African Team Ministries - Final Sunday! After 2020's COVID-19 hiatus and 2021's abbreviated booth, ATM is back! Handcrafts will be on display this Sunday and at the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper next week. This ministry provides East African, primarily Kenyan, artisans with a market for their beautiful creations. Come & see intricate wood carvings, privative musical instruments, eye-catching soapstone décor, natural elements nativity sets, stunning necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and more! We also need volunteers to help with set-up, selling, and pack-out. If you are interested in helping and are available after services or on Shrove Tuesday, please contact Sara Kirkpatrick at kirkpasf@gmail.com, leave a message at 410-730-6797. Columbia Community Care Makes Plans to Restore Home Delivery, Starting with a Call for Volunteers to Clean and Prepare Its Next Pantry In late summer, the all-volunteer organization Columbia Community Care (CCC) had to suspend home delivery service after it lost access to the last of the pantries that it had arranged with faith-based partners during the pandemic. The delivery service, which benefits people who lack transportation or face other challenges, was put on hold until CCC could obtain a new pantry. There’s no date yet for the resumption of deliveries, but there is news of Howard County coming through with the site for a new pantry and dates for a weekend clean-up to establish it. “We officially have the keys to the Columbia Flier Building for a temporary home for now, and we will begin our process to re-start our home delivery service!” wrote CCC founder Erika Strauss Chavarria in a Feb. 21st announcement to the CCC Group on Facebook. “The first step of this process is to clean and decorate our new space, and we need YOUR HELP! We will have a “CCC Volunteer Clean-up and Beautify the Flier Building Weekend Extravaganza” on Saturday, March 19th, and Sunday, March 20th,” she wrote. The building, located at 10750 Little Patuxent Parkway, had been the iconic home of the Columbia Flier and other community newspapers of Patuxent Publishing Co., which was acquired by the Baltimore Sun Media Group. After the building was vacated in 2011, the Howard County government bought it in 2014. CCC is asking for a community-wide effort to get the space in shape as a pantry. “Anyone looking for service hours, this is a GREAT opportunity to get those hours in! Hope to see you all there!” said Chavarria. CCC set up an online sign-up form for volunteers who are willing to perform duties during various shifts from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 19 and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 20. “Can’t make it to the cleanup weekend, but still want to help?” CCC asks supporters to pitch in by lending or donating items needed to clean and paint. If you are interested, go to a separate online sign-up form that promises to provide further instructions by email as the weekend approaches. Last year, while the organization still had access to a pantry at a partner church in Fulton, Md., CCC made more than 12,000 home deliveries to families in Howard County. Several Christ Church parishioners had volunteered to make deliveries, starting their duties by “shopping” among the supplies at the pantry to fill recipients’ grocery lists. CCC said it will not begin accumulating groceries to resume deliveries until after the new building is ready. In the meantime, CCC still distributes items to walk-up clients at its three indoor sites during the winter. Neighbors in need can pick up necessities at three locations: Long Reach Village Center, Suite 9, 8775 Cloudleap Ct.; the Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, 10431 Twin Rivers Rd., and the Barn/Teen Center indoor space in the Oakland Mills Village Center, 5851 Robert Oliver Place in Columbia. Recipients are welcome from 10 a.m. to noon. For volunteers, donations and drop-offs begin at 9 a.m. At Christ Church, members of R.A.G.E and the Outreach Commission ask parishioners to continue supporting CCC by collecting diapers, baby wipes, sanitary and personal care items, and adult diapers. Please put any of these items in the yellow bin, marked “CCC,” inside the Parish Hall. At Christ Church, our point of contact is Violet Smith, who transports goods in the bin to CCC for distribution. The Long Welcome: Refugee Ministry Update Our refugee family continues to make great progress in their transition to life in the U.S. After weeks of hurdling administrative requirements, and thanks to the tremendous efforts of Paula Rees, Mati was successfully enrolled in Wilde Lake High School. He recently shared that his school back in Afghanistan was just one room, so getting to classes at Wilde Lake has been interesting. But he’s making friends and learning how to navigate the technology used for instruction. His mother Ziba just moved up a level in her English class at Howard Community College, and she enjoys Mother Marcia’s supplemental tutoring sessions. The entire family is immensely grateful for Christ Church’s support. In fact, calling from Afghanistan, the family’s father recently expressed his deep appreciation to everyone for taking such good care of his family. He is aware there is a large group behind the effort, who’ve contributed in so many different ways. Moving forward, the ministry team is engaging in workforce preparation, exploring options for higher education, and mentoring in financial literacy, among other tasks. In fact, we particularly need help with fundraising—a critical part of being able to help the family meet both their short- and long-term goals. If interested, contact Deacon Denise. Finally, our Signup Genius for donations has been updated; just go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c44aaaf22a1fac34-refugee to access it. Thank you for all you do to serve the many needs of the world. 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. Donate Snacks, Crackers, and Cookies to FISH in Bin on our Breezeway Organizers for FISH of Howard County are continuing to ask for cookies, crackers, and snacks to fulfill its shopping lists. The yellow bin is between Old Brick and the Parish Hall. 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.

