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 sufficient clothing. Dr. Liz Trimnell of Laurel, MD, founded the charity to provide Braille classes, vocational training, white canes, and similar aids to the blind. Read about its work on its Facebook page. She made a presentation last spring to the Outreach Commission, which is sponsoring the drive under the direction of Sonni Aribiah. Her planned shipment by ocean freighter is scheduled to arrive in time for Christmas in Calabar, Nigeria, Sonni’s hometown. The visually impaired men and women who rely on LALCF for better lives – and their spouses and children – eagerly anticipate its arrival. At Christ Church, the deadline is Sunday, August 30, which is the same day as our Parish Festival & Ministry Fair. Look for the marked box in the Narthex. New or gently used clothing should be suitable for wear in a tropical climate and made of cotton, linen, flax, bamboo, and other natural fibers. No synthetics! Please bring the following: Adult – t-shirts and polo shirts (Sizes S–XL); lightweight pants and jeans (waist sizes 28–42); shorts (S-XL); casual button-down shirts (S-XL); t-shirts (Sizes S-XL or 6-18); casual dresses and skirts (Sizes S–XL); blouses and tops (Sizes S-XL or 6-18). Children – everyday play clothes for boys and girls; school-appropriate, all sizes; infant and toddler clothes, all sizes. SLYC Invites Us to its Camp Imagination Showcase in Linthicum; Consider Joining the Outreach Carpool Departing at 4:15 p.m. on Thursday, July 30 Several weeks ago, we heard from Engagement Coordinator Darlene “Grandma” Clark of St. Luke’s Youth Center (SLYC), who described how much its young people enjoy Camp Imagination. Once again this summer, the day camp is being held at a cooperating parish in Linthicum, Md. And once again, we are invited to St. John Lutheran (& Episcopal) Church, 300 Maple Ave., Linthicum, Md., to see youth perform in the camp showcase from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 30. Outreach is organizing a carpool to depart Christ Church at 4:15 p.m. For information, email outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org. SLYC is a collaborative of West Baltimore families who together provide youth with life-enriching experiences. Every summer, SLYC youngsters engage in arts and literacy activities during five weeks of day camp followed by one week of sleepaway camp at the Claggett Center. To support the effort, Christ Church donated $3,600 to cover the cost of two children for all six weeks. These are Vestry-approved funds derived from your pledges and contributions. Thank you! Clark expressed gratitude during her visit on May 31. Go to this link for her remarks during announcements at the 10:30 worship service. Her remarks during a Sunday Circle discussion about working with youth can be viewed here. Somos Amigos Will Livestream a Plan to Expand Care in the Dominican Republic Next week, Somos Amigos will livestream its groundbreaking of a new clinic – a building that will be its first permanent, full-time home – on the morning of Tuesday, July 28. For details closer to the date, go to Somos Amigos Medical Missions or to its Facebook page. Parishioners heard about the expansion plan during Founder and Executive Director Frank Brightwell's annual visit to Christ Church. He thanked the congregation for our long-term support while delivering the sermon during worship services on March 1. At Sunday Circle, he gave a recap of the most recent clinic, one of four held each year in Naranjito in a remote region of the Dominican Republic. For residents, the nearest health care is more than two hours away. Repeat volunteers include Dione and Jim Mahoney and Dione’s sister and brother-in-law, Desiree and Jorge Arce, as well as the Arces’ nephew, Ivan. All are in a video about Somos Amigos’ expansion plan. View the video, “Opening New Doors,” on the Somos Amigos portion of the church website. The next clinic will be held Oct. 10-17. Go here for volunteer information. Or ask parishioners who have volunteered, including Outreach member Shahra Toth and physicians Ellen Boudreau and Preethi Jackson. Please Fill the Altar Basket and Parish Hall Bin with Goods for FISH/CCC FISH and Columbia Community Care (CCC) partnered last year and merged pantries. CCC continues to hand out food by home delivery to Howard County residents and at three sites on Saturday mornings, except on holiday weekends. For information, go online to Get Help. FISH continues to pick up donated goods from Christ Church and others. Please put non-perishable food and personal care products in the altar basket or in a bin just inside the Parish Hall. Look for a combo label “FISH/CCC”. Please bring baby wipes and diapers, especially large sizes. FISH will continue to provide telephone support to Howard County residents to provide guidance and