Thanksgiving Food Drive for the Howard County Food Bank November 6 - 17 Once again, Christ Church will be supporting the Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC) by conducting a food drive in the weeks before Thanksgiving. This year the holiday falls on November 24th. The drive began this past Sunday, November 6th, and will end on Thursday, November 17th, so please help as you can for time is limited. All of the items will then be delivered to CAC’s Howard County Food Bank on Friday morning, November 18th. In 2022, the Food Bank expects to feed about 1,000 people for Thanksgiving and another 1,000 for Christmas by distributing "Holiday Meal Kits." You can support this effort by bringing non-perishable food items that include the usual sides: boxed mashed potatoes, stuffing mix, gravy, cranberry sauce, olives, pickles, and cans of fruit and vegetables (low-sodium is preferred). Because families may find their pantries are bare overall this time of year, please consider adding items such as tuna and pasta to the Food Bank’s non-seasonal wish list. If you're at the church, you can place goods on the Thanksgiving-decorated table in the Narthex. If you wish to remain outdoors, you can put them in the yellow bin marked “Thanksgiving Food Drive" located on the Old Brick breezeway. Given the potential for seasonally cold weather, however, it’s best if items in glass jars go inside with the Narthex collection. NOTE: The food bank is not collecting pies, other desserts, or rolls because of perishability. After the onset of the pandemic, the Outreach Commission ended its previous practice of collecting turkeys during its annual drive. Instead, Christ Church this year will again help fund the protein component of holiday meal kits. Outreach members recently approved a significant donation to the CAC for the Food Bank’s purchase of alternatives to whole turkeys. Certain families - including those who are homebound - will receive partial or whole chicken roasters, vegetarian choices, and options with the proper protein for those on dialysis. The holiday funds for CAC are the latest approved by the Outreach Commission in 2022. Earlier, we sent a monetary donation for general purposes such as energy and housing assistance and early childhood education. In response, CAC honors Christ Church among its “Village of Supporters” in various ways, including recognition of partners during its annual Holland Awards event. Vestry and Outreach member Diane Phillips Laguerre represented Christ Church at the event. Please contact her to hear what she learned about CAC (email outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org ) and many thanks to all who made possible these monetary donations through parishioners’ contributions to Christ Church.

Christ Church’s Refugee Ministry will host United We Pray: Interfaith Vigil for Refugees on Sunday, November 13th at 7:00 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church. This community service is open to people of all faiths and traditions, as we gather to show our unified support for those around the globe forced to leave their homes due to war, persecution, or disaster. We will pray particularly for our refugee neighbors who live, work, and attend school in our communities. The service, to be held in St. John’s at 9120 Frederick Rd. in Ellicott City, will include readings, prayers, music, and reflections from the Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Quaker faith traditions.* A light reception will follow in the adjoining All Saints Hall building immediately following the service, with the opportunity for refreshment and fellowship, and the chance to meet some of the refugee families in our area. We welcome all community members to this event, as united we pray for the plight of refugees around the world. *Sponsored by St. John’s Episcopal Church, Columbia Jewish Congregation, Dar Al-Taqwa Mosque, Hindu American Seva Communities, Patapsco Friends Meeting (Quakers of Howard County), and Christ Episcopal Church.

A few weeks ago, we read a story in the gospel of Luke about the Pharisee and the Publican who went to the temple to pray. Jesus, at the end of the parable, spoke about how the Publican went home justified. One of the spiritual practices that the Christ Church Vestry engages in during our monthly Vestry Meeting is to read the gospel for the coming Sunday and then engage each other in a healthy sober reflection. At this recent Vestry Meeting, I shared a vision based on the text we read. I said that it is my hope that Christ Church would be an oasis of mercy. In other words, when you walk into our sacred space, when you spend time with all the people who bring life and meaning to this sacred space, when you express both your fears and anxieties, the worries and challenges that have taken their toll on you, when you reflect on your own vulnerabilities, you would come to find that there’s a listening ear available to you. More than that, you would find that there’s a warm embrace awaiting you. There’s a place for spiritual nourishment and healing for you. Truth be told, I haven’t seen a natural oasis before, and I am not exactly sure whether what I thought I probably saw - thirty thousand feet above the Sahara Desert - was an oasis. But be that as it may, I am more attracted to the idea of the oasis being that spot that is filled with living water that quenches our lingering thirst. I am attracted to the idea of an oasis being that spot from which we can literally and figuratively drink from the water source that never runs dry. More than that, I am attracted to the idea of a sacred space where no one is judged for being who they are, nor are their values questioned on the basis of someone else’s values - more like