Community Action Council Turns 60; Gets Funds to Help People in Need In response to community needs, the Outreach Commission at its May meeting approved sending $500 to the Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC). The latest in a series of donations for various services will go toward eviction prevention. These are Vestry-approved funds derived from parishioners’ pledges and contributions. Thank you for helping others when they need it most!   The recent donation came in the same month that the nonprofit organization marked its 60th birthday with a celebration held on Tuesday, May 20. “Born from the War on Poverty in the early 1960s, CAC was founded on the promise that all families deserve the opportunity to thrive,” states the program for the event. A message from Christ Church was displayed in the program and projected on screens at the venue, Reckless Shepherd Brewing Co.   The CAC is Howard County’s designated anti-poverty organization and provides multiple services as described in its 2024 Impact Report . County Executive Calvin Ball spoke at the event along with CAC President Tracy Broccolino, who thanked supporters, including Christ Church. We were represented by Deacon Kiona Lookingbill, Christ Church's Director of Youth and Family Ministries; Patricia Fanning, Chair of the CEC Outreach Commission, and Phil Bray and Joe Bray, volunteers at the recent Spring Food Drive, who provided the truck and helped deliver the food to CAC’s Howard County Food Bank . Seminarian Mike Looney and Anne Looney also attended, and we want to thank each of you for being there for Christ Church!   Christ Church has been holding food drives at Giant supermarkets since 2018; you can read about the most recent effort in the Outreach Blog of April 9, 2025 . In the fall, we collected Thanksgiving sides and donated $750 for protein components of CAC’s holiday meal kits, as described in the Outreach Blog of Oct. 31, 2024 .   Besides food and housing aid, CAC programs provide weatherization, help with utility bills, and early childhood education through Head Start and pre-K locations for low-income families.   DreamBuilders Spring Fundraiser and 50/50 Raffle - May 28 Come out and support DreamBuilders’ summer mission and projects by gathering for a mid-week happy hour/dinner evening at the Bushel & A Peck Restaurant, 12250 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, MD. Stop by any time between 4 and 9 p.m. that Wednesday evening, May 28th, and Bushel & A Peck will be giving DreamBuilders a percentage of all sales of food and drink. We will also have a 50/50 cash raffle that evening, and you can buy raffle tickets at the restaurant or in advance through Cathy Gold (see her at church or email heycathy@verizon.net ). You don’t have to be present to win. DreamBuilders merchandise will also be on sale at the restaurant, so if you haven't got your DreamBuilders T-Shirt yet, come on down and get one! Reservations are not needed, but are welcome, especially for large parties. FISH Asks for Volunteers As Well as Groceries and Toiletries in its Bin and Basket FISH of Howard County is calling for volunteers. If you are interested, ask parishioner Andy DeLong, who is FISH treasurer and a board member of the nonprofit, which provides committed support to Howard County residents. Please continue to put non-perishable foods and toiletries in the FISH basket at the altar or in the bin on the breezeway. The neighbors you help are grateful for all you do in their support. Columbia Community Care Takes a Break on Memorial Day Weekend Columbia Community Care (CCC) will close its pantry and distribution sites this Saturday, May 24, for the Memorial Day weekend. But you can still donate baby-care items and diapers. Sizes 5-6 are in the greatest demand. Please collect these along with sanitary and personal care items and adult diapers. Put them in the yellow bin, marked “CCC,” inside the Parish Hall. Drop off items on weekdays when the church office is open or on Sundays. The Christ Church point of contact is Leigh Smith, who monitors the bin and delivers its contents.   CCC offers home deliveries to those without transportation. That process requires a shopper to fulfill grocery lists at the pantry and then deliver goods to the recipients’ homes. To volunteer at the sites or as a translator or shopper, go to “ Volunteer Opportunities .” Those who need help are urged to go to “Get Help” on CCC’s website. Find updates on the CCC Facebook page . Oakland Mills Middle School Academic Fundraiser OMMS celebrates students who have worked hard during the 2024-2025 school year. Those who earned all A’s for the year are treated to a trip to a Baltimore Orioles baseball game at Camden Yards. This year, the MOCC's spring "Random Act of Kindness" is spearheading a fund-collecting drive to help sponsor this event, and you are invited to contribute to this worthy cause. You can donate through the MOCC fund in Realm (write "RAK Orioles" in the MEMO line) or write a check to Christ Church (write "RAK Orioles" in the memo line). Either way, we appreciate your generous 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.

