On weekdays during the season of Lent, we post daily meditations on our website, and on Saturdays we include a piece of music, as well. These songs are submitted by parish family members and friends of Christ Church, and meant to uplift, comfort, and inspire. We hope that you enjoy. I'm not a warrior I'm too afraid to lose I feel unqualified for what you're calling me to But Lord with your strength I've got no excuse 'Cause broken people are exactly who you use So give me faith like Daniel in the lion's den Give me hope like Moses in the wilderness Give me a heart like David, Lord be my defense So I can face my giants with confidence You took a shepherd boy And made him a King So I'm gonna trust you and give you everything I'll be a conquerer 'Cause you fight for me I'll be a champion claiming your victory So give me faith like Daniel in the lion's den Give me hope like Moses in the wilderness Give me a heart like David, Lord be my defense So I can face my giants with confidence I'm gonna sing and shout and shake the walls I won't stop until I see 'em fall Gonna stand up, step out when you call Jesus, Jesus I'm gonna sing and shout and shake the walls I won't stop until I see 'em fall Gonna stand up, step out when you call Jesus So give me faith like Daniel in the lion's den Give me hope like Moses in the wilderness Give me a heart like David, Lord be my defense So I can face my giants with confidence, yeah Give me faith like Daniel in the lion's den Give me hope like Moses in the wilderness Give me a heart like David, Lord be my defense So I can face my giants with confidence I'll face my giants with confidence Songwriters: Matthew Ross Armstrong / Jordan Michael Bailey / Tony W. Wood

If you have not as yet tuned in to share in either our Morning Prayer or Evening Prayer, you will have missed what I said this Wednesday morning, which was, "It doesn’t cost much to be compassionate." Lots of little come together in order to form something magical and large. I also shared a story about a couple that asked what they could do to help those who may be in need. The purpose of my call was to check on them, but their first question was about those who may not be as fortunate as they were. They believed that their gift, however little it may be, would make a difference in another person’s life. The reality is that you wouldn’t know how big a difference that little gift can be until you offer that very same gift. This reminds me about a story of two people, Mark and Bill. Mark was walking home from school one day when he noticed the boy ahead of him had tripped and dropped all of the books he was carrying, along with two sweaters, a baseball bat, a glove, and a small tape recorder. Mark knelt down and helped the boy pick up the scattered articles. Since they were going the same way, he helped to handle part of the burden. As they walked, Mark discovered that the boy’s name was Bill, that he loved video games, baseball, and history, that he was having lots of trouble with his other school subjects, and that he had just broken up with his girlfriend. They arrived at Bill’s home first, and Mark was invited in for a Coke and to watch some television. The afternoon passed pleasantly, with a few laughs and some shared small talk; Mark then went home. They continued to see each other around school, had lunch together once or twice, then both graduated from their junior high school. They then ended up in the same high school, where they had brief contacts over the years. Finally, the long awaited senior year came and three weeks before graduation, Bill asked Mark if they could talk. Bill reminded him of the day years ago when they had first met. “Did you ever wonder why I was carrying so many things home that day?” asked Bill. “You see, I cleaned out my locker because I didn’t want to leave a mess for anyone else. I had stored away some of my mother’s sleeping pills and I was going home to commit suicide. But after we spent some time together talking and laughing, I realized that if I had done so, I would have missed that time we had, and so many others that might follow. So you see, Mark, when you picked up those books that day, you did a lot more - you saved my life.” At our last Vestry meeting (which was conducted in cyberspace!) this past Tuesday, Rose Kirby reflected on some of the challenges that we’re all dealing with because of COVID-19. Even extroverts and introverts now have to find a new way of being. You and I have had to find a new way of being at home, and people are learning new ways of living and being with loved ones they used to barely see or interact with, or maybe used to see but for a few hours each day. Now, because of COVID-19, people are seeing more of each other - oftentimes more than we might all tolerate. People might be wondering if they’ve been living with their loved ones, or mere strangers. Because we saw little of each other, we didn’t have to deal with much, but now because of this pandemic, family relations are being put to the test and family narratives are changing. In my case, I don’t remember spending as much time at home with my family since we moved to Maryland a few years ago. Like most families, we are used to being always on the move in our daily lives. But for COVID-19, I didn’t know that I could enjoy the company of my kids in such a meaningful way - laughing at each other, being silly, and simply being family. There’s always a gift worth discovering in the tragedies and struggles of our lives, not because we crave those tragedies or struggles, and certainly not because they seem to be the only time we learn a lesson. Far from that. For all it’s worth, like many tragedies and struggles, this, too has taught us a lot, has gifted us with a new reason for helping Bill pick up his stuff from the ground and to reach out to the other Bills who are part of our community and are hurting tremendously because of job loss, among other setbacks. Many, many years ago, a friend of mine who had come to visit me shared with me a scripture verse: “All things work together for good for those that love the Lord.” I remember that moment like yesterday for it was the first time I ever heard that scripture. Over the years, I have found more than enough solace in those beautiful words, and especially at this time when we cannot congregate and celebrate God’s blessings on our lives like we’re used to. But the tremendous gift we have is our ability to be Mark, because Bill’s world has literally fallen through his fingers. One important fact we ought not to miss as we go through this pandemic is that although our buildings remain closed until at least May 16th, we aren’t closed for business because compassion has no off days. As Bishop Sutton has encouraged us to do, Stay Calm. Stay Connected. Stay Church. Like Mark, we will help Bill pick up his life from the ground with the conviction that all will work for good. ~Manny