the Pharisee. I am all for a sacred space where we can all bring our brokenness to God’s altar table because we know that’s where they belong. It must be a holy place where we can feel accepted and affirmed because we know that no other place offers that to us. It is a place where your brokenness, and mine, point us beyond ourselves, reminding us that we are recipients of mercy so rich in depth, so wide in scope, and so tall in height. This coming Sunday is All Saints' Sunday. It is also our Pledge Sunday, where we will bring our pledge cards to the altar table and, together, offer a prayer of thanksgiving. I have always considered that moment to be one of the most solemn we have. This is because we take that step in total recognition of our dependence on God and in appreciation of the gift of life that we have received. I have never considered that moment as a time to placate God or to simply please Him. Rather, it is a time when we pledge ourselves, our souls, and our bodies as reasonable sacrifices to God. It is, for me, a moment where each one of us is captured and captivated by the spirit and joy of gratitude. Our hearts are full - not with ourselves, but with the God who provides for us. In fact, more than the steps we take in walking to the altar table with our pledges, mailing them, dropping them in the offering plate, or offering them online, it is the deep belief that together with others, we are working to create an oasis of mercy, where deep compassion flows from our sinews, and that is what humbles me. I once came upon this saying: “Coffee never knew it would taste so nice and sweet until it met milk and sugar. We are good as individuals, but become better when we meet and blend with the right people." Within our sacred space, I have found good, decent, honest, compassionate, and generous people - right people. You combine your individual gifts and talents to make our coffee (Christ Church) taste so good and create an oasis of mercy where many come to draw on the living water that Jesus promises. Remember the story of a woman who meets Jesus by the well? Jesus promised her living water, to which the woman responds, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.” How thirsty are you? Whether we are carrying our burdens, brokenness, or pledges, we approach the altar table with a sense of gratitude - that is the one place where we are welcomed as we are, loved as we are, sustained, and transformed for goodness. It is the one place where mercy transforms morbidness. Should I come by this sacred space, one where the altar table beckons, I want to feel that God’s mercy abounds here. I want to feel that I can draw on something so special, so uplifting, so life-transforming. Not only can you and I create that oasis of mercy, but we can sustain, strengthen, and deepen it with our generosity. Manny+

Thanksgiving Food Drive (non-perishables only) for the Howard County Food Bank Will be Conducted Nov. 6 - Nov. 17 Once again, Christ Church will be supporting the Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC) by conducting a food drive in the weeks before Thanksgiving. This year the holiday falls on Nov. 24. The drive will launch on Sunday, Nov. 6 and end on Thursday, Nov. 17. The items will be delivered to CAC’s Howard County Food Bank on Friday morning, Nov. 18. In 2022, the Food Bank expects to feed about 1,000 people for Thanksgiving and another 1,000 for Christmas by distributing "Holiday Meal Kits." You can support this effort by bringing non-perishable food items that include the usual sides: boxed mashed potatoes, stuffing mix, gravy, cranberry sauce, olives, pickles, and cans of fruit and vegetables (low-sodium preferred). Because families may find their pantries are bare overall this time of year, please consider adding items such as tuna and pasta on the Food Bank’s non-seasonal wish list (see flier). Place goods on the Thanksgiving-decorated table in the Narthex. Or, if you wish to remain outdoors, put them in the latest yellow bin to be found on the breezeway. Marked “Thanksgiving Food Drive," this one is near the door to Old Brick. Given cold weather, it’s best if items in glass jars go in the Narthex collection. NOTE: The food bank is not collecting pies, other desserts, or rolls because of perishability. After the onset of the pandemic, the Outreach Commission ended its previous practice of collecting turkeys during its annual drive. Instead, Christ Church this year will again help fund the protein component of holiday meal kits. Outreach members recently approved a $750 donation to the CAC for the Food Bank’s purchase of alternatives to whole turkeys. Certain families, including people who are homebound, will receive partial or whole chicken roasters, vegetarian choices, and options with the proper protein for those on dialysis. The holiday funds for CAC are the latest approved by the Outreach Commission in 2022. Earlier we sent $1,000 for general purposes such as energy and housing assistance and early childhood education. In response, CAC honors Christ Church among its “Village of Supporters” in various ways, including recognition of partners during its annual Holland Awards event. Vestry and Outreach member Diane Phillips Laguerre represented Christ Church at the event. Please contact her to hear what she learned about CAC (Send to outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org.) And thanks to all who made possible these monetary donations through parishioners’ contributions to Christ Church. DreamBuilders Local Project for the ARC of Howard County: November 12th & 13th DreamBuilders will be renovating a group home in Columbia, replacing the kitchen floor and upgrading several damaged doorways. We need 10 volunteers each day to complete