The Episcopal Church has been using the metaphor of the labyrinth in connection with its long-term commitment to racial reconciliation and justice – to becoming beloved community. In Christian spiritual tradition one common framework is that the walk to the center of the labyrinth is a walk of interiority – of self-reflection, spiritual grounding, and prayer – preparing oneself for conversation with God at the center of the labyrinth. One can then turn and walk outward – ready to engage community life in a new way. During her presentation and interactive workshop, our guest lecturer, Katrina Browne, will help us consider aspects of our interior lives with regard to issues of race. Whether it’s cross-racial relationships or dynamics between white people of different political stripes, it’s easier to bridge divides when one can bring emotional and spiritual intelligence into the mix. How can we love our neighbor and love ourselves when tensions are thick? The Episcopal Church’s vision of how we become beloved community will invite us into walking this holy ground. More details are below, and you can sign up here.

Today is the Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany. Collect of the Day: O Lord, you have taught us that without love whatever we do is worth nothing: Send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts your greatest gift, which is love, the true bond of peace and of all virtue, without which whoever lives is accounted dead before you. Grant this for the sake of your only Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Readings for today: Genesis 45:3-11, 15 1 Corinthians 15:35-38,42-50 Luke 6:27-38 Psalm 37:1-12, 41-42 Today's Sermon: Mother Marcia's Sermon text can be read here. Today's Worship Livestream: Today's service bulletin can be found here.

Come to Our Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper! March 1st at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to join the Christ Church Youth Group as we host the 2022 Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras Pancake Supper on Tuesday, March 1st at 6:30 p.m. If you would like to attend, please sign up here or visit https://tinyurl.com/CECshrove2022. Ticket prices are on the form, and you can process payment by using our online giving form. Simply select Youth Ministry from the FUND dropdown menu and write "Shrove Tuesday" in the MEMO line. Questions? Contact Yetti Lipede any time. We hope to see you there!

African Team Ministries - This Sunday After 2020's COVID-19 hiatus and 2021's abbreviated booth, ATM is back! Handcrafts will be on display through the 27th of this month and at the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on March 1st. This ministry provides East African, primarily Kenyan, artisans with a market for their beautiful creations. Come & see intricate wood carvings, privative musical instruments, eye-catching soapstone décor, natural elements nativity sets, stunning necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and more! We also need volunteers to help with set-up, selling, and pack-out. If you are interested in helping and are available after services or on Shrove Tuesday, please contact Sara Kirkpatrick at kirkpasf@gmail.com, leave a message at 410-730-6797. Leaders of Saint Luke’s Youth Center in Baltimore Say “Thanks” to Christ Church During a Visit on Feb. 13th Despite the snowy weather on the morning of Sunday, February 13th, leaders of St. Luke’s Youth Center attended worship services and Adult Forum at Christ Church. As seen in the above photos, they were here to say “thank you” in person for our support in 2021 that helped Baltimore youth make the most of their four-week summer day camp. Camp Inspiration is held by the nonprofit SLYC, which operates year-round from the former St. Luke’s Episcopal parish at 217 N. Carey Street, Baltimore, Maryland. During camp, families could choose to pick up their children as late as 6 p.m. That option made it much easier for working parents, and it lengthened their kids’ fun and learning opportunities. The extended care was funded in part by a $500 contribution from Christ Church. “We are grateful,” said SLYC Executive Director Amanda Gardner Talbot, speaking on behalf of 35 families who make up the collaborative in a West Baltimore neighborhood not far from the B&O Railroad Museum. She is carrying on the work of her late father, an SLYC founder. The Very Rev. Van H. Gardner, who served for 21 years as dean of the Episcopal Cathedral of the Incarnation, passed away early last year. Talbot was accompanied by Darlene Clark, engagement coordinator, and Nyah Vanterpool, board member, who together invited parishioners to volunteer at SLYC. Volunteer opportunities include in-person tutoring and after-school activities that