Pentecost VI at Christ Church 8:00 Holy Eucharist 9:00 Family Worship 10:30 Choral Eucharist All three services take place in New Brick. Collect for Today: O God, you have taught us to keep all your commandments by loving you and our neighbor: Grant us the grace of your Holy Spirit, that we may be devoted to you with our whole heart, and united to one another with pure affection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ev

One of the hallmarks of every summer at Christ Church is our annual Crab Feast. We begin by piling bushels of crabs onto paper tablecloths, grab a stack of napkins, and prepare to get MESSY. And it is worth every bit of the mess. Add some tasty barbecue for those choosing to skip the shellfish, and you have the makings of a fantastic feast, indeed. Though the midsummer heat wave tried its best to wilt the day's spirits, the warmth indoors was entirely generated by fellowship.

Donation to UNICEF Will Help Venezuelan Earthquake Survivors On June 24, back-to-back earthquakes struck Venezuela, collapsing buildings and killing or injuring thousands. These 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude tremors were followed by multiple aftershocks, including one measured at 4.6 magnitude on June 29. A nation that was already challenged faces a vast humanitarian crisis, as described by PBS in a June 29 news account. The Outreach Commission approved an immediate $800 donation

Crab Feast, An Annual FWF Extravaganza! - Tonight, July 1 The most anticipated First Wednesday Fellowship of the year is tonight, so get your crab-eatin' bibs ready! At 6 p.m., we'll host our annual Crab Feast just outside the Great Hall of New Brick, and everyone is invited, no matter what your age is! The signup deadline has passed, but if you missed it, there might be space – give the church office a call today to find out. If you're lucky, there will be some fresh, tasty

On behalf of the entire Christ Church family, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to our seminarian, Yehinuel "Yehi" Odidi, as he concludes his remarkable year of service with us. Throughout his time here, Yehi has been an incredible addition to our clergy team, bringing a wonderful sense of faithfulness, enthusiasm, work ethic, and grace to our common life. Whether commuting faithfully from Virginia Theological Seminary, delivering timely and moving sermons, or connectin

Pentecost V at Christ Church 8:00 Holy Eucharist 9:00 Family Worship 10:30 Choral Eucharist All three services take place in New Brick. Collect for Today: Almighty God, you have built your Church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone: Grant us so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their teaching, that we may be made a holy temple acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with yo

Your beloved Christ Church has been hosting Vacation Bible School this week. The week of VBS is always fun because you get to see children running around, playing together, screaming, laughing, and simply being children. It is a great privilege for me to watch them from my window. There is great value in that. It reminds me of my own childhood and the magic of being a child. I am grateful to all the children, counselors, and volunteers who have worked so hard to make this yea

As summer reaches its height, we reflect on the ways that God is bringing us into greater fullness of life, how we are “blooming” into all that we were created to be. This month’s wonderful sessions help us delve into these topics as well as into stillness and reflection in community. 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 engage the mind, body, and s

Home of Our Own Howard is Having a Yard Sale at CEC - This Saturday, June 27 Home Of Our Own Howard (HOOO), Howard County’s local furniture bank for individuals and families in need, is holding a yard sale at Christ Episcopal Church. All funds raised will support our clients who are moving into a home after experiencing a crisis. The yard sale is this Saturday, June 27, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., rain or shine (Parish Hall lower level or outside on the lawn). We hope you can suppo

We’ve had a buzz of excitement at Christ Church this week as our friend Nancy joined our science session to share her expertise as a beekeeper! It was a fantastic opportunity for our children to get an up-close look at the wonders of nature and learn about the importance of bees in our ecosystem. Seeing the children so engaged with our hands-on science activities reminds us of the joy and discovery that parish programs, like VBS, bring to the youngest members of our community

For generations, we've all known that food brings people together, and that was most definitely the case today with the members of Christ Church! The MOCC Breakfast, a cherished monthly tradition at Christ Church, brought members and others of all ages together this morning at the Silver Diner in Columbia. The event offered a wonderful opportunity for the community to kick start their weekend with a delicious breakfast paired with warm conversation, plus a bonus purpose - to

Pentecost IV at Christ Church 8:00 Holy Eucharist 9:00 Family Worship 10:30 Choral Eucharist All three services take place in New Brick. Collect for Today: O Lord, make us have perpetual love and reverence for your holy Name, for you never fail to help and govern those whom you have set upon the sure foundation of your loving-kindness; 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: Je

