Centering Prayer has returned! We gather with Kathy and Adrian on Thursday evenings at 6:00 p.m. in Old Brick, and everyone is welcome to join us. Stop by as your schedule permits; whether it's every week or once in a while, you're welcome to take part. Centering Prayer is a form of contemplative prayer that is meditative. Each session begins with a reading from scripture or from the writings of spiritual leaders and teachers. After the reading, the group sits for periods of ten minutes of silence in which each individual meditates on a word, phrase, or thought from the reading. The silence in a group setting allows for a shared energy and connectedness that fosters an openness to God’s presence, building on our awareness that the Holy Spirit resides in each one of us. Please know that all social distancing guidelines will be strictly adhered to during this gathering, and masks are currently required by all participants. If you'd like more information or have any questions, contact us. We hope that you will come and take part in this special and unique gathering of communal prayer.

African Team Ministries is coming back to Christ Church just in time for Mother's Day! We missed our originally scheduled sale in 2020 since we could not gather in person at the time, so we offer wonderful ATM goods all throughout this week until the 2nd of May. Hand-crafted jewelry, wooden and soapstone carvings, nativity sets, and other fashion accessories will be on display and for sale. You can visit the ATM display after each service on Sunday, May 2nd but we can also provide private showings by appointment this Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings, as well as on Saturday, May 1st. Contact us by emailing info@christchurchcolumbia.org, by calling the church office at the number on our website. African Team Ministries is a Christian ministry working as an intermediary between African and American churches. With help from Episcopal, Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, and Anglican denominations, we provide funding for orphan and refugee relief missions and evangelism in East Africa. As is the case with many organizations during this pandemic, support has dropped dramatically for African Team Ministries, so your help is both welcome and deeply appreciated. Thank you.

Today is the Fourth Sunday of Easter. Collect of the Day: O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Readings for today: Acts 4:5-12 Psalm 23 1 John 3:16-24 John 10:11-18 Sermon for Today: Rebecca Warlow, a Christ Church parishioner and Licensed Lay Preacher, presents us with this week's sermon. Her sermon text can be read here. Today's Worship Livestream: Today's service bulletin can be found here, and the sheet music is here.