newcomers may explore as individuals or in small groups. A program called SLYC After School impacts the lives of young people, ages 4 to 19. Pandemic protocols are in place to protect the health of helpers, staff, and children. Leaders spoke briefly at the end of Adult Forum about SLYC’s collaborative model that includes families, staff members, supporters, and volunteers from several Episcopal parishes. The Episcopal Diocese of Maryland is among the partners. SLYC’s liaison on the Outreach Commission is Michon Semon who, along with Nancy Winchester, represented Christ Church at an end-of-camp celebration. Since then, Nancy has made a lovely quilt for SLYC fund-raising. Parishioners got a sneak peek of the handmade quilt after Adult Forum. For more information about SLYC, please email amanda@bmoreslyc.org. The 2021 contribution for Camp Inspiration was made from Vestry-approved funding of the Outreach Commission, which strives to address needs locally, nationally, and internationally. For questions, please email outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org. SAFE Offers Gluten-Free, Allergy-Safe Foods on Third Saturdays The SAFE Food Pantry, a nonprofit organization that helps people who require gluten-free and allergy-friendly groceries, has relocated indoors so that it can continue free distribution during the winter months. The next availability takes place this Saturday, February 19th, from 10 a.m. to noon at the NonProfit Collaborative, 9770 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD 21046. If you have gluten-free or allergy-safe foods to donate, you can bring them without making advance arrangements. Or, if you or others whom you know are in need of these items, please come to Patuxent Woods, which is on an RTA bus line. Another way to obtain food from SAFE is through its partnership with the Howard County Food Bank. Clients of the food bank can receive pre-bagged, non-allergenic food items when they check-in for their monthly visits. For more information, please call or text a SAFE volunteer at 443-741-1060. The Long Welcome: Refugee Ministry Update Our refugee family continues to make great progress in their transition to life in the U.S. After weeks of hurdling administrative requirements, and thanks to the tremendous efforts of Paula Rees, Mati was successfully enrolled in Wilde Lake High School. He recently shared that his school back in Afghanistan was just one room, so getting to classes at Wilde Lake has been interesting. But he’s making friends and learning how to navigate the technology used for instruction. His mother Ziba just moved up a level in her English class at Howard Community College, and she enjoys Mother Marcia’s supplemental tutoring sessions. The entire family is immensely grateful for Christ Church’s support. In fact, calling from Afghanistan, the family’s father recently expressed his deep appreciation to everyone for taking such good care of his family. He is aware there is a large group behind the effort, who’ve contributed in so many different ways. Moving forward, the ministry team is engaging in workforce preparation, exploring options for higher education, and mentoring in financial literacy, among other tasks. In fact, we particularly need help with fundraising—a critical part of being able to help the family meet both their short- and long-term goals. If interested, contact Deacon Denise. Finally, our Signup Genius for donations has been updated; just go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c44aaaf22a1fac34-refugee to access it. Thank you for all you do to serve the many needs of the world. Columbia Community Care Needs 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 collect diapers, baby wipes, sanitary and personal care items, and adult diapers. You can put any of these items 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 items as well as groceries and produce are distributed at three sites: Long Reach Village Center, Suite 9, 8775 Cloudleap Ct.; Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, 10431 Twin Rivers Rd., and at the Barn/Teen Center indoor space in the Oakland Mills Village Center, 5851 Robert Oliver Place, all in Columbia. Recipients are welcomed from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. For volunteers, donations and drop-offs begin at 9 a.m. You’ll find updates, such as requests for volunteers at specific sites, posted in the CCC Facebook Group. 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. Donate Snacks, Crackers, and Cookies to FISH in Bin on our Breezeway Organizers for FISH of Howard County are continuing to ask for cookies, crackers, and snacks to fulfill its shopping lists. The yellow bin is between Old Brick and the Parish Hall. 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.

