Today is the Fourth Sunday in Lent. Collect of the Day: Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Readings for today: Joshua 5:9-12 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 Psalm 32 Today's Worship Livestream: You can join us for today's service by using this leaflet.

On weekdays during the season of Lent, we post daily meditations on our website, and on Saturdays we include a piece of music, as well. These songs are submitted by parish family members and friends of Christ Church, and meant to uplift, comfort, and inspire. We hope that you enjoy. Lie number one you're supposed to have it all together And when they ask how you're doing Just smile and tell them, "Never better" Lie number 2 everybody's life is perfect except yours So, keep your messes and your wounds And your secrets safe with you behind closed doors Truth be told The truth is rarely told, now I say I'm fine, yeah I'm fine oh I'm fine, hey I'm fine but I'm not I'm broken And when it's out of control I say it's under control but it's not And you know it I don't know why it's so hard to admit it When being honest is the only way to fix it There's no failure, no fall There's no sin you don't already know So let the truth be told There's a sign on the door, says, "Come as you are" but I doubt it 'Cause if we lived like it was true, every Sunday morning pew would be crowded But didn't you say the church should look more like a hospital A safe place for the sick, the sinner and the scarred and the prodigals Like me Well truth be told The truth is rarely told Oh, am I the only one who says I'm fine, yeah I'm fine oh I'm fine, hey I'm fine but I'm not I'm broken And when it's out of control I say it's under control but it's not And you know it I don't know why it's so hard to admit it When being honest is the only way to fix it There's no failure, no fall There's no sin you don't already know So let the truth be told Can I really stand here unashamed Knowin' that you love for me won't change? Oh God if that's really true Then let the truth be told I say I'm fine, yeah I'm fine oh I'm fine, hey I'm fine but I'm not I'm broken And when it's out of control I say it's under control but it's not And you know it I don't know why it's so hard to admit it When being honest is the only way to fix it There's no failure, no fall There's no sin you don't already know Yeah, I know There's no failure, no fall There's no sin you don't already know So let the truth be told Songwriters: Carly Pearce and Matthew West

Your house is Love’s house. It is a sanctuary, a garden, A safe haven. May it be delightful. May it be a home that encourages Creativity and peace, Togetherness and private time. May it be an environment That celebrates life, untidy and ever flowing May simplicity be honored in your house. Valuing love above all else. May daily chores and small moments All be approached with reverence and with love. Mistakes may be seen as lessons learned. Kindness, forgiveness, laughter, joy And calm enthusiasm Will nourish all who enter through its doors. May all who visit leave refreshed. May all who live in your house Live in contentment and harmony, Dreaming beautiful dreams, Rejoicing in the way things are. by Ingrid Goff-Maidoff

