Spread the Word: Pet Food Giveaway by Howard County Animal Control When household budgets are tight, Fido and Fluffy might be left wanting. If you or a pet owner whom you know is experiencing hard times, here’s good news. The Howard County Animal Control & Adoption Center is planning to distribute free items to the less fortunate during a Drive Thru Pet Food Pantry. It will be held on Friday, April 9, from 10 a.m. to noon, or while supplies last, at Elkridge 50+ Center & Library parking lot, 6540 Washington Blvd., Elkridge, Md. 21075. CCC Moves Sites Outside, Asks Supporters to Patronize Cafe on April 2nd Columbia Community Care (CCC), the all-volunteer effort that many of you have learned more about through our Racially Aware Group of Episcopalians (R.A.G.E.) will gain funds from a benefit day on April 2. The Bonheur Patisserie & Cafe, will contribute 10 percent of its receipts to CCC during its hours from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday. Listed on Facebook as Bonheur Deli, the restaurant is located at 7106 Minstrel Way, Columbia, Md., 21045, and can be reached at 443-538-8229. Leaders of CCC announced this week that springtime weather will allow two of its three sites, which are all in Columbia, to resume distribution outdoors effective Saturday, April 3. Operations will go from indoors to outdoors at Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, 10431 Twin Rivers Rd., Columbia, Md. Look for tables in the staff parking lot on the side of the building. The staff has asked that volunteers and "customers" park in the large parking lot, closer to the entrance to the lot and away from the building. Since Easter weekend services will be happening, this leaves the lot closer to the church free for parishioners. Please watch for directions as the line will shift away from the building as well. In Oakland Mills, the wintertime site at the Stevens Forest Neighborhood Center is now closed, and the distribution will take place outside Oakland Mills Middle School, 9540 Kilimanjaro Road. There will be no change in location at Long Reach Village Center, Suite 9, 8775 Cloudleap Ct. Hours of operation at all three sites remain the same. On Wednesday, they are open for volunteers and donations from 4 to 8 p.m. Lines open for guests at 5 p.m. On Saturdays, sites are open for volunteers and donations from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Meanwhile, our Christ Church drive for CCC continues to seek diapers in all sizes and baby wipes, women’s sanitary care products, soaps, shampoo, deodorant, and other toiletries. Please put them in the yellow bin marked “CCC” any time on weekdays until 2 p.m., but we ask that you call the church office (410) 381-9365 to let them know when you are coming. 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 clambering 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 manned 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 any questions, feel free to contact Cathy Gold or Stacey Frith. Donate Cleaning Supplies, Personal Care items for FISH in the Yellow Bin As spring weather improves, you can now put liquids in the yellow bin marked “FISH” on the breezeway between the Parish Hall and Old Brick. Meanwhile, organizers for FISH of Howard County are thanking parishioners for their non-perishable donations over the winter. Organizers tell us the pantry has an adequate supply of groceries at this time. Instead, they 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. Outreach - Seafarer’s Donations For years we have been involved in providing requested items to Seafarers. WOCC volunteers plan to deliver the items on April 6th. Below is a list of the types of magazines, books and DVD’s/CD’s to be donated. If you can help, it would be greatly appreciated. The Seafarer’s bin is in lower level, near the bottom of the steps, in the Parish House. Suggested Items needed: Bible in modern English (or Tagalog, Russian, or Chinese), Times/Newsweek/etc. up to 3 months old Sports Illustrated/People/etc. up to 6 months Cars/Computers/Consumers magazines - up to 1 year Reader’s Digest up to a couple of years National Geographics post 2000 Books (except for Bibles) are less often requested, but some seafarers do appreciate action novels, as well as picture books about Baltimore or the U.S. Action/adventure DVD’s. Recent popular CD’s. Religious books (in easy English), DVD’s, CD’s; rosaries. 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.

You are the Light of the World Once in the night But brought into the light; Once dead but made alive; Once in the darkness But brought into His brightness. You are the light of the world; Enlightened and illuminated by the Light- The Way, the Truth and the Life; Made the hands and feet of the Most High; Made His Voice in the wilderness; His emissary, His Ambassador. You are the light of the world A City on a Hill; Called to call others who sit in darkness; Called to point others to the cross; Called to shine in the darkness; Called to be co-workers with God; Called to lay down your life for others; Called to be a bridge for others to cross to God; Called to carry your cross and die on it. You are the light of the world; A citizen of heaven; Redeemed from the curse of the law; Blood-bought, blood-kept Rescued from the snare of Satan; Washed, sanctified, set aside for the Master’s use; A vessel of honour, a masterpiece,. created for good works; Created to leave a legacy for eternity, Created to give praise honour and glory to your Maker. You are the light of the world Created to be a heavenly deposit on earth Called to produce a mammoth yield; Called to result in a great dividend; Born to be a breath of fresh air; Born to blossom like a flower, Unfurling and unfolding your beauty daily; Oozing your fragrance everywhere; Wafting songs, making melodious music. You are the light of the world Called to be full of the word Delighting in the word Armed with the word Saturated with the word Adorned with the word Directed, counselled by the word Fuelled and propelled by the word Feeding frequently on the word. You are the light of the world Shine in the darkness Giving glory to the God of Glory. by Fenny West