the work over a single weekend, as the residents will be relocated during the renovation. The workday will be 8:30-4:00 each day, and lunch will be provided. This project is open to youth in seventh grade and older, and adults. No experience is necessary, and all training and supervision will be provided. You can register for this project through the DreamBuilders website: DreamBuildersMD.org. If you have any questions, contact Cathy Gold or Stacey Frith. Join Us for an Interfaith Vigil for Refugees on November 13th Christ Church’s Refugee Ministry will host United We Pray: Interfaith Vigil for Refugees on Sunday, November 13th at 7:00 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church. This community service is open to people of all faiths and traditions, as we gather to show our unified support for those around the globe forced to leave their homes due to war, persecution, or disaster. We will pray particularly for our refugee neighbors who live, work, and attend school in our communities. The service, to be held in St. John’s at 9120 Frederick Rd. in Ellicott City, will include readings, prayers, music, and reflections from the Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Quaker faith traditions.* A light reception will follow in the adjoining All Saints Hall building immediately following the service, with the opportunity for refreshment and fellowship, and the chance to meet some of the refugee families in our area. We welcome all community members to this event, as united we pray for the plight of refugees around the world. *Sponsored by St. John’s Episcopal Church, Columbia Jewish Congregation, Dar Al-Taqwa Mosque, Hindu American Seva Communities, Patapsco Friends Meeting (Quakers of Howard County), and Christ Episcopal Church. SLYC Seeks Tutors for Its After-School Program for Youth in West Baltimore Craving a hands-on opportunity to serve others yet searching for a way to prepare? Here’s an option: attend a remotely-held tutor’s training session and then use your new skills to brighten a child’s future. St. Luke’s Youth Center, which operates year-round as the nonprofit SLYC, wants tutors. Plan to commit to at least an hour a week between the hours of 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. The tutor training session, “Foundation for Success: Academic Intervention Program,” is free and will be held on Zoom on Tuesday, Nov. 15 from 5 to 6 p.m. (see flier). Christ Church is among the partners with SLYC, along with other parishes and secular supporters. The Episcopal Diocese of Maryland reparations task force awarded a grant to SYLC and five other organizations earlier this year. You, too, are partnering with SLYC in that Vestry-approved funds for Christ Church Outreach supported Camp Imagination, held during the summer as described in the July newsletter. The Outreach Commission contributed $500, and others at Christ Church made donations. We are also participating in a quilt raffle that runs through Dec. 4. West Baltimore families are engaged in SLYC’s leadership and offerings, which include “Moms on a Mission” and the after-school program. We heard about how it was founded on faith from Executive Director Amanda Gardner Talbot. She spoke of her calling when delivering the sermon on Sunday, Aug. 7th during both services at Christ Church. Parishioner Michon Semon, who serves as the SLYC liaison on the Outreach Commission, can tell you what it’s like to volunteer there. SLYC is located at 217 No. Carey St., Baltimore, MD 21223. At a recent Sunday Circle, Semon described how reading and math scores of children at SLYC have improved. Also, attendance figures in school are above the Baltimore City average. Columbia Community Care Requests Diapers, Personal Care Items At Christ Church, members of R.A.G.E and the Outreach Commission ask parishioners to continue support of the all-volunteer organization, Columbia Community Care (CCC). Please look for updates, such as requests for volunteers on Saturday mornings, posted in the CCC Facebook Group or on the “I Can Help” portion of its website. For example, you’ll find a need for volunteers to take grocery items to one of the three distribution sites after pickup at the CCC pantry building, 10750 Little Patuxent Parkway in Columbia. Please keep collecting diapers, baby wipes, sanitary and personal care items and adult diapers. Put any of these in the yellow bin, marked “CCC,” inside the Parish Hall. Drop off items on weekdays when the church office is open or on Sunday. The Christ Church point of contact is Leigh Smith, who monitors the bins and delivers their contents. FISH Asks Our Prayers Along with Snacks and Cookies Our representative from FISH of Howard County recently had surgery. Paul Wisniewski is recovering; please pray for his good health. Pickups have resumed from our yellow bin between Old Brick and the Parish Hall. Please continue donating cookies, crackers, and snacks to fulfill the shopping lists. Thanks for your contributions to our neighbors in need. 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 XXI 8:00 a.m. in Old Brick 9:00 Family Worship in New Brick 10:30 a.m. with Music and Choir in New Brick You can view our new Sunday schedule here. Collect for Today: Almighty and merciful God, it is only by your gift that your faithful people offer you true and laudable service: Grant that we may run without stumbling to obtain your heavenly promises; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Readings for Pentecost XVII: Isaiah 1:10-18 Psalm 32:1-8 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 Luke 19:1-10 Holy Eucharist Livestream: Our service livestream begins at approximately 10:25 a.m., and you can worship with us by using the service leaflet that's located here.

