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.   God is great, give Him all the praise Hallelujah, Name above all names Fire in His eyes, healing in His veins Everywhere, His glory on display Take a look at those stars, He can name ′em all Before His throne every knee falls The demons have to run, the angels have to praise Even the winds and waves obey   {chorus} Our God is an awesome God, He reigns (He reigns) From Heaven above with wisdom, power, and love Our God is an awesome God (our God) Our God (our God) is an awesome God, He reigns From Heaven above with wisdom (with wisdom), power, and love Our God is an awesome God   And even when I ran, He didn't run away He came and put death back in its place Friday on a cross, broken for my shame Sunday morning rose up from that grave Take a look at those scars on His hands and feet He saved our souls for eternity Worthy is the Lamb, glory to the King Oh, let all the saints and the angels sing {chorus} Eyes on the sky, there will be a day He will come and wipe our tears away No more fear, no more pain No more sorrow, sin or shame The King is coming back again A reign of love that will never end For everything You′ve done and everything You do And everything You are, I'll sing to You   {chorus} My God, You're an awesome God You′re great in all You do I′m made to worship You My God, You're an awesome God What an awesome, awesome God You are No one like You, none beside You God, we worship You   (He′s an awesome God) (He reigns from heaven above) You're worthy, You′re worthy (With wisdom, power, and love) with wisdom, power, and love (Our God is an awesome God) oh, forever we sing Our God is an awesome God He reigns from heaven above with wisdom, power, and love Our God is an awesome God (yes, our God is an awesome God) Our God is an awesome God He reigns from heaven above with wisdom, power, and love Our God is an awesome God Our God is an awesome God   Our God, what an awesome God   Writer(s): Phil Wickham, Richard W. Mullins, Jonathan Lindley Smith

You listen, as the forest listens to the wind, as the ocean hears the river. You listen to someone, not just their speaking but their being. Your listening is a door, through which they enter you. The more fully, openly, spaciously you listen, the more of them comes in, what they're saying and not saying, and can't say, what they may not even know until they hear it being heard. The door that is your listening becomes the whole space, a house, a temple. It holds the world. In this temple, beneath the words, beneath the cries and silences, you hear the voice of God— without words, a wind. A music, enveloping all, the full sound. In someone's story, even their pain, is the world's vast joy and agony. In your listening the whole sanctuary resounds with the glory of God. ~Steve Garnaas-Holmes