financial support because the personal touch is very important when people are in crisis. For information, ask parishioner and FISH treasurer Andy DeLong or email andydelong.fish@gmail.com. You could be the one to lend a helping hand by lending an ear! As a phone volunteer, you can help from your home by giving just one day a month to assist those who could benefit from financial assistance from FISH. Training is provided. Thank you! Continue to Support the MOCC's Random Act of Kindness The MOCC's current R.A.K. (Random Act of Kindness) is supporting Comfort Cases, and they continue to need donations. A Comfort Case is a small duffel bag or backpack designed to provide comfort to youth entering the local foster care system - many enter with nothing more than a simple trash bag - an item that provides no comfort or dignity at all. In today's world, the number of kids entering the foster care system is rising, and so anything that can be done to help provide a level of comfort, compassion, and care for the youngest in our world is welcome. The MOCC is accepting donations throughout the summer, and you can find details and the donation bin in the Narthex. You can also speak with Duane Smith, Ed Chrzanowski, or any MOCC member to get more information about Comfort Cases, or click the link above. Save the Date: ‘Birdies for Bridges’ Golf Tournament to be Held on Friday, Sept. 25 to Help Bridges to Housing Stability in Preventing Homelessness It’s not too early to hit the practice greens. Bridges to Housing Stability will hold its annual Sheehy Toyota Birdies for Bridges Golf Tournament on Friday, Sept. 25, at The Timbers of Troy, 6100 Marshalee Dr., Elkridge, Md. Participants will help Bridges achieve its mission – advocating for affordable housing and helping individuals and families who struggle to keep a roof over their heads. The tournament begins with a light breakfast, a shotgun start at 9 a.m., and a full day of golf, food, and awards. Check-in opens at 7:30 a.m. The cost for a single golfer is $200, or $800 for a foursome, which covers greens fees, unlimited range balls, food, and beverages. The event is for a worthy cause. All proceeds from Birdies for Bridges will benefit Bridges and its work to provide a path to self-sufficiency to prevent and end homelessness through affordable housing solutions and advocacy in Howard County. Christ Church has supported Bridges in various ways since 2019, most recently last fall, when a group of volunteers spent several workdays refurbishing a Columbia townhouse. Known as Guilford House, it is the residence of several returning citizens who have gotten their lives on track after incarceration. Bridges operates this transitional housing in partnership with the Howard County Department of Corrections. Read about improvements – made indoors and out – by a team led by Vestry and Outreach member George Toth in the Outreach Blog of Dec.18, 2025. “The transformation is night and day!” said Sarah Hicks, Affordable Housing Program Manager at Bridges. Registration is Open for DreamBuilders' Mission Trip to Puerto Rico on October 18-24, 2026 Hurricane Maria, a category 5 hurricane, struck Puerto Rico in September of 2017 with sustained winds of 155 mph. 53% of all structures on the island suffered major damage. Today, almost 9 years later, many families are still trying to repair their homes. We will be helping one of those survivors, Maria del Carmen Rivera Nieves. You can read about Maria and her project below. We have worked with the nonprofit Apoyemos/One Hand Foundation of Puerto Rico, led by Kike Garcia, on a previous trip to the island. They will supply the materials needed and supervise our project. Maria's home needs windows, interior doors, ceiling panels, flooring, and more that we can't complete in one week. But we can make a big difference in moving her home closer to completion. We will be staying at Posada Colonial Apartments in San Juan, where you can walk to an outstanding beach, and it is only 3 blocks from Calle Loiza, a street full of restaurants, cafes, and shops. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Cathy Gold (heycathy@verizon.net). Trip Dates: October 18-24 Missioner Fee: $1100 (covers airfare, lodging, rental cars, and food) Age Requirement: 18 or older How Many? Maximum of 8 missioners Partner Organization in Puerto Rico: Apoyemos/One Hand Foundation of Puerto Rico If you would like to join the trip, please find instructions and the registration form on their website: dreambuildersmd.org/puerto-rico-trip-october-2026. Registration closes on July 31st. In general, if you have suggestions about ways to help the community, if you want to get involved, or if you need assistance, please email Christ Church Outreach at outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org. Your help is greatly welcomed and appreciated. Thank you.