In the Book of Genesis, we get a glimpse of how God created not only the world but also Adam and Eve. From the dust of the ground, God created Adam and Eve and breathed life into them. This is such an important part of the human narrative, that it was God who breathed life into the dust of the ground from which humans were created, and it is God who breathes life into us - each of us, all of us. Genesis reminds us that we came from the dust of the ground and that is where we return to, dust. For me, this is such a humbling reality that I have a hard time with any form of hubris. In the midst of the pandemic, one of our parishioners buried her son at the Churchyard. Paul was cremated. At the burial, I had to pour Paul’s ashes into the hole that had been dug in the ground. The ashes were in a big urn, which I initially thought was to be put in the hole. Well, it turned out that Paul’s ashes were in a bag in the urn, and I had to pour the ashes in the hole. That was the first time that I ever saw the ashes of another human being. But what was so poignant, humbling, and so revealing was the coming to life of Genesis 3:19b - “You are dust and to dust you shall return” - while I poured the ashes into the hole. I could see the dust - Paul, mixed with the dust from which he was created. I could see myself actually witnessing this passage come alive in real-time. I have never felt so shaken over a Biblical passage coming to life in such a powerful and meaningful way. I said to myself, thereafter, that one must have an exalted impression of himself or herself to assume that the dust from which they were created makes them any different, for it does not. And to think otherwise is the uneasy deception we carry with us. This week, I write about the dust from which we were created for two reasons; one, because we are a couple of weeks away from Ash Wednesday. It's a day that specifically reminds us of the dust from which we were made and to which we shall return, and reminds us that we have to reorient ourselves and put our priorities in order. The second reason is, if the dust of our beginnings is the same as the dust of our endings, then why do we make ourselves look, sound, and act in ways that create the impression that our particular dust is somewhat better? Different it may be, but how is it better? I wonder how many of you have heard about the Reverend Absalom Jones. He was the first African American Episcopal priest. He was born into slavery in Delaware and taught himself to read using the New Testament as one of his resources. At the age of sixteen, Jones’ mother, sister, and five brothers were sold, but he was brought to Philadelphia by his master, where he attended a night school for African-Americans operated by Quakers. In 1784, he began serving as a lay minister for the black membership at St. George’s Methodist Episcopal Church with his friend, Richard Allen. As a result of their evangelistic work, the African American membership at St. George’s increased greatly. But this came with a great cost. The Vestry at St. George’s, without notice to their African American parishioners, decided to segregate the congregation and move the African American parishioners to the upstairs gallery. When the ushers attempted to move the African American congregants to the gallery, they refused and eventually left the church. Upon leaving St. George’s, Jones and Allen, with the support from Episcopalians and Quakers, established the “First African Church” in Philadelphia. This was in 1792. Shortly thereafter, the African Church applied to join the Protestant Episcopal Church and presented the diocese with the following conditions: that the Church must be received as an already organized body, that it must have control over its own affairs, and that Jones must be licensed as lay reader and, if qualified, ordained as its minister. Upon acceptance into the Diocese of Pennsylvania, the church was renamed the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas. The following year, Jones became a deacon but was not ordained a priest until 1802. At 56 years old, he became the first African American priest. The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas is a thriving congregation in Philadelphia. The story of Absalom Jones reminds me of a conversation I had with a well-accomplished, former parishioner whose parents are still very active at Christ Church. In the course of our conversation, I inquired about why she hasn’t been to church. Her response was interesting. She told me that the church, as it is, represents some of the wrongs in our society. And being a part of the church implies that one supports the wrongs that the church has perpetrated over the years. I was taken aback. The reality is that what the parishioners at St. George’s did to their fellow African American parishioners wasn’t a one-off, isolated event. It was the culture, and to an extent it is still the culture, albeit pursued in a different way. And so Obenewa wasn’t far off with her critique. The question then, is, how do we help the church reflect on these issues, turn these narratives around, and make the necessary transformative changes? If our solemn proclamation is that we are dust and to dust we shall all return, then our corresponding responsibility must be one of leading people not only from dust to dust, but from dust to life - after all, that was the very gift that became possible when God breathed into the dust of Adam. Life must be our goal. We must also breathe life, a life lived with purposeful design to honor everyone, especially those who are being asked to move to the upstairs gallery. For all we care to acknowledge, there is a high possibility that those who actually labored to build that sanctuary, who maintained the sanctuary were the very ones who were asked to move to the upstairs gallery. Sometimes, I wish we can all climb up the upstairs gallery, life’s gallery, take ourselves off the dancefloor, even for a moment, just so we can gain a much clearer view of reality. And then we can return to the dancefloor to make changes that we need - to deal with the uneasy deceptions that we carry with us. I believe, ever strongly, that it is dust filled with the breath of life that can change the human condition. Manny.