Always have eyes to see the best, a heart that forgives the worst, a mind that forgets the bad, and a soul that never loses hope. ~author unknown Thank you for walking with me these past several weeks as we all explored and meditated on the above prayer. It has been a transforming experience for me because it gave me the opportunity to ponder over certain aspects of my own life, one which needed some attention. I thought about a former neighbor of mine who called the cops on me because I parked in her driveway. I thought about the betrayal of a friend and the contempt I endured as a kid from some of my older siblings. During this time, the question has been, "Have I forgiven them?" Yes, I have. "Do I see the best in them?" Yes, I do. More to the point, "Do I ever lose hope?" No, I don’t. This is because I am hopeful about a future that's abundant with possibilities. My life has been one where I try as best as I can to see the best in you, the best in every situation, and the best in myself. I see the best in myself because I can forgive myself, and I do forgive myself. And because I can forgive myself, I train myself not to necessarily forget the bad experience, but to use them as a guidepost for the future. All of this is humbling because it points me to the hope I have - and this hope isn’t dependent on me. Rather, it is dependent on the one God who promises and invites us into a hopeful future with Him. Listen to what the prophet Jeremiah says: “...For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This prophecy came at a time of immense distress for the people of Israel who were in exile. The challenges of being in exile may be similar to the challenges that we have recently faced with the ravages of COVID. Amid their hopelessness, and ours, God interrupts all our lives with the eternal promise of hope. The challenge, really, is to hold on to hope - no matter what! I’d like to share a story about Catherine Whittaker and Onyx Williams. During the height of the pandemic, they came to the Parish Hall to pack school supplies for the children of Lake Elkhorn Middle School. After packing and moving boxes from the first floor to the basement, both were sweating up a storm. They looked tired and exhausted. Looking at them, I couldn’t help but ponder, "This is a time when many families are in their homes trying to stay safe. Why are they doing this work? What is motivating them to do it?" Their experience reminded me of a hymn, O’ it is hard to work for God. The hymn isn’t in the 1982 Hymnal we use, but it is in the Ancient and Modern Hymnal. I went for my copy of this hymnal and there’s a particular stanza that I’d like to draw your attention to: Work man of God O’ lose not heart But learn what God is like And in the darkest battlefield Thou shalt know where to strike. I shared the hymn with both Catherine and Onyx with the profound reminder that, indeed, it is not only hard to work for God, but we sometimes lose heart, give up, and lose hope - especially when expectations go unmet. It takes an incredible amount of hope to believe in what is right, to believe in the best in you and others, to believe in the story of human possibilities and in God’s eternal dance with you and me, in order not to lose hope in the face of adversities. The Christian story has always been a hopeful story. It doesn’t sugarcoat adversities and trials; it helps us find a path forward. After all, remember what the Shepherd Psalm says: “Ye though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for thou art with me. Thy rod and staff they comfort me.” It is one of the most hopeful statements in scripture. Reading that verse feels like driving in the night in pitch darkness. Remember, your headlights never shine all the way to your destination; they provide only a few hundred feet of light at a time. But that doesn’t deter us from moving toward our destination, for we trust our headlights. All we have ever needed is enough light to keep us moving forward. All we have ever needed is enough hope to keep us moving forward. As many of you know, we are at the homestretch of our annual pledge campaign. This is the time when we commit ourselves to continually supporting Christ Church. You have supported Christ Church over the years, and for all that and more, we remain eternally grateful. For me, any pledge of support isn’t only an expression of your belief in what this community of faith stands for, but it is an indication of your hope in the future that this sacred space offers to all people. The zeal of Catherine and Onyx, and of so many of you, remind me of the saying that no one plants a tree for today. We plant a tree for tomorrow because we believe in the hope that tomorrow offers. We will all bring our pledges together on Pledge Sunday, November 6th, and offer a prayer of thanksgiving for our blessings and the hope that holds all our lives together. Denzel Washington once said that “A bird sitting on a tree is never afraid of the branch breaking, because her trust is not on the branch, but on its own wings.” Thanks be to God, the father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for being our wings, for carrying us through the storms of life, and for giving us the hope that anchors us in His providence. My prayer for you is: Always have eyes to see the best, a heart that forgives the worst, a mind that forgets the bad, and a soul that never loses hope. Manny

