Pentecost XXIV 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, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil an

I don’t remember the first time I ever got a ticket for anything, but considering where I grew up, it doesn’t surprise me that the first-ever ticket that I can remember was a bus ticket. I remember how the bus ticket looked like. The bus system which used to issue those tickets has since gone out of business, but I remember those bus tickets. Like any passenger, once I got my ticket, I could get on the bus from Sekondi to Takoradi where I attended school. It sometimes amazes

The past week of activity describes Christ Church perfectly - not one or two but THREE Baptisms, followed by the Commissioning of our recently-elected Vestry members. Later that day, an incredible group of parishioners went to Merriweather Post pavilion to help support our larger community at the Howard County Pride Festival. Then just yesterday, our First Wednesday Fellowship celebrated FriendsGiving by taking part in an outreach activity - making Health Packs for our teache

Please Pitch In! Bring Holiday Sides and Year-Round Staples by Thursday, Nov. 19, for our Thanksgiving Drive for the Howard County Food Bank You can make Thanksgiving and the upcoming holidays special for those who depend on the Howard County Food Bank to feed their families. The staff of the food bank provides the makings of festive meals for 1,000 people for Thanksgiving and another 1,000 by Christmas. Christ Church contributes to this effort by collecting non-perishables p

As the holiday season approaches, let’s come together to support families right here in our community. The Howard County Food Bank helps over 1,000 struggling individuals and families put a warm, comforting meal on their tables for Thanksgiving. We are collecting non-perishable holiday sides and everyday cupboard staples to stock their shelves and make this holiday special for our neighbors in need. 📍 Where to Drop Off Your Donations: New Brick: Elevator Room Old Brick: Mark

The November version of First Wednesday Fellowship is a festive one - we will celebrate FriendsGiving in the Great Hall! Bring your family and friends for a genuine turkey dinner with all the trimmings; we'll provide the delicious turkey, and you bring the sides, salads, and dessert. Whether you choose cranberry sauce, stuffing, mashed potatoes, or any other wonderful seasonal delights, there are lots of options that are sure to please. After dinner, we will take part in a se

Today, as communities across the nation cast their ballots, we celebrate the shared privilege and enduring strength of our democratic process. Whatever our differing viewpoints or choices may be, our common hopes for a safe, thriving future connect us far more deeply than any ballot divides us. May this day be guided by mutual respect, peaceful reflection at every polling place, and a renewed commitment to move forward together as one community. #ElectionDay #episcomd #howard

On the first Sunday of most months, Christ Church hosts Taizé Vespers, a liturgy of Evening Prayer that combines scripture readings, prayer, silent meditation, and rich music. This beautiful service of contemplative prayer and music follows the tradition of the Taizé community of France, promoting peace and justice through prayer and meditation. November's Taizé Vespers reflect on Thanksgiving, which fits the season. Emphasizing attention to silence, prayer, and singing, Taiz

Taizé Vespers is a liturgy of Evening Prayer that combines scripture readings, prayer, silent meditation, and rich music. On the first Sunday evening of each month, Christ Church offers this truly beautiful service of contemplative prayer and music in the tradition of the Taizé community of France. This community promotes peace and justice through prayer and meditation. November's Taizé Vespers reflects on Thanksgiving, which is appropriate, given the season. Emphasizing atte

All Saints' Day 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: Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the myst

In his sermon last Sunday, Kevin Berthound made this point: there’s always some good news. I found that powerfully poignant, especially at this time of year, when we are invited to commit our treasure, time, and talent to this community of faith and choose our political leaders. Listening to the radio and podcasts, watching the news on your TV or electronic device, and reading the newspaper may be more than challenging for many people these days. This is because media platf

Please Pitch In! Bring Holiday Sides and Year-Round Staples by Thursday, Nov. 19, for our Thanksgiving Drive for the Howard County Food Bank You can make Thanksgiving and the upcoming holidays special for those who depend on the Howard County Food Bank to feed their families. The staff of the food bank provides the makings of festive meals for 1,000 people for Thanksgiving and another 1,000 by Christmas. Christ Church contributes to this effort by collecting non-perishables p

This month, our theme is gratitude and service. As we welcome the time of harvest, we reflect on the blessings of God and consider where God is leading us to serve others. 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 Nourishment (CSN) provides opportunities for us to be in closer relationship with God by offering an array of exper

Pentecost XXII 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: Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, tha

Vision & Strategies Workshops Begin this Sunday, October 25, at 9:30 in Old Brick The Vision & Strategies committee completed its planning work by delivering the V&S Report at the Annual Meeting last Sunday. To support that transition, Vision & Strategies committee members will hold workshops beginning this Sunday, October 25, on the four presented ministry areas so existing groups can plan and begin the needed work together. Join us in Old Brick at 9:30 a.m. on: • Sunday, Oc

A little over 20 years ago, a new craze erupted in American pop culture. It was more than a phenomenon that enthralled the whole country and kept people glued to their TV sets week after week. It always appeared to me that people hungered for that kind of thrill. People wanted something they could hold on to, something that made them feel they belonged, something that gave them a new sense of identity. If they could talk about that one thing everyone was talking about at work

