Last month, we met an Afghan family sponsored by Kittamaqundi Community Church, who resettled in the area approximately seven years ago. Some of us had the opportunity to speak with them in person after worship—to hear first-hand how much it meant to be in relationship with the people of Kittamaqundi, as they oriented to life in a strange country and worked toward becoming self-sufficient. Their visit helped affirm our decision to apply to co-sponsor one of the many families currently resettling from Afghanistan. We’ve heard it called “The Long Welcome,” to reflect its long-term, broad-scope commitment. Given that we officially applied for co-sponsorship on September 25th, The Long Welcome has initially been a long wait. As one of the thousands of organizations that offered to become co-sponsors, we’ve been waiting for a resettlement agency to contact us about the next steps. But we didn’t just wait—we began planning what would need to be in place to support a refugee family—a process that included identifying key leadership positions and basic ministry structure. Just this week, we finally proceeded to our next step: beginning the screening and orientation process under the local Lutheran Social Services (LSS) resettlement agency—bringing us one step closer to connecting with an incoming family. LSS calls us “Good Neighbor Partners,” as we will offer an essential level of commitment, continuity, and care for a refugee family that resettles in this area. As Good Neighbor Partners, we’ve committed to supporting a family for one year, including providing rent assistance for nine months and additional support encompassing arranging suitable housing, acquiring household goods, obtaining public benefits, transportation, job development, healthcare advocacy, school system navigation, mentoring, and much more. Thirty-three parishioners, along with four additional people from partner-organization Religious Society of Friends (the Quakers), have committed to actively serving in this ministry. Additionally, we’ve been networking with organizations experienced in the resettlement process, including Luminous of Howard County, a long-standing support organization for immigrants that has offered to serve as a resource to us. We’re also engaged in discussion with several local faith communities that are considering partnering with us in this endeavor. As your Deacon, I’m awed by Christ Church’s response in stepping up to meet the needs of the world. It’s exciting to see how much people care and want to help—a true testament to what it means to love our neighbors, to seek and serve Christ in all people, and to respect the dignity of every human being. As we proceed on this journey, there’s much work to be done, and it will take many people and much dedication to ensure we can successfully support a refugee family. What Do We Have in Place? We recently identified parishioners to fill key roles in the ministry. First, Cherryllynn Williams and Jan DeBoissiere have stepped up to co-lead our ministry group. They will organize focus groups, run ministry meetings and delegate initial tasks, and oversee communications to the ministry. Additionally, Diana Hall will serve as Finance Coordinator. As our primary liaison to Christ Church’s Treasurer, Diana will track all financial donations to the ministry and all expenditures in support of our assigned family. We have quite a head start in this area, thanks to a very generous contribution from one of our parishioners that will enable us to fully cover the first three months' rent for the family. Our Fundraising Focus Group will be planning ways to collect additional funds we know we’ll need to help support this family for The Long Welcome. Finally, Pat DeLorenzo and Paula Rees will work together as our Support/Logistics Coordinators. In this critical role, they’ll be the on-call point people the family will contact when they need something and will coordinate responses from our roster of active volunteers. What Are the Next Steps? 1) Background Checks: We’re providing LSS contact information on our 37 active volunteers for background checks. Anyone who will have contact of any duration with the family—even to drop off a meal—must complete this screening. Volunteers will soon receive a link via email to complete the screening by December 4th. 2) Orientation: All volunteers who will have contact with the family must also complete a virtual LSS orientation/training session. That session is scheduled for Thursday, December 9th, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Two make-up sessions will be available on Monday, December 13th, and Monday, December 20th from 6:00-7:30 p.m., for those who can’t make the initial session. 3) Assignment: Once we complete background checks and orientation for all active volunteers, LSS will match us with an incoming family. Once the assignment occurs, we then wait for LSS to receive the family’s travel date from wherever they’re temporarily housed/being processed. Generally, LSS gets notice of a travel date one-two weeks in advance. Once they’re notified, they let us know and work with us to prepare for the family’s imminent arrival. Given this process, most likely our assigned family won’t actually arrive in Maryland until after Christmas. While we don’t currently have an exact date and don’t know the exact makeup of the family, the leadership team is in full swing planning for the things we can put in place now. Focus groups are forming around Housing Set-up, Transportation, Fundraising/In-Kind Donations, Job Development, English as a Second Language (ESL) Assistance, and Benefits/Resources. How Can You Help? If you’re interested in supporting one of our focus groups, please reach out to Jan and Cherryllynn. There will be many tasks, and some will not require direct contact with the family and thus not require background checks/orientation. But as new people wish to join the active volunteer roster, we’ll get them cleared and trained. Beyond this, at the moment, our #1 priority is arranging housing. We signed up to do this so we could ensure the family will be located in reasonable proximity to our volunteers. And a primary concern is that the housing is financially sustainable for the family long-term, once they no longer receive rent support/assistance. A secondary consideration is a proximity