From Autumn through Spring, Faith Formation is thriving at Christ Church, and anyone ages pre-K to 12th grade is invited to gather with us starting this Sunday. It's a program of age-appropriate classes that’s relevant and engaging, and we're looking forward to an exciting year! Christ Church's Sunday School ministry believes in growing a deep and wide faith in kids through education in the Gospel, serving our community, and fellowship with one another. From the earliest age, we want kids to know the basic truths of God’s Word and how we can apply those in our daily lives. Our dedicated and trained Sunday School team provides age-appropriate groups where the kids can connect and learn with one another. Registration is now open, so please learn more and complete our registration form here: cecevents.org/SundaySchool-2526 (one form per child, please), so we can reserve space for your children. You can also scan the QR code in the image to register. If you have any questions or need assistance, please email us at sundayschool@christchurchcolumbia.org #sundayschool #youthformation #episcomd #ourkids #hocomd

8:00 Holy Eucharist in Old Brick 9:00 Family Worship in New Brick 10:30 Holy Eucharist with Music and Choir in New Brick This Sunday, September 7th, Christ Church begins its fall schedule with three services. The first service takes place in Old Brick at 8:00 a.m. and does not contain music. Our popular Family Worship returns to New Brick at 9:00, featuring songs, stories, and communion centered around the younger members of our church. Then at 10:30, we have Holy Eucharist with choral and music accompaniment, also in New Brick. Sunday School, Youth Formation, Sunday Circle, and all of our other formation and fellowship gatherings also begin that day. You can find Sunday School registration forms on our website - https://www.christchurchcolumbia.org/sunday-school No matter what service or classes you choose, we hope to see you because YOU ARE WELCOME HERE.   #sundayschool   #sundayschoolfun   #fallworship   #episcomd   #howardcountychurches   #columbiamd   #columbiamaryland

Pentecost XII 8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist without music in New Brick 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist with music in New Brick Collect for Today: Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen. Today's Readings: Jeremiah 2:4-13 Psalm 81:1, 10-16 Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 Luke 14:1, 7-14 Sermon for Today: Parishioner Kathy Lyon provides today's sermon, and you can view it in the livestream video below once the service starts. Kathy also leads Centering Prayer on Monday evenings in Old Brick and on Zoom. You can learn more here . Holy Eucharist Livestream: Our service livestream begins at approximately 10:20 a.m. this Sunday. The service leaflet for this worship service is here .