DreamBuilders Trip to Repair Homes in Puerto Rico - May 15-21, 2022. REGISTER BY TOMORROW, MARCH 25TH TO JOIN US! Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico in September of 2017. Though it’s been over 4 years, hundreds of Puerto Ricans are still waiting for the day when their home can be livable again. DreamBuilders will be making its second trip to the island in May to work with SBP-Puerto Rico to repair damaged homes. The trip is for adults 18 and older. The cost of the trip is $1000 per volunteer, which covers the flights, housing, food, and rental vehicles. Trip registration is only open for ONE MORE DAY, until March 25th, to meet airline requirements for a group rate. SBP has covid protocols in place to protect their staff, homeowners, and us. All volunteers must be vaccinated. Puerto Rico has recently relaxed their requirements for entry to the island, and pre-flight testing is no longer required. You can register as a volunteer by clicking here. You will be required to pay at least half of the cost ($500) upon registration. The remaining $500 will be due by March 31st. The payment portal can be found at this url: https://goo.gl/4SHxKv Hope to see you in Puerto Rico in May! A Chance on Sunday to Learn How Bridges to Housing Stability Helps End Homelessness in Howard County Plan to attend or livestream worship services and participate in the Adult Forum this Sunday, March 27th, when we have invited a representative of Bridges to Housing Stability to visit Christ Church. Nancy Fenton, Director of Development & Marketing, will give the sermon and speak during Sunday Circle on the latest ways that Bridges makes it possible for people to find and keep affordable housing. Christ Church has a warm relationship as a supporter of Bridges, starting with our participation in a countywide chili cook-off in 2019. At the Chili & Challenge virtual fundraiser held in 2020, Christ Church won a Silver Ladle Award. Then, at the 2021 Chili & Challenge, we won gold. We’ll hear how the funds that we have raised are helping residents. It’s a pressing need. Of Howard County’s 30,000 renter households, 43 percent are cost-burdened (spending a third of monthly income on rent) and another 33 percent of households are severely cost-burdened (spending more than half of monthly income on rent). One way that Bridges tackles this problem is through its Alliance program, which provides rental homes at below-market rents for one year to qualifying individuals and families. Tenants include para-educators, certified nursing aides, childcare providers, restaurant servers, commercial drivers, and security guards. To promote self-sufficiency, Alliance offers Circle of Support – regular education sessions related to financial capability, budgeting, saving, credit repair, investing for retirement, and buying a home. At the start of 2022, Bridges bought a three-bedroom condo that became the 46th unit in its Alliance program. That adds one more affordable home in Columbia, a place where such housing is increasingly scarce. On Sunday, don’t miss the chance to learn more about this and other initiatives in Howard County. CCC Thanks All for Community Help, Marks Its 2-Year Anniversary Two years ago, as Maryland and the rest of the nation plunged into the travails of a worldwide pandemic, an all-volunteer organization was founded. Last week, Columbia Community Care (CCC) was recruiting volunteers to help clean up and set up a new pantry. This week, leaders were expressing gratitude not only for that weekend labor but for support going back to March 2020. “We were so caught up in the excitement and planning of our new space cleanup that our 2nd Anniversary passed us by without fanfare,” said Meg Dacey Feroli, speaking for all of the leaders in a post on the CCC Facebook Group. “But we're still here! 2 years since COVID shut down the schools and brought our community to a standstill. But it didn't shut down the hearts and hands of what would become Columbia Community Care. Volunteers jumped in to help cover the food gap created by kids losing their school meals, families losing their jobs, and individuals unable to get to the store for a variety of reasons. “Even with the threat of COVID waning, our community has seen the need for what it is, a long-time systemic problem. And so, 2 years later, some volunteers from day one still come out to help, and new volunteers find us each day. Donations of food, essentials, and money continue to keep our families fed and safe. “Thank you, it never seems like it's enough to say it. But we appreciate every contribution, every pair of hands, every dollar, every new idea, every single one. We continue to grow, expand and serve and even though we are sad that the need exists, we are grateful that we are here and able to meet the need.” Supporters of CCC, including parishioner Dave Lanczynski, volunteered on March 19 and March 20 to prepare space for a pantry in a county-owned building that was once home to the Columbia Flier. CCC is selling a new CCC t-shirt as a fundraiser to help prep and stock the pantry. The refurbished space, in turn, will allow the resumption of home delivery to households who lack transportation. CCC also hopes people will wear the shirts when volunteering at its three distribution sites. Site times and locations, along with additional photos of the weekend setup, can be found on the group’s Facebook page. At Christ Church, members of R.A.G.E and the Outreach Commission ask parishioners to continue CCC by collecting diapers, baby wipes, sanitary and personal care items, and adult diapers. Please put them in the yellow bin, marked “CCC,” inside the Parish Hall. A Volunteer Opportunity in Anacostia to Pack Meals for Haiti or Puerto Rico Volunteers are coming from far and wide on Saturday, March 26, to a “Global Meals for the Hungry” event at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church in the Anacostia section of Southeast Washington, D.C. When asked to spread the word, Diane Phillips LaGuerre invited fellow Outreach members to inform Christ Church parishioners who might want to try their hand at a “Meal Packing Event.” At least 150 volunteers will gather in an assembly line to pack 35,000 meals to be delivered to Haiti or Puerto Rico. Volunteers must be age 10 or older and have proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. PPE materials will be provided to everyone. View a video to glimpse the teamwork involved. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the church hall “Panorama Room” at 1600 Morris Rd. SE, Washington, D.C. 20020. To register or for information, send an email to olphglobal-meals@gmail.com or call Cheryl Holley at 202-256-2567. Baltimore Seafarers News As a reminder, the Women of Christ Church gather donations for Seafarers throughout the year. At this time, they are looking for magazines, cards, notebooks, gloves, hats, and scarves. If you’d like to donate any of these items, the "Seafarers" box is under the table in the Tower Room of New Brick. FISH Continues its Request for Cookies, Crackers, and Snacks As winter continues, organizers for FISH of Howard County continue to ask for cookies, crackers, and snacks to fulfill shopping lists. They also say thanks to Christ Church for its response to their earlier needs, which produced an adequate inventory of household cleaning supplies and personal items. The bin is on the breezeway near the door to the Parish Hall. 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.