to public transportation. Our leadership team has begun researching suitable options within a 15-mile radius of Christ Church and will be reaching out to make inquiries about leasing offices. Ideally, we’ll find an apartment the family can settle into long-term and are considering nearby areas including North Laurel, Elkridge, Jessup, and Burtonsville. If you have a solid lead on a housing option or a connection to a landlord/leasing office, please reach out to Jan and Cherryllynn. Additionally, if you’d like to make a financial donation specifically for this ministry, those funds will be used to directly support the family with things like rent assistance, household supplies, school supplies, gift cards, etc. When submitting your donation, please mark the memo line (either on your check or online) with the notation “For the Refugee Ministry.” Christ Church has so many talents and gifts to share, and we hope you’ll embark on this journey with us in some way. Our next ministry meeting will be Tuesday, November 23rd, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., with regular weekly meetings to follow on Thursdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Please check our weekly Monday emails for Zoom details. If you have any questions about this ministry, please don’t hesitate to email me, Jan, or Cherryllynn. Thank you for all that you do to serve the needs of the world. —Denise

With the holidays around the corner, it's also the time of year when we also experience more than a few online and email scams. Oftentimes, an email will be received that appears to be from someone you know, but upon closer inspection it is not. In recent years, we have seen scams that center around what appears to be a Christ Church staff member or Diocese of Maryland personnel's email account, but turns out to be anything but. It's important to be very thorough with verifying these emails before doing anything. The emails seem harmless; they usually have the rector or staff member's name and an email address that looks legitimate, but upon further inspection you'll see that the email address is actually from a provider different than the "@christchurchcolumbia.org" address that we typically, and securely, use. In some instances, the sender’s name may look correct but is missing a single letter. Or, it may otherwise closely resemble the real email address; for example, bob@churchstaff.org becomes bobchurchstaff@gmail.com, or similar. The sender might ask for you to help them by purchasing gift cards and sending them the details, or to provide your banking info, Social Security number, or other private credentials. If you receive an email like this but you're unsure of its authenticity, please do not respond directly to it or click any links in the email. Instead, email our Communications Administrator, Chris, at communciations@christchurchcolumbia.org and place "Phishing scam?" in the subject line. Do not forward the actual email; instead, you can type the sender's email address in the message body or take a screenshot of the email (how to do this - Windows / Mac / Android / iPhone) and include that image in your email. We will tell you if the address is in our official CEC database, or if it appears to be a scam. The safety of every parishioner is paramount to us, and we will help if we can. If you have the slightest question about a questionable, received email, please email us at the above address and leave a phone number that we can call you back at. We will help go through steps to resolve the concern. General email DOs and DON’Ts: DO double-check your emails carefully. DON’T ever respond to an email asking you for money. DO verify in person, by email to a trusted address, or by phone any request involving money or personal information. DON’T reply. DON’T click on any links within the message. You can learn more about how to protect yourself, as well as how to report suspected phishing emails or text messages, by visiting the Federal Trade Commission's website here. If you got a phishing email, forward it to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org. If you got a phishing text message, forward it to SPAM (7726).

Last month, we met an Afghan family sponsored by Kittamaqundi Community Church, who resettled in the area approximately seven years ago. Some of us had the opportunity to speak with them in person after worship—to hear first-hand how much it meant to be in relationship with the people of Kittamaqundi, as they oriented to life in a strange country and worked toward becoming self-sufficient. Their visit helped affirm our decision to apply to co-sponsor one of the many families currently resettling from Afghanistan. We’ve heard it called “The Long Welcome,” to reflect its long-term, broad-scope commitment. Given that we officially applied for co-sponsorship on September 25th, The Long Welcome has initially been a long wait. As one of the thousands of organizations that offered to become co-sponsors, we’ve been waiting for a resettlement agency to contact us about the next steps. But we didn’t just wait—we began planning what would need to be in place to support a refugee family—a process that included identifying key leadership positions and basic ministry structure. Just this week, we finally proceeded to our next step: beginning the screening and orientation process under the local Lutheran Social Services (LSS) resettlement agency—bringing us one step closer to connecting with an incoming family. LSS calls us “Good Neighbor Partners,” as we will offer an essential level of commitment, continuity, and care for a refugee family that resettles in this area. As Good Neighbor Partners, we’ve committed to supporting a family for one year, including providing rent assistance for nine months and additional support encompassing arranging suitable housing, acquiring household goods, obtaining public benefits, transportation, job development, healthcare advocacy, school system navigation, mentoring, and much more. Thirty-three parishioners, along with four additional people from partner-organization Religious Society of Friends (the Quakers), have committed to actively serving in this ministry. Additionally, we’ve been networking with organizations experienced in the resettlement process, including Luminous of Howard County, a long-standing support