Join seekers of a deeper relationship with the Divine at the 2nd Saturday Center for Spiritual Nourishment. The 2nd Saturday CSN offers free experiences that engage the mind, body, and spirit by offering safe spaces to explore an array of opportunities for spiritual growth.  The CSN is for anyone interested in spiritual nourishment, regardless of religious affiliation or spiritual beliefs.   Come for one session or the entire morning. Spiritual Direction, Praying Through Art, Yoga, Contemplative Meditation, Community Bike Ride, Self and Spirit: Creation and Spirit (discussion), and Spiritual Practices: Becoming Love (discussion).  We will also be showing the movie Facing the Giants .  The morning concludes with a short Reflection Circle Service. If you want to learn more about future Center for Spiritual Nourishment events, submit your email address below to receive regularly updated information (we will not share or sell your address to anyone). Whether you've joined us before or are a first-timer, we are sure that there's something special waiting for you here. Everyone is welcome, and we hope to see you there! Join us on Saturday, September 13 as we offer: Spiritual Direction Group led by Carol Abbott September’s session will focus on the Gospel of Matthew and the question, “How do we face change?” In this spiritual discernment and direction group we practice listening deeply to each other using prompts from scripture, poetry, nature, and our bodies. These practices are designed to help us notice and respond to the voice of the Holy moving in our lives. Community Bike Ride led by Kevin Osborn All cyclists are welcome on a one-hour bicycle ride! The ride will be self-paced and out-and-back. An experienced ride leader from the CEC community will lead the ride, which will be conducted according to Baltimore Bicycle Club rules. Riders should be adults and everyone should wear a helmet. Cyclists should rest their bicycles by the lower-level outside of the CEC New Brick building before 10:15, so that they can quickly "jump" onto their bicycles at 10:15. The ride course will depend on weather conditions, and it will be cancelled for steady rain. Film Screening: Facing the Giants led by George Toth A high school football coach faces a losing team and the possibility of being fired, but rises above it all to create a winning spirit on the field. Drawn to God : Praying through Art led by Jenn Todd Lavanish God gave everyone a gift - a special aptitude, ability, power, or talent, and these gifts are meant to be an act. Drawn to God is a place for spiritual nourishment through the practice of creativity - creating ways to engage with God. This is a short session of fellowship in process-oriented art projects, but no matter what gifts or talents you bring, you will be inspired to become a maker - and enjoy a moment of creative flow. Plus, it is just fun to make things - the joy is in the journey, and your creation is your reward. Contemplative Meditation led by Leah Chrest Discover the desire God has to commune with us and how to inwardly attune ourselves to the Spirit's voice.  Learn about the history of contemplative Christianity, study the power of breathwork, be led through guided visualizations, become proficient in multiple techniques for stilling the mind, and practice drawing focus into your heart center.  In a mixture of teaching, discussion, and practice, strengthen your ability to engage in the equally important side of the conversation with God--if prayer is talking to the Lord, meditation is listening to God’s voice, and being changed by God’s presence.  Self and Spirit : Creation and Spirit led by Seminarian Michael Looney Join us for a lively discussion as we explore the seven days of creation as recorded in Genesis and go deeper into our understanding of Celtic spirituality, opening our eyes to the presence of God all around us.  The discussion will be based on “The Book of Creation: An Introduction to Celtic Spirituality”, by J. Philip Newell. Yoga led by Jane Adams The word yoga means "union" and is a centuries-old sacred practice for integrating and unifying body, mind, soul, and spirit and involves the entire person. There is often breathwork and meditation, along with physical asanas, or movements. This yoga practice will be customized to meet the needs of the practitioners who show up. If students prefer, they may practice seated in a chair. Yoga class will take place in the New Brick sanctuary. Conversations on Spiritual Practices : Becoming Love led by The Rev. Emmanuel Mercer How well do you know yourself? Which practices help you in trying to discern who you are, your relationship with God and how to best nurture that relationship? Join us in a conversation about how we can better know ourselves and deepen our relationship with God. If self-knowing leads to greater participation in life, then join us as we journey to better know ourselves. June session will be focused on Becoming Love. Schedule of Events: 8:30 – 9:00: Breakfast and social time 9:00 – 10:00: Conversations on Spiritual Practices : Becoming Love Drawn to God : Praying through Art Contemplative Meditation Spiritual Direction Group 9:00 – 11:15: Film screening: Facing the Giants 10:15 – 11:15: Yoga (all levels)                    Community Bike Ride            Contemplative Meditation Praying through Art                       Self and Spirit: Creation and Spirit                      Spiritual Direction Group 11:30 – 11:50: Reflection - Circle Service Have Questions? Wish to Help Lead Future CSN Sessions?

Each month, the MOCC hosts an evening event where we gather together for a time of fun, food, and just hanging out, and this month, everyone's invited to join us at Dave and Busters this Friday, August 29th, at 6:30, so head over to 7000 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover, MD 21076 and spend a few hours with your fellow parishioners, friends, and neighbors.