African Team Ministries Sale - April 25th & May 2nd African Team Ministries is coming back to Christ Church just in time for Mother's Day! We missed our originally scheduled sale in 2020 since we could not gather in person at the time, so we expect to now offer wonderful ATM goods on the 25th of April and 2nd of May, after each service. Hand-crafted jewelry, wooden and soapstone carvings, nativity sets, and other fashion accessories will be on display and for sale. African Team Ministries is a Christian ministry working as an intermediary between African and American churches. With help from Episcopal, Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, and Anglican denominations, we provide funding for orphan and refugee relief missions and evangelism in East Africa. Spread the Word: April 30th Food Giveaway at Howard Community College Public-health students at Howard Community College are planning to hand out free food to the less fortunate in Howard County on Friday, April 30th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. As a part of a final course assignment, the students are collaborating with the Maryland Food Bank to distribute 350 free boxes of food and canned goods to those in need. The event is drive-through only (no walk-ins) at Parking Lot B, Howard Community College, 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD, 21044. Please spread the word among yourselves and any others who would benefit from free food. No eligibility is required. Click the above image for details. DreamBuilders Needs Your Help in Building Portable Desks Our portable desks continue to be very popular with local students, and the schools and student support groups have been clamoring for more. Please plan to help DreamBuilders construct a total of 120-or-so desks to be given away to identified students. The activity takes place on consecutive Saturdays. We hope you have already signed up for April 24th. There are still slots on May 1st, so please sign up here. The process will be the same as in the past - the work will be divided into socially-distanced work stations, and carried out by many small teams of family and friends, wearing masks. All work stations will be outside, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Highland. We have lots of jobs for all skill levels, and training will be provided. If you have questions, contact Cathy Gold or Stacey Frith. Save the Dates: May 17th and June 21st to Help Feed the Hungry at Grassroots Just as parishioners turned out on April 19th, we are looking forward to future chances for hands-on volunteerism. The next meals will be on May 17th and June 21st. Plan to arrive between 3:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. outside Old Brick, bringing with you a side dish or dessert for the 50 residents of Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center‘s live-in facility. You can also bring pantry items such as granola bars. Please sign up online no later than noon on Sunday, May 16th, so coordinators will know your plans. Click on the Christ Church Grassroots Meal link on SignUpGenius to learn which items are still open on our menu. We welcome additional participants — and the resulting side dishes, desserts, and fruits — to complement our main course. Co-coordinator Nancy Winchester acquires fried chicken at Weis and meets the other volunteers as they enter the Christ Church parking lot. We’ll continue to suggest masks and social distancing. Plan to arrive no later than 3:30 p.m., when she must depart for Grassroots for handoff to its staff. You’ll find lots of information at the sign-up link, but for questions contact Nancy or co-coordinator Shahra Toth or email outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org. To further help our neighbors in need, some parishioners take it upon themselves to provide the evening meal for the 50 adults and children. Here is a link to the sign-up list which has openings through June 30th. It’s your choice to provide an entree and side dishes, or just the entree. You can cook in your own kitchen, or order out. Grassroots encourages an order of 12 pizzas -- four with cheese and the rest with meat (any kind), or rotisserie chickens (12 to make a meal), but discourages lasagna or other pasta entrees. Grassroots Offers Training in April in QPR Skills to Help Prevent Suicides Once again, Grassroots offers Howard County residents, employees, or students a chance to learn skills that could help save a life from suicide. QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the three simple steps anyone can learn to help save lives, just as individuals trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver learn what to do. Thanks to the Horizon Foundation, the online seminar is free for adults on three days this month. The QPR sessions take place on Monday, April 26th from 6 to 7:30 p.m., and on Friday, April 30th from 7 to 8:30 p.m. To register, go here: To learn more, email amanda@grassrootscrisis.org to speak with Amanda Ganoe, organizer. Collection Drive Continues to Provide Diapers, Personal Care Items for CCC At Christ Church, our Racially Aware Group of Episcopalians (R.A.G.E) and the Outreach Commission ask parishioners to support Columbia Community Care (CCC). So far we have been collecting diapers, baby wipes, sanitary and personal care items and we’re now passing along a request for a few adult diapers such as Depends. Please put any of these items in the yellow bin, marked “CCC,” just inside the Parish Hall door. You can drop off items on weekdays until 2 p.m., but we ask that you call the church office (410) 381-9365 ahead of time. Donate Spring Cleaning Supplies for FISH in its Yellow Bin Organizers for FISH of Howard County request household cleaning supplies such as liquid dish soap, bleach, and cleanser. Also, the families who call on FISH during times of crisis could use personal items such as deodorant, shampoo, and bath soaps. At the present time, the pantry has an adequate supply of groceries. 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.

The verdict for the murder of George Floyd is in. We can breathe a sigh of relief, even as we acknowledge that one just verdict is merely the beginning - the spark for a long national reckoning on racial injustice, with much work yet to do. As citizens, we may be swayed to see sides and ponder politics within this reckoning. As Christians, we have no such luxury - and no option for sitting on the sidelines. Our baptismal covenant leads us to clear, specific action: To proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ. To seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbor as ourselves. To strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being. The call here is undeniable: each of us has a responsibility, as disciples of Christ, to act against the sin of racism. What that looks like in exact terms may vary by individual and by faith community. But for Christians, inaction is simply not an option. Christ Church’s own RAGE ministry - Racially Aware Group of Episcopalians - has been exploring the complex issues surrounding systemic racism for the better part of the past year. RAGE members have shared frank and open discussions about often uncomfortable issues, been educated by contemporary readings and by guest speakers, and spent time discerning the next steps. Far from just another book club, the group is committed to taking action to carry out our baptismal promises around seeking justice and equity for all God’s children. Led by ministry leaders Duane Smith and Lexi Couch, RAGE is moving forward with developing a mission statement around intentional work in areas such as reconciliation and healing, community peace and justice, advocacy, and education and awareness. This mission statement will serve as the foundation for how we invest our time and energy as a Christ Church ministry. As we pray for the soul of George Floyd, for his family, for law enforcement, and for community and government leaders, let’s also pray for God to open our hearts and minds to our specific and personal call to help dismantle racism, in all its forms. RAGE’s next meeting will be on Tuesday, May 4th at 7:30 p.m. (Zoom details will be published in next week's Gatherings email). A full schedule of meeting dates and topics of discussion for the coming months will be announced soon. As theologian Henri Nouwen noted, “We cannot profess our solidarity with those who are oppressed when we are unwilling to confront the oppressor.” We are a covenant people. Let us be willing to go forth and act, with courage and conviction, in the name of the risen Christ. -Denise