organization for immigrants that has offered to serve as a resource to us. We’re also engaged in discussion with several local faith communities that are considering partnering with us in this endeavor. As your Deacon, I’m awed by Christ Church’s response in stepping up to meet the needs of the world. It’s exciting to see how much people care and want to help—a true testament to what it means to love our neighbors, to seek and serve Christ in all people, and to respect the dignity of every human being. As we proceed on this journey, there’s much work to be done, and it will take many people and much dedication to ensure we can successfully support a refugee family. What Do We Have in Place? We recently identified parishioners to fill key roles in the ministry. First, Cherryllynn Williams and Jan DeBoissiere have stepped up to co-lead our ministry group. They will organize focus groups, run ministry meetings and delegate initial tasks, and oversee communications to the ministry. Additionally, Diana Hall will serve as Finance Coordinator. As our primary liaison to Christ Church’s Treasurer, Diana will track all financial donations to the ministry and all expenditures in support of our assigned family. We have quite a head start in this area, thanks to a very generous contribution from one of our parishioners that will enable us to fully cover the first three months' rent for the family. Our Fundraising Focus Group will be planning ways to collect additional funds we know we’ll need to help support this family for The Long Welcome. Finally, Pat DeLorenzo and Paula Rees will work together as our Support/Logistics Coordinators. In this critical role, they’ll be the on-call point people the family will contact when they need something and will coordinate responses from our roster of active volunteers. What Are the Next Steps? 1) Background Checks: We’re providing LSS contact information on our 37 active volunteers for background checks. Anyone who will have contact of any duration with the family—even to drop off a meal—must complete this screening. Volunteers will soon receive a link via email to complete the screening by December 4th. 2) Orientation: All volunteers who will have contact with the family must also complete a virtual LSS orientation/training session. That session is scheduled for Thursday, December 9th, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Two make-up sessions will be available on Monday, December 13th, and Monday, December 20th from 6:00-7:30 p.m., for those who can’t make the initial session. 3) Assignment: Once we complete background checks and orientation for all active volunteers, LSS will match us with an incoming family. Once the assignment occurs, we then wait for LSS to receive the family’s travel date from wherever they’re temporarily housed/being processed. Generally, LSS gets notice of a travel date one-two weeks in advance. Once they’re notified, they let us know and work with us to prepare for the family’s imminent arrival. Given this process, most likely our assigned family won’t actually arrive in Maryland until after Christmas. While we don’t currently have an exact date and don’t know the exact makeup of the family, the leadership team is in full swing planning for the things we can put in place now. Focus groups are forming around Housing Set-up, Transportation, Fundraising/In-Kind Donations, Job Development, English as a Second Language (ESL) Assistance, and Benefits/Resources. How Can You Help? If you’re interested in supporting one of our focus groups, please reach out to Jan and Cherryllynn. There will be many tasks, and some will not require direct contact with the family and thus not require background checks/orientation. But as new people wish to join the active volunteer roster, we’ll get them cleared and trained. Beyond this, at the moment, our #1 priority is arranging housing. We signed up to do this so we could ensure the family will be located in reasonable proximity to our volunteers. And a primary concern is that the housing is financially sustainable for the family long-term, once they no longer receive rent support/assistance. A secondary consideration is a proximity to public transportation. Our leadership team has begun researching suitable options within a 15-mile radius of Christ Church and will be reaching out to make inquiries about leasing offices. Ideally, we’ll find an apartment the family can settle into long-term and are considering nearby areas including North Laurel, Elkridge, Jessup, and Burtonsville. If you have a solid lead on a housing option or a connection to a landlord/leasing office, please reach out to Jan and Cherryllynn. Additionally, if you’d like to make a financial donation specifically for this ministry, those funds will be used to directly support the family with things like rent assistance, household supplies, school supplies, gift cards, etc. When submitting your donation, please mark the memo line (either on your check or online) with the notation “For the Refugee Ministry.” Christ Church has so many talents and gifts to share, and we hope you’ll embark on this journey with us in some way. Our next ministry meeting will be Tuesday, November 23rd, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., with regular weekly meetings to follow on Thursdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Please check our weekly Monday emails for Zoom details. If you have any questions about this ministry, please don’t hesitate to email me, Jan, or Cherryllynn. Thank you for all that you do to serve the needs of the world. —Denise

Join Christ Church’s Racially Aware Group of Episcopalians this Tuesday, November 16th from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. as we hear from special guest Dr. C. Shawn McGuffey, Associate Professor of Sociology and African & African Diaspora Studies at Boston College. Dr. McGuffey will lead us in exploring how we can navigate through a post-George Floyd world, the intersectionality of systemic racial inequalities, and ways to support members of the African Diaspora in our own community. This is a rare opportunity to have an open conversation and ask questions of a distinguished expert on these critical issues. The session is open to all, so please join us. Email communications@christchurchcolumbia.org for the Zoom details.

