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, friendship, and true community. Everyone was smiling, genuinely delighted to see us and to hear that we had come to visit. This was no shallow welcome; it was a warmth that we knew was completely sincere. Right after the service ended, my friend and I looked at each other and said, "This is the place to be." Although Christ Church is about an hour away from VTS, I firmly decided that day that I would happily go the distance to be among such people. I haven't questioned that decision once since my time here began. Part of the requirements for students on the M.Div. track at VTS is to serve at a church or other relevant ministry setting for a year to gain Contextual Ministry (CXM) experience. Doing my CXM at Christ Church has been nothing short of fulfilling. I have learned so much from everyone and have truly grown to see this church as my family. At the end of April, I officially fulfilled the hours and requirements of the CXM curriculum, and I will be marking my last Sunday as your Seminarian Associate on June 30th. While this is a goodbye on paper signifying the formal end of my CXM placement, it is definitely not a final goodbye to this community. Although I may not be able to be present as often as I used to be, it is my deep desire to continue in fellowship, friendship, and love with the family I have found here. My special thanks go to my supervisor and our rector, Fr. Emmanuel Mercer, for his mentorship, training, and love, as well as to my Lay Support Team—Janette Deboissiere, Diana Hall, and Sonni Aribiah for their guidance, advice, and encouragement. Thank you for walking with me through this journey. Please keep me in your prayers as I enter my final year at the seminary. Pray that the Lord will continue to strengthen me in my studies and direct my steps as I walk in this great calling of ordained ministry to His people. It is my prayer that the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ continues to keep you all unified by His Spirit, through the perfection of His love in your hearts. The Rev. Yehinuel Oshokhai Odidi Seminarian Associate

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 thoughtful presentations, films, and guided reflections. Whether you are seeking a closer relationship with God or simply looking for a supportive space for stillness and community, this event offers a brand-new schedule of experiences designed for fellow seekers. You can gather with us for a part of the morning, or for all of it, and can read about each session's details and view a schedule at https://cecevents.org/CSN #CenterForSpiritualNourishment #ChristChurchColumbia #SpiritualGrowth #InterfaithGathering #MindBodySpirit #DivineMasculinity #AbbaFather #SpiritualNourishment #ColumbiaMD #SeekersWelcome #episcomd

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 4:13-25 Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 Sermon for This Sunday: Parishioner Leah Chrest gives this Sunday's sermon, and you can view it in the video below once worship has begun. Leah is a leader of the Center for Spiritual Nourishment, which you can learn more about here. And if you wish to, the text for her sermon can be read here. Sunday Worship Livestream: Our service livestream begins just before 10:30 a.m. The service leaflet for this worship is here.