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 lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. This Sunday's Readings: Wisdom of Solomon 12:13, 16-19 Psalm 86:11-17 Romans 8:12-25 Matthew 13:24-30,36-43 Sermon for This Sunday: Father Manny gives today's sermon this Sunday. You can view it once the livestream begins. Sunday Worship Livestream: Our service livestream begins just before 10:30 a.m. The service leaflet for this worship is here.

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 what it is today. As we reflect on the best way to celebrate this milestone, we are also obligated to consider what we can do today to ensure this congregation remains a beacon of hope and renewal in the Columbia and Howard County community. It was based on these conversations, which started a couple of years ago, that led us to recently engage a consultant to help us discern the best path forward for our congregation. I believe so strongly that the witness of this congregation is so important to Columbia and beyond that we should spare nothing to ensure its continual sustainability. But we can only do that if we build a strong foundation that secures our future. As your pastor, priest, and friend, I owe it to this beloved congregation to raise concerns wherever I see them and to help us better understand those concerns, so that together as a congregation we will discern the best way to overcome them. The consultant we hired to help us presented her conclusions to the Vestry and me earlier this week, and she will present them to the congregation this Sunday. It is my fervent prayer that no matter which worship you attend, you will gather with us at 11:15 a.m. in New Brick for this important conversation. Blessed Summer, Manny+

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.

Grassroots Marks 18th Anniversary of Serving the Homeless in Jessup On July 9, the Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center took note of a milestone and thanked Christ Church and other faith-based partners for their role in helping the homeless at the Day Resource Center (DRC) in Jessup. “The DRC opened on July 9, 2008, in partnership with our faith communities, local government and foundations to serve homeless men and women who slept outside along Route One in Howard County. The homeless consumers were involved in determining the services, hours of operation and policies. The DRC provides hot meals, showers, laundry, access to social services, case management, a food and clothing pantry and other critical resources to anyone in need, no questions asked. In 2017, it moved to its current location at the Leola Dorsey Community Resource Center.” Grassroots posted on its Facebook page: “We also want to thank some of our amazing faith partners who have been with us since the very beginning….” Among 12 Howard County congregations, Christ Church is one of four Episcopal parishes that are listed. On the second Monday of each month, Christ Church provides a hot midday meal of fried chicken, side dishes and desserts that a team led by Outreach member Shahra Toth serves in person. On Monday, July 13, we had a total of nine volunteers at the DRC – including a mother and son duo (see photos). Many more parishioners helped behind the scenes in their own kitchens or by bringing fruit, paper goods, or pantry items such as hearty soups. And thanks to you, the homeless and low-income residents who depend upon the DRC’s pantry could choose shelf-stable milk boxes in either plain or chocolate flavors that the team delivered on Monday. The Outreach Commission approved spending $170 for a total of 180 8-oz boxes of milk. These were purchased with funds donated to the church by parishioners who give to “General Outreach.” A hearty thanks! In its post, Grassroots described the growing demand: “In Fiscal Year 2026 (which ended on June 30), the Day Resource Center served 1,616 individuals – more than any year since it opened and 4% more than last year! In fact, when we opened 18 years ago, we served just 30-50 people each year. In addition, we gave away more than 150,000 food items and nearly 25,000 articles of clothing, including shirts, shoes, jackets, and new underwear and socks. We were able to do this thanks to the support of our many, many donors, our dedicated team members, and 769 volunteers who gave 8,900 hours of time.” Christ Church next provides meals for the homeless at the DRC and at Grassroots’ Emergency Shelter on Monday, Aug. 10. For details, please check our DRC online signup form or our Grassroots online signup form. For pantry needs, items can be brought ahead of time to the Parish Hall kitchen. Find Grassroots’ current needs list on our signups under “Related Files.” Kentucky Residents Praise DreamBuilders Crew, Including a Christ Church Teen A team of more than 30 adults and youth – including Mikailu Sheriff, representing Christ Church – completed a blitz-build of three homes from June 21-27 on the most recent DreamBuilders’ trip to flood-damaged Hazard, Kentucky. Local broadcaster WYMT-TV featured their work in a June 22, 2026 video report that shows Mikailu in the center of a group of three teens, one of whom spoke for the group about helping the future homeowners. “Even if I don’t know them, I know I’m just improving their lives, and giving them kind of a fresh new start.” The local nonprofit partner posted photos on its Facebook page of grateful homeowners along with dozens of photos of work in progress. The Housing Development Alliance (HDA) also expressed thanks: “DreamBuilders, thank you for coming back for the fourth year in a row to serve our community! Your work makes a real difference for families here, and we are grateful for your friendship, faithfulness, and hard work.” The gratitude can be shared more widely as Christ Church supported the trip with $750 in Vestry-approved Outreach funds, parishioners’ individual support, and by sales of DreamBuilders goods (We will next sell coffee and tea at the Parish Festival on Aug. 30). Many thanks! To learn more about DreamBuilders, visit https://dreambuildersmd.org Bring Items for FISH/CC, and Consider Volunteering to Take Calls from Home FISH and Columbia Community Care (CCC) partnered last year and merged pantries. CCC continues to hand out food by home delivery to Howard County residents and at three sites on Saturday mornings, except on holiday weekends. For information, go online to Get Help. FISH continues to pick up donated goods from Christ Church and others. Please put non-perishable food and personal care products in the altar basket or in a bin just inside the Parish Hall. Look for a combo label “FISH/CCC”. Please bring baby wipes and diapers, especially large sizes. FISH will continue to provide telephone support to Howard County residents to provide guidance and financial support because the personal touch is very important when people are in crisis. For information, ask parishioner and FISH treasurer Andy DeLong or email andydelong.fish@gmail.com. You could be the one to lend a helping hand by lending an ear! As a phone volunteer, you can help from your home by giving just one day a month to assist those who could benefit from financial assistance from FISH. Training is provided. Thank you! Continue to Support the MOCC's Random Act of Kindness The MOCC's current R.A.K. (Random Act of Kindness) is supporting Comfort Cases, and they continue to need donations. A Comfort Case is a small duffel bag or backpack designed to provide comfort to youth entering the local foster care system - many enter with nothing more than a simple trash bag - an item that provides no comfort or dignity at all. In today's world, the number of kids entering the foster care system is rising, and so anything that can be done to help provide a level of comfort, compassion, and care for the youngest in our world is welcome. The MOCC is accepting donations throughout the summer, and you can find details and the donation bin in the Narthex. You can also speak with Duane Smith, Ed Chrzanowski, or any MOCC member to get more information about Comfort Cases, or click the link above. Save the Date: ‘Birdies for Bridges’ Golf Tournament to be Held on Friday, Sept. 25 to Help Bridges to Housing Stability in Preventing Homelessness It’s not too early to hit the practice greens. Bridges to Housing Stability will hold its annual Sheehy Toyota Birdies for Bridges Golf Tournament on Friday, Sept. 25, at The Timbers of Troy, 6100 Marshalee Dr., Elkridge, Md. Participants will help Bridges achieve its mission – advocating for affordable housing and helping individuals and families who struggle to keep a roof over their heads. The tournament begins with a light breakfast, a shotgun start at 9 a.m., and a full day of golf, food, and awards. Check-in opens at 7:30 a.m. The cost for a single golfer is $200, or $800 for a foursome, which covers greens fees, unlimited range balls, food, and beverages. The event is for a worthy cause. All proceeds from Birdies for Bridges will benefit Bridges and its work to provide a path to self-sufficiency to prevent and end homelessness through affordable housing solutions and advocacy in Howard County. Christ Church has supported Bridges in various ways since 2019, most recently last fall, when a group of volunteers spent several workdays refurbishing a Columbia townhouse. Known as Guilford House, it is the residence of several returning citizens who have gotten their lives on track after incarceration. Bridges operates this transitional housing in partnership with the Howard County Department of Corrections. Read about improvements – made indoors and out – by a team led by Vestry and Outreach member George Toth in the Outreach Blog of Dec.18, 2025. “The transformation is night and day!” said Sarah Hicks, Affordable Housing Program Manager at Bridges. Registration is Open for DreamBuilders' Mission Trip to Puerto Rico on October 18-24, 2026 Hurricane Maria, a category 5 hurricane, struck Puerto Rico in September of 2017 with sustained winds of 155 mph. 53% of all structures on the island suffered major damage. Today, almost 9 years later, many families are still trying to repair their homes. We will be helping one of those survivors, Maria del Carmen Rivera Nieves. You can read about Maria and her project below. We have worked with the nonprofit Apoyemos/One Hand Foundation of Puerto Rico, led by Kike Garcia, on a previous trip to the island. They will supply the materials needed and supervise our project. Maria's home needs windows, interior doors, ceiling panels, flooring, and more that we can't complete in one week. But we can make a big difference in moving her home closer to completion. We will be staying at Posada Colonial Apartments in San Juan, where you can walk to an outstanding beach, and it is only 3 blocks from Calle Loiza, a street full of restaurants, cafes, and shops. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Cathy Gold (heycathy@verizon.net). Trip Dates: October 18-24 Missioner Fee: $1100 (covers airfare, lodging, rental cars, and food) Age Requirement: 18 or older How Many? Maximum of 8 missioners Partner Organization in Puerto Rico: Apoyemos/One Hand Foundation of Puerto Rico If you would like to join the trip, please find instructions and the registration form on their website: dreambuildersmd.org/puerto-rico-trip-october-2026. Registration closes on July 31st. In general, if you have suggestions about ways to help the community, if you want to get involved, or if you need assistance, please email Christ Church Outreach at outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org. Your help is greatly welcomed and appreciated. Thank you.