Over the past several years, I have been in conversation with Virginia Theological Seminary about the possibility of assigning a seminarian who would benefit from the vibrant life that abounds here at Christ Church and also learn the art of ministry from our clergy, lay leadership, and parishioners. I am pleased to announce that Yehi has been assigned to Christ Church for the coming academic year. He brings a lot of gifts to our congregation, and we are blessed to have him with us. Yehi will be working primarily with the youth, lead us in worship, and also preach at all three services during the year. Please read about Yehi below: The Rev. Yehinuel Oshokhai Odidi Yehinuel Odidi, the youngest of three sons, hails from Nigeria and was born into a family with a strong priestly legacy in the Anglican tradition. He is currently a middler in the M.Div. program at Virginia Theological Seminary. From his teenage years, Yehi actively served in the Church and in various youth fellowships. He was the Chapel Prefect and also the president of the Fellowship of Christian Students in high school. In the university, Yehinuel served as the Bible Study Coordinator and Secretary for the Anglican Youth Fellowship of All Saints Anglican Church, Zaria. Ordained as a deacon in 2024 and a priest in June 2025, Yehinuel brings years of experience working with children, youth, and young adults. His passion is to help them cultivate a deeper intimacy with God and guide them in showing the love and life of Christ in their communities. He is married to his sweetheart, Emmanuella. Yehi will join us this Sunday at both services, and it is my prayer that you will offer him the Christ Church welcome.  Manny+

Helping the Homeless from Head to Toe, Christ Church Provides a Donation of Socks in Addition to our Monthly Meals at the DRC Your generosity has begun to ease life for our homeless neighbors who rely on sundries from the Day Resource Center (DRC) pantry, one of the services of the Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center . When the Christ Church meals team served our latest monthly meal at the DRC, the staff requested a supply of socks for its pantry. Many of the DRC clients live outdoors in a vehicle or in a tent in the vicinity of MD Rt. 1 in Jessup. They spend a lot of time on their feet. In response, the Outreach Commission approved an order of 120 pairs of men’s crew socks for $140. These were purchased with funds donated to the church by parishioners who give to “General Outreach.” A heartfelt thanks! Socks aren’t the only special item that Christ Church volunteers recently provided to the DRC. During the Aug. 11 meal, our Grassroots volunteers brought bouquets of fresh flowers grown at Blue Gables Farm and sold at the Oakland Mills Farmers Market. During the July 14 meal, our team took along “blessings” bags containing treats and notes to DRC diners handwritten by children at Vacation Bible School.  If you would like to participate on the next date to serve or deliver meals for the homeless, mark your calendars for Monday, Sept. 8. Check our DRC online signup form , which describes the midday procedure. Check our Grassroots online signup form for details on contributing to the evening meal. Go Golfing Next Month to Help Bridges to Housing Stability Golfers can have fun and support a worthy cause on Friday, Sept. 19. Bridges to Housing Stability will hold the fourth annual Sheehy Toyota Birdies for Bridges Golf Tournament at The Timbers of Troy, 6100 Marshalee Dr., Elkridge, Md. Participants will help Bridges achieve its mission – advocating for affordable housing and helping individuals and families who struggle to keep a roof over their heads. The tournament begins with a light breakfast, a shotgun start at 9 a.m., and a full day of golf, food, and awards. Check-in opens at 7:45 a.m. The cost for a single golfer is $200, or $800 for a foursome, which covers greens fees, unlimited range balls, food and beverages. By golfing during “Birdies for Bridges,” you’ll help to provide a path to self-sufficiency and further Bridges’ aim to prevent and end homelessness in Howard County. Christ Church has been a supporter of Bridges in various ways since 2019. Columbia Community Care Will Close on Labor Day Weekend Columbia Community Care (CCC) announced it will close its pantry and distribution sites on Saturday, Aug. 30, in observation of the Labor Day holiday weekend. Its three distribution sites will reopen the following Saturday, Sept. 6, at Long Reach Village Center , Suite 107, 8775 Cloudleap Ct., Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, 10431 Twin Rivers Rd., and at The Barn at Oakland Mills Village Center, 5853 Robert Oliver Place, all in Columbia. Earlier in the summer, CCC and FISH partnered to provide food services for Howard County residents. The two organizations have merged their pantries. FISH will continue to pick up donated goods from Christ Church and others. CCC will continue making distributions at three sites on Saturday mornings and by home delivery. For information, go online at CCC’s Get Help page. For updates, and other community activities, check the CCC Facebook Group . 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 keep bringing baby wipes and diapers, especially large sizes. FISH will continue to provide telephone support to Howard County residents to provide guidance and financial support because the personal touch is very important when people are in crisis. You could be the one to lend a helping hand, by lending an ear! Consider volunteering from home by giving just one day a month to assist those who could benefit from financial assistance from FISH. Training is provided. For information, ask parishioner and FISH treasurer Andy DeLong or email andydelong.fish@gmail.com . Thanks for your support. 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.