Prepare to Welcome Somos Amigos Executive Director Frank Brightwell this Sunday, Oct. 30th At last, Somos Amigos Medical Missions Executive Director and CEO Frank Brightwell has been able to resume visits to partners such as Christ Church after a long hiatus due to the pandemic. He will deliver the sermon at the 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services this Sunday, Oct. 30th, and make a brief cameo appearance during Sunday Circle. Meanwhile, more volunteers have been able to travel to the Dominican Republic during 2022 than was possible at the height of the pandemic. Volunteers at the clinic held during the second week of October included Christ Church parishioners Dione and Jim Mahoney and former parishioners Mary and Ed Keath (you can see them in the enclosed images; click to enlarge). It was March 2020 when Brightwell last visited Christ Church, before the Keaths moved to a new home in Oregon and before the coronavirus upended life in the little town of Naranjito and everywhere else around the globe. (See a March 2020 photo in this July 1, 2021 Outreach blog.) Somos Amigos’ previous healthcare delivery model had depended on volunteer clinicians and other helpers traveling four times a year, collaborating with residents of Naranjito. To sustain a level of care, Somos Amigos has created a local model. This year marks 25 years in the rural, mountainous region, and plans for the future involve expanding the patient base. In another success, due in part to supporters at Christ Church, Somos Amigos has expanded its insulin program to better care for people with diabetes whose needs had been unmet. The Outreach Commission donated $1,000. in vestry-approved funds to the program earlier this year as part of its support for nonprofit organizations that are local, national, and international. “Before commencing with our first patients three years ago, we spent a full year investigating and consulting with renowned experts. We could not find a model of insulin delivery to patients in remote communities anywhere else in the world,” Brightwell said. The program provides a schedule of yearly visits (or more frequently, if necessary) with an endocrinologist and with an ophthalmologist to address complications. During the October clinic, the Mahoneys were able to witness yet another success in which Christ Church played a part. Franci, the boy who needed heart surgery five years ago, has fully recovered and is thriving in middle school. In 2017, parishioners raised funds to help Franci after he had been diagnosed at age 6 by Somos Amigos doctors with a congenital heart defect. He had to go to Santo Domingo, where he received successful surgery by U.S. physicians and then spent four days in intensive care and two weeks in a children's clinic. As he was undergoing treatment, Checo, his grateful father, and Magaly, who was then his school teacher, watched over him in the big city. Without surgery, the hole in his heart would have meant continual fatigue, an inability to play with his classmates, and a shorter lifespan. To learn more about Somos Amigos and what you might experience traveling to Naranjito, feel free to speak to Dione and parishioner Shahra Toth, who regularly volunteer at the clinic when circumstances permit. Parishioners Preethi Jackson and Ellen Hoke have also volunteered. DreamBuilders Puerto Rico Mission Trip Registration is Open, but only until October 30th! DreamBuilders is sending a team to Puerto Rico during January 8-14 to repair homes damaged by hurricanes. Some families have been waiting for home repairs since 2017 when Hurricane Maria devastated the island. This year, Hurricane Fiona knocked out their infrastructure again and caused more damage to Puerto Rican homes. This will be our third mission trip, working with SBP-Puerto Rico to help families get back into their homes. Registration is open now through October 30th through the DreamBuilders website: http://www.DreamBuildersmd.org/January-2023-trip-to-puerto-rico/. The $700 volunteer cost covers flights, housing, food, and rental vehicles. We have reserved excellent housing a few blocks from the beach and near restaurants and shops. The average temperature in January is 80-83 degrees. All training, safety instruction/gear, and supervision are provided. If you have any questions, please contact Cathy Gold at heycathy@verizon.net. DreamBuilders Local Project for the ARC of Howard County: November 12th & 13th DreamBuilders will be renovating a group home in Columbia, replacing the kitchen floor and upgrading several damaged doorways. We need 10 volunteers each day to complete the work over a single weekend, as the residents will be relocated during the renovation. The workday will be 8:30-4:00 each day, and lunch will be provided. This project is open to youth in seventh grade and older, and adults. No experience is necessary, and all training and supervision will be provided. You can register for this project through the DreamBuilders website: DreamBuildersMD.org. If you have any questions, contact Cathy Gold or Stacey Frith. Join Us for an Interfaith Vigil for Refugees on November 13th Christ Church’s Refugee Ministry will host United We Pray: Interfaith Vigil for Refugees on Sunday, November 13th at 7:00 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church. This community service is open to people of all faiths and traditions, as we gather to show our unified support for those around the globe forced to leave their homes due to war, persecution, or disaster. We will pray particularly for our refugee neighbors who live, work, and attend school in our communities. The service, to be held in St. John’s historic church at 9120 Frederick Rd. in Ellicott City, will include readings, prayers, music, and reflections from the Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Quaker faith traditions.