Today is the Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost. Collect of the Day: Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Readings for today: 1 Samuel 1:4-20 1 Samuel 2:1-10 Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25 Mark 13:1-8 Today's Sermon: You can read Kathy's Sermon here. Today's Worship Livestream: Today's service bulletin can be found here.

Thanksgiving Food Drive (non-perishables only) for the Howard County Food Bank Continues Until November 18th The staff of the Howard County Food Bank is giving out “Holiday Meal Kits” to brighten the holidays of the less fortunate among us. Please support this effort by bringing non-perishable food items that complete the menu with sides: boxed mashed potatoes, stuffing mix, gravy, cranberry sauce, olives, pickles, and cans of vegetables and fruits. Place these items on the Thanksgiving-decorated table in the Narthex. Or, if you wish to remain outdoors, put them in the bin on the breezeway marked “Thanksgiving Food Drive." This yellow bin is near the door to Old Brick. Given cold weather, it’s best if items in glass jars could go in the Narthex collection. The drive ends on Thursday, November 18th. Once again, due to the pandemic, Christ Church will exclude turkeys. Also, please note that the food bank will not collect pies, other desserts, or rolls because of perishability. Thanks so much for your generosity in planning to shop for items that are on the wish list of the food bank, which is among the services of the Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC). Angel Tree Drive Will Be Next in Line to Brighten Christmas for Local Families The Howard County (Central Maryland) Salvation Army Angel Tree Program for 2021 is underway. Stay tuned for information by next week on how you can participate and provide gifts of toys, educational items, and clothing to an angel. Once more aiming for the older children, we plan to support a group of 11- and 12-year-old angels. Christ Church will kick off our collection just as the Thanksgiving Drive is winding down. The deadline to bring in your unwrapped Angel Tree gifts will be Friday, December 10th. Christian Jail Ministry Thanks Christ Church, Requests Parishioners’ Prayers One of the nonprofit organizations that Christ Church supports is Christian Jail Ministry, most recently in the form of a $450 donation that the Outreach Commission derived from its Vestry-approved budget. That means your funds are helping make possible two programs described in a thank-you letter from Howard County Detention Center (HCDC) Chaplain Gerard M. Washington. “Your donation allows us to minister effectively,” he says of the two, a Bible Study correspondence course and Celebrate Recovery, both of which are “changing the mindset of those who find themselves incarcerated at HCDC. “The Bible says in Romans 12:2: ‘Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.’” The Bible Study literally involves testing. It consists of 24 packets on the New Testament, with multiple-choice questions, fill-in-the-blank, and essay questions. Those who finish all 24 are rewarded with a certificate and a Study Bible. “These courses strengthen the inmates’ relationship with the Lord,” he writes. Here are the names of those engaged in the Bible courses that CJM requests we pray for on their spiritual journeys: Robert, David, Donyah, Thomas, and Jerry. The other program is “a 12-step Christ-centered recovery program that deals with a person’s hurts, habits, and hang-ups.” Here are the names of those engaged in Celebrate Recovery that CJM requests we pray for on their spiritual journeys: Chanell, Alisha, Alexus, Courtney, Shawdel, Jamal, Christian, Christopher, Raquan, Lashara, Hilder, Stephanie, Andre, Eric, Franck, Nicholas, and Daniel. “We are truly grateful that you have given to this awesome ministry,” writes Chaplain Washington. Some may recall that on Nov. 4, 2018, the Rev. Washington and his wife, Gwen, attended both services. The chaplain preached and was joined by a former detainee who spoke of God’s Grace (see above photo). Save the Dates: Grassroots Meal Drop-Offs on Monday, Nov. 15; Monday, Dec. 20 Parishioners and volunteers who join their efforts are looking ahead to the monthly meal that we provide at Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center. Save the dates: Nov. 15 and Dec. 20, arriving between 3:15 and 3:30 p.m. at the parking lot outside Old Brick. Plan to bring a side dish, a dessert, or items for their pantry to be enjoyed round-the-clock by the 50 residents of the live-in facility on Freetown Rd. To sign up, use our electronic registry no later than noon on the Sunday prior to the meal on Monday. Click on the Christ Church Grassroots Meal link on SignUpGenius to view requested items and to tell