Today is the Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany. Collect of the Day: O God, the strength of all who put their trust in you: Mercifully accept our prayers; and because in our weakness we can do nothing good without you, give us the help of your grace, that in keeping your commandments we may please you both in will and deed; 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: Jeremiah 17:5-10 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 Luke 6:17-26 Psalm 1 Today's Sermon: Father Manny's Sermon text can be read here. Today's Worship Livestream: Today's service bulletin can be found here.

One of the profound statements that I love in all the gospels is If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed - John 8:36. I love this verse because of the assurance that you are truly free when the Son sets you free. Your freedom isn’t dependent on another person, institution, or government. You are truly free when the Son sets you free. Any kind of freedom which is less than what the Son can give you doesn’t make you free. How free are you? It makes perfect sense for you and me, and in fact, those of us reading this article to look at ourselves and proclaim that we are free men and women, and that may be accurate. After all, we are not in shackles like the millions of African Slaves who were taken from their homes, kept in ships for months as they crossed the Atlantic Ocean to work on tobacco and cotton plantations, and forced to serve their masters and their families. We are free men and women. And to an extent possible, we can use our freedom as much as we want. At our Adult Forum: Sunday Circle this past weekend, the presenter talked about Slavery in Howard County, at a time when it was part of Anne Arundel County. According to the historian, in the 1860's census, about 23% of the inhabitants of Howard County were African Americans. An interesting piece of information was that some African Americans were classified as ‘Servant of…’ or ‘Belonging to…’ Servants were not slaves - but to belong to another person meant that person was a Slave. As demeaning as this was, the sad reality is that there are some who, in spite of all that we have now come to know and appreciate about the dignity of every human being, believe that we should still perpetuate such practices or variations of them. The idea that we still have Slaves is even beyond me. But I dare say that it is not only the Slave who may be in bondage, but the one who owns a Slave is equally in bondage. We have all the reasons in the world to forgive what was done. And in fact, we should have all the reasons in the world to forgive ourselves for what was done. Yet still, we should even forgive those who still believe in the dehumanizing brutality that Slaves have to endure. The tragedy that I see is that the failure to forgive others and ourselves is to be in bondage with those who have wronged us. And that, my friend, can be damaging. How free are you? The experience of the Exodus from Egypt is that God delivers us from the bondage of slavery, just like he delivered the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt into a life of perfect freedom. It is a life where we are not beholden to any ‘gods.’ A life where we find our joy, our deepest joy, not in anything material or some false sense of security, but in knowing who we are, whose we are, and the purpose for which we have been delivered from slavery and now find ourselves in the land of milk and honey. And so to be in the land of milk and honey and still yearn for the former life in Egypt suggest that you may not be as free as you think you are. The desire of the Slave is to be free. Our collective desire is to be free, free enough to fly as high as we can. So why do we still want to act like Slaves all over again? How free are you? You may have heard of Bob Marley, the Jamaican reggae star who passed away many years ago. In one of his songs, Redemption Song, he sings “Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds,” a quote attributed to Marcus Garvey. Marley’s invitation is for you and me to free our minds from the slavery to which we have subjected that same mind. You and I have the capacity to free our minds, to liberate them from the slavery of hate, selfishness, and greed. That is the only way we will be able to sing the songs of freedom, Redemption Songs. Remember this - you cannot be free while I am in bondage. Nor can I be free while you are in bondage. We are either free together or in bondage together. How free are you? St. Paul, in his letter to the Romans, admonished them with these words: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Does this remind you of Marley’s words? Does this spur any desire in you to want to sing the songs of freedom, those Redemption Songs? To renew the mind is to liberate it from squalor or turpitude and into the fullness of life to which God calls us. Yes, you may be free... but how free are you? In your own mind, think about what your hatred and mine do to people. Think about what your selfishness and mine do to people. Think about what your godlessness and mine do to people. Think about what your greed and mine do to people. Think about what your deception and mine do to people. Think about what your anger and mine do to people. Think about all the many ways in which our thoughts and actions impact the lives of others, and wonder with me - why are we still Slaves if we have been bought with a price? Why are we still Slaves if the Son has set us free? During this Black History Month, I invite you to free your mind... and while at it, free your heart too. Like the Negroes of ol’ times, refuse to be a Slave. Manny.