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. + Deuteronomy 31:6 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. + 2 Timothy 1:7 David also said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished. + 1 Chronicles 28:20 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. + 1 Corinthians 16:13 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” + Joshua 1:9

Arise, for the Task is Yours…Take Courage and Do It Submitted by the Christ Church MS/HS Sunday School Class As we discussed this year’s theme, we broke it down into three components: · What it means to have courage, · who do we think is courageous, and · what are God’s tasks for us? What does it mean to have courage? Courageous acts can be big or small. Sometimes it takes courage to do nothing, such as when someone tries to pick a fight with you. Courage is being confident and stepping out of your comfort zone to do the right thing for others, or to stand up for yourself. When we think of courageous people whom we often think they are fearless, but courage is when we do something in spite of our fear. Acting courageously in never easy, but we are comforted to know that God is always with us. We invite you to consider what it means to you to have courage. Who do we think is courageous? As we talked about those whom we found courageous, we came up with a wide variety of examples, but they fell into a few common categories. (1) Those who risk their lives for others. From our list this included police and firefighters, the first responders during the September 11 attacks, and World War I runners, who delivered critical information from unit to unit while under enemy fire. (2) Those who take a stand to advance the rights of others. From our list this included Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. Not only did they put their lives in danger by standing up to the powerful political and social structures of the time, but they did so by using words and non-violent action, even when the powerful responded with violence. (3) Those who speak out against personal attack. From our list this included people who are bullied, and women who are brutalized for turning down men, as in the case of Laxmi Aggarwal, who was scarred in an acid attack in an attempt to turn her beauty into shame. It takes a great amount of courage to stand up to an attacker, and to be a role model for others to do the same. (4) Those who live life to the fullest. One example is athletes, who risk injury and give it their all every game they play. Also included are those who overcome personal adversity, such as Lee Thomas, a well-known TV broadcaster who has vitiligo. He used to cover up his vitiligo completely, fearing his TV career would be over, but now is an advocate for others with the condition. (5) Those who ask forgiveness and show humility. No one is perfect, and often those we look up to disappoint us in some way. We talked about how we should think about people who have done something wrong, particularly celebrities that are in the public eye. We thought that it was not that they failed, but how they then responded that was most important. We believe those that show courage are the ones who admit to their wrongdoing, humbly ask forgiveness, and actively work to do good going forward. We invite you to consider who you find courageous in your life. What are God’s Tasks for Us? God calls each of us to different tasks, and it is up to us to listen for our task and have the courage to pursue it. We each thought about what we are called to do, and came up with the following: · Help People · Be kind · Do good things for others · Work hard every day towards our goals · Make use of the abilities and talents we’ve been given, and always put forth our best effort · Stand up and speak out when we see something that is not right, regardless of the possible backlash · Seek justice for all people · Promote awareness of causes that mean something to us · Respectfully listen to and consider other points of view · Support those who lead in causes we believe in. While when we think of courage we think of leaders, but leaders cannot lead without followers. Supporting leaders in worthy causes is equally important.