That's right - Theology on Tap, our fun and much-loved fellowship event, happens tomorrow evening, July 15, and is the perfect end to a hot summer day. If you are not familiar with Theology on Tap, it is a time when adults gather for fellowship in a casual space, and on Wednesday, we'll meet from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at Frisco and the Reckless Shepherd for great food, drink, and conversation. Topics can range from current to historical events; nothing is off the table - we welcome all ideas - and everything should inspire lively, insightful dialogue. All adults are welcome and encouraged to join us - be sure to invite your neighbors and friends as well, and meet us at 8895 McGaw Road in Columbia for a fun evening!

Over the past several weeks, we have been working with a consultant, and they will share their findings with the Christ Church congregation next Sunday, July 19. That morning, there will be an abbreviated 10:30 worship, followed by an 11:00 presentation, so we encourage everyone to come to New Brick to hear their findings. Their presentation will be followed by a Q&A, where we open the floor for discussion among all of us. The presentation will be captured on YouTube for those who may not be able to join us.

I was recently intrigued by an excerpt of a book - The Pathless Path by Paul Millerd. I read it a few days ago. The idea of a Pathless Path sounds so confusing at best. How can a path be pathless? I asked myself. Either there is a path or there is none, so how can a path be pathless? But the more I engaged with the idea of a Pathless Path to understand what it meant, the more I became fascinated with it. Pathless Path is an ancient idea that says each of us is on a path, mostly a familiar path. That path may have been carved for us by our parents, schools, mentors, circumstances, or by our own effort. But whatever that familiar path may be, we sometimes experience an awakening, a jolt, a quake, or something similar. For some, including me, it may be a spiritual awakening. When we experience the awakening, we do not abandon everything about the familiar path we are on as we carve out our own new path. The Pathless Path is the new path that we choose. We may not know where that path will lead us, but we choose that new Pathless Path with the hope that its trajectory leads us to a new life that honors God. Your Pathless Path is a path that no one has traveled on before - just you. No one has been on that path before, just you. You make the path as you grow. That path becomes uniquely yours. Two examples that I’d like to highlight are the lives of Moses and Paul. Moses was a fugitive from Egypt who was tending the herd of Jethro, his father-in-law, on the mountaintop when he had an epiphany. The mountaintop is a sacred place, a holy place where we encounter the divine. What made this mountaintop epiphany all the more special for Moses was the sight of a burning bush that wasn’t consumed by the fire. His curiosity got the best of him, and as he approached the spectacle, he heard a voice. And then, an answer to his question: "Who are you? What is your name?" Moses assumed that the God who revealed the self to him could have a name like everything else that he knew. He assumed that God was a being who could be categorized with a name. And with that name, this God could be compared with any other thing or being. More to the point, if God is a being with a name, then it shouldn’t be much of a surprise to demand evidence to support the belief in this being (God) who has a name like you and me. The response “I AM WHO I AM” to the question “What is your name?” wasn’t what Moses was expecting. What God meant by God’s answer is I AM prior to human thought and language. I AM prior to being. I AM that upon which everything else depends. I AM WHO I AM. This response opened the door for Moses to begin to view the God of his ancestors in a completely different way. This revelation led him to chart a different path - a Pathless Path from the familiar path as a fugitive and a shepherd of his father-in-law. Moses’ Pathless Path led him back to the very place and people from whom he fled. He charted a new path, and that path led to the emancipation of the people of Israel from slavery. Paul was on a familiar path. He would describe himself with these words in Philippians: “If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness in the law, faultless.” The familiar path was so enthralling for Paul that his commitment and devotion to it meant that he didn’t mind witnessing Stephen being stoned to death or traveling long distances to persecute the people of the Way (Christians). It was on one of such trips that he also had an epiphany - a spiritual awakening. This awakening was so intense and transformational for Paul that he changed course. Paul carved for himself a different path, a Pathless Path, which meant abandoning some of what he