This past Saturday, I participated in the faith-based conflict resolution training sessions offered by the Diocese of Maryland in collaboration with the Anne Arundel Conflict Resolution Center. It was the second of three sessions. As part of our ice breaker, we engaged in a group activity of fixing a dish or making a meal. The dish itself and some of the ingredients should represent accountability , trust, grace, and stewardship . Each group could make whatever dish they wanted; it could be cultural, national, ethnic, or international. It is interesting that each of the six groups came up with a variety of meals. My group decided on chicken soup. For stewardship, we thought about being good stewards of God’s creation. That would mean being mindful of the amount of ingredients that we use in preparing the dish. The point is that we don’t want to overuse any ingredients, because we don’t want the food we are cooking to taste bad. We want to be mindful and intentional about what we use.   With regards to trust, we were of the view that to work together, we must be willing to trust each other. We must believe each other to be honest, open, and flexible. We must trust each other to the point that we can eat the food together and invite others to eat with us. Grace abounds in the collaborative work that we do together. The grace that is realized is one in which the group understands that each member is not perfect, or that the ingredients may not look great or perfect, but the joy is in using what we have to create something delicious. It is for this reason that we each approach conflict resolution as we are - not perfect. But that even in our imperfection, we work hard to be as graceful as we can, recognizing the gift of each other. The point is, without the benefit of extending that grace, how do we solve the most intractable issues that confront us? To be accountable, we have to think about ourselves in relation to others. Since many others may not like spicy soup, instead of adding peppers to the soup, we will put the spices on the side so those who like spicy food can have access to them. Another part of our thinking process involved the universal connection we all share regarding cooking and food. There’s not a single culture anywhere in the world where people don't cook. There is also no culture where soup isn't considered a delicacy. There is a universal bond that we all share when it comes to cooking and food, and that is an advantage that we cannot overlook. To bring people together through conflict resolution, we have to consider the bonds they share. The point of the icebreaker was to help us understand the difficult work of resolving conflict. It is a painstaking and taxing work. It is an intentional work, similar to cooking a meal - emphasis on intentional . It cannot be done haphazardly, in just the same way that you cannot cook haphazardly. To cook, and to cook good food, we have to be intentional. The fact is that having a community means being open to resolving conflicts. Conflict is almost always at the heart of any relationship that involves two or more people, or any community, for that matter. For that relationship or community to thrive, we commit ourselves to the difficult, intentional work of resolving our conflicts. I remember my early days in the US when I had a job at Marshalls. I don’t know why they put me in the shoes department, but that was the area that I was responsible for. To create a space where clients would feel safe and find whatever shoe they were looking for, I had to be very intentional about keeping shoes off the floor. Clients will pick shoes, try them on, and then leave them on the floor. But because I was constantly walking through the racks, I would pick the shoes that had been left on the floor and put them back. Working in the shoes department was quite an experience. I loved it, and that reminds me of this other story. There’s a story of an entrepreneur who was asked about the secret to his success. His response was ‘Two, not three.’ "What does that mean?" he was asked. He said, "Whenever a woman comes to my store and asks for a pair of shoes to try on, I will get her that pair of shoes. And then she will say, ‘Could I see that pair, please?’ I will bring her the second pair of shoes. And when she says, ‘Can I see one too?’ I will simply respond ‘Which one do you want me to take away?" What the entrepreneur found out was that when the women who came to his store had to choose from three, they didn't choose any. But when they had to choose between two shoes, they always chose one. An important part of our Lenten journey is the joy of choosing - making choices that reflect the power of grace and humility. And these are intentional choices. The entrepreneur's strategy was to encourage his customers to be intentional about their shoe choices. And our task is to be intentional about the choices that we also make. To an extent, Lent is about conflict resolution. We engage in the difficult work of resolving our conflicts with ourselves, with each other, and even with the Divine. Lent is about the intentional work of cooking a delicious meal, not for yourself alone, but for everyone and for the good of everyone. Lent is about the difficult, intentional work of reconciliation. We don’t only seek to reconcile with ourselves but with God. Lastly, Lent is about pruning. We cut all that which is dying and give way to new life to emerge. One season gives way to a new season. If the old doesn’t die, new life wouldn’t emerge. This Lent, I invite you to think about being an ingredient-you represent something that is valuable. We need you in the soup. We cannot do away with you, your talents, or gifts. They all come together to make the soup delicious. This Lent, we commit ourselves to being intentional as we prepare our meal. Manny+

Gather with us tonight, as we welcome those of every faith into our sanctuary, joined together by a shared heartache - and a shared hope. LIFT US UP: A PRAYER VIGIL FOR NON-VIOLENCE AT A TIME OF CRISIS was borne from a need to heal, to understand, and to act. Lifting our collective voices in speech and song, we unite not as strangers, but as neighbors united in our rejection of violence and a deep desire for healing in our community and our world. Tell your friends, family, and neighbors, and come to Christ Episcopal Church tonight at 7:00 p.m. - 6800 Oakland Mills Road, Columbia Maryland. Google Maps link - https://cecevents.org/LiftUsUpVigil If you cannot join us in person, you can watch the livestream below. The service leaflet is found at https://cecevents.org/Lift-Us-Up #liftusup   #prayervigil   #PrayerVigil   #nonviolence   #interfaith   #YouAreWelcomeHere   #youarewelcome   #episcomd   #howardcounty   #howardcountymd   #columbiamd   #columbiamaryland

