Pentecost XVIII at Christ Church This Sunday, we continue our fall schedule: At 8 a.m. in Old Brick, we celebrate Holy Eucharist without music. Our Family Worship is at 9 a.m. in New Brick and focuses on engaging our younger church members, featuring a special sermon and a Communion gathering around the altar. We then have our Choral Eucharist at 10:30 in New Brick. Collect for Today: O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the full

There is a story of a king who built an egalitarian and utopian community where people of all races, backgrounds, classes, and financial means could live, thrive, and build families. Everything was available for anyone. Folks didn’t have to lock their doors for fear of another. There was no police station in that town, and folks didn’t have to struggle at all to meet their needs and wants. One morning, a family woke up to the horror that someone had broken into their chicken

Free Bikes 4 Kidz Calls for Donations of Used Bikes at Howard County Fire Stations on Saturday, Oct. 3 Please help Free Bikes 4 Kidz Maryland (FB4K) prepare for its 2026 drive to gather, refurbish, and give away bikes to families who cannot afford to buy new ones. Many children will see Christmas wishes come true after FB4K's holiday distribution. Find updates on its Facebook page. Donate your used child- or adult-sized bikes during FB4K’s annual collection day: Saturday, Oct

With autumn in full swing, the days become shorter. This month, we reflect on the waning light and the seasons of transition in our lives that this may represent. As we accept the ever-changing nature of our lives, we also lean into God’s continual presence, guiding love, and light. Join us for times of teaching and sharing, spiritual direction, meditation, inspirational films, and Fr. Mike’s healing space for trauma, grief, and hope. The 2nd Saturday Center for Spiritual N

Last Saturday’s WOCC Flea Market and Craft Fair was an incredible (and sold out!) success, and it wouldn't have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our wonderful volunteers. From the early morning hours to the final cleanup, our community stepped up in a massive way. A special thank you goes out to everyone who arrived early to help set up the campus, ensuring that our vendors and visitors had a welcoming, well-organized space to enjoy the day. We also want

We are thrilled to present our Music Director, Larissa Sanders, in her fall Larissa and Friends recital - now an annual tradition. Larissa and her selection of incredibly talented musicians and vocalists will present a program of beautiful music spanning several centuries and cultures. Light refreshments will be served at a reception following the performance. Come to the New Brick Sanctuary on Saturday, November 14 at 5:00 for an evening that's sure to entertain everyone. Sa

Pentecost XVII at Christ Church This Sunday, we continue our fall schedule: At 8 a.m. in Old Brick, we celebrate Holy Eucharist without music. Our Family Worship is at 9 a.m. in New Brick and focuses on engaging our younger church members, featuring a special sermon and a Communion gathering around the altar. We then have our Choral Eucharist at 10:30 in New Brick. Collect for Today: Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and eve

Our Flea Market is THIS SATURDAY! It's time for the Annual Community Flea Market and Craft Fair, presented by the Women of Christ Church, this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Christ Church campus in Columbia, MD. This community event is open to the public and features thousands of items to choose from, so come see what your neighbors have to offer. You'll find housewares, jewelry, books, clothing, tasty baked treats, grilled goodies, and more!

Each year, the Spiritual Life Committee, led by Ellen Hoke, meets to consider a theme for the year. The theme drives our formational offerings, most especially our Advent and Lenten retreats and the five Wednesday Evening Lenten Supper series. It has always been such a useful exercise for me because it gives me the opportunity to hear from parishioners about where each of them is on their faith journey, where we are as a congregation, and which areas of our common life need o

Friends of Sabina Seeks a 2027 Sponsor to Help 15-year-old Geofrey Achieve His Aspirations of One Day Becoming a Doctor Leaders of the nonprofit, Friends of Sabina (FOS), are seeking a new sponsor for 15-year-old Geofrey, who has nine siblings. His father is deceased and his mother earns a small income making mats and working on farms. “Geofrey (right) is a bright, hardworking, and ambitious boy who performs well in class,” according to FOS, which began shepherding him as

Pentecost XVI at Christ Church This Sunday, we begin our fall schedule: At 8 a.m. in Old Brick, we celebrate Holy Eucharist without music. Our Family Worship is at 9 a.m. in New Brick and focuses on engaging our younger church members, featuring a special sermon and a Communion gathering around the altar. We then have our Choral Eucharist at 10:30 in New Brick. Collect for Today: O God, because without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit

As summer gives way to autumn, we rest and reflect on the growth from the summer as well as lean into who we are becoming in this new season. Join us for the return of the Sound Bath, Fr. Mike’s inaugural healing space for trauma, grief, and hope, spiritual direction, inspirational films, and inspiring teaching. Join us this Saturday, September 12 as we offer: Rhythms of Grace · led by Leah Chrest As we enter into fall, we consider the rhythms in our lives. What are the annua