Each of us experiences some lack. And that lack leads to yearning. As a matter of fact, it isn’t only human beings who experience some lack; all living things of God’s beautiful creation feel a lack, and that lack, again, leads to a yearning. The lack of justice makes us yearn for justice. The lack of faithfulness makes us yearn for faithfulness. The lack of security makes us yearn for security. The lack of food makes us yearn for food. The lack of water makes us yearn for wa

Celebrate Juneteenth at a special concert, Breaking the Chains, this Friday, June 19. Held in the New Brick Sanctuary of Christ Episcopal Church in Columbia at 7 p.m., this musical performance will feature the Caritas Vocal Ensemble performing powerful works by Black composers centered on themes of justice, freedom, and the ongoing fight for equality. The ensemble will be accompanied on piano by our talented Music Director, Larissa Sanders, for an unforgettable evening of ref

Grassroots Says ‘Thank You,’ Honors Its Volunteers at an Annual Luncheon Volunteers make the world a better place, doing God’s work one hour or one casserole at a time. Last week, Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center held its third annual volunteers’ appreciation luncheon at The Meeting House in Oakland Mills. Christ Church was represented by Shahra and George Toth, Eddie Keels, Jan DeBoissiere, and Patricia Fanning, who participate each month in providing meals to the homel

A summertime tradition is about to begin at Christ Church! Our Vacation Bible School and Choir Camp takes place next week from June 22-26, and runs from 9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. each day. All week long, children will enjoy Bible stories, music, exercise, science, crafts, dance, games - not to mention our kids making new friends and seeing old ones! Snacks, lunch, and refreshments are served daily, and the program is staffed by our wonderful Christ Church parishioners, many of wh

Pentecost III at Christ Church 8:00 Holy Eucharist 9:00 Family Worship 10:30 Choral Eucharist All three services take place in New Brick. Collect for Today: Keep, O Lord, your household the Church in your steadfast faith and love, that through your grace we may proclaim your truth with boldness, and minister your justice with compassion; for the sake of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. This Sunday's R

I remember visiting Christ Church with a colleague back in 2024. I had met Fr. Manny at a program at Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS), and after I introduced myself, he shared the address of the church and invited us to come over whenever we could. When we finally made it to Christ Church, we noticed something different the very moment we stepped inside. There was a unique atmosphere, a presence unseen but incredibly tangible. We immediately felt a strong bond of love, fri

Do You Have a Green Thumb? Help Columbia Community Care to Tend Its Garden Plot at Freetown Farm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays Columbia Community Care (CCC) invites volunteers to help cultivate 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 4 to 6 p.m., and on Saturdays fro

Last month, we celebrated God as Divine Mother, so this month, let’s discover God as “Abba” Father and explore the nature of divine masculinity within all of us. Discover a welcoming community this Saturday at Christ Church’s Center for Spiritual Nourishment, a monthly interfaith gathering dedicated to engaging your mind, body, and spirit. This month's sessions invite you to explore the nature of divine masculinity and experience God as "Abba" Father through a series of thoug

Pentecost II at Christ Church 8:00 Holy Eucharist in Old Brick 9:00 Family Worship in New Brick 10:30 Choral Eucharist in New Brick Collect for Today: O God, from whom all good proceeds: Grant that by your inspiration we may think those things that are right, and by your merciful guiding may do them; 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: Hosea 5:15-6:6 Psalm 50:7-15 Romans 4:

Last month, we celebrated God as Divine Mother, so this month, let’s discover God as “Abba” Father and explore the nature of divine masculinity within all of us. We are offering wonderful sessions to help us delve into these topics, as well as into stillness and reflection in community. 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 engage the mind, body, and

I am reminded of the change in seasons when I walk around Lake Elkhorn. There are several things that I notice on my walk when the season changes: I react to the fresh greenery. My throat itches. I see a lot of people walking, I see people either sleeping, reading, holding a picnic or simply enjoying the weather on their blankets. and simply enjoying the weather or facing a picnic. I see people riding their bikes and some others fishing. One important noticeable change is the

Prepare for Father’s Day by Buying DreamBuilders Goods This Sunday, June 7 Look for fair-trade coffee, tea, cocoa, and chocolates being sold to benefit DreamBuilders in advance of Father’s Day on June 21. The goods will be available after all three worship services on Sunday, June 7. It’s all for a good cause as a team of youth and adults get ready to rebuild after devastating floods in Hazard, Ky. One youth from Christ Church will be traveling June 21-27 on what will be the