Almighty God, you have given us this good land as our heritage. Make us always remember your generosity and constantly do your will. Bless our land with honest industry, sound learning, and an honorable way of life. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Make us who come from many nations with many different languages a united people. Defend our liberties and give those whom we have entrusted with the authority of government the spirit of wisdom, that there might be justice and peace in our land. When times are prosperous, let our hearts be thankful; and, in troubled times, do not let our trust in you fail. We ask all this through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.   - The Right Reverend Ann M. Ritonia    Bishop Suffragan for Armed Forces and Federal Ministries, The Episcopal Church

Inviting You to Join Our Monthly Outreach Meeting on Monday, March 9 Learn many ways to help others by joining us remotely for the Outreach Commission meeting on Monday, March 9, at 7:30 p.m. Our mission has a local, national, and international scope. Look for our email on Monday for the Zoom link. Christ Church Gets an Update from Somos Amigos’ Founder Frank Brightwell Progress is being made to expand the number of patients served in the Dominican Republic by Somos Amigos Medical Missions , whose founder visited Christ Church on March 1. Executive Director Frank Brightwell delivered the sermon during worship services and conducted Sunday Circle, taking the opportunity to express gratitude. “On behalf of all of our patients, I want to thank all of you,” he told the congregation, referring to residents of a rural, mountainous area where the nearest health care is more than two hours away. “You’ve helped us restore health and allowed people to smile again. Quite literally, you helped us save lives.” One of the lives saved is that of Euclides, a father of six who is a staff member. Last spring, he accidentally pricked a finger while sterilizing instruments. The required blood tests showed no danger from the puncture wound, but other results were concerning. A Somos Amigos physician ordered a colonoscopy that revealed colon cancer. Somos Amigos raised funds to send Euclides to specialists in the city, where he underwent surgery and subsequent cancer treatment. Christ Church, through the Outreach Commission, contributed $500 toward his specialty care as well as an additional $500 during 2025 for the clinic’s Referrals Fund. It pays for patients’ mammograms, cataract removal and other procedures. Euclides recovered and was back at work in January, when Somos Amigos held the first of its quarterly clinics. Th ere, working alongside him were v olunteers Dione and Jim Mahoney and Dione’s sister and brother-in-law, D esiree and Jorge Arce, as well as the Arce’s nephew, Ivan. All are in a video about Somos Amigos’ plans for the future that Brightwell discussed during Sunday Circle. You can view the video, “Opening New Doors,” on the Somos Amigos portion of the church website. Dates of future clinics are April 11-18, July 11-18, and Oct. 10-17, 2026. Go here for volunteer information. Or ask p arishioners who have volunteered, including Outreach member Shahra Toth and physicians Ellen Boudreau and Preethi Jackson.  Help Grassroots by Providing Food for the Homeless on Monday, March 9 On the second Monday of each month, Christ Church serves a hot midday meal at the Day Resource Center (DRC) that is operated by the Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center . A team led by Outreach member Shahra Toth makes side dishes and desserts that we serve in person after car-pooling to the Leola Dorsey Center in Jessup.   To help on Monday, March 9, please check our DRC online signup form , which describes the procedure. Drop-off time is 12:45 p.m. in the parking lot near Old Brick for DRC’s side dishes. We last participated on Feb. 9 (see photos). Your donations and Vestry-approved funds pay for the fried-chicken entree. Thank you!   Your generosity has eased the lives of our homeless neighbors, who rely on both the food and clothing available at the DRC. The Outreach Commission recently approved spending $506 to replenish its shelves in response to staff requests. We supplied 180 pairs of men’s and women’s underwear, 25 pairs of men’s jeans, 150 razors, and more than 500 pods of laundry detergent. These were purchased with funds donated to the church by parishioners. A hearty thanks!   During the winter months, Christ Church has paused our previous delivery of an evening meal at the Grassroots Emergency Shelter. Other congregations involved in the Code Blue and Cold Weather Shelter programs are handling those duties. Our next date for evening meal drop-off will be Monday, April 13. To plan ahead, go to our Grassroots online signup form . Please Bring Diapers, Non-Perishables for CCC/FISH, And Consider Volunteering from Home to Take Phone Calls From Neighbors in Need FISH and Columbia Community Care (CCC) partnered last year and merged their pantries. CCC continues to hand out food at three sites on Saturday mornings and by home delivery to Howard County residents. For information, go online to Get Help . Find CCC updates on its Facebook page . FISH continues to pick up donated goods from Christ Church and others. Please put non-perishable food and personal care products in the altar basket or in a bin just inside the Parish Hall. Look for a combo label “FISH/CCC”. Please bring baby wipes and diapers, especially large sizes. FISH will continue to provide telephone support to Howard County residents, offering guidance and financial assistance, because the personal touch is very important when people are in crisis. For information, ask parishioner and FISH treasurer Andy DeLong (above photo) or email him at andydelong.fish@gmail.com . You could be the one to lend a helping hand by lending an ear! As a phone volunteer, you can help from your home by giving just one day a month to assist those who could benefit from financial assistance from FISH. Training is provided. Thank you always for your support. Kenya Connect 5k Run - March 28 Kenya Connect, an outreach partner of St. John's in Ellicott City, is holding its 12th annual 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, March 28th, at St. John's. The 5K builds community while supporting the work of  Kenya Connect  to provide children with options and new pathways in rural Kenya.  We welcome individual participants or a team from Christ Church. We will have post-race goodies, including a Kenyan crafts market with items made by women and men in our village. We also provide hand-carved medallions from Wamunyu to the top three women and men in all age categories.  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.