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 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 Direction Circle Spiritual Father: Legacy, Leadership, and Influence Film Screening #1: Miracle - Episode 2 10:15 – 11:15: Christian Meditation: Sitting with Our Abba Drawn to God: Sacred Art Film Screening #2: It's All Connected 11:30 – 12:00: Reflection Circle Join us on Saturday, June 13 as we offer: Spiritual Fathers: Legacy, Leadership, and Influence led by Toni Summerell This session honors the sacred role of the spiritual father —a presence found across all faiths, traditions, and walks of life. Whether through mentoring, guiding, encouraging, or quietly holding space for others, spiritual fathers shape lives in profound and lasting ways. Together, we will reflect on the men who have nurtured our growth, explore the unique influence they/we carry, and consider the legacy they/we are creating—often in ways unseen but deeply felt. We will participate in a Spiritual Crest activity where participants are invited to create a personal or family-style crest that visually represents the values, lessons, influences, and leadership principles that define their spiritual journey. Drawing inspiration from historical shields, coats of arms, and symbolic storytelling traditions, this exercise helps participants reflect on the qualities they have inherited from the influence of their spiritual fathers, the strengths they carry, and the legacy they hope to leave behind. Spiritual Direction Circle: Experiences of Fathering led by Carol Abbott Join us to explore your relationship from childhood to now with the “father figure,” both in your own life and in your understanding of God. Film Screening #1: Miracles - Episode 2 led by George Toth Miracles Scientifically Confirmed: And the Blind Shall See James Drain, a man who had a dreadful childhood said his mother lived a profligate life and so he basically grew up on the streets. During this time he loved reading the Bible, praying to Jesus every night, and clinging to Jesus through his worst trials and tribulations. A smart student, he studied chemistry in Detroit and became an industrial chemist, an occupation which gave him security and comfort in his life; he slowly forgot about God, but then he contracted Multiple Sclerosis as a consequence of repeated chemical exposure. Slowly his condition worsened losing his sight and became confinded to a wheelchair. His best friend started reading the Bible to him, and his childhood love of Jesus blossomed. Eventually he got baptized and with the baptism, his vision and physical health returned completely. Christian Meditation: Sitting with Our Abba led by Leah Chrest Consider the deeper meaning of the Lord’s Prayer and discuss what the prayer practice of Jesus would have looked like. Jesus most likely practiced some form of silent prayer as part of his daily practice as he listened for his Abba’s guidance. After a short teaching and discussion, we will conclude our session by resting in God’s presence, listening to the still, small voice of the Spirit. Film Screening #2: It's All Connected led by George Toth A Perfect God Only Plans Perfectly We often marvel how a series of small actions result in something great and amazing. The quaint expression “the butterfly effect” tries to encapsulate such thinking, but often we only see a single or at most a few threads creating the event. What would one say if an entire book written over centuries by countless, unknown authors had more threads pointing to one single event in human history, an event which changed the entire course of the world? Would such a story grab us to learn about it? Come watch this amazing presentation proclaiming how the Perfect God has a Perfect Plan with a precision of execution that cannot even be imagined. Drawn to God: Sacred Art Led by Jenn Lavanish Create beautiful wooden coasters in memory of or in celebration of someone who demonstrates the love of God to you in your life. Keep it for yourself or give it as a gift. God gave everyone a gift- a special aptitude, ability, power or talent. And gifts are meant to be an act. A verb - to bestow, share and connect. “ Drawn to God” is a place for spiritual nourishment through the practice of creating. Creating ways to engage with God. A short session of fellowship in process-oriented art projects. Art as Prayer and Prayer as Art. No matter what gifts or talents you bring, you will be inspired to become a maker- and enjoy a moment of creative flow. Plus it is just fun to make things. The joy is in the journey, your creation your reward. Have Questions? Wish to Help Lead Future CSN Sessions? #nourishyourspirit #SpiritualNourishment #allarewelcome #RefreshYourSpirit #divinelove #hocomd #episcomd #columbiamd #columbiamaryland