I have been meeting with a new parishioner for breakfast on Wednesday mornings. Our time together doesn’t have any agenda; it is simply to sit, chat about any and all sorts of things, including religion, theology, politics, history, and personal life journeys, over a meal and coffee. When we met last week, he brought a text to my attention. The text is part of Psalm 42:7a: Deep calls to deep. I am very familiar with the text but haven’t really thought much about it. You know

Get ready to stir up your best (or hottest!) chili recipe, because our inaugural First Wednesday Fellowship of the autumn is heating up with a parish-wide Chili Cook-Off on Wednesday, October 7, at 6:00 p.m. Gather 'round the table as the rich, savory scent of chili fills the air, and bring along your favorite pot of chili, a tasty side, or a delicious dessert to share with the community. We will provide plenty of cornbread, salad, and chips to help you enjoy 'em all! In addi

Do You Have a Green Thumb? Help Columbia Community Care to Harvest and Tend Its Garden Plot at Freetown Farm as Long-Term Plans Take Shape Columbia Community Care (CCC) invites volunteers to join in cultivating its garden plot at Freetown Farm, 8000 Harriet Tubman Lane, Columbia, Md., 21044, in partnership with Community Ecology Institute (CEI). Volunteers are encouraged to sign up in advance for slots on Tuesdays from 9 to 11 a.m., on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon, and on F

As summer gives way to autumn, we rest and reflect on the growth from the summer as well as lean into who we are becoming in this new season. Join us for the return of the Sound Bath, Fr. Mike’s inaugural healing space for trauma, grief, and hope, spiritual direction, inspirational films, and inspiring teaching. The 2nd Saturday Center for Spiritual Nourishment (CSN) provides opportunities for us to be in closer relationship with God by offering an array of experiences that

Pentecost XV at Christ Church This Sunday, services in New Brick begin at 8 a.m. with Holy Eucharist without music. Our Family Worship is at 9 a.m. and centers on engaging the younger members of our church, featuring a Communion gathering around the altar. We then have Holy Eucharist with music at 10:30. Collect for Today: Grant us, O Lord, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those wh

A few months ago, I wrote about sunflowers and how beautiful they are. The nature of the sunflower is that it rises when the sun is up and slumbers when the sun sets. That is the nature of the sunflower, and they really don’t care whether you and I appreciate their beauty or their nature. Last week, there was a flash flood in Nepal that killed so many people from different parts of the world. Some were in the area as pilgrims, some were vacationing, some were helping others,

Christ Church Donates to UNICEF to Aid Victims of Nepal Flood Disaster The collapse of a Himalayan glacier on Aug. 26 caused flash flooding in steep river valleys between Nepal and Tibet, killing more than 1,000 people and leaving 4,000 missing. Rescuers now face the threat of more flooding and vast mudslides as they search for survivors in tunnels, according to a Sept. 2 report by NPR. UNICEF has mobilized aid to those displaced by the utter devastation. In an online post up

Ride4Refuge Columbia is a community bike ride on Friday, October 2, 2026 (Rain Date October 9), where neighbors, congregations, and Global Refuge supporters will come together to ride 10, 20, or 30 miles in support of the Baltimore Welcome Center. In honor of Global Refuge’s 87th anniversary, riders are working together to raise $87,000 to welcome immigrant and refugee families with compassion, dignity, and practical support. WHERE IS IT? The ride starts at 10:00 a.m. at Chr

We are praying for all those affected by the devastating flash floods in Nepal and Tibet. We pray for those who are grieving, and for those who are still waiting for news of their missing loved ones. We pray for the emergency workers in the region, operating in immensely difficult conditions to rescue people and bring relief. We also pray for those who are injured, and for the doctors and nurses working tirelessly to bring healing and rebuild lives. Into the hands of our lovi

Pentecost XIV at Christ Church This Sunday, we invite you to gather together for a special, unified service at 10:00 a.m., when we can all worship together! Following the service, the celebration continues with our annual Parish Festival and Ministry Fair - it’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy delicious food, meaningful fellowship, and fun activities for all ages. During the fair, every ministry at Christ Church will be represented, and it is the perfect chance to stroll thr

I don’t remember when I first heard the word Metaphor, but I am sure it was during an English Literature class in high school. It was a new word. It was also a big word. And I always wondered what it meant. It was a strange word; I am very sure the teacher explained what it meant, but I am very certain that its strangeness was enough to confuse me. Over time, I came to find an attraction for the word - which should remind you that sometimes it takes a moment for an attraction