Celebrate justice, freedom, and equality at a special Juneteenth concert, “Breaking the Chains,” on Friday, June 19, at 7:00 p.m. Held in the New Brick Sanctuary, this musical performance will feature the Caritas Vocal Ensemble performing powerful works by Black composers centered on themes of justice, freedom, and the ongoing fight for equality. The ensemble will be accompanied on piano by our talented Music Director, Larissa Sanders, for an unforgettable evening of reflecti

This Sunday, we wrapped up another successful program year of Sunday School, so today, Christ Church would like to share a heartfelt THANK YOU... ...to Miss Jenn, and every one of our Sunday School leaders and assistants - we are incredibly grateful for the time, energy, and creativity you invest in shaping the next generation. Thank you so much for your dedication, patience, and the love you pour into teaching our children every single week. ...to the parents of our Sunday S

Last month, we celebrated God as Divine Mother, so this month, let’s discover God as “Abba” Father and explore the nature of divine masculinity within all of us. We are offering wonderful sessions to help us delve into these topics, as well as into stillness and reflection in community. 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 engage the mind, body, and

Trinity Sunday at Christ Church 8:00 Holy Eucharist in Old Brick 9:00 Family Worship in New Brick 10:30 Choral Eucharist in New Brick Collect for Today: Almighty and everlasting God, you have given to us your servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of your divine Majesty to worship the Unity: Keep us steadfast in this faith and worship, and bring us at last to see you in your one and eternal glory, O

A few days ago, I read a story that I’d like to share with you. It is a rather long story, but it tells an important story about a whole slew of things. I loved it, and I hope you do too. There is a story of a lion locked in a cage in a forest. A monkey stopped by, and the lion said to him, “You walk freely under the sky while I count my days behind this iron. Is there no mercy left in this forest?” The monkey said in reply, “Mercy is not the problem; memory is. We remember w

Hear All About SLYC When ‘Grandma’ Clark Visits Us this Sunday, May 31 Please plan to welcome a leader of St. Luke’s Youth Center (SLYC), a collaborative of West Baltimore families who together provide youth with life-enriching experiences. On Sunday, May 31, we’ll hear from the SLYC team at Sunday Circle and during announcements at the 10:30 worship service. To learn how SLYC nurtures youth, from toddlers to teens, plan to attend Sunday Circle in person or on Zoom from 9:3

Today, we pause at Christ Church to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Their courage and dedication will never be forgotten, and we live in freedom because of their devotion. Let us keep their families in our thoughts and carry their legacy of service forward. #MemorialDay #remember #RememberThem #rememberthefallen #episcomd #PrayerForToday

Pentecost Sunday at Christ Church We have ONE service this Sunday morning, at 10:00 in New Brick. Collect for Today: O God, who on this day taught the hearts of your faithful people by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit: Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Ame

Not long ago, I remember seeing a field covered with sunflowers. I don’t remember where I saw that field, but I remember it was breathtakingly beautiful. I could hear the wind's echo as it blew over the beautiful sunflowers. I could hear them singing to me with lyrics of impeccable beauty that only I could hear. I am sure you would have heard it if you were there with me or on your own. I also remember when I saw the field and the hundreds and hundreds of sunflowers, I was re

Pentecost Sunday at Christ Church - this Sunday, May 24 Gather with us in the New Brick sanctuary for just one service - at 10:00 a.m. - as the choir processes through the aisles while we all sing "Praise Ye the Lord!" in full voice. Be sure to wear some red to celebrate the Day of Pentecost (red is the liturgical color of that day), and everyone is invited to wear clothing that reflects their heritage and culture, as well. In an expression of this beautiful "melting pot" we

Volunteers Collect More Than a Thousand Pounds of Goods During the Christ Church Spring Food Drive at River Hill Giant Supermarket Christ Church volunteers successfully collected 1,103 pounds of food and staples during the Spring Food Drive on Saturday, May 16, for the Howard County Food Bank and its partner pantry, SAFE. The collection for the Food Bank at Monday’s weigh-in amounted to 828 pounds of food and 112 pounds of other goods, such as diapers and toiletries. SAFE’s g

Gather with us for brew and banter, suds and spoken word, lager and laughs... no matter what you call it, Theology on Tap is a fun, informal get-together where we can chat about interesting religious, spiritual, or social articles of the day, grab a beverage or snack, and enjoy fun, engaging, structure-free conversation with other parishioners and friends for an hour or two. We like to use this time to speak about things that might be considered a bit casual or light for a Su