Pentecost XI and Parish Festival & Ministry Fair SPECIAL SERVICE TIME 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist with music in New Brick Collect for Today: Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Today's Readings: Jeremiah 1:4-10 Psalm 71:1-6 Hebrews 12:18-29 Luke 13:10-17 Sermon for Today: Father Manny Mercer provides today's sermon, and you can view it in the livestream video below once the service starts. You can also read his sermon's text here . Holy Eucharist Livestream: Our service livestream begins at approximately 10:20 a.m. this Sunday. The service leaflet for this worship service is here .

The Christ Church Parish Festival & Ministry Fair , an annual tradition, takes place this Sunday! There's only one worship service this day, August 24th, so join us in the New Brick sanctuary at 10:00 a.m., followed by a fantastic festival of faith, food, fellowship, and FUN! We'll have BBQ goodies, fun and activities for all ages, and an opportunity to learn about every one of the many ministries that make Christ Church an incredibly special place. We're really fortunate and blessed to have such a vibrant parish and that's because of the people. Stop by the ministry tables, speak with their representatives, ask questions, and see how you might be able to help. Our parish is known for our ability to support our community and world, and that's because of each one of us stepping up and taking part. #worshipwithus #hocomd #episcomd #cometochurch #loveliveshere

A few days ago, I had the unique honor of officiating the wedding of a young couple. The wedding was beautiful, as beautiful as the couple themselves. As Rector, I am seldom invited to officiate a destination wedding, and so this was refreshingly unique in many ways. The joy and excitement were through the roof. As with many weddings, everyone shared in the couple's joy. One of the powerful scenes was watching the bride fold into the arms of the groom, who then lifted her up with a huge sense of joy and pride. I could touch their sense of hope and love they had for each other and their union. I could feel the positive energy within the space. I could tell of the happiness on each face, and each face told a story about their best wishes for this new couple.  Marriage is such a beautiful gift to us, and one of the lines in our Prayer Book that always excites me is this: “…union of heart, body and soul is intended for their mutual joy, for help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity…” The church has long held that marriage is a union. It is a coming together of two individuals from two separate backgrounds, individuals who have been shaped by different circumstances, nurtured in different situations by different people, mentored by different teachers, coaches, and experiences. The coming together of two distinct individuals to form a union is as much a gift to be celebrated as it is a challenging reality.  There’s this tacit admission that one person cannot form a union, nor can one person form a union by themselves alone. You need another person to form a union, and the fact that there is another person other than you lies life's enduring challenge.  The marriage and wedding ceremony were a two-day affair. The first day was the traditional marriage, and the second day was the wedding. It may sound a little confusing, but in most African communities, there is a traditional wedding and a church, or official, wedding.  At the traditional wedding, I read a poem by Maria Popova. It is a beautiful poem, and I really wanted to share it with the couple, with the belief that even in the worst moments, you have to beam the light of love back to the other. Here it is: The longer I live, the more deeply I learn that love, whether we call it friendship or family or romance, is the work of mirroring and magnifying each other’s light.  Gentle work. Steadfast work. Life-saving work.  In those moments when life and shame and sorrow occlude our own light from our view.  But there’s still a clear-eyed, loving person to beam it back. In our best moments, we are that person for one another. After reading the poem, I shared with the couple that my prayer for each of them is that they may always find more than enough reason to beam that light back to each other. And the reason is, there’s always something, whatever it is, that desires to see separation and disunity, and our task really is to find that glue that would hold things together for us. I believe that there’s something that holds things together. There’s something that holds organizations together. There’s something that holds communities together. There’s something that holds marriages together. There’s something that holds friendships together. There’s something that holds relationships together. There’s something that holds churches together. There’s something that holds everything and everywhere together because there’s always more than one person involved in it.  