* A light reception will follow in the adjoining All Saints Hall building immediately following the service, with the opportunity for refreshment and fellowship, and the chance to meet some of the refugee families in our area. We welcome all community members to this event, as united we pray for the plight of refugees around the world. *Sponsored by St. John’s Episcopal Church, Columbia Jewish Congregation, Dar Al-Taqwa Mosque, Patapsco Friends Meeting (Quakers of Howard County), and Christ Episcopal Church. Columbia Community Care Seeks Volunteers on Saturdays, Continues to Request Diapers, Personal Care Items At Christ Church, members of R.A.G.E and the Outreach Commission ask parishioners to continue supporting the all-volunteer organization, Columbia Community Care (CCC). Please look for updates, such as requests for volunteers on Saturday mornings, posted in the CCC Facebook Group or on the “I Can Help” portion of its website. For example, you’ll find a need for volunteers to take grocery items to one of the three distribution sites after pickup at the CCC pantry building, 10750 Little Patuxent Parkway in Columbia. The signup form goes through the end of the year. Please keep collecting diapers, baby wipes, sanitary and personal care items, and adult diapers. Put any of these in the yellow bin, marked “CCC,” inside the Parish Hall. Drop off items on weekdays when the church office is open or on Sunday. The Christ Church point of contact is Leigh Smith, who monitors the bins and delivers their contents. FISH Asks Our Prayers Along with Snacks and Cookies Our representative from FISH of Howard County recently had surgery. Paul Wisniewski is recovering; please pray for his good health. Pickups have resumed from our yellow bin between Old Brick and the Parish Hall. Please continue donating cookies, crackers, and snacks to fulfill the shopping lists. Thanks for your contributions to our neighbors in need. 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 XX 8:00 a.m. in Old Brick 9:00 Family Worship in New Brick 10:30 a.m. with Music and Choir in New Brick You can view our new Sunday schedule here. Collect for Today: Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Readings for Pentecost XVII: Jeremiah 14:7-10,19-22 Psalm 84:1-6 2 Timothy 4:6-8,16-18 Luke 18:9-14 Holy Eucharist Livestream: Our service livestream begins at approximately 10:25 a.m., and you can worship with us by using the service leaflet that's located here.

Always have eyes to see the best, a heart that forgives the worst, a mind that forgets the bad, and a soul that never loses hope. ~author unknown Last week, we talked about a heart that God puts in us. A heart that is open and accepting. A heart that forgives the worst because it sees the best in itself and in others. Today, our focus is on a mind that forgets the bad, the bad experiences of the past and present. One of the many things I like about mindfulness - an ancient meditative practice - is the invitation to be in the present, in the now. To not even contemplate the future, which isn’t guaranteed. Don’t worry about the past, either - you have no control over it. Don’t focus on the past, and don’t stress over it. Rather, be present in the now. Live in the present. Indeed, while you meditate, your mind will wander from one thing to the other, one issue to the other, one worry to the other, but do not focus on those - be present in the now. To me, being present isn’t to have a mind that doesn’t necessarily wander; it is to have a mind that centers you in the present, helps you to be in touch with yourself, who you are, your purpose, what life means for you, the value of others, and your desire to see the best in yourself and those around you. A truism of being present in the now - and not especially focusing on the past - is the fact that you cannot pray away the past, nor can you do anything about it. You cannot wish away the past, but you can learn important lessons from the past because you need a guidepost into the future. However, you always have to be mindful of being held captive by a bad experience of the past. There’s a story of Joseph and his brothers that I'm sure you have heard countless times. After being sold into slavery many years prior because his brothers thought it would be better to get rid of him than to kill him, Joseph sees his brothers. This time, he wasn’t the little brother they taunted and hated because of his dreams; this time, he was a Prime Minister. They didn’t recognize him because he was the dream they hated and thought they had gotten rid of. They didn’t recognize him because many years ago, they couldn’t see the best in him or in themselves. But Joseph did recognize his brothers. He was so present with himself that he recognized them because his own dreams of himself had not only come to pass but were manifesting themselves in real time. The interesting thing about what happened was that, in spite of the fact that the past loomed large over him, he wasn’t trapped by the bad experiences of his past. In fact, the past provided more than enough meaning for him, because within the moment of meeting his brothers, he pointed to the hand of God in his life. It has been the working of God all along, for it is God who makes all things possible. It is God who determines our destiny. It is God who charts the course of our lives. Yes, your enemy isn’t God, and so cannot at any stage in your life shape what your life is going to be. They may throw wrenches in your way, but the final determinant is God. That is the point that Joseph made to his brothers when he finally revealed himself to them. Remember this: Joseph could’ve done whatever he wanted to do with his brothers, and that would have been perfectly fine. But if your mind isn’t trapped by the past, if you are not trapped by your past experiences - the bad ones - you don’t feel obligated to exact revenge. You wouldn’t even feel the need to hold on to those bad experiences. In St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he considers all his experiences - the good, the bad, and the ugly. He doesn’t talk about a rerun of the bad, thus giving himself the opportunity to remake the past. As valuable as the past may be, he simply looks forward to the day when he shall see his savior Jesus Christ face-to-face. Listen to Paul: “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Paul’s mind doesn’t feel trapped in any way. I do not know the bad which you have endured or your bad experiences of the past. But as tempting as it may be to hold on, the invitation is to have a mind that compels you to forget the bad and frees you to look at yourself in a totally different way. The reality is that a mind that forgets the bad isn’t only optimistic about the human story, but is compassionate towards the human condition. It expresses compassion for itself and others. A mind that forgets that bad is not only in touch with itself but maintains a positive disposition because it sees the best in itself and others. Manny