God, grant me the serenity To accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time, Enjoying one moment at a time, Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace. Taking, as Jesus did, This sinful world as it is, Not as I would have it. Trusting that You will make all things right If I surrender to Your will. So that I may be reasonably happy in this life And supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen.

Christ Episcopal Church invites everyone to a very special prayer vigil this Thursday, March 5th, at 7:00 pm in the New Brick sanctuary. Gather with us as our parish welcomes participants from other congregations supporting our Refugee Ministry, Columbia, and Howard County. "Lift Us Up" will feature meditations, music, reflections, and prayers from many in our Interfaith community in response to recent and ongoing violence across cities and around the world. We will unite in prayer for God’s will for mercy and peace - two qualities we need much more of - and your participation is most welcome. And please share this invitation with your family, friends, and neighbors, as everyone is encouraged to join us for a much-needed gathering of prayer and song in the name of peace and unity. #episcomd #interfaith #InterfaithHarmony #loveyourneighbor #nonviolence #prayervigil #PrayerVigil #howardcountymaryland #columbiamaryland #columbiamd

May you be blessed with good friends. May you learn to be a good friend to yourself. May you be able to journey to that place in your soul where       there is great love, warmth, feeling, and forgiveness. May this change you. May it transfigure that which is negative, distant, or cold in you. May you be brought in to the real passion, kinship, and affinity of belonging. May you treasure your friends. May you be good to them and may you be there for them; May they bring you all the blessing, challenges, truth,        and light that you need for your journey. May you never be isolated. May you always be in the gentle nest of belonging with your anam ċara.   ~ from Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom by John O’Donohue

The WOCC will have its monthly meeting this evening, so log on to Zoom at 7:30 (we'll send the link later today). With more than a handful of wonderful gatherings and events this month, we'll discuss the details and ways to take part in them all. We'll also be looking at other upcoming Christ Church activities, so it's safe to say that there's no better time for you to join the WOCC!

A Celtic Morning Prayer   Christ, we rise today Knowing that you, alone, Know our hearts. You alone can change Our sadness into joy. Forgive us our shortcomings. Teach us patience. Teach us kindness. Help us to forgive, Those who have injured us, And keep us from injuring others. Keep our way lighted, With your steadfast love. Amen.   ~ prayer by Beth Maxwell Boyle   #lent   #lentenseason   #lentenmeditation   #reflection   #MorningPrayer   #episcopal   #episcopalchurch   #episcomd   #howardcounty   #columbiamaryland   #columbiamdchurch