Centering Prayer has returned! We gather with Kathy and Adrian on Thursday evenings at 6:00 p.m. in Old Brick, and everyone is welcome to join us. Stop by as your schedule permits; whether it's every week or once in a while, you're welcome to take part. Centering Prayer is a form of contemplative prayer that is meditative. Each session begins with a reading from scripture or from the writings of spiritual leaders and teachers. After the reading, the group sits for periods of ten minutes of silence in which each individual meditates on a word, phrase, or thought from the reading. The silence in a group setting allows for a shared energy and connectedness that fosters an openness to God’s presence, building on our awareness that the Holy Spirit resides in each one of us. Please know that all social distancing guidelines will be strictly adhered to during this gathering, and masks are currently required by all participants. If you'd like more information or have any questions, contact us. We hope that you will come and take part in this special and unique gathering of communal prayer.

CONVERSATIONS ON RACE: R.A.G.E. MINISTRY Tuesday, April 20th at 7:30 p.m. Join us as we continue a discussion on the book "So You Want to Talk About Race" by Ijeoma Oluo. You can find the book - a New York Times Bestseller - at many retailers in physical, audiobook, and digital form. We'll also discuss our plans for the coming few months. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to take part, so email us if you have any questions or would like to join the conversation of this insightful and engaging discussion series - info@christchurchcolumbia.org

Today is the Third Sunday of Easter. Collect of the Day: O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Readings for today: Acts 3:12-19 Psalm 4 1 John 3:1-7 Luke 24:36b-48 Sermon for Today: Kathy Lyon, a Christ Church parishioner, present us with this week's sermon. Her sermon text can be read here. Today's Worship Livestream: Today's service bulletin can be found here, and the sheet music is here.