I chanced upon this prayer on my Facebook feed - yes, you can find all sorts on Facebook. The prayer writer remains unknown, but his/her words spoke to me, as I believe they will speak to you. I then took upon myself the liberty of reflecting on these words with you - especially during this exciting time of stewardship, where each is encouraged to pledge in support of our common life. The prayer is comprised of four parts: eyes to see the best, a heart that forgives the worst, a mind that forgets the bad, and a soul that never loses hope. For the next four weeks, I will reflect on each part of the prayer. I begin with eyes that see the best. The challenges we experience in our own lives often become blinders - to the point where we only see the negative, the worst in others, in ourselves, and even in our communities. One of the important lessons that I learned as a kid who had the unique opportunity to read his report card from elementary school was to grow accustomed to the thoughts of the teacher whose duty it was to write a comment on the report card. This is what the teachers often wrote: “There’s room for improvement.” I really didn’t know at the time what that meant but I figured out over time that it was a tacit acknowledgment of the potential that abounds in me - "Nothing can stop me from growing," I can hear them say. I'm sure that every little kid who also read similar comments felt the same way as I did - that there’s a huge potential that awaits, but only if you have eyes to see the best in you and the potential that abounds in you. Eyes, we may have. See, we may see. But do we see the best? I believe that those teachers could’ve written something that sort of diminished students, but of what good would that have been? To see the best in others and in situations is not to ignore the worse; rather, it is to affirm that in spite of all else, even the worst, there’s this spark in a person, a situation, an organization, or even within a community that, if acknowledged and nurtured, has the potential to yield significant rewards. This past week, we launched our Stewardship Campaign for 2023. It is a very exciting time for Christ Church. Last year, we counted about one hundred and eighty (180) pledging units that collectively raised about four hundred and eighty-three thousand ($483,000.00). Our hope this year is to increase our pledging units to two hundred and to raise five hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars ($525,000.00) to fully support our common life. This is a steep goal, but it can only be achieved if parishioners like you and I, with our eyes open, can see the best that is possible within our community. When I was serving in Philadelphia a few years ago, a parishioner had come to church one day but left before the service was over. They then returned back to church another day with some news. The preacher at the initial service had spoken about his ministry to the homeless and the incredible gift of that ministry. As challenging as the life of a homeless person was, he always saw in them a means by which he could connect with God through service. He always saw the best that he could offer to neighbors. He always saw, in those who are homeless, an enriching experience that spoke to tenderness and grace. This parishioner heard this preacher and returned back to church, encountering a homeless man on Germantown Avenue on his way to grab brunch with his wife. But this time, instead of simply walking by the homeless man who had asked for money to buy food, he gave the man some. He would later say that the sermon he heard that day was so moving that he simply couldn’t pass by the homeless man without acting. He saw the best in that man; more than that, he saw the best in himself. Can you see the best in yourself? Can you see the best in others? Can you see the best in your partner, or in your relationships? Can you see the best in your colleagues, and in your neighbors? Can you see the best within this community at Christ Church? Can you see the best within the broader society? I am sure you can. In fact, there is no doubt in my mind that you can. And so, I'd like to encourage you, on this day and every day, to always endeavor to see the best in yourself, in others, and in all situations. Manny

Seeking One or Two Volunteers to Help the Homeless on Saturday, Oct. 29th at Grassroots’ Day Resource Center at Dorsey Center As winter approaches, a hot meal beckons the homeless people who live in a tent or in their vehicles within reach of the Day Resource Center (DRC) in Jessup. Typically, Christ Church serves a monthly meal at midday on Mondays, when many would-be volunteers are working. Now the DRC is giving one or two of us a chance to volunteer on a Saturday morning. The time is 9:30 a.m. to noon on October 29th, when one or two volunteers from Christ Church are invited to join servers from other Howard County congregations to staff the breakfast meal. The location is the Leola Dorsey Community Resource Center, 10390 Guilford Rd., Jessup, MD 20794. The Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center operates the DRC on the ground floor of the center for homeless men, women, and, occasionally, their children. A Christ Church family has already stepped forward to contribute scrambled eggs for that morning’s menu, so for the help we’re seeking, there’s no cooking involved. Instead, you might be asked to ladle the food as diners line up or to load plates in the dishwasher. A Grassroots staff member is always on hand to oversee the meal. If you want to sign up, please email outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org no later than