Members of the WOCC visited the Maryland Women’s Heritage Center on March 21st and were given a wonderful tour by the Director, Diana Bailey. They have just moved into their new location on Charles Street, a historic building in Baltimore that at one time was home to the Woman’s Industrial Exchange. They have created exhibits on many current topics and local interests.

In the church, there is no longer any distinction between Jew or Gentile, male or female, slave or free, because all are united equally in Christ to form his Body, the church. Galatians 3:28 "There are many different metaphors in the Bible that help us understand who we are as a people of God, but none more to be treasured or more to be meditated upon and applied than the body of Christ. When the Bible says that we are the body of Christ, the metaphor begins with a picture of Jesus as the head of the body. Meaning this, he is the incarnate Lord. He is the one who has literally come from Heaven into this world, taking a body unto himself. In his incarnate life, Jesus never ceased being God, but he took fully to himself our humanity, and now that he has ascended after his crucifixion and resurrection, his body in our midst, the way by which he does his Kingdom work, he reveals his commitment to make all things new is through literally his body. Men and women that he died for, that he now has called forth to live in union with himself. And so the body of Christ celebrates that image, that metaphor. It celebrates that we belong to Jesus, not ourselves, that we have been engrafted, we have been birthed literally into his heart. And we are called and gifted and commissioned to live out under his headship with his heart. We're to extend his tear-wiping hand into the culture. We're to be the means by which he will begin to demonstrate how he's making all things new. So, the body of Christ is much more than just a metaphor. It's literally who we have been constituted by the truth of the Gospel, by the end-dwelling Spirit, and by the gifts we've been given. It should humble us, and gladden us. It should focus us on how we live in the light of day when he comes back to finish making all things new. The Ultimate Membership As has been shown, the Body of Christ is not a building or specific denomination, but rather is comprised of believers of all time since Pentecost. The Holy Spirit plays a major part in joining individuals to Christ through indwelling, baptism, and sealing. Only those who have been baptized by the Holy Spirit, i.e., saved by grace through faith, can join the church. Scripture distinctly uses the phrase “Body of Christ” to demonstrate the identity and oneness of believers in Christ.” ~ from Christianity.com, author Sophia Bricker