coordinators what you’ll bring. Co-coordinator Nancy Winchester meets the other volunteers (see photos of Oct. 18). Nancy then transports the hot or cold foods to Freetown Road for handoff to the staff of Grassroots. Look at our sign-up link for Grassroots’ attached file that describes other needs for residents of the Freetown Road pantry and for its Day Resource Center (DRC) at the Dorsey Center in Jessup. After months of reduced or no access, the DRC reopened on November 1st, and Christ Church volunteers served a hot meal on November 8th. We were given our usual second Monday at the DRC, dating back before the coronavirus shut down services in March of 2020. By comparison, there were fewer diners and, according to plan, fewer volunteers. We were limited to four people who had both flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. Numerous pandemic protocols were in place, including the need to reduce menu choices. Look for more news on the reopening prior to our next DRC meal for the homeless, set for December 13th. For questions about meals for either of the Grassroots facilities, please contact Nancy or co-coordinator Shahra Toth or email outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org. Collection Drive Continues to Provide Diapers, Personal Care Items for CCC At Christ Church, members of R.A.G.E and the Outreach Commission ask parishioners to support Columbia Community Care (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. You can drop off items on weekdays when the church office is open or on Sunday. Donate Personal Care and Cleaning Supplies for FISH in Bin on our Breezeway Organizers for FISH of Howard County request household cleaning supplies such as liquid dish soap, bleach, and cleanser as well as personal items such as deodorant, shampoo, and bath soaps. The bin is on the breezeway near the door to the Parish Hall. Registration Now Open for DreamBuilders trip to Puerto Rico - January 9-15, 2022 Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico in September of 2017. Now, four years later, thousands of Puerto Ricans are still living in damaged homes or crowded in with family members waiting for the day when their homes can be made livable again. DreamBuilders will be making its second trip to the island this January to work with SBP-Puerto Rico to repair damaged homes. We are opening registration for this trip now and will keep it open until Sunday, November 21st. The cost of the trip is $1300 per volunteer, which covers the flights, housing, food, and rental vehicles. Daily temperatures in San Juan for January average between 80-83 degrees. SBP has COVID protocols in place to protect its staff, the homeowners, and the volunteers. All volunteers must be vaccinated. Team size will be limited to allow for distancing, and cleaning stations are established at all project sites. More information about SBP's efforts in Puerto Rico and their COVID protocols can be found on their website: sbpusa.org. You can register as a volunteer on our website: https://dreambuildersmd.org/2022-puerto-rico-details-sign-up. You will pay half the fee upon registration ($650) so DreamBuilders can reserve the flights, housing, and rental vehicles. If you have any questions, please contact Cathy Gold at heycathy@verizon.net. Springfield Hospital Donations The Women of Christ Church will once again be collecting Christmas gifts for our friends at Springfield Hospital. Though we haven’t been able to make our usual visits due to the pandemic, we will be gathering gifts for them to bring a little Christmas joy. If you would like to contribute, we have placed a large container in the Tower Room to accept your unwrapped donations. We will need them by December 15th, in order to meet their deadline. If you want to donate gifts but can’t get them to church, please contact Cathy Gold or email info@christchurchcolumbia.org, and we will find a way. Here is the current wish list from Springfield Hospital, in case you would like suggestions. Baltimore Seafarer Ministry Our next delivery date by the WOCC to the Seafarers Center is Tuesday, December 7th. Find the drop-off bin marked “Seafarers” in the Tower Room of New Brick. Each year, the WOCC helps prepare those Seafarers that come to the Baltimore Harbor with ‘Warmth and The Holidays’. These are people who are often away at sea for very long periods of time. Please help by contributing any of these needed items! Calendars Current magazines (especially National Geographic & Smithsonian) Toiletries for their “Christmas shoe boxes” that are handed out to each Seafarer, such as: toothbrushes, small and medium-size tubes of toothpaste, travel-size shaving cream, disposable razors, etc. Warm socks, warm hats, and gloves. 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.