had come to know and believe for a new adventure with the God of Jesus Christ, whom he had been persecuting. Paul’s Pathless Path led him to travel to the ends of the known world with the life-giving gospel of Jesus Christ. His suffering. His travels. His writings. His faith. Everything that Paul did after his spiritual awakening tells of a man who found a new path - a Pathless Path. I don’t think a Pathless Path calls for a complete abandonment of all we have come to know about ourselves and the familiar path we find ourselves on. It is a path about a new phase of life, grounded in an old experience yet drawn toward a new direction of self-exploration and a response to God’s divine invitation. To walk that path means committing oneself to a life uniquely meant for you. You are the one who is making this new path for yourself. I believe that a is initiated, instigated, or generated by some form of an awakening, which could be spiritual. It doesn’t have to be as dramatic as Moses's and Paul's. It can be experienced in any number of ways through daily life and work, through prayer, during kitchen chores like Brother Lawrence, in the garden, while walking or running on the trail, when simply observing nature, at work, or in many varied ways. It can also be incremental, with each new experience building upon a previous one. This is all to say that each of us experiences that moment of awakening, that aha moment. We simply haven’t paid attention to those holy moments. The truth is, it is only those who acknowledge their experience of an awakening, those for whom each moment can be holy, who can choose a Pathless Path. And that path is unique to each person because each is expected to make that path on their own. Someone once said that the only guarantee that tomorrow will be better than today is that we are growing right now. You and I can only grow if we acknowledge each moment as not only being holy, but that each moment offers us an opportunity to build on our spiritual depth, and to choose a new path, a different path, a Pathless Path. I believe that nothing honors our relationship with God more than a spiritually awakened soul on a Pathless Path.  Blessed Summer, Manny+

Pentecost VII 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, mercifully receive the prayers of your people who call upon you, and grant that they may know and understand what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to accomplish them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. This Sunday's Readings: Isaiah 55:10-13 Psalm 65: (1-8), 9-14 Romans 8:1-11 Matthew 13:1-9,18-23 Sermon for This Sunday: Father Manny gives today's sermon this Sunday. You can view it once the livestream begins. You can also read his sermon's text here. Sunday Worship Livestream: Our service livestream begins just before 10:30 a.m. The service leaflet for this worship is here.

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 spirit. If you want to learn more about future Center for Spiritual Nourishment events, submit your email address below to receive regularly updated information (we will not share or sell your address to anyone). Whether you've joined us before or are a first-timer, we are sure that there's something special waiting for you here. Everyone is welcome, and we hope to see you there! Schedule of Events: 8:30 – 9:00: Breakfast and social time 9:00 - 9:10: Greeting; Outline the day's sessions 9:10 – 10:05: Spiritual Growth: The Pathless Path Spiritual Direction Circle Film Screening and Discussion #1 10:15 – 11:15: ABIDE: Christian Meditation Bloom Where You Are Planted Film Screening and Discussion #2 11:30 – 12:00: Reflection Circle ...and an introduction to Father Mike's upcoming series! Join us on Saturday, July 11, as we offer: Spiritual Growth: The Pathless Path led by Father Manny Mercer On which path do you find yourself? Do you feel awakened? There is a path for the awakened soul. It is The Pathless Path. Join me this Saturday morning for a conversation on The Pathless Path. Spiritual Direction Circle led by Carol Abbott As we move into summer we will reflect together on our evolving faith. Do you notice anything new unfolding in the garden of your soul? Is there any weeding challenging you? Film Screening #1: Miracle, Episode Three led by George Toth Miracles Scientifically Confirmed: Hope is a Stepping Stone in Faith See the true story of Joanne Moody, who endures years of unrelenting pain and near-death experiences, needs a miracle to find relief. Suffering with little hope of relief she faces a daring choice that invites healing and hope by stepping toward the transformative power of faith and resilience. ABIDE: Christian Meditation led by Leah Chrest At the Last Supper, Jesus compared himself to a vine who was nurtured into being by the Father. He then urged his disciples to “abide” in him, where they would be able to produce spiritual fruit. Enjoy a reflection on