My father, Jay McCormick, was a writer and the author of several books about the Great Lakes and the men who sailed on them. He lived most of his adult life in a suburb of Grosse Pointe, Michigan, near the shores of Lake St. Claire, an offshoot lake between Lake Huron and the Detroit River. He told me a story one day that deeply moved him. He and my cousin Bud were at the public marina on the lake, rigging their small sailboat when, suddenly, the lifeguards began to blow their whistles up and down the dock and beach. Then came an announcement: 'Would all the adults please gather as fast as possible on the beach?' They went, joining a throng of other grownups, and were quickly directed by the lifeguards to form a long human chain, stretching the beach shoreline. The guards told them that a small child was missing and feared in the water, or rather under the water at the beachfront. They were directed to hold hands, and to slowly, slowly, together wade out into the water one long line, and to feel, with their feet for the small soft body of the child, in the muddy lake bottom. He said, 'It went very quiet!' Each person, in turn, wading forward, hoping to find the lost child and praying in that same breath, that theirs would not be the foot that found the child's soft drowned body. The line moved forward, slowly, ankle-deep... then knee-deep... and finally thigh-deep... and then there was a sudden call from the beach, and they turned. The little boy had been found - on the nearby playground! And a joyful splashing of all those parents, grandparents, and adults as they raced back to the shore and shook hands, and then went back to their own lives and pursuits. Daddy was much moved by the moment. It was just a small gesture of 'good' for another, and yet that working together because it was needed, was also a great moment. These past few weeks, as we have all watched in horror the war in Ukraine and seen the devastating photos of bombed-out buildings, dead civilians, and valiant defiance of the Ukrainian people, I have also been moved by the many 'little acts of goodness' that have multiplied as ordinary people cared about other ordinary people. I was so proud of the Berliners (I grew up in Berlin) lining the train station platforms holding signs: "I have room for three persons: 2 adults, one child" and the feeding kitchens at the border crossings into Poland and Romania. Then there is the Batman impersonator from the US, going into hospitals with his Polish sidekicks to cheer up wounded children and their parents, or my favorite - the T-Rex costumed Thomasz, who meets the trains and hands out chocolates and lollipops or the mothers and fathers who have simply left their strollers and baby carriages at the border crossings for the fleeing families or their pets! There is the Scotswoman, who's married to a Polish immigrant and showed up at the border and has, in her mom miniwagon, been driving families who have a relative or place to stay as far as they need to go across all of Europe - to Norway, or Dublin, or France. There are the flag makers and the Ukrainian wedding dress immigrants who now create battle armor for their compatriots. And the marches with solidarity in so many countries by the thousands. And the famous buildings lit in the Ukrainian flag colors. And the condemnation on every hand of the Putin aggression. Then, there is our own Small Delusions, raising $1200 for the relief of those fleeing their homes and lives. Is it enough? Of course not. And yet, in God's grace, each little act of goodness goes a long way. C.S. Lewis said once - and I paraphrase - that Christians can never sit on the fence; we are either on the side of good or on the side of evil. When we take any action to uphold and witness to the good, to the love of God in each and every human person and their right to live freely, joyfully, and safely in God's world, we knowingly decide to be a part of the long chain of God's people stretching out across all the world and all circumstances and all ages, hands joined to say, "I will love my neighbor and stand with them". Fred Rogers - Mr. Rogers - said that when he asked his mother about terrible things happening to people, she told him to look for the helpers, for that is where you will find God. And each of us and all of us can look, and see, and do our small good. Christ Church has a sign outside that I'm sure you have seen - Love Lives Here. In our small community of believers, we individually and collectively and intentionally do a lot of small good, and it goes a long, long way. Is it enough? Of course not. Would that it was, and yet, with each step, we singly and together reach out to find one lost child, one lost soul and bring the love we have, and it is good, and it is grace. ~Mother Marcia

Ruler of the Night, Guarantor of the day . . . This day — a gift from you. This day — like none other you have ever given, or we have ever received. This Wednesday dazzles us with gift and newness and possibility. This Wednesday burdens us with the tasks of the day, for we are already halfway home halfway back to committees and memos, halfway back to calls and appointments, halfway on to next Sunday, halfway back, half frazzled, half expectant, half turned toward you, half rather not. This Wednesday is a long way from Ash Wednesday, but all our Wednesdays are marked by ashes — we begin this day with that taste of ash in our mouth: of failed hope and broken promises, of forgotten children and frightened women, we ourselves are ashes to ashes, dust to dust; we can taste our mortality as we roll the ash around on our tongues. We are able to ponder our ashness with some confidence, only because our every Wednesday of ashes anticipates your Easter victory over that dry, flaky taste of death. On this Wednesday, we submit our ashen way to you — you Easter parade of newness. Before the sun sets, take our Wednesday and Easter us, Easter us to joy and energy and courage and freedom; Easter us that we may be fearless for your truth. Come here and Easter our Wednesday with mercy and justice and peace and generosity. We pray as we wait for the Risen One who comes soon. by Walter Brueggemann (b. 1933)