On Sunday, May 24, gather with us in the New Brick sanctuary for just one service - at 10:00 a.m. - as the choir processes through the aisles while we all sing "We Are the Church" in full voice. Be sure to wear some red to celebrate the Day of Pentecost (red is the liturgical color of that day), and everyone is invited to wear clothing that reflects their heritage and culture, as well. In an expression of this beautiful "melting pot" we have at Christ Church, we'll gather tog

What a beautiful morning! Youth Sunday at Christ Church always is. The youth of Christ Church led and participated in all three worship services this Sunday, so from 8 a.m. until noon, we were blessed with powerful sermons, scripture readings, and assistance as we entered the sanctuary and approached the altar. The older youth sang for the younger ones at the 9 a.m. Family Worship, and the 10:30 service had gorgeous music floating to the rafters! Thanks to every youth for the

Easter VII & Youth Sunday 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, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone befo

This Sunday is Youth Sunday - that's right, a beloved Christ Church tradition takes place, so come and support the youth of Christ Church as they lead us in worship. They will read the day's lessons, usher us to our seats, deliver a beautiful sermon from their perspective, and lead us in song. It's a service like no other, and one we look forward to every year. This Sunday, services begin in Old Brick at 8 a.m., an intimate worship without music. Our Family Worship is in New

Problems everywhere. My Nigerian brothers and sisters call problems Wahala. You would either hear, "Wahala no dey finish," or "Problems no dey finish." They both mean the same thing - we don’t run out of problems. Problems don’t ever finish. Everyone is dealing with problems, whether at school, work, home, church, sports, the store, or elsewhere. Wherever there are human beings, there are problems, and they don’t seem to go away. You solve one problem, and another problem man

Donation to The Salvation Army Will Help Mississippi Tornado Victims Last week, tornadoes swept through central and western Mississippi, damaging hundreds of homes. An NBC News report on May 7 described destruction caused by 14 tornadoes, which downed trees, power lines, houses and businesses. In response, Outreach Commission members voted at the May meeting to contribute $500 to The Salvation Army, which said in several online posts on May 9 that it had mobilized to swiftl

Part two of our Mother's Day week photo series brings us to the weekend, and on Saturday, the Center for Spiritual Nourishment celebrated mothers in all walks of life, exploring how we view God as a divine mother and how we celebrate those who have nurtured us. Then on Sunday, we celebrated mothers all morning long, recognizing that mothers come in more forms than we could possibly count, and whether by choice, by circumstance, or simply by pure, unconditional love, each of u

Mother's Day is always a multi-day experience at Christ Church, and ours began at last week's First Wednesday Fellowship. We gathered for our monthly get-together, shared sandwiches, sides, sodas, and sweets, and created handmade flowers to give out to mothers and mother figures at church on Mother's Day. Last weekend brought its own excitement and festivities, and we'll share those photos tomorrow. But be sure to mark your calendars for some of our upcoming gatherings - you

🌼💐🌺🌹🌷 Happy Mother's Day 🌷🌹🌺💐🌼

Easter VI 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, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus

Since 1619, when a group of Africans was brought to the shores of Virginia on the White Lion, millions of enslaved Africans were later brought to these shores, almost always against their will. They were bound by chains and locks and whatever restraining instrument you can think of. The enslaved Africans were often starved for days. The enslaved Africans sat and slept in human waste for weeks. The enslaved African got sick and never got any treatment. Those who couldn’t survi

Counting Down to the Spring Food Drive on Saturday, May 16, 10 AM to 2 PM, with a Streamlined Plan For Volunteers at River Hill Giant in Clarksville You can be a part of one of the most rewarding ways to help feed the hungry. Please sign up for a shift during the Spring Food Drive on Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at River Hill Giant Food, 6050 Daybreak Circle, Clarksville, Md., 21029. It’s a hands-on, family-friendly activity that occurs twice a year to help two f

Journey with us as we discover the ways we view God as a divine mother and explore how we celebrate those who have played a nurturing role in our lives. Among other programs at May's Center for Spiritual Nourishment, we celebrate the introduction of our first-ever Sound Bath experience! Our inspirational film options are split into two sessions, so that you can mix and match your choices throughout the morning. The 2nd Saturday Center for Spiritual Nourishment (CSN) provide