Who Are Your Enemies? How Do You Love Them? By Rachel Held Evans   When I was in fourth grade, I had a nemesis. Let’s call her Samantha. Samantha was popular, pretty, rich, and bossy. Her golden locks were always pulled into a bouncy ponytail on the side of her head and topped with an elaborate bow. She wore name-brand clothes, used name-brand school supplies, and came from a name-brand family. As the teacher’s pet, Samantha would put in a good word for the classmates she lik

Howard County, March, 2026 (13) I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. (14) Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, (15) I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. (16) Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant betwe

Lent IV 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: Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

It’s almost the weekend - and so, it's almost time for CSN! We look forward to seeing you at the Center for Spiritual Nourishment at Christ Church this Saturday morning. Join us at 8:30 for a nice breakfast and fellowship before we begin the morning's sessions, or just meet us at 9. And this month - the theme is "Letting Go to Make Room" - there are many insightful and life-enriching sessions to choose from - visit https://cecevents.org/CSN for all of the details. As we walk

A few months ago, my family celebrated the 40-year anniversary of my father’s passing. It was a surreal moment for me. When I had the opportunity to speak, one of the points that I made was that I am not sure if I ever fully grieved my father’s passing. I still carry with me some residue of grief, and I don’t know if I will ever get over it. Grief, in itself, is a powerful human experience that encompasses every single aspect of our lives. The truth is, we grieve because of l

DreamBuilders Has its Largest Fundraising Dinner this Weekend! - March 14 DreamBuilders Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction Fundraiser is happening this Saturday, March 14. DreamBuilders will build three complete houses from the foundation up during their mission trip this coming June. In addition to sending volunteers, DreamBuilders also pays for the housing supplies, which cost nearly $75,000. They raise this money in various ways, but by far the biggest single fundraiser i

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

It’s almost the weekend!  And, therefore, almost time for CSN.  We look forward to seeing many of you at Christ Episcopal this Saturday morning.  8:30 AM is the start of breakfast if you’d like to come early for food and friendship.  9 AM is our opening with many wonderful sessions to choose from.  We wrap up between 11:30 and noon. As we walk our Lenten journey, we rest in that sometimes uncomfortable in-between place.  We journey through the wilderness, waiting on the Holy

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

This past Saturday, I participated in the faith-based conflict resolution training sessions offered by the Diocese of Maryland in collaboration with the Anne Arundel Conflict Resolution Center. It was the second of three sessions. As part of our ice breaker, we engaged in a group activity of fixing a dish or making a meal. The dish itself and some of the ingredients should represent accountability , trust, grace, and stewardship . Each group could make whatever dish they want

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

Inviting You to Join Our Monthly Outreach Meeting on Monday, March 9 Learn many ways to help others by joining us remotely for the Outreach Commission meeting on Monday, March 9, at 7:30 p.m. Our mission has a local, national, and international scope. Look for our email on Monday for the Zoom link. Christ Church Gets an Update from Somos Amigos’ Founder Frank Brightwell Progress is being made to expand the number of patients served in the Dominican Republic by Somos Amigos

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.

Christ Episcopal Church invites everyone to a very special prayer vigil this Thursday, March 5th, at 7:00 pm in the New Brick sanctuary. Gather with us as our parish welcomes participants from other congregations supporting our Refugee Ministry, Columbia, and Howard County. "Lift Us Up" will feature meditations, music, reflections, and prayers from many in our Interfaith community in response to recent and ongoing violence across cities and around the world. We will unite in

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

The WOCC will have its monthly meeting this evening, so log on to Zoom at 7:30 (we'll send the link later today). With more than a handful of wonderful gatherings and events this month, we'll discuss the details and ways to take part in them all. We'll also be looking at other upcoming Christ Church activities, so it's safe to say that there's no better time for you to join the WOCC!

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

Most of us would like to be "healthier" in many ways, but we also know how difficult it can be to begin the journey, so Christ Church is making it a little easier. Jane Adams, Christ Church parishioner and certified instructor, leads a basic exercise class every Saturday morning, a way to comfortably and safely get your body accustomed to a path of fitness and good health. She will provide resistance bands and all other accessories needed for this hour-long session; all you n

I wonder if you remember the nature of relationships that you have had over the years and what impact they have had on you. Over the years, I have given myself the chance to reflect on one that had this profound effect on me. We met at vacation classes during our three-month summer break when I was a rising 9th grader. Back in those days, the school year calendar was similar to what we have in the United States. In the United States, the academic year began in mid- to late Au

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

Learn What It’s Like to Volunteer at a Somos Amigos Clinic When Founder Frank Brightwell Visits Christ Church this Sunday, March 1 We’ll have several opportunities this Sunday to learn about life in the Dominican Republic and how Christ Church supports Somos Amigos Medical Missions in its work. Founder and Executive Director Frank Brightwell will deliver the sermon during the 8 a.m. and 10:30 worship services and conduct Sunday Circle this Sunday, March 1.   His visit to Chr

Reaching Out to Others in Love When our lofty words of love have been emptied of their meaning, When our borders and computer screens have erected impenetrable walls, When our minds are so quick to conflate "other" with "enemy," How will we find our common humanity? It's never too late to make an earnest and tender start. May we remove from our pockets the stones we intended to throw And cement them together to build a home that welcomes all. May we repent of our indifference