All people who marvel at the complexity and awesome beauty of life recognize there are two components of existence: a physical vessel, which eventually dies and something, the spark of life, which animates us. We call these body and spirit, or soul. We don’t know much about the soul but believe it to be eternal. We sense that this mysterious union has a purpose, a teaching journey. Instinctively, we yearn to form communities. Those communities always strive to grow in numbers and seek to prosper, improve their surroundings for their needs – and in this is the rub! When communities touch each other, they strive to absorb the other, and if their views differ significantly horrible, deadly conflict arises. But an example of propagating life fosters the pathway to reconciliation and peace. The joining of two sides in marriage has often been used to reconcile two competing communities and create one. The marriage ceremony has always been the ultimate union and peacemaker. Many Christians underestimate the intent of God, the Father. They create a mythical image that cares for His people. Some of them believe He has gone off to “do better things” and left us to figure things out. Others understand that He is involved in our very lives at every moment, but few truly understand the reasoning why. No one who is intimate with Him would suggest that they know most of the reasons, but they will suggest a few they have learned to be true. One of these truths is that His intent is not only to be our best friend, but He intends to marry us. Now, marriage to God seems a far-fetched concept, and those strongest in the Spirit know that this union is the ultimate commitment of our mortal lives but put aside your incredulity and think about what such an act would mean. When one is truly married, they are one flesh, one body. There is absolute trust and love of each member to the rest of the body. There can be no separation for then the entire body suffers. There can be no conflict, which cannot be resolved for it must be resolved, because the body cannot suffer loss. This is the Kingdom of God! Ever wonder why no one ever comes back to us? This is the answer why. God does not keep us apart by force. Once married to God, you never want to leave! During this time of reflection think about your need to learn about Jesus Christ, so you can first rely on Him as your friend, for He has called you “friend” before you have acknowledged it. Learn to adore Him for his help, guidance, mercy, grace, and inestimable love. Recognize that good Christians gather in churches to do His work in this twisted, selfish, self-seeking world of false riches and powers. Learn to become His body in this world through acts of love and compassion. Learn to trust and love Him fully without any reservation, and in time you too will be ready to join in the marriage feast and cross over to be eternally joined in one body in which there shall be no pain, suffering, or tears of sorrow. When this marriage is complete, He joined to us, We, will begin in a new journey more wondrous and awesome than this most amazing one on which we now tread. Oh, what joy awaits!

Nothing Stands Alone – A Prayer for Our Community God, Lord of all creation, lover of life and of everything, Please help us to love in our very small way What You love infinitely and everywhere. We thank You that we can offer just this one prayer And that will be more than enough, Because in reality every thing and every one is connected, And nothing stands alone. To pray for one part is really to pray for the whole, And so we do. Help us each day to stand For love, for healing, for the good, For the diverse unity of the Body of Christ and all creation, Because we know this is what You desire: As Jesus prayed, that all may be one. We offer our prayer together with all the holy names of God, We offer our prayer together with Christ, our Lord, Amen. Father Richard Rohr 1/27/2022

At 2 p.m. this Sunday, Christ Church welcomed the return of the group Small Delusions, performing to help provide needed support for Ukrainian refugees. Folks of all ages joined us for a special concert in the Sanctuary of New Brick. The wonderful trio presented a special performance to help raise funds for Ukrainian refugee families. The United Nations reports that ten million people - more than a quarter of the country's population - have left their homes and nearly 3.5 million of them have fled to other nations in order to avoid the catastrophic situation in their homeland. That number, sadly, is very likely to continue to rise exponentially. For a few hours today, we had an opportunity to hear classic sounds and fond favorites while helping to support a very necessary cause. And now, you can listen and watch the performance - as well as support this ministry - any time you like. Small Delusions - Jan DeBoissiere, JB Hanson, and Shannon Pruitt - used to be part of a larger group called Delusions of Grandeur. As they tell us, "Our delusions are still there; they are just smaller." They've performed together for over six years, and we're thrilled to have them back on the Christ Church "stage" for this one-off gig. If you wish to donate online, you can use the Refugee Ministry online form or scan the QR code that's below. Just select "Ukrainian Refugee Ministry" from the MEMO dropdown menu on our secure form. You can also go low-tech and send a check to Christ Church. Just put "Ukrainian Refugee Ministry" in the subject line, and mail it to us; our address is at the bottom of every page of our website. Whichever method you choose, Christ Church will direct every bit of these gifts toward relief for the people of Ukraine. THANK YOU.