PenteFeast: a new Christ Church tradition Sunday, June 8 at 10:00 a.m. In past years, Christ Church has celebrated Pentecost Sunday in many different ways, and now we're incorporating several of these to make it a day that's all our own. That Sunday, June 8th, gather with us in the New Brick sanctuary for just one service - at 10:00 a.m. - as the choir processes through the aisles while we all sing "We Are the Church" in full voice. Be sure to wear some red to celebrate the Day of Pentecost (red is the liturgical color of that day), and everyone is invited to wear clothing that reflects their heritage and culture, as well. In an expression of this beautiful "melting pot" we have at Christ Church, we'll gather together after worship to enjoy PenteFeast, a culinary celebration! Prepare and bring a dish to share with others, one that reflects your family's tradition. Make it something extraordinary in your life - perhaps a recipe that has been passed down for generations, or a dish that proudly displays your culture or upbringing. We'll provide salads and refreshments; you provide the main course or dessert. Let's celebrate the start of Pentecost together in this special way!   #pentefeast   #Pentecost   #PentecostSunday   #HolySpirit   #Godislove   #experiencetheholyspirit   #hocomd   #episcomd   #columbiamd

Fifth Sunday in Pentecost 8:00 a.m. in Old Brick 9:00 a.m. Family Worship in New Brick 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist with music in New Brick Collect for Today: Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Today's Readings: Acts 11:1-18 Psalm 148 Revelation 21:1-6 John 13:31-35 Sermon for Today: Father Manny provides today's sermon, and you can view him giving 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 .

Dear Friends of Lake Elkhorn Middle School, When I drove up to LEMS on Monday, there was already a line of family members at the cafeteria door.  We quickly unloaded all of your contributions onto the tables and started to organize the food and household cleaning items across several tables.  We also had 75 boxes of produce and protein from The Roving Radish filled with healthy food like eggs, greens, ground turkey, fruit, peanut butter.     By the time we left, there was virtually nothing left and we had run out of Roving Radish boxes.  Over 60 families came, the biggest crowd yet.  Unfortunately, the demand for these items is only increasing. A special thank you to Sara Kirkpatrick and Maggie Thompson for setting up, greeting folks at the door, answering questions and helping folks to their cars with their items.  Staff from the Judy Center, Cradlerock Elementary and LEMS have been very welcoming.  Those who come are extremely grateful for what they receive and thank each person they encounter.  . The Kindness Pantry has been a new venture for Christ Episcopal Church this year.  As the need expands, our church members respond. Thanks be to God! Cathy Whittaker

