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. Sheltered from the sun, friends old and new shared in shell-cracking with a mindful eye on the church carpets - no Old Bay stains in the Great Hall! It was an evening defined by gratitude—not just for the incredible food, but for the dedicated hands that set up, served, and swept away the remnants of another successful First Wednesday 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 to UNICEF, which said in an online post updated on June 30 that it had mobilized to swiftly help displaced individuals and families, especially children. “UNICEF is scaling up its emergency response, deploying staff and supplies, with initial air shipments already arriving.” These are Vestry-approved funds derived from your pledges and contributions to Christ Church. Thank you! Please pray for the people caught up in this immense tragedy. We are encouraged to do so collectively by Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD), which offered a link to its Prayers in a Time of Disaster. “We have been in touch with partners in Venezuela who are responding after powerful earthquakes struck,” ERD said. “We pray for all who are affected. Join us.” Put Your Green Thumb to Good Use: 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). “Our garden plot at Freetown Farm offers something that our pantry alone can't -- fresh produce and a place to practice a more intentional relationship with food,” CCC said in a Facebook post on June 17. Those interested are encouraged to learn more by reading an article posted on May 21 to CCC’s website, “From Farm to Pantry: CCC Puts Down Roots at Freetown Farm.” 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.” 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! 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.

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: Teaching on Spiritual Growth Spiritual Direction Circle Movie Session #1 10:15 – 11:15: Christian Meditation Bloom Where You Are Planted Movie Session #2 11:30 – 12:00: Reflection Circle Introduction to Father Mike's Upcoming Series! Join us on Saturday, July 11, as we offer: Discussion on Spiritual Growth led by Father Manny Mercer Details coming soon. 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

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 crabs and BBQ for you!

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 connecting beautifully with the younger and older members of our parish, his deep presence has truly helped tend and nourish our church garden. While we are sad to see him move on, we are immensely grateful for the support, insights, and love he shared with us, and we pray for every blessing on his very bright future in the Church. Thank you! We love you in the love of the Lord, Yehinuel!

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 you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. This Sunday's Readings: Jeremiah 28:5-9 Psalm 89:1-4,15-18 Romans 6:12-23 Matthew 10:40-42 Sermon for This Sunday: Rev. Yehinuel Odidi gives his final sermon as seminarian at Christ Episcopal Church this Sunday, and we will be sad to see him leave us. 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.

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 year’s camp such a huge success. The children will crown the week with a VBS service and ice cream on Sunday. As part of making this holy space reflect the year's theme, the sanctuary has been transformed into a beautiful garden. The children learned about creation. My daughter told me she learned about bees and brought home some honey. From where I sit, these offerings provide an amazing opportunity for the children to reimagine a whole new experience with the gifts that God has graciously provided for our enjoyment and sustenance. I remember my first garden. It was about 20 meters from my father’s house, beside a building that has now been turned into a church. I planted tomatoes, peppers, and maize. Nothing fancy, but it gave me some early experience with tending, responsibility, and intentionality. It was magical for me to see a seed I planted grow into something I could harvest and eat. My joy was in the harvesting. The deepest joy was seeing the harvested produce used as an ingredient in cooking for everyone. The truth is that I couldn’t eat everything I harvested in my garden all by myself. The joy was in the shared experience of cooking and eating. It was always a surreal moment that brought so much happiness because I could see the satisfaction of my labor. Our first experience of a garden, before we could even think about having our own, is the story of the Garden of Eden. This was a garden that God graciously gave to Adam and Eve, our progenitors. This was a garden that had everything they could ever need. Their task was to tend the garden, but that didn’t happen. Whenever I visit parishioners with gardens, I get the privilege of enjoying them. Some do not necessarily have gardens, but they may have flowers or plants in flowerpots. The joy is not about having them, but it is in tending those flowers and plants if you want to see them flourish and beautify your home. It may not matter how big or small your garden is, or if you have a garden or a flowerpot in your house. But know as I do, that our task or responsibility to the garden, plant, or flower is to tend it. To me, creation by itself alone is beautiful; but when we tend it, we make it ever more glorious. One of those gardens is our own Christ Church. Over the past several months, we have had the privilege of Yehinuel Odidi serving with us. He has been an incredible addition to our clergy team; he worked very well with our ministry teams, volunteers, and staff. Although commuting to Columbia from Alexandria, VA, was a bit of a challenge, he didn’t complain; he made it to Christ Church on Sunday mornings to participate in worship. I think I can say that he believed that tending a garden isn’t so much about the challenges involved in tending the garden, but it is about the love you have for the garden. I have nothing but a great sense of admiration and respect for his faithfulness, enthusiasm, work ethic, and grace. His timely sermons and deep presence will be missed by all of us. To his mentor team - Jan DeBoissierre, Diana Hall, and Sonni Aribiah - thank you for accepting the request to be a part of the team that helped shape his pastoral gifts. I am sure he would hold tightly to the critical insights you shared with him. I believe he has a very bright future in the church, and it has been an honor to have guided him throughout his time with us. It was our hope that he would stay one more year with us as he worked to complete his senior year at Virginia Theological Seminary. But the challenges in making that happen were beyond our control, making it impossible for us to ensure he could continue to faithfully serve at Christ Church. I have no doubt in my mind that Yehi tended this garden very well. He was first attracted to this garden because of your faithfulness and sense of welcome. And throughout his time with us, you only confirmed what he had come to experience about this place on his first visit. His love for Christ Church was a love at first sight, and I am glad we didn’t disappoint him. We will all celebrate his time with us this Sunday. I’d like to add that, on a much deeper level, it seems to me that each of us is a garden unto themselves and our most sacred task is to tend that garden. There are moments when we can tend the garden ourselves, and there are times when others must tend it for us; either way, the garden must be tended if we want to see it flourish and thrive. To tend to something is to pay attention to it, so to tend a garden is to pay attention to the garden. You do not have to limit a garden to a place like the one near my father’s house, where anyone could grow pepper, tomatoes, or maize. You don't have to limit it to a sacred place where children can come and learn about faith, or to a place where a seminarian can come and learn about different ways of serving God’s people. To me, a garden is so broad that it encompasses every single activity or place. If we believe that what we pay attention to shapes what we care about, and what we care about shapes what we can become, then there is no doubt in my mind that paying attention to a garden, tending a garden, whatever you consider to be your garden, is the most sacred thing you can ever do. Blessed Summer, Manny+

