I awoke This morning Before first light, The peace Of the night Embracing my soul, To discover That I still Walked This earth -- God must yet Have need Of me. But, I have Weary eyes, Sore limbs And Slower steps These days. I come to Him With Damaged Offerings “So did my Son,” God told me As Dawn Caressed The sky. ~Pamela Pruitt, August 26, 2019

We are born into this world helpless and completely reliant on others to care for us. We grow and learn self-reliance, establish a sense of self along the way. Most of us reach a point in this development often in our teenage years when we believe we can do anything, be anything, and even manipulate others. Reality often shapes and restrains these delusions, but our sense of self requires us to believe we are in control of something. Those with wisdom learn that we are in control of very little and settle on an understanding that we are only control of two single things: our attitude and will. Such a path in the growth of our understanding can be depressing. But we are not alone and many awaken to an idea that collectively we can create a sense of greater control through consensus and community fighting the reality which keeps harping that we only control of our attitude and will – again a sense of helpless isolation. Nonetheless we gather in these groups supporting these formative elements to establish a sense of control and even destiny. All communities, enterprises, and countries are built on these elements, and they all serve some appointed body of recognized leadership often embodied into a single individual. Just as the complexities of creation are not formed by accident, this social reality of ours is also designed into our being. Often, we form these social structures with lofty selfless goals, but the facts in our history show that as time progresses, those who have self-service in their heart seek to corrupt and usurp our institutions for their benefit. “Absolute power corrupts absolutely” say the sages. Again, we arrive at a very familiar end: a never-ending path of creation to decay. But such an end is not our reality. There is a path which leads to a specific goal which does not decay and will never end: His kingdom. We know this to be true because He has said so. All of creation was formed in love, and in love there is no fear, oppression, or coercion. Love is selfless giving. Just as creation shows His hand at work in weaving the marvelous tapestry of life, so building His kingdom will engage His all-powerful hand to bring His kingdom into full fruit. The Lord has given each of us complete freedom of choice in the use of our will and we have control of our attitude. We can exert that will to serve our desires or His. We know that when our desires align with His, He will help us. We also know that when our desires serve only us, there will be no help and our efforts will ultimately not bear the fruit which we desire. We each must choose in whose control we place our lives for one cannot serve two masters. The choice between ours or His. So, choose wisely, for in His service you shall find love, support, and perfect freedom!

Created in love, we are called to love one another. Whether our journey keeps us near or takes us far, may we lift up those we meet with love and compassion. Open wide our hearts to care for those in need, to help those who are hurting, with a genuine love for all humankind. With God as our Guide, our Light, and our Truth, let us walk in faith, hope, and love. This day and every day. 1 Corinthians 13:13 Prayer from the Adrian Dominican Sisters

During the Spring of 2018, my dad left the hospital to receive hospice care at his home. One of the first things he did was to pick out the readings and songs for his celebration of life. After his death, my family planned out the service with his minister. My dad had previously talked to her and arranged everything, but the readings were a surprise to us. For my brother, he chose: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ~2 Timothy 4:7 My sons were asked to read Psalm 23: 1  The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2  He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3  He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. My dad asked me to read this passage: We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did, and were destroyed by serpents. And do not complain as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. These things happened to them to serve as an example, and they were written down to instruct us, on whom the ends of the ages have come. So if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall. No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it. ~1 Corinthians 10:9-13 After reading the theme of taking courage, I was instantly reminded of my reading. You will not be tested beyond what you can do, and a way out will be provided. Knowing this gives me courage to complete tasks that are hard or a challenge to me. It will always remind me of my dad – encouraging me to do hard things. I also like this prayer when I am looking for guidance on tasks: A Collect for Guidance Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. I hope these readings and prayer will help you along your journey this Lent. ~J. Atkins

Throughout this coming week, Christ Church will stream Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer services from Old Brick. Led by Father Manny, these services from The Book of Common Prayer includes readings from scripture, beautiful collects, and prayers for the world, the church, and the community. You can also follow along to each stream with our service leaflets. A link to each leaflet will be available on our Facebook page approximately 15 minutes prior to the start of service. These livestreams will be hosted on Facebook at 7:00a.m. and 7:00 p.m. each weekday, so click here to join us. All are, of course, welcome. If you cannot tune in at that time, video of the latest service will be on the front page of this website, so you can view it when it's most convenient for you. ***Please remember that all public services at Christ Church are cancelled until at least March 27th; these services will be online only.