I don’t remember the last time I had Skittles, but a few days ago, someone gave me a sachet of Skittles. The person who gave it to me told a powerful story about Skittles. If you open a sachet of Skittles, you will find about a dozen of them, and each one of them is sweet and brings so much joy. Skittles come in different colors and flavors, but they are the same. You will never see anyone chomping on Skittles and being sad simultaneously - we derive deep joy from each one of those delicious Skittles. We celebrated our Youth Sunday on May 4th, and on that day, we saw five of our youth who will graduate from high school in a few weeks and head off to college and their lives' next chapter. It was fantastic hearing them preach and share thoughts about their personal growth and challenges; they, too, have been through a lot over the last several years, having survived the pandemic, and they are now moving up. Thinking about Skittles reminds me of these five beautiful kids, each one different from the others, but they are growing into responsible adults. (I plan to write about what they shared in the near future.) It is fascinating to see children grow up in a church - it is fulfilling to see the children we baptized not that long ago grow up and take on different personalities. Watching and listening to them was a moment of pure joy for me, and I thank God for their lives, the families that birthed and nurtured them, and the church that became a sachet to hold them together, like a sachet of Skittles. There’s a Jewish wedding tradition where a couple, on their wedding day, is given a broken glass in a bag. The glass is broken, but it is in a bag. You may wonder why a couple would be given a broken glass in a bag, but the point of the tradition is to convey that marriage isn’t supposed to be hunky-dory, happily ever after, all joy and smiles, all sweetness like a sachet of Skittles. That’s not what marriage is about. It is about the recognition that there are also times when we experience pain, hurt, disappointment, anger, depression - moments and situations that encapsulate the darker side of life. An interesting part about this tradition is that the bag signifies the presence of God. God holds everything about us - including our brokenness - together in a bag, like Skittles in a sachet. It is a unique assurance that God never abandons us, nor does he abandon the couple, even when life and relationship turns south, when we are at the roughest and toughest place, when we have lost hope in each other and the people we have elected to serve our interest-even at those moments, God holds us, all of us, like Skittles in a sachet. Like Skittles, we all come in different colors and different flavors, but we give the same wonderful thrill. And like Skittles, every human being has the capacity to offer pure joy to others. But if we look around, where do we see any sense of joy? Where are the Skittles that bring us some semblance of joy? Have you experienced the thrill of Skittles lately? I read a letter from the Presiding Bishop , Sean Rowe, about the Episcopal Church’s decision not to partner with the federal government in resettling refugees from South Africa. This was a morally courageous decision by our Presiding Bishop. The following day, a parishioner, Steve Alpern, forwarded an email from the Chair of the Christ Church Interfaith Refugee Ministry , Ann Barnes, about the federal government’s decision to end the temporary protection status of Afghan Refugees. This decision effectively puts 40,000-70,000 Afghan Refugees at risk of being deported back to Afghanistan. I do not need to go back in time to recount what happened, why we found ourselves in Afghanistan, and how we left Afghanistan. But it bears remembering that some of these Afghans did work with the United States Mission in Afghanistan, and that is why they got the benefit of relocating to the United States. Even though some didn’t do anything to support the mission in Afghanistan, they still find themselves here. The fact that they are here is what matters, and that in itself invites our moral and Christian duty to protect and support these vulnerable Refugees. Since we are well aware of the brutal and restrictive nature of life in Afghanistan, why in God’s name do we have to end the status that offers them some dignity and protection in the United States? This is what baffles me - here we have a group of supposed refugees from South Africa who are under no political threat. These people live in a free and democratic country. These people live a life of relative luxury. Some of these people live in their own enclaves where they have their own currency. These people control most of the wealth in South Africa. These people have at least as many resources as most Americans. But some way, somehow, we find it necessary to offer them a sanctuary in the United States, but we want to expose others, people who are under real threat in their former home of Afghanistan, to go back to that country. How does that even make sense? Maybe I am naïve. I am glad that the Presiding Bishop took a moral stand. I am sure he has also had a bag of Skittles before and knows very much how different in flavor and color that they are, and yet, they offer the same thrill. And that's the gift, if only we realized that we all come from the same roots. If only we realized that there is no such thing as ethnicity, that we all come from the same human beings. If only we realized that the same blood runs through each of us - yes, our blood types might differ, but the color is always red. Come to think of it, all our cultures are related because all human beings are interrelated. This idea may appear to be elementary, but the honest truth is that this is the one reality that has the capacity to destroy all our partisanship, separation, silo mentality, and false sense of identity. This is the kind of awakening that we need within our lives, our communities, and our world. If only we can embrace the idea that we are all like Skittles in a sachet - God’s protective cover. We come in different colors and different flavors, but we each have the capacity to bring about pure joy to others and to make another life breathe easier.  As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived” is to be successful. How successful do you want to be? Dare to make others breathe easy. Dare to make life joyful, like Skittles. Happy and Glorious Eastertide, Manny+

Everyone's gotta eat, so why not join us for breakfast? We'll gather at 9:30 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month for great food and even better conversation and fellowship at Silver Diner, located at 8250 Gateway Overlook Dr, Elkridge, MD. This month, the MOCC Breakfast is held this Saturday, May 17th, and people of all ages are welcome. #menofchristchurch #hocomd #episcomd #columbiamdevents #foodandfellowship

Fourth Sunday in Pentecost (also Mother's Day) 8:00 a.m. in Old Brick 9:00 a.m. Family Worship in New Brick 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist with music in New Brick Collect for Today: O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Today's Readings: Acts 9:36-43 Psalm 23 Revelation 7:9-17 John 10:22-30 Sermon for Today: Mother Marcia Davenport provides today's sermon, and you can view her giving it in the livestream video below. You can also read her 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 . ...and if you're coming to church, after each worship service,