the deeper meaning and implications of Jesus’ teaching on abiding. After a short teaching and discussion, we will conclude our session with a guided meditation that leads into quietly resting in God’s presence, listening to the still, small voice of the Spirit. Film Screening #2: Miracle, Episode Four led by George Toth Miracles Scientifically Confirmed: Faith Builds Community Watch the true story about a boy's first visit to a Nigerian church, where he learns about the significance of miracles in his community. During this visit, a blind prophet performs miracles and encourages the congregation to believe and pray harder for their own miracles. As they practice and grow their faith their community grows and strengthens. Bloom Where You Are Planted led by Toni Summerell Life doesn’t always unfold the way we expect. Sometimes we find ourselves in seasons of waiting, challenge, growth, or unexpected change. In this Center for Spiritual Nourishment session, we will explore what it means to flourish wherever life has planted us. Through reflection, discussion, prayer, and spiritual practices, we’ll discover how to deepen our roots in faith, embrace the gifts of the present moment, and trust God’s presence in every season of life. Whether you’re feeling stuck, searching for purpose, or simply longing to grow, join us as we learn how to bloom with grace, hope, and resilience. Have Questions? Wish to Help Lead Future CSN Sessions? #nourishyourspirit #SpiritualNourishment #allarewelcome #RefreshYourSpirit #divinelove #hocomd #episcomd #columbiamd #columbiamaryland

Inviting You to Join Our Monthly Outreach Meeting on Monday, July 13 Learn many ways to help others by joining us remotely for the Outreach Commission meeting on Monday, July 13, at 7:30 p.m. Our mission has a local, national, and international scope. You'll find the link in our This Week on Zoom email on Monday, and we'll see you there! Help Grassroots by Providing Food for the Homeless on Monday, July 13 On the second Monday of each month, Christ Church serves a hot midday meal at the Day Resource Center (DRC) that is operated by the Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center. We last participated on June 8, when volunteers were greeted by former collaborators in providing care and over-the-counter medicines to the homeless (see photos). Dr. Joseph Gagliardi retired in 2023, as described in the Outreach Blog of June 8, 2023. A team led by Outreach member Shahra Toth makes side dishes and desserts that we serve in person after car-pooling to the Leola Dorsey Center in Jessup. To help on Monday, July 13, please check our DRC online signup form, which describes the procedure. Drop-off time is 12:45 p.m. in the parking lot near Old Brick. Some parishioners prefer to cook or shop for the evening meal at Grassroots’ Emergency Shelter, whose staff serves the residents. Please arrive between 3:15 and 3:30 p.m. in the Old Brick parking lot, where a volunteer picks up the food for delivery to Grassroots. Get details in our Grassroots online signup form. It’s efficient to provide for both venues on the same day, in total feeding more than 150 people. Your donations and Vestry-approved funds pay for the fried-chicken entrees. Thank you! You, too, can pitch in by shopping for the pantry at the DRC and Grassroots’ two other sites. We welcome in-kind donations of items such as hearty soups and fruit cups to be dropped off ahead of time in the Parish Hall kitchen for delivery on second Mondays. Find Grassroots’ current needs list on our signups under “Related Files.” Christ Church Helps CCC Meet Summertime Demand by Donating $500 to Help Stock Its Shared Pantry with FISH of Howard County Recently Columbia Community Care (CCC) posted online about a problem of rising demand and falling supply. “It's a difficult time for food banks now, especially smaller ones like CCC's. Every summer, donations of both food/supplies and money drop significantly around this time. People are understandably busy with travel, weddings, retreats, family reunions, etc., but that means that our shelves are empty.” To help meet the summertime needs of hungry families, the Outreach Commission approved a $500 donation to CCC last month. “Thank you so, so much for your generosity,” responded Pantry Manager April Lee. These are Vestry-approved funds derived from your pledges and contributions to Christ Church. Thank you! Last year FISH and CCC partnered and merged their pantries. CCC continues to hand out food at three sites on Saturday mornings and by home delivery to Howard County residents. For information, visit Get Help. FISH continues to pick up donated goods from Christ Church and others. Please put non-perishable food and personal care products in the altar basket or in a bin just inside the Parish Hall. Look for a combo label “FISH/CCC”. Please bring baby wipes and diapers, especially large sizes. FISH will continue to provide