ARISE, FOR THE TASK IS YOURS…. TAKE COURAGE AND DO IT. ~Ezra 10:4 The words of an Epiphany collect: Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. ARISE would mean to answer readily THE TASK would mean the call of God to proclaim the Good News of his salvation to us and the whole world The words of Isaiah 9:1-4 give us reason to TAKE COURAGE AND DO IT: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light God has multiplied the nation, he has increased its joy He has broken the burden of the people The words of Psalm 27:1, 5-13 give us reason to TAKE COURAGE: The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom then shall I be afraid? 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 calls for unity, ARISE, TAKE COURAGE, and DO THE TASK: Be in agreement Let there be no divisions among you Be united in the same mind and the same purpose (There was substantial unity among the Israelites about confessing to being unfaithful to God by marrying foreign women, about making a covenant with God to send away all the foreign wives and their children, about acting in accordance with the law, and about taking an oath to do so. Ezra 10:2-3) Matthew 4:12-23 tells about Jesus calling his first disciples, four fishermen on the Sea of Galilee. They did ARISE, TAKE COURAGE AND DO IT. When Jesus saw Peter and his brother Andrew, he said, Follow me, And I will make you fish for people. Immediately they left their nets and followed him. Then Jesus saw James and his brother John in a boat with their father Zebedee. Jesus called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

In keeping with the directives from Bishop Sutton in his recent Diocesan message, there will be a virtual worship service from the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. this Sunday, with the Most Reverend Michael Bruce Curry preaching. We invite all of you to tune in to this livestream tomorrow morning at 11:00 a.m. Click on this link to set a reminder or to watch the service. Also this coming week, Father Manny is planning on livestreaming a brief Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer from Old Brick. These services will be hosted on our Facebook page at 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. each weekday, so be sure to tune in. If you need further information or have any questions, please email us at info@christchurchcolumbia.org

Today is the First Sunday in Lent. Readings for today: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 Psalm 32 Romans 5:12-19 Matthew 4:1-11 The 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.

Today is the Third Sunday in Lent. Readings for today: Exodus 17:1-7 Psalm 95 Romans 5:1-11 John 4:5-42 The Collect of the Day: Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and 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 meant to uplift, comfort, and inspire. We hope that you enjoy. Build Your kingdom here Let the darkness fear Show Your mighty hand Heal our streets and land Set Your church on fire Win this nation back Change the atmosphere Build Your kingdom here We pray Come set Your rule and reign In our hearts again Increase in us we pray Unveil why we're made Come set our hearts ablaze with hope Like wildfire in our very souls Holy Spirit come invade us now We are Your Church And we need Your power In us We seek Your kingdom first We hunger and we thirst Refuse to waste our lives For You're our joy and prize To see the captive hearts released The hurt, the sick, the poor at peace We lay down our lives for Heaven's cause We are Your church And we pray revive This earth (We're prayin' for revival) Build Your kingdom here Let the darkness fear Show Your mighty hand Heal our streets and land Set Your church on fire Win this nation back Change the atmosphere Build Your kingdom here We pray (Change the atmosphere) Unleash Your kingdom's power Reaching the near and far No force of hell can stop Your beauty changing hearts You made us for much more than this Awake the kingdom seed in us Fill us with the strength and love of Christ We are Your church Oh, and we are the hope On earth Build Your kingdom here Let the darkness fear Show Your mighty hand Heal our streets and land Set Your church on fire Win this nation back Change the atmosphere Build Your kingdom here We pray (Change the atmosphere, build Your kingdom here) Build Your kingdom here Let the darkness fear Show Your mighty hand Heal our streets and land Set Your church on fire Win this nation back Change the atmosphere Build Your kingdom here We pray By Rend Collective

At a recent meeting, the Christ Church Vestry voted to designate Christ Episcopal Church as an "Affirming Church” and to list itself in online directories. The vestry also authorized the placement of an image of pride iconography on our website and social media pages. What is an affirming church? To us, it is a church that affirms the dignity of all persons regardless of race, physical abilities, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, or gender identification. This process started during our rector search process, when the Discernment Committee and the Vestry affirmed that race, gender, or sexual orientation would not be factors in the selection of a new Rector. It continued with Father Manny’s selection as Rector of Christ Church and his articulated concerns that we recognize the dignity of all persons who come through our doors and with whom we deal in our daily lives. To be honest, the Vestry’s actions are only symbolic, outward and visible signs of our inward spiritual commitments as a congregation and as individuals. Spiritually, we must all be willing to acknowledge that every person who comes through the doors of Christ Church is loved by God, and that our duty as Christians is to love them, as well. We trust that all will embrace the Vestry’s action and that Christ Church will serve as a beacon and example for all religious communities. For more information on affirming churches, please visit and read through the informative site www.gaychurch.org and feel free to email us with any questions or thoughts by emailing info@christchurchcolumbia.org or filling out the fields on our website's "Contact" page.