Sip Up to Help DreamBuilders this Sunday, August 30 Look for fair-trade coffee, tea, and cocoa, being sold to benefit DreamBuilders on Sunday, Aug. 30, at the Parish Festival & Ministry Fair. It’s all for a good cause as a team of adults prepares to rebuild in Puerto Rico from Oct. 18 to 24 after devastation that remains from Hurricane Maria. DreamBuilders also recently completed its fourth consecutive trip to flood-damaged Hazard, Kentucky. A team of more than 30 adults an

Gather for the Parish Festival and Ministry Fair - Sunday, August 30 The annual Christ Church Parish Festival & Ministry Fair returns this Sunday, August 30! Join us that day for a single worship service at 10:00 a.m. in the New Brick sanctuary, followed by the festival featuring food, fellowship, and fun for all ages. During the event, we'll host our Ministry Fair, where you can chat with leaders from nearly every group and ministry to learn how they support the broader comm

This past weekend, Christ Church's LEMS Outreach ministry had a wonderful time distributing school supplies at the Lake Elkhorn Middle School (LEMS). Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our congregation, we were able to provide essential items for more than 100 local students. Our dedicated volunteers gathered early Saturday morning to load vehicles and transport the supplies directly to LEMS in time for the Block Party that afternoon, and throughout the event, we enjoye

Pentecost XII at Christ Church 8:00 Holy Eucharist 9:00 Family Worship 10:30 Eucharist with Music All three services take place in New Brick. Collect for Today: Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. This Sunday's Readings: Isaiah 51:1-

Religion can be easy. And it can be easy because of what it may demand from us. Christianity, on the other hand, isn’t easy. It is difficult because it demands a lot more than we want to offer, it demands a lot more than we want to tolerate, it demands a lot more than we want to take on, and it demands the kind of sacrifice which is only possible if we are in tune with the sufferings of the cross. If you remember, one of the requests that was made to Jesus by the Jewish autho

Help Our LEMS Students with our School Supply Drive - This Saturday, August 22 We can use a few more helping hands this Saturday morning, August 22. Whether you can stay for the entire time from 9:30 - 2:00 or just help for an hour or so, your assistance will be welcomed and appreciated! We'll start by gathering at the lower level of New Brick at 9:30 a.m. as we load up the supplies into vehicles, and then head over to the school and display them in time for the start of the

Pentecost XII at Christ Church 8:00 Holy Eucharist 9:00 Family Worship 10:30 Eucharist with Music All three services take place in New Brick. Collect for Today: Almighty God, you have given your only Son to be for us a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life: Give us grace to receive thankfully the fruits of his redeeming work, and to follow daily in the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and

This past Sunday, we held our annual meeting with our partners in Uganda, Friends of Sabina. Although I couldn’t stay throughout the entire meeting, I was deeply touched by the children and staff of the school for the enormous progress that they have made. Sincere thanks to Patricia and the team for working very hard on it. It was a labor of love, and, as you know, it comes with no great benefits or remuneration. For many of our parishioners who are sponsoring children at the

Christ Church Donates to Episcopal Relief & Development to Help Washington State Residents Displaced by Raging Wildfires Wildfires in eastern Washington state have destroyed hundreds of homes and forced the evacuation of 60,000 people in the Spokane area. In response, Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD), partnered last week with the Episcopal Diocese of Spokane to help those in harm’s way. Churches in the diocese are providing shelter, food, fuel, and cash assistance throu

Bring a part of Christ Church into your home with our beautiful new custom magnets! We are offering two unique 3" x 5" designs: our classic CEC shield, and the vibrant 300th Anniversary Learning from Our History, Living into Our Future tree. Perfect for your refrigerator, filing cabinet, car, or any magnetic surface, these heavy-duty magnets are a wonderful way to show your parish pride and support our community. Each magnet is yours for only $6, or you can get one of each fo

From Autumn through Spring, Faith Formation is thriving at Christ Church, and anyone from pre-K to 12th grade is invited to gather with us next fall. It's a program of age-appropriate classes that’s relevant and engaging, and we're looking forward to an exciting year! The next Sunday School year begins on September 13, and registration links are on our website's Sunday School page. Our Youth and Family Ministry is growing—an amazing blessing—but it also means we need a little

During a special moment of today's 10:30 worship, Mother Marcia Davenport gathered our high school students and graduates to offer a heartfelt prayer as they prepare to take their next big steps. Standing together before the altar, they bowed their heads while she asked for guidance, protection, and wisdom to attend them in this exciting new chapters of their lives. The prayer served as both a blessing and a reminder that no matter where their educational journeys take them,

Pentecost XI at Christ Church 8:00 Holy Eucharist 9:00 Family Worship 10:30 Eucharist with Music All three services take place in New Brick. Collect for Today: Grant to us, Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always those things that are right, that we, who cannot exist without you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. This Sunday's Readin