I know many of you are wondering what kind of word this is and what does it mean. This is one of the first words that I learned as a child. Medaase simply means "thank you" in my native Fanti - I thank you for your kindness and generosity. I thank you for the self-emptying that makes your generosity possible. I thank you for the faith that provides you with more than enough reason to give generously to God. Last Sunday, we gathered as a community to offer a Prayer of Stewardship composed by Thomas Merton. We each brought our pledge cards forward and put them in the offering basket. Some of us pledged online. Some of us mailed in our pledges. Some of us dropped our pledges off. It was humbling to witness the joy on all of our faces. For that, and for many blessings, I say, "Medaase." I am sure you will agree with me that one of the noblest human traits is the ability to say, "Medaase." I think it is noble because it tells of a much bigger story about human interdependence, and best of all, it reminds us of the virtue of humility. Permit me to share a story about Hannah with you (we will actually read this story on Sunday): Hannah was married to Elkanah but she struggled to have children. Her rival, Penninah, would provoke her simply because of her inability to be pregnant and have kids. This situation bothered Hannah a lot, and she would spend time crying over this apparent ‘misfortune.’ In an effort to overcome this situation, Hannah committed herself to prayer, and prayed that God would open her womb so she may have a child and dedicate the child to God. God listened to Hannah’s prayer and gave her a son whom she named Samuel. In her excitement and overwhelming joy, Hannah prays this prayer of thanksgiving, Hannah sings Medaase to God. Hear her words: “My heart rejoices in the Lord! The Lord has made me strong. Now I have an answer for my enemies; I rejoice because you rescued me. No one is holy like the Lord! There is no one beside you; there is no Rock like our God.” In a few days, we will be celebrating Thanksgiving. For many of us, it feels like there’s nothing to celebrate, nothing to be thankful for, and no reason to say, "Medaase." But I bid you to stay with me for a moment. Back in my tropical, native Ghana, we only have two seasons: wet season and dry season. The wet season is the time of lushness and flourishing because of the abundant rain. Everything looks good and perfect. The dry season, on the other hand, offers scorching sunlight, humidity, and dry air. The reality is that these two seasons may resonate with all the seasons of our lives, where the wet season tells of our flourishing and the dey season tells of our hardships and suffering. To have the capacity within you to say, "Medaase" whether it’s wet or dry season, Henri Nouwem shares this reflection: “To be grateful for the good things that happen in our lives is easy, but to be grateful for all of our lives - the good as well as the bad, the moments of joy as well as the moments of sorrow, the successes as well as the failures, the rewards as well as the rejections - that requires hard spiritual work. Still, we are only truly grateful people when we can say thank you to all that has brought us to the present moment.” For me, that is why our stewardship becomes incredibly important because it touches the core of who we are as people of faith - people who give not out of convenience, but because we understand the purpose of our giving, and we are even more thankful for the opportunity to give. To those of us who have returned our pledges, on behalf of all of us, I say, "Medaase." To those of us who are still praying over our decision to pledge, on behalf of all of us, I say, "Medaase." Without your support over the years, we wouldn’t be able to do the sort of work God has given us to do. I hope that each of you knows and believes that we count on each other, we depend on each other and we thrive as a faith community because we all believe in the first gift - which is life itself. And for the gift of life itself, I say, "Medaase," for this expression of thankfulness is the response to the surprise of our very existence. If you have never been drunk with gratitude before, listen to Rumi: “Gratitude is the wine of the soul. Go on. Get drunk.” I pray that you fill your life with the glory of being grateful. Medaase pii!! Thank you very much! Manny

Today is All Saints Sunday. Collect of the Day: O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Readings for today: Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17 Psalm 127 Hebrews 9:24-28 Mark 12:38-44 Today's Sermon: You can read Father Manny's Sermon here. Today's Worship Livestream: Today's service bulletin can be found here.

Thanksgiving Food Drive (non-perishables only) for the Howard County Food Bank: November 7-18 In 2021, the Howard County Food Bank expects to feed 1,200 people at Thanksgiving and another 1,200 at Christmas. Its staff began giving out "Holiday Meal Kits" on November 1st and will continue through the month of December. You can support this effort by bringing non-perishable food items that complete the menu with the usual sides: boxed mashed potatoes, stuffing mix, gravy, cranberry sauce, olives, pickles, and cans of vegetables and fruits. Place these items on the Thanksgiving-decorated table in our Narthex. Or, if you wish to remain outdoors, put them in the latest yellow bin that's found on the breezeway. Marked “Thanksgiving Food Drive," this one is near the door to Old Brick. Given cold weather, it’s best if any items stored in glass jars could go in the Narthex collection. The drive begins Sunday, November 7th, and ends on Thursday, November 18th, so that all items can be delivered by November 19th. Once again, due to the pandemic, Christ Church will exclude turkeys from the collection. Last year, we raised funds to order turkeys but had fewer requests than expected for the main course. As a result, thanks to your support in 2020, Christ Church is able to donate the remaining $650 to the food bank for its purchase this