telephone support to Howard County residents, offering guidance and financial assistance, because the personal touch is very important when people are in crisis. For information, ask parishioner and FISH treasurer Andy DeLong or email andydelong.fish@gmail.com. You could be the one to lend a helping hand by lending an ear! As a phone volunteer, you can help from your home by giving just one day a month to assist those who could benefit from financial assistance from FISH. Training is provided. Thank you! Continue to Support the MOCC's Random Act of Kindness The MOCC's current R.A.K. (Random Act of Kindness) is supporting Comfort Cases, and they continue to need donations. A Comfort Case is a small duffel bag or backpack designed to provide comfort to youth entering the local foster care system - many enter with nothing more than a simple trash bag - an item that provides no comfort or dignity at all. In today's world, the number of kids entering the foster care system is rising, and so anything that can be done to help provide a level of comfort, compassion, and care for the youngest in our world is welcome. The MOCC is accepting donations throughout the summer, and you can find details and the donation bin in the Narthex. You can also speak with Duane Smith, Ed Chrzanowski, or any MOCC member to get more information about Comfort Cases, or click the link above. Save the Date: ‘Birdies for Bridges’ Golf Tournament to be Held on Friday, Sept. 25 to Help Bridges to Housing Stability in Preventing Homelessness It’s not too early to hit the practice greens. Bridges to Housing Stability will hold its annual Sheehy Toyota Birdies for Bridges Golf Tournament on Friday, Sept. 25, at The Timbers of Troy, 6100 Marshalee Dr., Elkridge, Md. Participants will help Bridges achieve its mission – advocating for affordable housing and helping individuals and families who struggle to keep a roof over their heads. The tournament begins with a light breakfast, a shotgun start at 9 a.m., and a full day of golf, food, and awards. Check-in opens at 7:30 a.m. The cost for a single golfer is $200, or $800 for a foursome, which covers greens fees, unlimited range balls, food, and beverages. The event is for a worthy cause. All proceeds from Birdies for Bridges will benefit Bridges and its work to provide a path to self-sufficiency to prevent and end homelessness through affordable housing solutions and advocacy in Howard County. Christ Church has supported Bridges in various ways since 2019, most recently last fall, when a group of volunteers spent several workdays refurbishing a Columbia townhouse. Known as Guilford House, it is the residence of several returning citizens who have gotten their lives on track after incarceration. Bridges operates this transitional housing in partnership with the Howard County Department of Corrections. Read about improvements – made indoors and out – by a team led by Vestry and Outreach member George Toth in the Outreach Blog of Dec.18, 2025. “The transformation is night and day!” said Sarah Hicks, Affordable Housing Program Manager at Bridges. Registration is Open for DreamBuilders' Mission Trip to Puerto Rico on October 18-24, 2026 Hurricane Maria, a category 5 hurricane, struck Puerto Rico in September of 2017 with sustained winds of 155 mph. 53% of all structures on the island suffered major damage. Today, almost 9 years later, many families are still trying to repair their homes. We will be helping one of those survivors, Maria del Carmen Rivera Nieves. You can read about Maria and her project below. We have worked with the nonprofit Apoyemos/One Hand Foundation of Puerto Rico, led by Kike Garcia, on a previous trip to the island. They will supply the materials needed and supervise our project. Maria's home needs windows, interior doors, ceiling panels, flooring, and more that we can't complete in one week. But we can make a big difference in moving her home closer to completion. We will be staying at Posada Colonial Apartments in San Juan, where you can walk to an outstanding beach, and it is only 3 blocks from Calle Loiza, a street full of restaurants, cafes, and shops. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Cathy Gold (heycathy@verizon.net). Trip Dates: October 18-24 Missioner Fee: $1100 (covers airfare, lodging, rental cars, and food) Age Requirement: 18 or older How Many? Maximum of 8 missioners Partner Organization in Puerto Rico: Apoyemos/One Hand Foundation of Puerto Rico If you would like to join the trip, please find instructions and the registration form on their website: dreambuildersmd.org/puerto-rico-trip-october-2026. Registration closes on July 31st. In general, if you have suggestions about ways to help the community, if you want to get involved, or if you need assistance, please email Christ Church Outreach at outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org. Your help is greatly welcomed and appreciated. Thank you.