African Team Ministries is Back - This Sunday After 2020's COVID-19 hiatus and 2021's abbreviated booth, ATM is back! Handcrafts will be on display from Sunday, February 13th through the 27th, and at the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on March 1st, if it's held. This ministry provides East African, primarily Kenyan, artisans with a market for their beautiful creations. Come & see intricate wood carvings, privative musical instruments, eye-catching soapstone décor, natural elements nativity sets, stunning necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and more! We also need volunteers to help with set-up, selling, and pack-out. If you are interested in helping and are available after services or on Shrove Tuesday, please contact Sara Kirkpatrick at kirkpasf@gmail.com, leave a message at 410-730-6797. A Valentine’s Treat: Grassroots Meal Drop-Offs and In-Person Service at DRC are Each Scheduled for this Monday, Feb. 14th In a consolidated approach to feeding the hungry, parishioners are invited to share the love on Valentine’s Day by doubling their recipes or trying out this volunteer opportunity for the first time. As usual, Christ Church will purchase fried chicken at Weis and depend upon your bringing side dishes to make the meals. And once again, on Monday, February 14th, we’re cooking for two separate groups of diners. The first group is made up of 40 to 50 homeless friends at the Dorsey Center’s Day Resource Center (DRC), which is operated by Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center. At the start of the pandemic, Grassroots suspended DRC operations and Christ Church put its duties on hold. The DRC reopened on a modified basis in late 2021, closed due to the Omicron surge, and then reopened this month. A team of four Christ Church volunteers will be serving a midday meal in person on our usual day –the second Monday of the month. The second group of diners resides at Grassroots’ Live-in Facility, where the staff serves the food. We have been providing an evening meal menu – fried chicken and side dishes cooked by parishioners – on a monthly basis since early in the pandemic. To keep our commitment to feed the hungry at both locations, the Outreach Commission has arranged for Christ Church to provide both meals on the same date. If you’re cooking only for the Live-In Facility’s evening meal, plan to arrive between 3:15 and 3:30 p.m. at the parking lot outside Old Brick. Bring a side dish, a dessert, or items for the pantry to be enjoyed round-the-clock by the 50 residents at the Freetown Rd. facility. Click on the Christ Church Grassroots Meal link on SignUpGenius to view a suggested menu. Please go online to list what you’ll bring no later than noon on the Sunday prior to Monday’s meal. If you're cooking or volunteering for the midday meal at the DRC, plan to arrive between 12:45 and 1 p.m. at the parking lot outside Old Brick. Bring a side dish, a dessert, or items for the DRC pantry. Click on a different link, called the Christ Church Dorsey/DRC Meal link on SignUpGenius to view requested items and indicate how you’ll help. If you're cooking or bringing pantry items for both meals, plan to arrive between 12:45 and 1 p.m. at the parking lot outside Old Brick. The dish and supplementals for the evening meal can be left in the Parish Hall kitchen. Or, depending on the dish or the supplemental item, such as brownies or fruit, you can do that on a Sunday if your items are clearly marked. If you plan to volunteer in-person to serve the midday meal at the DRC, please be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and have a flu shot. For questions, please email outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org so we can put you in touch with co-coordinator Nancy Winchester. One of the volunteer duties is a driver who departs the DRC when the shift ends at 4 p.m. to transport any fried chicken, side dishes, and desserts from one Grassroots site to the other. We’ve always taken the leftovers to the Freetown Rd. Live-In Facility. Now we are consolidating both our food and our efforts. Both the DRC and the Live-In Facility have wider needs for their pantries and welcome in-kind donations to be dropped off for delivery on the second Mondays. Look for the monthly needs list under the words “Related Files” on each of the sign-up sites. Inviting One and All to Get Involved in Christ Church Outreach - This Monday What better time than Valentine’s