Thanksgiving of alternatives to whole turkeys. The food bank will obtain partial or whole chicken roasters, vegetarian options, and options with the proper protein for those on dialysis. These will be delivered to those who are homebound and would not cook a 16-to-19 pound turkey (the usual food bank size) for themselves. A portion of the Christ Church funds also may be used to provide clients of limited means with aluminum pans, making it possible to cook the chicken and other items in their homes. NOTE: The food bank is not collecting pies, other desserts, or rolls this year, because of perishability. Its staff tells us they have adequate supplies of brownie mix, which will be distributed in meal kits instead. Thanks so much for your generosity in planning to shop for items that are on the wish list of the food bank, which is among the services of the Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC). These traditional sides will brighten the holidays in many Howard County households. Inviting One and All to Get Involved in Christ Church Outreach The Outreach Commission is making an effort to better spread the word about what we do and, in turn, persuade more volunteers to participate. Now that it’s time for holiday outreach, consider joining us at our next meeting to learn more about opportunities during the remainder of 2021. It will be held virtually at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, November 8th. Information on how to join the meeting by Zoom or by phone will be provided in the Church notices about online activities next week. To become active in other ways, email outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org. Keep in mind the scripture that underpins our mission: Spread the Word: Nov. 8 Food Giveaway at Howard Community College Public-health students at Howard Community College (HCC) are planning to hand out groceries to the less fortunate on Monday, November 8th from 1 to 3 p.m. As a part of a collaboration with the Maryland Food Bank, students in the Health Sciences Division plan to distribute 300 free boxes of food to those in need. The event is drive-through only (no walk-ups) at HCC”s Parking Lot B, 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. In these pandemic times, families and individuals struggle to make ends meet. The HCC effort is among several that recognize it’s tough to be in the “have-not” category in Howard County, where there’s a great contrast between haves and have-nots, especially as the holidays approach. Collection Drive Continues to Provide Diapers, Personal Care Items for CCC At Christ Church, members of R.A.G.E and the Outreach Commission ask parishioners to support Columbia Community Care(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. You can drop off items on weekdays when the church office is open or on Sunday. Donate Personal Care and Cleaning Supplies for FISH in Bin on our Breezeway Organizers for FISH of Howard County request household cleaning supplies such as liquid dish soap, bleach, and cleanser as well as personal items such as deodorant, shampoo, and bath soaps. The bin is on the breezeway near the door to the Parish Hall. Registration Now Open for DreamBuilders trip to Puerto Rico - January 9-15, 2022 Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico in September of 2017. Now, four years later, thousands of Puerto Ricans are still living in damaged homes or crowded in with family members waiting for the day when their homes can be made livable again. DreamBuilders will be making its second trip to the island this January to work with SBP-Puerto Rico to repair damaged homes. We are opening registration for this trip now and will keep it open for a few days more. The cost of the trip is $1300 per volunteer, which covers the flights, housing, food, and rental vehicles. Daily temperatures in San Juan for January average between 80-83 degrees. SBP has COVID protocols in place to protect its staff, the homeowners, and the volunteers. All volunteers must be vaccinated. Team size will be limited to allow for distancing, and cleaning stations are established at all project sites. More information about SBP's efforts in Puerto Rico and their COVID protocols can be found on their website: sbpusa.org. You can register as a volunteer on our website: https://dreambuildersmd.org/2022-puerto-rico-details-sign-up. You will pay half the fee upon registration ($650) so DreamBuilders can reserve the flights, housing, and rental vehicles. If you have any questions, please contact Cathy Gold at heycathy@verizon.net. Springfield Hospital Donations The Women of Christ Church will once again be collecting Christmas gifts for our friends at Springfield Hospital. Though we haven’t been able to make our usual visits due to the pandemic, we will be gathering gifts for them to bring a little Christmas joy. If you would like to contribute, we have placed a large container in the Tower Room to accept your unwrapped donations. We will need them by December 15th, in order to meet their deadline. If you want to donate gifts but can’t get them to church, please contact Cathy Gold or email info@christchurchcolumbia.org, and we will find a way. Here is the current wish list from Springfield Hospital, in case you would like suggestions. Baltimore Seafarer Ministry Our next delivery date by the WOCC to the Seafarers Center is Tuesday, December 7th. Find the drop-off bin marked “Seafarers” in the Tower Room of New Brick. Each year, the WOCC helps prepare those Seafarers that come to the Baltimore Harbor with ‘Warmth and The Holidays’. These are people who are often away at sea for very long periods of time. Please help by contributing any of these needed items! Calendars Current magazines (especially National Geographic & Smithsonian) Toiletries for their “Christmas shoe boxes” that are handed out to each Seafarer, such as: toothbrushes, small and medium-size toothpastes, travel-size shaving cream, disposable razors, etc. Warm socks, warm hats, and gloves. 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.