DreamBuilders is Building Portable Desks Again! Our portable desks continue to be very popular with local students, and the schools and student support groups have been clamoring for more. We will be building another 120-or-so desks to be given away to identified students on consecutive Saturdays: April 24th and May 1st. The process will be the same as in the past — the work will be divided into socially-distanced work stations, and carried out by many small teams of family and friends, wearing masks. All work stations will be outside, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Highland. We have lots of jobs for all skill levels, and training will be provided. If you are interested in joining this fun and worthy effort, you can sign up on our website: dreambuildersmd.org. Look for the heading “portable desk project”. If you have questions, contact Cathy Gold or Stacey Frith, or email info@christchurchcolumbia.org. Save the Dates, and Whet your Appetites, for Bridges' Takeout & Housing Celebration Bridges to Housing Stability is inviting supporters to an online celebration and a related fundraiser as it honors people who have made significant contributions to its mission. The goal of the nonprofit organization is preventing and ending homelessness in Howard County. Bridges invites you to attend the live virtual event on Monday, April 26, from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Click this link to register for Heroes for Housing. Registration is free but required. Well beforehand, plan to order takeout to enjoy during the event from the participating restaurant: Victoria Gastro Pub, 8201 Snowden River Pkwy, Ellicott City. A portion of the food ($65 each) and drink receipts go to Bridges. See a menu and order at this link by Thursday, April 22nd. Pickup is on April 26th from 3:30 to 6 p.m Place your order soon to ensure a pickup time (slots are limited). Christ Church has a warm relationship with Bridges that dates to 2019, when we participated in its countywide chili cook-off, Holier Than Thou. Parishioner James Collins, a Bridges board member, was master of ceremonies. That fundraising and camaraderie was surpassed during our own cook-off in February 2020, which raised $1,000. And that, in turn, led to Christ Church winning a Silver Ladle Award during the Chili & Challenge virtual fundraiser last fall. Join Us Monday, April 19 to Help Feed the Hungry at Grassroots It will soon be the third Monday of the month and parishioners are looking forward to hands-on volunteerism. Please consider preparing a side dish or dessert for the monthly meal that we provide for 50 residents of Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center‘s live-in facility. You can also bring pantry items such as granola bars. On Monday, April 19th, please plan to arrive between 3:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. outside Old Brick. Also please sign up online no later than noon on Sunday, April 18, so coordinators will know what you plan to bring. Click into the Christ Church Grassroots Meal link on SignUpGenius to learn which items are still open on our menu. We welcome additional participants — and the resulting side dishes, desserts, and fruits — to complement our main course. Due to coronavirus concerns, be sure to mask up and practice social distancing whether or not you have been vaccinated. The items drop-off continues to be outdoors. Co-coordinator Nancy Winchester acquires fried chicken at Weis and meets the other volunteers as they enter the Christ Church parking lot. Nancy then transports the food to Freetown Road for handoff to the staff of Grassroots. Save the dates for the subsequent meals, which will be on May 17th and June 21st. The time and place remain the same, and please arrive no later than 3:30 p.m. because the departure for Grassroots is prompt. You’ll find lots of information at the sign-up link, but for questions contact Nancy or co-coordinator Shahra Toth or email outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org. To further help our neighbors in need, some parishioners take it upon themselves to provide the evening meal for the 50 adults and children. Here is a link to the sign-up list which has openings through June 30th. It’s your choice to provide an entree and side dishes, or just the entree. You can cook in your own kitchen, or order out. Grassroots encourages an order of 12 pizzas -- four with cheese and the rest with meat (any kind), or rotisserie chickens (12 to make a meal), but discourages lasagna or other pasta entrees. Grassroots Offers Training in April in QPR Skills to Help Prevent Suicides Once again, Grassroots offers Howard County residents, employees, or students a chance to learn skills that could help save a life from suicide. QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the three simple steps anyone can learn to help save lives, just as individuals trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver learn what to do. Thanks to the Horizon Foundation, the online seminar is free for adults on three days this month. The QPR sessions take place on Saturday, April 17th from 10 to 11:30 a.m., on Monday, April 26th from 6 to 7:30 p.m., and on Friday, April 30th from 7 to 8:30 p.m. To register, go here; To learn more, email amanda@grassrootscrisis.org to speak with Amanda Ganoe, organizer. Collection Drive Continues to Provide Diapers, Personal Care Items for CCC At Christ Church, our Racially Aware Group of Episcopalians (R.A.G.E) and the Outreach Commission ask parishioners to support Columbia Community Care (CCC). So far we have been collecting diapers, baby wipes, sanitary and personal care items and we’re now passing along a request for a few adult diapers such as Depends. Please put any of these items in the yellow bin, marked “CCC,” just inside the Parish Hall door. You can drop off items on weekdays until 2 p.m., but we ask that you call the church office (410) 381-9365 ahead of time. Donate Spring Cleaning Supplies for FISH in its Yellow Bin Organizers for FISH of Howard County request household cleaning supplies such as liquid dish soap, bleach, and cleanser. Also the families who call on FISH during times of crisis could use personal items such as deodorant, shampoo and bath soaps. At the present time, the pantry has an adequate supply of groceries. African Team Ministries Sale - April 25th & May 2nd African Team Ministries is coming back to Christ Church just in time for Mother's Day! We missed our originally scheduled sale in 2020 since we could not gather in person at the time, so we expect to now offer wonderful ATM goods on the 25th of April and 2nd of May, after each service. Hand-crafted jewelry, wooden and soapstone carvings, nativity sets, and other fashion accessories will be on display and for sale. African Team Ministries is a Christian ministry working as an intermediary between African and American churches. With help from Episcopal, Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, and Anglican denominations, we provide funding for orphan and refugee relief missions and evangelism in East Africa. 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.

Centering Prayer has returned! We gather with Kathy and Adrian on Thursday evenings at 6:00 p.m. in Old Brick, and everyone is welcome to join us. Stop by as your schedule permits; whether it's every week or once in a while, you're welcome to take part. Centering Prayer is a form of contemplative prayer that is meditative. Each session begins with a reading from scripture or from the writings of spiritual leaders and teachers. After the reading, the group sits for periods of ten minutes of silence in which each individual meditates on a word, phrase, or thought from the reading. The silence in a group setting allows for a shared energy and connectedness that fosters an openness to God’s presence, building on our awareness that the Holy Spirit resides in each one of us. Please know that all social distancing guidelines will be strictly adhered to during this gathering, and masks are currently required by all participants. If you'd like more information or have any questions, contact us. We hope that you will come and take part in this special and unique gathering of communal prayer.

Today is the Second Sunday of Easter. Collect of the Day: Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ's Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Readings for today: Acts 4:32-35 Psalm 133 1 John 1:1-2:2 John 20:19-31 Sermon for Today: Deacon Denise's Sermon text can be read here. Today's Worship Livestream: Today's service bulletin can be found here.