His Creation marvel, wonder and hope.  Glory to God!

May we as believers in Jesus Christ continue to receive the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  May we honor God in all that we do and all that we say.  We are no longer ruled by law, but by grace.  Let us follow the Lord, and expect to see great things transpire.  Glory to God!

The voice of the Lord is heard throughout the earth. We are an international parish with members from four continents and more than 16 countries.  Acknowledging our worldwide Anglican communion, we offer our prayers for the Church of Bangladesh, and in our own Diocese, we ask God’s blessing for St. Luke’s, Frederick; Catoctin Parish, Thurmont; Grace, Brunswick and St. Philip’s, Annapolis.  Glory to God!

We express our joy in welcoming visitors and newcomers to Christ Church.  Sharing our time of worship and praise is a wonderful opportunity to enrich and challenge us to grow in our Spiritual life.  We invite all to further involvement in our Parish and in service to our community.  We extend our thanksgiving for all in attendance today.  Glory to God!

Lord to you, the author of compassion, we offer our prayers for those who are ill.  May your healing presence bring wholeness and peace to their lives.  Glory to God!

We remember those who have died, especially.  May those who mourn be comforted in their grief by Christ’s eternal love and care.  Glory to God!

Lord, we also celebrate occasions of joy within our Church community this week, especially birthdays,  baptismal anniversaries and wedding anniversaries of our parishioners.  May we always give thanks for the many blessings in our lives.  Glory to God!

May we listen to the voice of the Lord, as He comes to us in unexpected times and places, and may we respond in awe and obedience to follow His direction in our lives.  Amen.

Sermon

The Stop
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Readings: All of this week’s readings, including the Collect, are available on The Lectionary Pagewebsite.

• Genesis 1:1-5
• Psalm 29
• Acts 19:1-7
• Mark 1:4-11

Weekly News: Click to open this week’s Weekly News in PDF format. This file will give details about upcoming events at Christ Church.

Prayers

This week we celebrate Baptisms and will use the Prayers of the People from Eucharistic Prayer D of The Book of Common Prayer.

Sermon

 
Let There Be Light

Please visit our Sermon page to hear our most recent sermons.

Readings: All of this week’s readings, including the Collect, are available on The Lectionary Page website.

• Numbers 6:22-27
• Philippians 2:5-11
• Luke 2:15-21
• Psalm 8

Weekly News: Click to open this week’s Weekly News in PDF format. This file will give details about upcoming events at Christ Church.

Prayers

Oh Lord, today we set our faces toward a New Year.  We pray that your blessing, your grace and your peace will be upon us and upon the entire Earth.  We are reminded that, even as we are so small, You are big, even beyond our wildest imaginings, and we say together

“Oh Lord, how exalted is your Name in all the world!” 

Lord, you bless us and you keep us.  We pray for all those among us who have occasions of joy to celebrate this week, especially giving thanks for birthdays, wedding anniversaries, and baptismal anniversaries.  On this first Sunday after Christmas, we remember your great gift of your son, and the commemoration of his naming, we say together

“Oh Lord, how exalted is your Name in all the world!” 

Lord God, we ask that you lift up your countenance upon us and give us peace.  We ask this especially for all who on this New Year’s Day suffer in mind, body or spirit,; for all who mourn, and for those we love who have died.  In all the inevitable low points of our lives, we ask for the grace and strength to still exclaim

“Oh Lord, how exalted is your Name in all the world!”

Oh Lord, make your face to shine upon us and be gracious to us.  In this New Year, raise up in your church people the courage to do your will against all odds, to strive for justice and peace among all people, to respect the dignity of every human being.  In the Anglican cycle of prayer, we pray for the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia.  In our own diocese, we pray for the people of Epiphany, Odenton; St. Alban’s, Glen Burnie; St. Andrew’s, Pasadena and St. Anne’s, Annapolis.  We pray for our own congregation here at Christ Church and give thanks for the visitors and newcomers here with us today.  In recognition that we are all one body in Christ, we say together

“Oh Lord, how exalted is your Name in all the world!” 

Our Lord God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, on this New Year’s Day and Jesus’ naming day, we give You thanks for all the good in the year that is past.  We know that whatever this New Year brings, You will be with us.  We know You will grace our lives with joy and laughter.  We know that with You anything is possible and so we can cry out in confidence

“Oh Lord, how exalted is your Name in all the world!  Amen!”

Sermon

Coming Home

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Prayers

O come all you faithful, on this feast of the Incarnation, when by God’s own act, his divine Son Jesus received our human nature from the Virgin Mary, his mother.

We celebrate this holy Christmas morn! 

Wonderful, Counselor, Prince of Peace, hear our prayers.

Make known your will for us! 

Good Shepherd, we pray for the Church throughout the world. In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer we hold up The Church of England, Diocese of York. In our Diocesan Cycle of Prayer we hold up St. John’s Deer Park, St. John’s Frostburg, St. Matthew’s Oakland and St. Peter’s Lonaconing. We hold up our Presiding Bishop, our Diocesan Bishops, and our Rector and Assisting Priests.

Give the Church one mind to know you, one heart to love you, and one mouth to sing your praises. 

Heavenly Bridegroom and the Babe whose birth we proclaim today, we pray for those celebrating anniversaries, birthdays, and other occasions of joy.

We rejoice with our brothers and sisters! 

Great Physician, we pray for healing of those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit, especially those for whom we have promised to pray.

You made the blind see, the lame walk, and the deaf hear and forgave our sins! 

Man of Sorrows, acquainted with grief, we pray for all who have died, especially those in whose loving memory the altar gifts are given. We pray for those they left behind.

You raised the dead and comforted the afflicted! 

Doer of justice, Lover of mercy, our Lord who walked humbly on this earth, we pray you give us like hearts.

Go tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born! Amen.

Sermon

Please visit our Sermon page to hear our most recent sermons.

Prayers

Come, good Christian friends, on this feast of the Incarnation, when by God’s own act, his divine Son Jesus received our human nature from the Virgin Mary, his mother.

We celebrate this holy Christmas Eve! 

Wonderful, Counselor, Prince of Peace, hear our prayers.

Make known your will for us! 

Good Shepherd, we pray for the Church throughout the world. In the Anglican cycle of prayer we hold up The Church of England, Diocese of York. In our own Diocesan cycle of prayer we hold up St. John’s, Deer Park, St. John’s Frostburg, St. Matthew’s Oakland, and St. Peter’s Lonaconing, We hold up our Presiding Bishop, our Diocesan Bishops, and our Rector and Assisting Priests.

Give the Church one mind to know you, one heart to love you, and one mouth to sing your praises. 

King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Ruler of all Creation, we pray for all institutions of government and all in civil authority.

Peace on earth, good will to all people! 

Heavenly Bridegroom and the Babe whose birth we proclaim tonight, we pray for those celebrating anniversaries, birthdays, and other occasions of joy.

We rejoice with our brothers and sisters! 

Great Physician, we pray for healing of those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit, especially those for whom we have promised to pray.

You made the blind see, the lame walk, and the deaf hear and forgave our sins!

Man of Sorrows, acquainted with grief, we pray for all who have died, especially those in whose loving memory the altar gifts are given. We pray for those they left behind.

You raised the dead and comforted the afflicted! 

Doer of justice, Lover of mercy, our Lord who walked humbly on this earth, we pray you give us like hearts.

Go tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born! Amen

Sermon

Christmas Waits
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