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 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Engagement Coordinator Darlene “Grandma” Clark will speak on how you can get involved. We’ll see a brief video or two and get an update on SLYC’s effort to re-envision the historic St. Luke’s Clergy House with the help of a plan by Episcopal Housing Corp. Please view this short video to learn more about SLYC's mission. Parishioners can get better acquainted with Grandma Clark during coffee hour after the 10:30 a.m. service. It will be a great chance to learn about volunteer opportunities at SLYC’s Camp Imagination, a day camp for ages 5 to 13 held at a cooperating parish in Linthicum, Md, from June 29 to July 31. Every summer, the 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 that effort, Outreach Commission members recently voted to cover the cost of two children for all six weeks by contributing $3,600 to SLYC. These are Vestry-approved funds derived from your pledges and contributions. Thank you! There are many ways to volunteer your time, talent, or treasure to help SLYC give these children a better opportunity in this world. Visit https://www.bmoreslyc.org to learn more. Somos Amigos Expands Care in April, Looks Ahead to July Clinic Somos Amigos Medical Missions held a successful spring clinic in the Dominican Republic, treating 66 new patients and adding physical therapy for the first time. The clinic welcomed representatives of the Physical Therapy Department at Marymount University of Arlington, Va., with hopes of establishing an ongoing collaboration. This is the second expansion of care this year. In January, the clinic provided a vision component for the first time, and Somos Amigos will offer it again at the summer clinic in July. Executive Director Frank Brightwell said, “Right now, we plan to have the doctor with us twice a year. Thank you all for being a part of that!” He referred to the support of eye care by Christ Church following his annual visit. Brightwell delivered the sermon on March 1. The Outreach Commission at its March meeting approved a $750 donation. These are Vestry-approved funds derived from your pledges and contributions. In addition, we conveyed a parishioner’s designated donation to Somos Amigos for the same cause. Thank you! At its April clinic, Somos Amigos treated 445 medical patients and 231 dental patients, including many children and members of the Haitian community. That continues its commitment to reach underserved populations in and around the rural, mountainous village of El Naranjito. The team of volunteers and staff performed more than 600 lab tests and dispensed over 2,400 prescriptions. The clinic also celebrated Patient #10,000, an adorable baby (above photo). Go online to News from the Clinic–Spring 2026 to learn more. At the January clinic, repeat volunteers Dione and Jim Mahoney were joined by Dione’s sister and brother-in-law, Desiree and Jorge Arce, as well as the Arce’s nephew, Ivan. All are in a video about Somos Amigos’ future plans. You can view the video “Opening New Doors” in the Somos Amigos section of the Christ Church website. Dates of future clinics are July 11-18 and Oct. 10-17, 2026. Go here for volunteer information. Or ask parishioners who have volunteered; others include Outreach member Shahra Toth and physicians Ellen Boudreau Hoke and Preethi Jackson. Bring Items for FISH/CCC, 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 at three sites on Saturday mornings and by home delivery to Howard County residents. For information, visit Get Help online. For updates on community services such as youth programs, check CCC’s Facebook page. 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 (seen in this photo) or email him at 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! SAVE THE DATE! June 7 is the Next Annual Matzohball 5K Run Join in the 22nd Annual Matzohball Run, organized by DreamBuilders member congregation Temple Isaiah on Sunday, June 7th, starting at 8:00 a.m. at Western Regional Park in Woodbine. The proceeds benefit DreamBuilders, Grassroots, HopeWorks, and others to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable communities in need of support. Christ Church supports all of these organizations, so your help directly assists these groups. If you would like more information, please speak with Cathy Gold at church. 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.

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 gluten-free goods weighed 163 pounds, with the largest donations being cans of tuna and jars of peanut butter, each weighing 33 pounds. Sonni Aribiah delivered SAFE’s batch of containers on Saturday, and George and Shahra Toth hauled the bulk of the collection to the Food Bank on Monday. But the real action began at mid-morning on Saturday outside the River Hill Giant supermarket in Clarksville. Our multigenerational teams included a mother-son pair and a mother with two sons. When volunteers from Christ Church approached customers with our list of requested items, dozens responded by saying they were glad for the opportunity to assist hungry neighbors. Some families encouraged their children to help hand off purchases, proudly giving to others. Young and old alike purchased many items from our list, ranging from canned soups and vegetables to large bags of rice. Several parishioners also pitched in by shopping generously to fulfill the pantries’ needs. This drive differed from our previous efforts due to corporate restrictions on the number of volunteers and the earlier time slot. Christ Church has held a Spring and Fall Food Drive at various Giant Food locations since 2018, selecting Giant Food as the most welcoming retailer, with a break during the pandemic. In other years, the four-hour drive has yielded a ton of nonperishables. This spring, some people preferred to give monetarily, and an increasing number donated directly online to the Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC). The drive raised $267 in cash for CAC, which operates the food bank. “Thank you so much for all the support to CAC,” responded its representative, acknowledging our church’s continuing partnership with the nonprofit. SAFE leaders wrote: “Rest assured that these donations will make a difference to the many clients we serve. As always, we deeply appreciate the time and effort of all congregants who participated in the food drive on our behalf...Thank you for helping us to continue serving our clients in these challenging times.” For all who played a part in the Spring Food Drive, at the store or behind the scenes, thanks to each and every one for doing God’s work! You can scroll through the photos below. Bring Items for FISH/CCC, 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 at three sites on Saturday mornings and by home delivery to Howard County residents. For information, visit Get Help online. For updates on community services such as youth programs, check CCC’s Facebook page. 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 (seen in this photo) or email him at 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! SAVE THE DATE! June 7 is the Next Annual Matzohball 5K Run Join in the 22nd Annual Matzohball Run, organized by DreamBuilders member congregation Temple Isaiah on Sunday, June 7th, starting at 8:00 a.m. at Western Regional Park in Woodbine. The proceeds benefit DreamBuilders, Grassroots, HopeWorks, and others to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable communities in need of support. Christ Church supports all of these organizations, so your help directly assists these groups. If you would like more information, please speak with Cathy Gold at church. 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.