2022 WOCC Officers At our last meeting, WOCC members elected the following to serve as the 2022 WOCC officers: President, Rhonda Tomlinson Vice-President, Cathy Gold Secretary, Cindy Read Financial Secretary, Suzanne Ziobro Chaplain, Mary Vail Upcoming WOCC Meetings Our next regular meeting will be on the 2nd Monday in January - January 10th - at which time we will create our calendar of events for 2022. For December, we will be holding our Annual WOCC Christmas Gathering. WOCC has voted to hold a virtual party on Sunday, December 5th, with more details to follow. Springfield Hospital Donations We will once again be collecting Christmas gifts for our friends at Springfield Hospital. Though we haven’t been able to make our usual visits due to the pandemic, we will be gathering gifts for them to bring a little Christmas joy. If you would like to contribute, we have placed a large container in the Tower Room to accept your unwrapped donations. We will need them by December 15th, in order to meet their deadline. If you want to donate gifts but can’t get them to church, please contact Cathy Gold or email info@christchurchcolumbia.org, and we will find a way. Here is the current wish list from Springfield, in case you would like suggestions. Baltimore Seafarer Ministry Our Next delivery date by WOCC to the Seafarers Center is Tuesday December 7th. Find drop off bin marked “Seafarers” in the Tower Room of New Brick. Each year, the WOCC helps prepare those Seafarers that come to the Baltimore Harbor with ‘Warmth and The Holidays’. These are people who are often away at sea for very long periods of time. Please help by contributing any of these needed items! Calendars Current magazines (especially National Geographic & Smithsonian) Toiletries for their “Christmas shoe boxes” that are handed out to each Seafarer, such as: toothbrushes, small and medium-size toothpastes, travel-size shaving cream, disposable razors, etc. Warm socks, warm hats, and gloves.

This Sunday is All Saints Sunday. It is also our Stewardship Sunday, where we gather as a community and bless our unified pledge commitment. As much as I like the stewardship tag, I prefer Covenant. This Sunday will be our Covenant Sunday because that is one of the moments when we express, in a tangible way, the depth of our relationship with God - when we commit to flying in a V-formation. As I reflected on our covenant with God, I was reminded of Jesus' words from the gospel of John: “If the Son sets you free, you must be free indeed.” It is telling that our relationship with God has never been contractual because contracts invite enforcement. But our relationship with God has never been about enforcement; it has always been about an outstretched hand inviting you to a dance. That, to me, explains why the Book of Revelations reminds us with these words: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” The message from this reading is that the onus is squarely on each of us to respond to the invitation from God to be in a covenantal relationship with Him. The reality is that Covenant with God is not only rooted and grounded in love, but it generates this powerful sense of obligation on God and all those who are part of the covenant. Through the covenant with Noah, God promised not to curse the ground because of human action, nor will he ever destroy every living creature. And so when we see the rainbow over the horizon, we are reminded of God’s covenant with us. Through the covenant with Abraham, we came to know that the Lord will provide, and the Lord provides for all who trust in his providential covenant. During good times and not-so-good times, we offer praise because we believe that the Lord provides, and we believe that the Lord is good. Through the covenant with Moses, we came to know that our security came only from God. On Sinai, God revealed to us why we were created, why we were saved, why we are borne up on eagle’s wings, and what our purpose was - on the mountain, we discovered our destiny - we are covenant-keepers. More than that, we are God’s covenant partners who radiate this huge sense of obligation to each other, our community, and ourselves, quite similar to geese flying south in V-formation. The story goes like this: the next time you see geese flying south in V-formation, you might be interested to know that as each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following them. By flying in a V-formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% more flying range than if each bird flew on its own. Christians who share a common direction and sense of community can also get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the uplift of one another. Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone, and quickly gets back into formation. If we have at least as much sense as a goose, we'll stay in formation with those who have headed in the same direction as us. When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates to the back of the V, and another goose flies upfront. It pays to take turns doing hard jobs - with other people at church, or with geese flying south. The geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. What do we say when we honk from behind? Finally, when a goose gets sick or is wounded and falls out, two geese fall out of formation and follow it down to help protect it. They stay with it until it is able to fly or perishes, and then they launch out on their own or with another formation to catch up with their original group. The geese who help one another, share. Sharing is both serving and giving. It is the essence of our obligation. It is a part of “stewardship.” Each year, I try as much as possible to send a handwritten thank-you note to all those who commit themselves to upholding their sacred part of their covenantal relationship with God. This year will be no different. In fact, I have already started sending thank you notes to those who have returned their pledge cards. It gives me great joy to reach out to you and thank you individually. But I want to share with you part of an email that I recently received from our treasurer. The treasurer believes that, based on the level at which we are redeeming our pledges, we may fall short of our overall goal. I, therefore, pray you to consider helping us meet our goal. I am eternally grateful to each of you for all that you have given to Christ Church. I thank God for your lives and for being in a relationship with you. I thank you for making Christ Church a part of your life, and I want to invite you to prayerfully reflect on the covenant you have with God. And so, on this All Saints Sunday - on our Covenant Sunday - if we are to fly in V-formation to the place where God wants us to be, we will need you as a part of God’s flock. Thank you for being a part of the formation. Manny