noon on Monday, Oct. 24. Besides meals, Grassroots offers services such as laundry and showers three days a week at the DRC. But one of its most important offerings is a free medical clinic, where Dr. Joseph Gagliardi relies on Christ Church for over-the-counter supplies. Thanks to the support of parishioners who donate through the church to “General Outreach,” or to the DRC explicitly, the Outreach Commission was recently able to spend $155 to replenish the clinic's medicine cabinet. Outreach member Dione Mahoney purchased and delivered antibiotic ointments, bathing wipes, antacids, and nutritional supplements for diabetics. You may recall that in the summer we donated drinks to keep his patients hydrated. A hearty thanks for all these items goes to you from “Dr. G” and our DRC friends! At Christ Church, Dione remains an assistant coordinator for the DRC along with Shahra Toth, who will become the coordinator as of our December meal on Monday, December 12th. (Thank you, Shahra and Dione!) After the midday meal on November 14th, Nancy Winchester will step down as coordinator while continuing to serve as a volunteer. (A hearty thanks to Nancy for her countless efforts over the years!) To reach any of them with questions, please email outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org. Columbia Community Care Announces Restaurant Week Oct. 23-30th, Continues Its Request for Diapers, Baby-Care Items, and Depends Now’s the time to eat out or to take out, with seven restaurants planning to donate a portion of receipts on successive days next week to benefit Columbia Community Care (CCC). For the particular days and hours during which each restaurant participates, please take a look at the CCC Group on Facebook. The participants, such as Hudson Coastal in Fulton and Silver Diner in Elkridge, are being announced in a series of posts. A list of restaurants is found on CCC’s flier (shown here) and on the nonprofit organization’s website. Also check the site for information about how CCC helps people in the community with produce, staples, and other essentials at three distribution sites or by home deliveries. At Christ Church, members of R.A.G.E and the Outreach Commission ask parishioners to continue supporting the primarily volunteer organization. Please collect diapers, baby wipes, sanitary and personal care items, and adult diapers. Place them in the yellow bin, marked “CCC,” inside the Parish Hall on weekdays when the church office is open or on Sunday. Thank you! DreamBuilders Puerto Rico Mission Trip Registration is Open, but only until October 30th! DreamBuilders is sending a team to Puerto Rico during January 8-14 to repair homes damaged by hurricanes. Some families have been waiting for home repairs since 2017 when Hurricane Maria devastated the island. This year, Hurricane Fiona knocked out their infrastructure again and caused more damage to Puerto Rican homes. This will be our third mission trip, working with SBP-Puerto Rico to help families get back into their homes. Registration is open now through October 30th through the DreamBuilders website: http://www.DreamBuildersmd.org/January-2023-trip-to-puerto-rico/. The $700 volunteer cost covers flights, housing, food, and rental vehicles. We have reserved excellent housing a few blocks from the beach and near restaurants and shops. The average temperature in January is 80-83 degrees. All training, safety instruction/gear, and supervision are provided. If you have any questions, please contact Cathy Gold at heycathy@verizon.net. DreamBuilders Local Project for the ARC of Howard County: November 12 & 13 DreamBuilders will be renovating a group home in Columbia, replacing the kitchen floor and upgrading several damaged doorways. We need 10 volunteers each day to complete the work over a single weekend, as the residents will be relocated during the renovation. The workday will be 8:30-4:00 each day, and lunch will be provided. This project is open to youth in seventh grade and older, and adults. No experience is necessary, and all training and supervision will be provided. You can register for this project through the DreamBuilders website: DreamBuildersMD.org. If you have any questions, contact Cathy Gold or Stacey Frith. Join Us for an Interfaith Vigil for Refugees - November 13th Christ Church’s Refugee Ministry will host United We Pray: Interfaith Vigil for Refugees on Sunday, November 13th at 7:00 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church. This community service is open to people of all faiths and traditions, as we gather to show our unified support for those around the globe forced to leave their homes due to war, persecution, or disaster. We will pray particularly for our refugee neighbors who live, work, and attend school in our communities. The service, to be held in St. John’s historic church at 9120 Frederick Rd. in Ellicott City, will include readings, prayers, music, and reflections from the Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Quaker faith traditions.* A light reception will follow in the adjoining All Saints Hall building immediately following the service, with the opportunity for refreshment and fellowship, and the chance to meet some of the refugee families in our area. We welcome all community members to this event, as united we pray for the plight of refugees around the world. *Sponsored by St. John’s Episcopal Church, Columbia Jewish Congregation, Dar Al-Taqwa Mosque, Patapsco Friends Meeting (Quakers of Howard County), and Christ Episcopal Church. FISH Asks Our Prayers Along with Snacks and Cookies Our representative from FISH of Howard County recently had surgery. Paul Wisniewski is recovering; please pray for his good health. Pickups have resumed from our yellow bin between Old Brick and the Parish Hall. Please continue donating cookies, crackers, and snacks to fulfill the shopping lists. Thanks for your contributions to our neighbors in need. 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.