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 water geese on the water and their mess on the trail. The change in the seasons brings about something familiar or something different in a new way. I miss it when the geese are gone. But I am also thankful that I don’t have to tiptoe along the trail to avoid the mess they leave behind. Qoheleth reminds us that there is a time and a season for everything under heaven: There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace A time to be born and a time to die. A time to sow and a time to reap. A time for the geese to appear, and a time for them to emigrate to another place. A change in the seasons simply reminds us to do something different or to prepare for the next season. No one season invites us to do the exact same thing we did the previous season. I once heard that there are four seasons in a year and four seasons in life. Spring is when opportunity shows up; plant everything you can. That is to say, life offers us the opportunity to make the best of every situation and seize the moment, as some would say. Summer is the test; bugs, heat, weeds, keep going, do not abandon the crop in the summer. That is to say, each of us will have to face one test or another. We can never go through life without a test. The question then isn’t if the test will come but when. Autumn comes, and you harvest; you reap what you planted and protected. That is to say, for every action, there is a reaction. Whatever decision we take has some kind of consequence. Each of us will reap what we sow, St. Paul reminds us in Galatians. It isn’t per se, but we most certainly cannot reap what we didn’t sow or protect. We cannot benefit from doing nothing. Winter follows, but use it to plan for the next spring. There shouldn’t be a time when we are not planning for the future. Granted that we do not know what the future might look like or what tomorrow might bring to us, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t plan. Like the motto of the Scouts says, “Be prepared.” We shouldn’t be in a position where we don’t plan. Every season of our lives involves planning, making choices, dealing with the consequences of those choices, and going through difficult times. But I believe that some level of preparation or planning minimizes the impact of tribulations and tests that might come our way. This time of year is the season of graduations. I give grateful thanks to God for all those who graduated. I offer special thanks to our parishioners who graduated: Ben Atkins, Ekunda Wonodi, Rumundaka Wonodi, Violet Smith, Emmanuel Olajide, Luke Aribiah, Shereen Benka-Coker, Marileigh Chappell, Monica Henia, and Javier Hernandez. If you attended a graduation ceremony, you would have heard speeches that encapsulated some or all four seasons of our lives. The one that struck me the most was by Ray Dalia at Long Island University. This is part of what he said: “Pain + Reflection = Progress.” His point was that we will experience some pain in our lives-that’s more like the summer months when we are tested with trials and tribulations, the months when we deal with bugs, heat, weeds, and bugs. But whatever the pain is, it will yield no benefit if we do not reflect on it. A sober reflection on our summer months is critically important if we are to make progress in life. There are times when I wish life were lived on a linear plane, or that we had one season. But that is not the case. My friends and I used to joke in high school that life is full of synclines and anticlines. It is imperative, therefore, not to waste any season, whether you are on top or at the bottom. Each one of them, be it autumn, winter, spring, or summer, has a unique purpose in our lives. Each one of them builds us toward something unimaginable. Each season holds the promise that we can be a lot more than we are, which is why the boundaries of what we can be are unimaginable. As we begin our summer months, may we be reminded that, as unpredictable as the seasons of our lives may be, we must always look to work with those seasons and not against them. Working with our seasons would mean prayerfully reflecting on each. In my mind, that is one of the incredible ways available to us if we are to make progress in our lives. Wishing you blessed Seasons, Manny+