Many years ago while I served at Trinity Cathedral in Columbia, S.C., I signed up to serve as a volunteer fireman. I do not remember exactly why I chose to serve as a fireman... was it because something about being a fireman was so attractive to me? Was it because I had met a fireman in my past who had made such an impression on me? I had an uncle who was a fireman back in Ghana; he was a very good man and exceptionally kind to my brother and me when we were in boarding school. As good as my uncle was, I was clear in my mind that I didn’t sign up to be a fireman because of how I felt about my relationship with him. Thinking about a fireman or firewoman, I realize that there’s some universal quality to the job description of one. It is important to recognize that in just about any part of the world, a fire truck may be painted red, but the universal trait or responsibility of any fireman or firewoman is to save lives - to risk their own lives in saving the lives of the vulnerable. Simply said, put out fires, save property, and save lives. Although I have seen many firemen and women over time, I had never seen any fireman or firewoman in action until September 11, 2001. At that time, I had been in the United States for about 10 months, and to see these firemen and women rush into the World Trade Center buildings to save lives - as many lives as they possibly could - without simultaneously dwelling on the danger to their own lives was the most powerful part of the entire story to me. In fact, an iconic picture is one of a fireman named Bob Beckwith, who is standing with former President George Bush on the heap of rubble. It is for me, an iconic representation of the story of September 11th. There’s a story of a chaplain who visited a patient in hospice. During the course of their conversation, the chaplain learned that the man had been a fireman for over forty years. After thanking the gentleman for his service, he then asked him, “Have you ever tried to draw a link, any connection between your career as a fireman and your faith?” It was as if the man had reflected on that question long before the chaplain asked, as he had an answer already prepared for him. Within a second, the fireman simply responded, “Lifesaver,” which is something had he been all through his career. The fireman or firewoman saves lives, but in the process of doing so, they offer their lives as a ransom for the one - anyone - who may be in danger of being burned by fire. Thinking about the word 'lifesaver' reminds me of what these next couple of days mean for you and me. Our stories can be eerily similar to that of being trapped in a burning house, and our only prayer has been one of a fireman or woman walking through the fire to redeem us, restore us, and save us. Come to think of it, Jesus Christ is our Fireman. Listen to Paul: “But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Hear also what John says about the Fireman: “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” The Fireman lays down his life for his sinner friends simply because of his love for them. The fireman you know, the one who lives down the street from you - yes, even the one you do not know - he also proves his love for you by walking into the raging fire for your sake, while you walk away from the inferno. Notice that the fireman or woman doesn’t even ask about those people that he or she is to save from this extreme danger - whether they are good or bad people, or whether they are Republicans, or Democrats, or any of the other categories with which we saddle our sad, poor selves. The fireman or woman simply walks into harm's way just so they can save those who are in danger. In Christ Jesus, I see a Fireman who, as a servant, offers His life for the sake of all lives. In the book of Isaiah are four Servant Songs. One of the Songs, specifically the Second Servant Song, talks about the Servant who will restore God’s people. Remember, God’s people were in exile, and the prophet not only talks about their restoration and that the Servant will bring comfort to God’s people, but the Servant will make possible the redemption of the Gentiles as well. Hear the prophet: “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth” The prophet makes a bold claim that God’s salvation will be brought to all people. In Christ Jesus, therefore, we experience God’s light that has been brought to the world, for in Christ, both Jews and Gentiles are made one. In Christ, we see the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. In Christ, we see the fulfillment of God’s single purpose of restoring all people to God’s self. In Christ, we see God’s salvation reach the ends of the earth. In Christ, we see the example of a fireman who walks into danger, not necessarily because of a paycheck or for any particular reward, but because of the unique duty that he or she carries, to save lives - yours and mine. It is possible that you may not have considered a connection between your career and your faith, and that is perfectly fine. However, I’d like to share with you that you may not be a fireman but your career - whatever it is that you do - has some connection with your faith. It is only when you recognize the self-sacrificial nature of it that can you appreciate what it means to save lives with your life. One unique quality I have come to embrace about firemen and firewomen is that they hardly ever consider themselves heroes, not even after a heroic act. "Who am I that I would be considered a hero?" they ask. In the hymn My Song Is Love Unknown, Samuel Crossman asked a similar question: O who am I, That for my sake My Lord should take Frail flesh and die? Tonight, and throughout the rest of the Holy Week, I invite you to join us in worship. Join and hear Christ - the Fireman - prove the ultimate love for all people... a love that will save my life, and yours. Manny.