Each year, the WELS at Christ Church is one of the most enriching experiences of the season, offering five weeks of insightful, life-transforming seminars. Kicking off the series this Wednesday, February 25, is the Right Reverend Robert Ihloff. Bishop Ihloff will share his thoughts on our 2026 Spiritual Life Theme, "Building Relationships through Love." We begin each evening at 6:30 p.m. with a communal supper in the Great Hall - each week, a different Christ Church ministry

Oh God, we put our trust in You. Enhance my understanding of You. Help us count the blessings that we want. We are ever grateful for Your Presence in our lives. Let us show Your love. Open our hearts to always be ready to accept the Word into our lives. Teach me to take care of my heart, so Christ can live there. Watch over those who are suffering and help them find Your peace. Help us to hear you. Thank you for seeing something worthwhile in us. Emmanuel - “God with us” - we

Building Relationships through Love: The Christ Church Youth Perspective   Paul gives us a clear template for doing just that in his letter to the Corinthians, and in 1 Corinthians 13 v1-7 he describes the type of Love God calls us to, calling out the hollowness of acting without love, no matter how amazing the action.   In Youth Formation Class, we talked about Love and about how we might retell the lessons of Paul today.   If I put people down, gossip, or speak about them

LIFT US UP: A Prayer Vigil for Non-Violence at a Time of Crisis Thursday, March 5 at 7 p.m. Christ Episcopal Church invites all parishioners and community neighbors to attend a special prayer vigil next Thursday, March 5th, at 7:00 pm in the New Brick sanctuary. Gather with us as we welcome participants from congregations supporting our Refugee Ministry, Columbia, and Howard County. Lift Us Up will feature meditations, songs, reflections, and prayers from many in our Interfa

Lent I 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, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives

IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO PREPARE YOURSELF Lenten Reflection Day - This Morning at Christ Church This morning, Christ Church’s Spiritual Life Commission presents Lenten Reflection Day, and we hope that you'll join us for this very special start to the season. We are proud to welcome Reverend Kirk Kubicek, who will lead us as we prayerfully reflect on our 2026 theme, "Building Relationships through Love." Give yourself this gift of song, prayer, and inspiration to help prepare your

For When People Ask by Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer   I want a word that means okay And not okay More than that: a word that means devastated and stunned with joy. I want the word that says I feel it all all at once. The heart is not like a songbird singing one note at a time, more like a Tuvan throat singer able to sing both a drone and simultaneously two or three harmonies high above it— a sound, the Tuvans say, that gives the impression of wind swirling among rocks. The heart

I am not sure about my first Super Bowl experience. It was held on January 28, 2001, about a month after my arrival in the United States. I don’t remember anything about it, and even if I watched the game, I don’t remember anything about the game or the half-time show. My memory of the Super Bowl at that time is murky at best, but over the years I have come to really enjoy the aura, hype, energy, and excitement surrounding different aspects of the Super Bowl. It isn’t all abo

“The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; 30 you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ 31The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” From Mark's gospel, the 12th chapter   God made my enemy my friend.   Love is hard enough. Loving our neighbors? Even harder. Especially the ones who hate us, wh

Bridges for Housing Stability Gets Funds to Help Families in Need Christ Church has had a meaningful partnership with Bridges to Housing Stability for nearly a decade, ranging from participation in chili-cookoffs to a volunteer project last fall to refurbish Bridges’ Guilford House. In response to community needs, the Outreach Commission, at its February meeting, approved a $1,000 donation to Bridges and became a sponsor of its annual Heroes for Housing fundraiser . The dona

Each day during the season of Lent, Christ Church publishes a Daily Meditation on our website and social   media , submissions from our parish family that help inspire them or provide a moment of reflection as they begin their day. We hope that these Meditations provide a new and special way for you to experience Lent. Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud.  Love is not rude, is not selfish, and does not become angry easily. Love

Ash Wednesday reminds us of our mortality and of what we are made of. To get our thoughts and ourselves prepared for Lent, Christ Church offers worship with the Imposition of Ashes today at 7:00 a.m. in Old Brick, and then at 12 noon and 7:00 p.m. in the New Brick Sanctuary. We'll also offer Ashes to Go, a brief stop at Christ Church for working commuters, students, and early risers to receive ashes as they start their day. Clergy will offer a short prayer and administer the

The incredible youth of Christ Church will once again host our annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper! We begin gathering tonight at 6:00 p.m., and seating is available until approximately 7:30 p.m. Grab some delicious pancakes and treats as lively music plays and kids enjoy fun and games. Tickets for this event are $15 for an individual and $25 for a family, and you can pay using cash at the door, or by using our Shrove Tuesday form - https://cecevents.org/ShroveTuesdaySupper

Last Sunday, it was so nice to see many people wearing RED - if only because it's been so bleak with all the snow we've had recently! Of course, the real reason we were decked out in the bright color was to bring awareness to Heart Health Month. It's a tradition at Christ Church started by the WOCC years ago, but in 2026, all sorts of wonderful people took part - thanks to everyone who did! This is an important awareness event, as heart disease remains a leading killer in th