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 from 9 to 11 a.m. Go online to this CEI signup form to register for a slot, and choose “general volunteer” under “group.” CCC encourages both novice and experienced gardeners to help “plant, weed, and maintain this source of fresh, nutritious food for local Howard County families.” How Yams, Cupcakes or Chocolate Milk Can Make Someone’s Day at the DRC Our team of Christ Church volunteers arrived on Monday, June 8th, at the Day Resource Center (DRC) to serve a hot midday meal and to replenish DRC’s pantry. They were eagerly anticipated by diners at the facility, which the Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center operates to help county residents who are homeless or struggling to make ends meet. Team leader Shahra Toth reported that DRC’s vegetarian diners relished the sweet potatoes, hominy, salads and other menu options. Anyone with a sweet tooth delighted in the desserts, especially Suzanne Ziobro’s cupcakes decorated with summer-themed sprinkles and tiny beach umbrellas (see photos). And those who depend on the DRC’s pantry welcomed the option to choose shelf-stable milk boxes in either plain or chocolate flavors. The congregation can take credit for that choice of milk. The Outreach Commission approved spending $170 for a total of 180 8-oz boxes – of which one-third were chocolate milks at the DRC's request. As previously reported, the delivery also included Spam and other canned meats. These were purchased with funds donated to the church by parishioners who give to “General Outreach.” A hearty thanks! 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. The pantry needs clothes, too. A parishioner had donated two bags of gently used T-shirts and other items that were added to Monday’s load in the Toth family’s truck (see photos). Find Grassroots’ monthly needs list on our signups under “Related Files.” The next date to prepare sides and serve a midday meal, or to drop off sides for an evening meal, is July 13. Get details in our DRC online signup form or in our Grassroots online signup form. Bring Items for FISH/CCC, 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 at three sites on Saturday mornings and by home delivery to Howard County residents. For information, visit Get Help online. For updates on community services such as youth programs, check CCC’s Facebook page. 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 (seen in this photo) or email him at 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! Home of Our Own Howard is Having a Yard Sale at CEC - 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 on June 27, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., rain (Parish Hall lower level) or shine (outside on the lawn). We hope you can support their cause by finding treasures at the sale. There will be a wide variety of items at great prices, including small appliances, linens, curtains, dishware, glassware, kitchenware, artwork, and home décor. 100% of proceeds go directly toward helping neighbors in need fill their empty homes. The majority of the items are priced between $1 and $ 5. HOOO provides furniture and essential household goods to Howard County residents facing hardship. Most items are generously donated by community members — keeping quality goods out of landfills and putting them into the hands of families starting over. When HOOO receives donated items that aren't suitable for direct distribution, they're sold to raise funds that support the same mission. Every dollar stays local. Every purchase helps a family in need create a safe, functioning home. 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.

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 reflection and community. Admission is free, though a suggested donation of $20 is deeply appreciated to benefit the Music Ministry and the Howard County Center for African American Culture. We hope you will join us for the performance and stay afterward for a light, welcoming reception.

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 School students - thank you so much for trusting us with your beautiful children and for partnering with us to support their faith journey this year. We are incredibly grateful for your constant encouragement, flexibility, and support, which make our Sunday School community so special. We deeply appreciate the commitment it takes to bring your children each week; your dedication at home is truly the foundation of everything we do. ...most of all, to the wonderful children! It is you who brought your bright smiles, energy, and curious hearts to Sunday School. We are so incredibly proud of you for learning, sharing, and growing in your faith with us each and every week. Sunday School just wouldn't be the same without your joy, enthusiasm, and laughter! We'll share registration forms for the 2026-27 Sunday School program year in a month or so, but until then, enjoy the warm weather and long days that summer brings. We look forward to seeing you again soon! #sundayschool #weloveourkids #episcomd #childrensministry #childrensministryrocks #FaithFormation #churchfamily #churchfamilylove

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 spirit. Learn about the 2nd Saturday CSN at our website www.christchurchcolumbia.org/spiritual-nourishment. We will have a complete schedule of sessions very soon, so check back often. Have Questions? Wish to Help Lead Future CSN Sessions? #nourishyourspirit #SpiritualNourishment #allarewelcome #RefreshYourSpirit #divinelove #hocomd #episcomd #columbiamd #columbiamaryland