Maundy Thursday: Thursday, April 1st @ 7:30 p.m. Join us in New Brick or worship with us online via our website, YouTube, or Facebook On this evening of Maundy Thursday, we gather together to bring into remembrance the Last Supper of our Lord and the Institution of the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. We hear and remember the words of Jesus as he states, “Do this in remembrance of me.” As the service concludes, the altar is stripped of all of its appointments, so that the focus of all can be upon the cross alone on the following day, Good Friday. We then hear of the Agony in the Garden, as Jesus is arrested. The Watch then takes place through the night, as in response to our Lord’s question: “Could you not watch with me one hour?” If you would like to attend, please complete the brief form at https://www.christchurchcolumbia.org/attend-holy-week You can also watch on the main page of www.christchurchcolumbia.org, Facebook, and YouTube pages.

The outward deed without charity is little to be praised, but whatever is done from charity, even if it be ever so little and worthless in the sight of the world, is very profitable before God, who judges all things according to the intent of the doer, not according to the greatness or worthiness of the deed. He does much who loves God much, and he does much who does his deed well, and he does his deed well who does it rather for the common good than for his own will. from The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a’ Kempis; located in Book I Admonitions Useful for a Spiritual Life

Holy Wednesday Choral Evensong Wednesday, March 31st @ 7:30 p.m. in New Brick and livestreamed on our website, YouTube, and Facebook pages As Jesus draws ever closer to the events of Good Friday, the church readies itself by a special service of Choral Evensong. During this brief sung service, one of the jewels of the Anglican tradition, our quartet offers ancient hymns, psalms, and a setting of the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis. In-person attendance is limited in accordance with social distancing protocol, and masks are required. If you'd like to join us, please complete the short form at https://www.christchurchcolumbia.org/attend-holy-week

Lord, you are the light This world desperately needs, Let our lamps keep burning bright So the lost may come to see The light of your love Burning brightly in our hearts, Chasing away the darkness, Revealing who you are So your glory may be seen In everything we do In our everyday happenings, May our lives acknowledge you No matter where you send us, Whatever land we're in, May your light pierce through the darkness Penetrating deep within To stir up deep desire To truly seek your face And come fully into your light And receive your saving grace. © By M.S.Lowndes

Simeon, a righteous and devout man, had had it revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Messiah. In the Temple, Simeon picks up the baby Jesus and praises God, saying, Lord, now you are dismissing your servant* in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.’ Simeon recognized that the Messiah is the light that comes for all. This passage describes part of the presentation of the infant Jesus in the temple and the recognition of Jesus as the Christ by Simeon. May we all recognize that Jesus continues to be the light in our world that eliminates the darkness that surrounds us.

This year, services will take place each day during Holy Week. Morning and Evening Prayer will be livestreamed on our website and Facebook, as always, and the New Brick services will be on those two sites, as well as on YouTube. In addition to these livestreams, current public health guidelines also allow us to offer some in-person worship, and those are listed below. All social distancing, attendance, and safety protocols will be strictly followed by all. If you wish to attend any of the Holy Week services, please complete the form on our website - https://www.christchurchcolumbia.org/attend-holy-week You'll find many more details for the entire Holy Week schedule on our Lent page at www.christchurchcolumbia.org/lent Morning and Evening Prayer Monday - Friday @ 7:00 a.m. Monday @ 7:00 p.m. Holy Wednesday / Choral Evensong Wednesday, March 31st 7:30 p.m. in New Brick Maundy Thursday Thursday, April 1st 7:30 p.m. in New Brick Good Friday Friday, April 2nd Holy Eucharist at 12 noon and 7:30 p.m. in New Brick Holy Saturday Saturday, April 3rd Easter Vigil at 7:30 p.m. in New Brick Easter Sunday Sunday, April 4th Holy Eucharist at 8:00 a.m. in Old Brick 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. in New Brick If you would like to make an offering in thanksgiving or memory of someone for Easter, click here.

A number of years ago, a local artist, Kelmie Snider, created a series of paintings depicting the Stations of the Cross. During Lent every year since, they are displayed on the walls of our own New Brick. Although we are not gathering together in person for Stations of the Cross this year, we would like share those powerful works with you here; click on each for full-sized viewing. While viewing the works of art, you can listen to a wonderful audio reading of the Stations of the Cross. Both are provided below. We do have in-person and online services during Holy Week, and those details are on our website's Lent page - https://www.christchurchcolumbia.org/lent

Lord, you are the light This world desperately needs, Let our lamps keep burning bright So the lost may come to see The light of your love Burning brightly in our hearts, Chasing away the darkness, Revealing who you are So your glory may be seen In everything we do In our everyday happenings, May our lives acknowledge you No matter where you send us, Whatever land we're in, May your light pierce through the darkness Penetrating deep within To stir up deep desire To truly seek your face And come fully into your light And receive your saving grace. © By M.S.Lowndes