Our Support of Claggett Camps Will Bring Cheer to Developmentally Disabled Adults and Youth Whose Families are Harmed by Opioid Misuse Christ Church will once again support summer camps at the Claggett Center in Adamstown, Md. , the retreat center of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland . The Outreach Commission, at its May meeting, approved $1,900 in V estry-approved budget funds for Claggett. The donation will cover the cost of one child at Camp Spirit Song , to be held June 22-27 for youth affected by a loved one’s opioid substance use disorder, and one person at Special Challenge Camp , a getaway for adults with developmental disabilities to be held July 27-31. Please accept heartfelt thanks for our ability to support these campers, whom we do not know, but whose lives will be brightened by their experiences.   Another way to help is by volunteering – for just one night during the dinner-dance held in the historic barn – or for greater portions of Special Challenge Camp. Either way, you’ll need a background check and other steps in advance. Go online to get information on the application process. It’s a beautiful venue. The 266-acre property overlooking Sugarloaf Mountain offers spaces for worship, reflection, and connection. Claggett draws many Special Challenge helpers from All Saints Episcopal Church in Frederick, Md., but members of other parishes are welcome, too. As Claggett described the fun in its post on the Camps at Claggett Facebook page: “A most amazing week of JOY!”  The Rev. Sara Yoe, programs and camp director, expressed gratitude to Christ Church for our “generous, historical support of Claggett programs.”  DreamBuilders Spring Fundraiser and 50/50 Raffle - May 28 Come out and support DreamBuilders’ summer mission and projects by gathering for a mid-week happy hour/dinner evening at the Bushel & A Peck Restaurant, 12250 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, MD. Stop by any time between 4 and 9 p.m. that Wednesday evening, May 28th, and Bushel & A Peck will be giving DreamBuilders a percentage of all sales of food and drink. We will also have a 50/50 cash raffle that evening, and you can buy raffle tickets at the restaurant or in advance through Cathy Gold (see her at church or email heycathy@verizon.net ). You don’t have to be present to win. DreamBuilders merchandise will also be on sale at the restaurant, so if you haven't got your DreamBuilders T-Shirt yet, come on down and get one! Reservations are not needed, but are welcome, especially for large parties. FISH Asks for Volunteers As Well as Groceries and Toiletries in its Bin and Basket FISH of Howard County is calling for volunteers. If you are interested, ask parishioner Andy DeLong, who is FISH treasurer and a board member of the nonprofit, which provides committed support to Howard County residents. Please continue to put non-perishable foods and toiletries in the FISH basket at the altar or in the bin on the breezeway. The neighbors you help are grateful for all you do in their support. Columbia Community Care Needs Diapers and Infant Care Items Columbia Community Care (CCC) collects and distributes essentials to families in need. It operates three distribution sites on Saturday mornings from 9:30 to 11 a.m. The locations are Long Reach Village Center, Suite 107, 8775 Cloudleap Ct.; Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, 10431 Twin Rivers Rd.; and The Barn at Oakland Mills Village Center, 5853 Robert Oliver Place, all in Columbia.   CCC offers home deliveries to those without transportation. That process requires a shopper to fulfill grocery lists at the pantry and then deliver goods to the recipients’ homes. To volunteer at the sites or as a translator or shopper, go to “ Volunteer Opportunities .” Those who need help are urged to go to “Get Help” on CCC’s website. Find updates on the CCC Facebook page .   Please keep collecting diapers, baby wipes, sanitary and personal care items and adult diapers. Put them in the yellow bin, marked “CCC,” inside the Parish Hall. Our point of contact is Leigh Smith, who monitors the bin and delivers its contents. Oakland Mills Middle School Academic Fundraiser OMMS celebrates students who have worked hard during the 2024-2025 school year. Those who earned all A’s for the year are treated to a trip to a Baltimore Orioles baseball game at Camden Yards. This year, the MOCC's spring "Random Act of Kindness" is spearheading a fund-collecting drive to help sponsor this event, and you are invited to contribute to this worthy cause. You can donate through the MOCC fund in Realm (write "RAK Orioles" in the MEMO line) or write a check to Christ Church (write "RAK Orioles" in the memo line). Either way, we appreciate your generous support! Help a Christ Church Youth with Her Girl Scout Project Christ Church youth parishioner Ainsley Couch is working to complete her Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouting, by prioritizing the mental health of teachers at one of Howard County's oldest middle schools, Harper's Choice Middle School. This school is highly impacted by poverty (over 55% of the students qualify for free or reduced lunches), and she is working to transform the staff lounge into a relaxing area where staff can unwind during their free time.  She is accepting donations from this Amazon list and taking monetary donations to furnish the room. If you would like to donate in other ways, please don't hesitate to contact her mom at  info@christchurchcolumbia.org ,  who can provide digital options for donation. Thank you for being so considerate as she works to finish this as soon as possible, and ensure that she earns the highest rank Girl Scouts can earn. 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.

Mother's Day at Christ Church has its own tradition - after each morning worship service, we gather all mothers and mother figures at the altar and snap a quick photo. This past Sunday, the tradition continued, and many came out to take part. We hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Mother's Day!   #mothersday   #mothersdaygift   #episcomd   #hocomd   #christchurch   #sayaprayerformothers

CHRIST CHURCH OUTREACH'S MAY MEETING Tonight on Zoom at 7:30 p.m. At Christ Church, we believe that God is calling us to make a difference in our community and around the world. Learn how you can help by joining us for CEC Outreach's monthly meeting tonight at 7:30 p.m. We seek to serve God and respectfully respond to the worldly needs of those Jesus referred to as “the least of these” (Matthew 25:35-46): the disadvantaged, the disenfranchised, and the suffering. We just emailed the Zoom details to our mailing list, but if you need a copy or would like to get on our list, email us at outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org   #outreach   #churchoutreach   #helpthoseinneed   #helpthosearoundyou   #hocomd   #episcopal   #episcomd   #columbiamd   #helptheneedy