Day to get more fully involved in helping others! The Outreach Commission invites you to join in during our monthly meeting to learn more about opportunities in 2022. It will be held virtually at 7:30 p.m. next Monday, February 14th. Email us for the Zoom link - outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org Leaders of Saint Luke’s Youth Center Will Visit Christ Church on Feb. 13 to Express Gratitude for Support; Outline Volunteer Opportunities in Baltimore St. Luke’s Youth Center operates year-round as the nonprofit SLYC from the former St. Luke’s Episcopal parish at 217 N. Carey Street, Baltimore, MD. Two of its leaders plan to say “thank you” in person for our support in 2021 by attending Christ Church on Feb. 13. Please save the date so that you can greet them in person or virtually. They expect to be present for Adult Forum at 9:30 a.m., for the 10:30 a.m. worship service, and at the Zoom Coffee Hour that follows online. Engagement coordinator Darlene Clark and Executive Director Amanda Gardner Talbot will be available to talk about SLYC’s collaborative model that includes families, staff members, supporters, and volunteers from several Episcopal parishes. The Episcopal Diocese of Maryland is among the partners. They’ll also answer any of your questions about in-person tutoring and other volunteer opportunities that you may wish to explore as individuals or in small groups (see flier). The church has its own parking lot and follows pandemic protocols to keep everyone safe. SLYC offerings range from its “Moms on a Mission” program to SLYC After School, which impacts 40 young people, ages 4 to 19. Requests to parishes for “time, gifts, and talents” go well beyond after-school activities or tutoring students in math, reading, and writing. For example, there are needs for carpenters, architects, and landscapers or for grant-writers and graphic designers. The Outreach Commission liaison to SLYC is Michon Semon, whom last August was accompanied by parishioner Nancy Winchester at a presentation to mark the end of summer day camp. Christ Church contributed monetary support to help make the camp a success. At the ceremony hosted by St. James, Lafayette Square, toddlers to teens performed (see photos). Since then, Nancy has donated one of her lovely, handmade quilts for SLYC fund-raising. Plan to meet the SLYC leaders on Sunday and learn more. Or you can email the executive director at amanda@bmoreslyc.org Columbia Community Care Needs 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 collect diapers, baby wipes, sanitary and personal care items, and adult diapers. Put them in the yellow bin, marked “CCC,” inside the Parish Hall. Drop off items on weekdays when the church office is open or on Sunday. You’ll find CCC updates, such as requests for volunteers at its three distribution sites, posted in the CCC Facebook Group. 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. Donate Snacks, Crackers, and Cookies to FISH in Bin on our Breezeway Organizers for FISH of Howard County are continuing to ask for cookies, crackers, and snacks to fulfill its shopping lists. The yellow bin is between Old Brick and the Parish Hall. 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.

Today is the Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany. Collect of the Day: Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Readings for today: Deuteronomy 26:1-11 Romans 10:8b-13 Luke 4:1-13 Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 Today's Sermon: Deacon Denise's Sermon text can be read here. Today's Worship Livestream: Today's service bulletin can be found here.

February is Heart Health Month, and the Women of Christ Church recently invited everyone to send us a photo of themselves wearing RED. We're very pleased to share our collage with you today to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, which claims the lives of one in every three women and remains the leading cause of death in the United States. Nearly 80 percent of cardiac events can actually be prevented, so when we take care of our hearts well, we set an example for others... because losing even one person to cardiovascular disease is too many. And if you're planning on worshipping in person at Christ Church tomorrow morning, please wear RED as we aim to direct more needed attention toward this widespread - and largely avoidable - health concern. Please visit https://www.goredforwomen.org to learn more.