One of the many gifts and blessings that I celebrate in my ministry has been the joy of serving you, the faithful people of Christ Church. It has been my greatest honor, and I do not for one moment take it for granted. It has been such a special blessing for me, and I want to believe that in just the same way that you have been and continue to be a blessing to me, so have I been a blessing to you and to the people you love. I was hit hard by this deep sense of gratitude this

Last Sunday, Lake Elkhorn Middle School Outreach's Cathy Whittaker caught us up at church on plans for this coming fall. Here's what she said: "We had the pleasure of meeting with the new LEMS Principal, Tony Esposito, last week. He has been a teacher and principal for over 20 years in Howard County and is excited about his new position. We also met with Cindy Drummond (our liaison), and we talked about possible ways that we can work together over the coming school year. The

Zoom to Uganda with Friends of Sabina at Noon this Sunday, Aug. 9; Enjoy a Light Lunch While Bonding with Students During Our Annual Hybrid Meetup Students at Sabina Boarding Primary School are getting ready to interact with you during our annual Zoom meetup with Friends of Sabina (FOS), the nonprofit organization that supports the school in rural Uganda. Plan to attend remotely or in person at noon this Sunday, August 9. Gather in the Great Hall of New Brick after the 10:30

The Center for Spiritual Nourishment (CSN) is taking a well-deserved summer break to allow presenters and participants time for rest and personal reflection, offering everyone in the community a chance to recharge their spirits throughout the remainder of the summer. You can look forward to reconnecting and exploring new opportunities for spiritual growth when CSN returns on Saturday, September 12, with a new program series, so mark your calendars, and gather with us that mor

Pentecost X at Christ Church 8:00 Holy Eucharist 9:00 Family Worship 10:30 Eucharist with Music All three services take place in New Brick. Collect for Today: Let your continual mercy, O Lord, cleanse and defend your Church; and, because it cannot continue in safety without your help, protect and govern it always by your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. This Sunday's Readings: Isaiah

Like every child, I am not sure when I became conscious or aware of people. But I believe that as we all grow, we get to meet different people, beginning with family, Church and Sunday School, neighborhood kids, camps, schoolmates from nursery school, grade school, middle school, high school, college, internships - just name them. Every stage of our lives offers us a unique opportunity to meet people - some good, some not-so-good. But we learn along the way that we cannot do

SAVE THE DATE: Zoom to Uganda with Friends of Sabina at Our Annual Hybrid Meetup next Sunday, Aug. 9 Students at Sabina Boarding Primary School are getting ready to interact with you during our annual Zoom meetup with Friends of Sabina (FOS), the nonprofit organization that supports the school in rural Uganda. So don’t miss the chance to attend at noon on Sunday, Aug. 9 – remotely or in person. (Look for the Zoom code in Parish communications prior to the event.) Parishioner

Pentecost IX at Christ Church 8:00 Holy Eucharist 9:00 Family Worship 10:30 Eucharist with Music All three services take place in New Brick. Collect for Today: O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and th

As I indicated in my sermon on July 12th, the world has been captivated by an extraordinary soccer extravaganza in the US, Mexico, and Canada, the three host countries of this year’s World Cup tournament. Like Mexico and Canada, we have been great hosts, and I am thankful to all those who worked night and day to ensure that soccer fans from around the world who traveled long distances to support their national teams had a great time. I had the unique privilege of traveling wi

Bring Lightweight, Natural-fiber Clothing by Aug. 30 for an Outreach Collection to Help Visually-Impaired People and their Families in Nigeria Christ Church is supporting a late-summer clothing drive by the Living Above Limitation Charity Foundation (LALCF), which sends lightweight, natural-fiber garments to visually impaired people in Nigeria. Their disabled residents and their families face greater barriers than the general population and may not be able to afford sufficien

Pentecost VIII at Christ Church 8:00 Holy Eucharist 9:00 Family Worship 10:30 Eucharist with Music All three services take place in New Brick. Collect for Today: Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, you know our necessities before we ask and our ignorance in asking: Have compassion on our weakness, and mercifully give us those things which for our unworthiness we dare not, and for our blindness we cannot ask; through the worthiness of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who

A couple of months ago, we engaged a consultant to help us discern a path for our congregation. Christ Episcopal Church will soon mark 300 years, and we will celebrate that important milestone beginning in November 2027. I wonder if those who started this congregation thought it would be a thriving place of spiritual growth and nurture for so long. In the face of enormous challenges, those pioneers sowed a seed, and I am glad that they sowed the seed that has grown to become

Join us for French toast and fellowship - the MOCC breakfast is a monthly tradition, and in July, it will take place this Saturday, July 18. Set your GPS to Silver Diner at 8250 Gateway Overlook Drive in Columbia. We'll meet at 9:30 a.m., and all ages are welcome. You can also set a calendar reminder on your phone for every third Saturday of a month, for that's when we always meet up for this tasty start to our weekend.