Although the Christ Church Wednesday Lenten Supper Series is one of the many suspended in-person gatherings (due to the coronavirus), our scheduled clergy leaders are very kindly providing their presentations to us each Wednesday during Lent. This week we welcome our former Rector, The Reverend Richard A. Ginnever. Although he is now retired, he kindly took time to give us his perspective on our 2020 theme, “Arise, for the task is yours, take courage and do it.” We hope that you enjoy. ding your time with us

Breathe in spaciousness and acceptance of what is. Breathe out resistance. Breathe in possibility and optimism. Breathe in ease. Breathe out the need to change the way this moment is unfolding. Breathe in the certainty that what we really are is so much bigger than pain and suffering. Breathe out limitation and conditioning. Breathe in divinity and openness. Breathe out a prayer of thanks that even in the midst of difficulty, there is awareness. ~Author unknown

Ecclesiastes 3:10 “I have seen the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, He has put eternity in their hearts” WE ARE TO BEAUTIFY OUR WORLD The gospel is the good news of salvation. Salvation is wholeness in every part of our lives. He will beautify the meek with salvation. Our God-given task is to lead people – one by one – to the restorer and beautifier – of our souls. We are an incredible force on earth – and together we can beautify our world with many good things. WE HAVE HEAVEN IN OUR HEARTS God has given us His eternal spirit so that we may know what heaven looks like. Our task is to bring heaven to earth and reveal God’s plan for His creation. Learn to see heaven’s perspective in all things. Get God’s plan for the restoration of all things. WE ARE TO OCCUPY TILL HE COMES The sons of men are to be occupied with a Godly task until JESUS returns as King. Our task is to build His church and extend His kingdom influence. Jesus went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed. WE ARE TO REDEEM THE TIME Time is the most valuable resource given to mankind. There is coming a day when time will cease and eternity will rule. Until then we are to redeem the time – making all things beautiful. Spend your time serving a noble God cause that has at its core – to beautify the meek with salvation. YOUR GOD GIVEN TASK IS YOUR DESTINY, WHICH IS TO SPEND YOUR TIME MAKING THE PEOPLE IN YOUR WORLD BEAUTIFUL IN HIM. ~S. Penny

Eternal and everlasting God, who art the Father of all Mankind, as we turn aside from the hurly-burly of everyday living, may our hearts and souls, yea our very spirits, be lifted upward to Thee…. We pray for thy divine guidance as we travel the highways of life. We pray for more courage. We pray for more faith and above all we pray for more love. ~Coretta Scott King

Today is the Fourth Sunday in Lent. Readings for today: 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Psalm 23 Ephesians 5:8-14 John 9:1-41 The Collect of the Day: Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

On weekdays during the season of Lent, we post daily meditations on our website, and on Saturdays we include a piece of music, as well. These songs are submitted by parish family members and friends of Christ Church, and meant to uplift, comfort, and inspire. We hope that you enjoy. They say sometimes you win some Sometimes you lose some And right now, right now I'm losing bad I've stood on this stage night after night Reminding the broken it'll be alright But right now, oh right now I just can't It's easy to sing When there's nothing to bring me down But what will I say When I'm held to the flame Like I am right now I know You're able and I know You can Save through the fire with Your mighty hand But even if You don't My hope is You alone They say it only takes a little faith To move a mountain Well good thing A little faith is all I have, right now But God, when You choose To leave mountains unmovable Oh give me the strength to be able to sing It is well with my soul I know You're able and I know You can Save through the fire with Your mighty hand But even if You don't My hope is You alone I know the sorrow, and I know the hurt Would all go away if You'd just say the word But even if You don't My hope is You alone You've been faithful, You've been good All of my days Jesus, I will cling to You Come what may 'Cause I know You're able I know You can I know You're able and I know You can Save through the fire with Your mighty hand But even if You don't My hope is You alone I know the sorrow, I know the hurt Would all go away if You'd just say the word But even if You don't My hope is You alone It is well with my soul It is well, it is well with my soul ~Songwriters: Bart Millard / Ben Glover / Crystal Lewis / David Garcia / Tim Timmons