Christ Church Supports the Howard County Food Bank & Other CAC Operations; You Can Help as Individuals at a Nov. 10th Fundraiser The Outreach Commission at its October meeting approved a donation of $500 to the Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC), to be used for operations in the area of greatest need. These are Vestry-approved funds derived from parishioners’ pledges and contributions. Thank you for helping our neighbors who are struggling. Soon we’ll launch our

Solo in Flight's Fall Farm Market Field Trip - Meet at Church this Saturday, October 24, at 9:00 a.m. Join us for a festive autumn excursion to explore two of Maryland's wonderful local farmers' markets: Bougher's in Westminster and Miss Jenny's in West Friendship. We will meet in the upper parking lot of Christ Church at 9:00 a.m. to organize carpooling, and enjoy a fun morning selecting fresh seasonal produce, crisp apples, vibrant pumpkins, local honey, and artisanal fruit

Your Help is Needed to Provide Support for Comfort Cases, a Long-Standing Outreach Group for the MOCC - November 19 The Men of Christ Church needs volunteers to help pack bags in support of Comfort Cases. If you are interested in helping out, please speak with Duane Smith at church or email MOCC@christchurchcolumbia.org. You can also find flyers around the campus with more information.

Christ Episcopal Church's 2026 Annual Meeting and Vestry Elections This Sunday, October 18, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in New Brick Everyone is encouraged to gather with us for Christ Church's Annual Meeting and Vestry Elections this Sunday. We'll have just one service tomorrow, at 10:00 a.m. in New Brick. A potluck lunch, our Annual Meeting, and the Vestry Elections will follow. Please be sure to join us - we review our past year's ministries and activities while making plans for ou

This Sunday, we will all gather for the Christ Church Annual Meeting. We will begin with worship at 10:00 a.m., followed by potluck brunch and then the business meeting. The meeting will focus primarily on a presentation by the Vision and Strategy Committee, which was formed this summer to review a consultant’s report and recommend a way forward for our congregation. From all indications, the committee did a fabulous job, and I am most grateful. It is with great joy that I sh

Christ Church’s Annual Meeting - This Sunday, October 18 One Worship Service at 10:00, followed by Lunch and the Annual Meeting Everyone is encouraged to join us at Christ Church for our Annual Meeting and Vestry Elections this Sunday, October 18. We have only one service at 10:00 a.m. in New Brick, followed by a brief lunch (bring a quick potluck dish to share!). At the Annual Meeting, we'll review our ministries and activities from the past year, hear the Vision & Strategy

Christ Church Donates to Episcopal Relief & Development in the Aftermath of Hurricane Isaias Hurricane Isaias made landfall on Oct. 9 in the Florida Panhandle as a Category 2 hurricane. The storm unleashed several tornadoes and drenching rain in Alabama and farther north. Thousands of residents were coping with severe destruction, as described in an Oct. 10 NBC News report. In response, Outreach Commission members approved a $600 contribution to Episcopal Relief & Developme

Pentecost XX 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: Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow us, that we may continually be giv

Inviting You to Join Our Monthly Outreach Meeting on Monday, Oct. 12 Learn many ways to help others by joining us remotely for the Outreach Commission meeting on Monday, Oct. 12, at 7:30 p.m. Our mission has a local, national, and international scope. Look for our Monday This Week on Zoom email, and join us. We hope to see you help make a difference in others' lives! Help Feed the Homeless on Monday, Oct. 12 as Our Meal Team Continues to Provide Meals at Two Grassroots’ Venue

After a well-deserved summer break, Christ Church's popular First Wednesday fellowship series resumes tonight! Join us to share a meal with fellow parishioners, meet new ones, and enjoy a fun activity or two. It's the perfect way to connect and spend a few hours with friends, both old and new - and have someone else do most of the cooking! The first FWF of this season, on Wednesday, October 7, will feature a Chili Cook-Off to welcome back the program year. The church will pro

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

WOCC Has the October Meeting at Famous Dave's - October 5 Please join us for the WOCC October meeting, dinner, and fellowship tonight. We will gather at 6:30 p.m. at Famous Dave's Barbeque, conveniently located in Columbia Crossing near Target. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a great meal and connect with others in our community. We look forward to seeing you there for a wonderful time together!

Pentecost XIX 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: Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray, and to give

This weekend, our church celebrates the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology and animals, and during this first weekend in October, we will have the Blessing of the Animals - and we mean ALL animals! On Saturday, October 3rd at 5 p.m., we invite you to gather in front of Old Brick with your beloved pets - dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles, and all other furry, scaly, or slinky creatures - or a picture of your pet, if you prefer. We will read from the st

“Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 As I chose this scripture theme to share with you today, I remembered a road trip my family took many years ago. We traveled by car across the country to visit relatives along the way. When we reached California, our cousin joined us, and we drove to San Francisco. There, we sat at the top of a hill named Lombard Street, known at the time as the ‘crookedest street.’ We wer

Join Us for a Bike Ride that Supports a Great Cause - October 2 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 prac

October 4th, our church celebrates the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology and animals, and during this first weekend in October, we will have The Blessing of the Animals - and we mean ALL animals! On Saturday, October 3rd at 5 p.m., we invite you to gather in front of Old Brick with your beloved pets - dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles, and all other furry, scaly, or slinky creatures - or a picture of your pet, if you prefer. We will read from the sto

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

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