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 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. 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. Interfaith Refugee Ministry Urges Us to Heed God’s Call in a Sermon Observing World Refugee Day As the Christ Church-led Interfaith Refugee Ministry (IRM) approaches its fifth year of service, its leader, Ann Barnes, delivered the sermon last Sunday during worship services in observance of World Refugee Day on June 20 (you can watch her sermon below). She described how the ministry has grown from resettling one Afghan family who fled during the Fall of Kabul in August 2021 to helping 12 families and engaging with individuals from countries other than Afghanistan. Our faith partners have expanded, too, bringing the total to 16 Christian and Jewish congregations collaborating to help Muslims. With that assistance, families whose lives were torn asunder have managed to stand on their own. But God’s call remains for acts of kindness, from being a “talk buddy” for English-language learners to teaching someone to drive – or going that next step to donate a sorely-needed used car. To learn how to pitch in, email info@christchurchcolumbia.org. 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). “Our garden plot at Freetown Farm offers something that our pantry alone can't -- fresh produce and a place to practice a more intentional relationship with food,” CCC said in a Facebook post on June 17. Those interested are encouraged to learn more by reading an article posted on May 21 on CCC’s website, “From Farm to Pantry: CCC Puts Down Roots at Freetown Farm.” 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.” 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! 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. 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. 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.

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. This special visit has been just one highlight of our "Tropical Trek" Vacation Bible School, as we explore faith, friendship, and fun together. Programs like these are only possible through the dedication of our community, so thank you for supporting our youth ministries year after year. #vacationbibleschool #vbssuccess #columbiamaryland #episcomd #youthministry #youthministrylife #kidsmatter #beekeeping

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 celebrate Marquis Barnes' birthday. Happy Birthday, Marquis! Later that same morning, the WOCC Summer Tea kicked off, keeping the weekend's spirit of community alive. This beloved annual event brought the WOCC together with other family and friends for a delightful afternoon of tea and shared conversation, with many taking part in the festivities. Together, these back-to-back Saturday events beautifully showcase the vibrant, multigenerational fellowship that defines the common life of Christ Church, offering unique spaces for parishioners to connect, refresh, and strengthen their bonds outside of regular Sunday worship. View a slideshow of photos from both events below.

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: Jeremiah 20:7-13 Psalm 69: 8-11, (12-17), 18-20 Romans 6:1b-11 Matthew 10:24-39 Sermon for This Sunday: Christ Church parishioner Ann Barnes gives this Sunday's sermon, and you can view it in the video below once worship has begun. You can also read her sermon's text here. Ann is the coordinator of the Interfaith Refugee Ministry, created by Christ Church in 2021 and now comprised of over a dozen religious institutions. You can learn more here. Sunday Worship Livestream: Our service livestream begins just before 10:30 a.m. The service leaflet for this worship is here.