There seems to be a symbiotic relationship between having healthy self-esteem and having faith. If you have faith, you believe that good things will happen to you or that if bad things happen, it's not the end of the world. This is also enhanced by healthy self-esteem. If you believe that good things will happen and bad things are not the end of the world, you have the faith to wait on what God has in store for you, whereas healthy self-esteem helps to decrease impulses to go

I ended the Christ Church worship on Sunday, January 18, on a day dedicated to honoring Martin Luther King, in tears as the congregation rang out with the chorus of We Shall Overcome: “We shall live in peace” “We are not afraid” “Deep in my heart, I do believe” I cried because of the state of the world. I cried because of the hatred and polarization in our cities, our nation, and our world. I cried because I am afraid, because we are not living in peace, and because we have n

Courtesy of Christ Church's resident poet, Pamela Pruitt. Thank you, Pam!

Lenten Taizé Vespers Sundays at 6:00 p.m. in New Brick Vespers is a liturgy of Evening Prayer that combines scripture readings, prayer, silent meditation, and rich music. Each Sunday evening, Christ Church offers a service of contemplative prayer and music in the tradition of the Taizé community of France. It offers this special service on Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m. in New Brick, offering different opportunities for prayer, music, and reflection. This worship of reflection o

This past week at Christ Church was both unique and not unique. It was unique because on Thursday night, we welcomed strangers into our sanctuary - in fact, we can't recall there being a day like Thursday, when we had people from so many walks of faith united under our roof. The reason for gathering - our "Lift Us Up" Prayer Vigil for Non-Violence - was not a particularly happy reason, but it was absolutely necessary. It was also not-so-unique because we always embrace those

Lent III at Christ Church We have three services this Sunday morning: Holy Eucharist in Old Brick at 8:00, Family Worship in New Brick at 9:00, and Choral Eucharist in New Brick at 10:30. Collect for Today: Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the

On weekdays during the season of Lent, we post daily meditations on our website, and on Saturdays we include a piece of music, as well. These songs are submitted by parish family members and friends of Christ Church, and meant to uplift, comfort, and inspire. We hope that you enjoy.   God is great, give Him all the praise Hallelujah, Name above all names Fire in His eyes, healing in His veins Everywhere, His glory on display Take a look at those stars, He can name ′em all Bef

You listen, as the forest listens to the wind, as the ocean hears the river. You listen to someone, not just their speaking but their being. Your listening is a door, through which they enter you. The more fully, openly, spaciously you listen, the more of them comes in, what they're saying and not saying, and can't say, what they may not even know until they hear it being heard. The door that is your listening becomes the whole space, a house, a temple. It holds the world. In

Gather with us tonight, as we welcome those of every faith into our sanctuary, joined together by a shared heartache - and a shared hope. LIFT US UP: A PRAYER VIGIL FOR NON-VIOLENCE AT A TIME OF CRISIS was borne from a need to heal, to understand, and to act. Lifting our collective voices in speech and song, we unite not as strangers, but as neighbors united in our rejection of violence and a deep desire for healing in our community and our world. Tell your friends, family, a

Almighty God, you have given us this good land as our heritage. Make us always remember your generosity and constantly do your will. Bless our land with honest industry, sound learning, and an honorable way of life. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Make us who come from many nations with many different languages a united people. Defend our liberties and give those whom we have entrusted with the authority of gov

God, grant me the serenity To accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time, Enjoying one moment at a time, Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace. Taking, as Jesus did, This sinful world as it is, Not as I would have it. Trusting that You will make all things right If I surrender to Your will. So that I may be reasonably happy in this life And supremely happy with You forever in the next.

May you be blessed with good friends. May you learn to be a good friend to yourself. May you be able to journey to that place in your soul where       there is great love, warmth, feeling, and forgiveness. May this change you. May it transfigure that which is negative, distant, or cold in you. May you be brought in to the real passion, kinship, and affinity of belonging. May you treasure your friends. May you be good to them and may you be there for them; May they bring you a

A Celtic Morning Prayer   Christ, we rise today Knowing that you, alone, Know our hearts. You alone can change Our sadness into joy. Forgive us our shortcomings. Teach us patience. Teach us kindness. Help us to forgive, Those who have injured us, And keep us from injuring others. Keep our way lighted, With your steadfast love. Amen.   ~ prayer by Beth Maxwell Boyle   #lent   #lentenseason   #lentenmeditation   #reflection   #MorningPrayer   #episcopal   #episcopalchurch   #ep

Lenten Taizé Vespers Sundays at 6:00 p.m. in New Brick Vespers is a liturgy of Evening Prayer that combines scripture readings, prayer, silent meditation, and rich music. Each Sunday evening, Christ Church offers a service of contemplative prayer and music in the tradition of the Taizé community of France. It offers this special service on Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m. in New Brick, offering different opportunities for prayer, music, and reflection. This worship of reflection o

Lent II at Christ Church We have three services this Sunday morning: Holy Eucharist in Old Brick at 8:00, Family Worship in New Brick at 9:00, and Choral Eucharist in New Brick at 10:30. Collect for Today: O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Hol

On weekdays during the season of Lent, we post daily meditations on our website, and on Saturdays we include a piece of music, as well. These songs are submitted by parish family members and friends of Christ Church, and meant to uplift, comfort, and inspire. We hope that you enjoy.   We Only Need to Follow Christ. When we look at the landscape of our youth, we often see lost souls.  Remember that He draws His children, and it is refreshing to know that in the search for answ

Lord, help me to live This day, quietly, easily, To lean upon Thy great Strength, trustfully Restfully To wait for the Unfolding of Thy will, patiently, Serenely. To meet others Peacefully, joyously. To face tomorrow, Confidently, Courageously. ~ St. Francis of Assisi   #lent   #Lent2026   #stfrancis   #StFrancisOfAssisi   #episcomd   #hocomd   #columbiamaryland   #howardcountymd   #episcopal   #episcopalian   #episcopalchurch

The first session of our beloved Wednesday Evening Lenten Supper series was very well-attended in person, with more joining us on Zoom. Thanks to Bishop Robert Ihloff for sparking an insightful discussion on our 2026 Spiritual Life Theme, "Building Relationships through LOVE," and thanks to the WOCC for providing a wonderful meal. A brief Eucharist closed out the evening, and everyone went home, nourished in several ways. Join us next Wednesday, March 5, as we welcome our Rec

Each Thursday, Christ Church offers a midday Healing Eucharist in Old Brick. The Rev. Marcia Davenport will lead this week's service of readings, prayers, a litany for healing, and the Holy Eucharist. Parishioners and community members are all welcome to join in a prayerful time in the presence of God, and to share in the wonderful mystery of God’s love whilst we seek healing for ourselves and our loved ones. Please come in to reflect, pray, and participate in a service held

Have you seriously thought and reflected on the fact that our daily existence depends upon the nature of our decision-making? Invariably, we make decisions from the rising of the sun to its setting. Decision-making requires constant action, and more often than not, it involves others.  Decision-making becomes the ever-evolving hallmarks of our daily lives. Being human, we ask these questions: “Did I make the right decision?” or “Did I make the wrong decision?” The long and sh