You may choose to call it whatever you like, but it is your glue. What you choose to call it may not matter, but the beauty is that it holds life and limb together so they don’t fall apart. When I saw the groom lift up the bride with a beaming smile that subtly assured the bride that he’s always going to lift her up and hold her, the beauty of that image led me to ask myself this question: What’s the glue that will hold this together? What’s the glue that holds your life together? What’s the glue that’s holding all the many different pieces together?  The glue may not necessarily be one particular thing. It may be multiple things, but the gift in discovering them is that all of them come together in a special way to hold life together. And oftentimes our lives bear witness to these manifestations of unity in times of deep division. Thoughts about the glue that holds things together led me to wonder about what holds Christ Church together. What is the glue that holds us together? We are a very diverse community of people with varying gifts, talents, and resources - we are like the young couple. Our diversity is our strength, and like the couple, we fold into each other's arms, but what is it that holds us up and glues this diverse community together? This Sunday, we will host our annual Parish Festival and Ministry Fair after our one service at 10:00 a.m. Ministry Fairs are always an opportunity to learn about the vibrant life of our congregation and what the many different ministries that abound here have to offer. It is also an opportunity for parishioners to learn about the various ways they can deepen their spiritual growth and become involved in our shared life.  This year’s Ministry Fair would be special. In fact, each year is special because we endeavor to strengthen the glue that bonds us all together. It is my hope, therefore, that you will come and feel a sense of the glue that binds this community together and holds it up. As a congregation, the glue that holds us all together is our collective faith in God - the God who looks at each of us and loves us unconditionally. The God who loves us, not because of who we are, what we are, where we’ve been, or where we come from. This magnificent and merciful God makes the Self known to us in the small and big things that we do together. Unless you haven’t noticed it yourself, but within those small and big things that we do together, we can feel and touch the glue that holds us together.  This is where I find my deepest joy; we each bring our individual selves, broken as we are, in response to God’s invitation. And through prayer, fellowship, outreach, worship, and formation, we not only bring to light our expressions of God and the desire to continually seek God’s face, but to always find one more reason to beam back God’s light of love to other people. The beautiful young couple gave me something to think about - glue. It binds us all together and makes us all fit for God’s purpose. In our best moments, we beam back more than God's light, we magnify and mirror the glue that holds all of life together. See you on Sunday,  Manny+

You all really are the best.... thanks to those who stayed after church last Sunday and helped us load the LEMS backpacks. It went very smoothly, and we can't thank each of you enough! Whether you were there or not, if you can, please stop by the lower level of New Brick tomorrow, August 22, at 2:30 p.m. to help load the school supplies into cars and drive them to LEMS. That afternoon, they will host their Annual Back-to-School Block Party , where families will register their children and enjoy a picnic from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. You are welcome to help distribute the backpacks to those appreciative students and families. And don't forget to stop by the LEMS table at the Parish Festival and Ministry Fair tomorrow, right after our special service time of 10:00 a.m. Grab some delicious BBQ lunch, enjoy some of the entertainment that's in store... and maybe, if you're adventurous, have a go at the bouncy castle! You can take home a new LEMS brochure that gives you a broad outline of what we're about and why we provide support to the students in our own community. There are a lot of LEMS-related activities and events throughout the year, and we can always use more people, so email LEMS@christchurchcolumbia.org and we'll let you know how you can help.