The past week has been dreary. Life hasn’t been as we have known it to be. Many are working from home, or are simply at home. This is nothing like we’ve seen before. We have been invited to practice social distancing and washing our hands thoroughly, among many other practices geared towards our own safety. My amazement has been with the word social distancing. It is a phrase that has a new meaning for me. It feels like a constraint on me. I met one of our parishioners at the BJs gas station off Dobbin Road, and this is a parishioner whom I am used to shaking his hands and giving him a hug. But this time, none of that happened. We stood at a distance from each other as we talked. He had with him a small bottle of hand sanitizer, and the nearest I got to him was when he invited me to stretch my hand in order to use some. In a very real way, we all find ourselves between a rock and a hard place. Our health experts have done a very great job alerting us to the dangers that lay ahead, and the kind of precautionary measures that we need to take in order to mitigate the spread of this pandemic. As part of our precautionary measures we have abridged the office hours from 10:00-3:00 p.m. and eliminated any interaction between staff. We are livestreaming Morning Prayer at 7:00 a.m. and Evening Prayer at 7:00 p.m. on Facebook. We will continue to share additional information as the days go by. In as much as we want to still live like we’re all used to, the reality is that for the foreseeable future, this will be our new normal - life between a rock and a hard place. I have no idea that, if in choosing a name for the movie Rocky, Sylvester Stallone thought about his life as being a metaphor for the movie. He had acted in the movie The Lords of Flatbush, which wasn’t very successful, but he continued to ply his acting trade in New York with the hope of hitting the jackpot. He tells the story of being broke, very broke, to the extent that he tried to sell his dog because he couldn’t feed that dog. He tells the story of seeing a fight between Muhammad Ali and Chuck Wepner, where Wepner fought the greatest champion of all time for fifteen rounds and knocked him down. Although Wepner lost the bout, it nonetheless became a motivation for Stallone. He saw in that fight a man who was going to stand up to life, take a shot, and go the distance. With that thought in mind, he went home and put pen to paper. Within three days, he had the script done for the movie. However, when he wasn’t successful at a casting call, he told the producers about his script. They asked him to bring it, and so he did. And this is where the story gets interesting - upon reading the script, they thought it was quite good and offered him $360,000.00 for the script with a condition that he wouldn’t play Rocky. This was a man who had no money, was on the verge of selling his dog because he couldn’t feed it, and had only $106.00 in the bank. You would think that he would simply take the money and walk away - life between a rock and a hard place. Stallone, however, refused to sell the script. He said to himself, "I am already poor, and I would hate myself for selling the script and losing out should the movie become successful." The producers pressed him again and again to sell the script. As good as the script was, Stallone wasn’t a big Hollywood actor. Apart from that, he wasn’t cut for such a huge role. And because they didn’t want to risk a loss, they continued to pressed upon him in order to change his mind. But as poor as he was, he still wouldn’t sell the script - life between a rock and a hard place. Finally, the producers relented and paid him one million dollars and had him play the lead role. The movie did not only catapult Stallone into stardom, but Rocky became one of the very successful movies of all time with three Oscar wins, including Best Picture. Over the years, the Rocky franchise has earned $1.4 billion at the box office. He had made the right decision for himself. I don’t remember when I last saw any of the Rocky movies, but my fascination with Stallone’s story was his relentless desire to, in spite of his searing poverty, turn down such a huge payday for the purpose of looking at himself a little differently than how others thought about him. He believed - and rightly so - that his biggest payday was winning the battle instead of the fight. And by sticking to his guns, he had won the battle. Our lives have changed over the past several days. It feels like a huge disruption... nothing seems ordinary anymore. We do find ourselves between a rock and a hard place. Like Rocky, we can also win this battle, we can forgo the little comforts of our lives, assure ourselves that no instructions from the health experts is too ordinary to follow, and embrace the possibility of being asked to be the lead actor. For us, being the lead actor would mean taking a shot at life, going the distance, and staying safe in God's merciful hands. ~Manny