A story has been told of a man who watched how a spider built its web. With deep and focused observation, this man was able to replicate that into creating one of the beautiful pieces of fabric among the Akan people of Ghana. The beautifully woven fabric is primarily worn on celebratory occasions but there are different patterns that are worn on somber days. The occasion determines what pattern of Kente one wears. Recently, we started a new knitting ministry at Christ Church. I don't know how to weave or knit, myself, but I do know that each day presents me with a wonderful opportunity to weave or knit a beautiful fabric with my life. I remind myself, each morning, that there are those things that are in my control, and there are also those things that are beyond my control. I cannot control what someone else does but I can control what I do, and so as difficult as it may be, I must always make sure that I weave a beautiful fabric with my life. Am I always successful? No. But at least I am conscious of my own attempt at weaving that beautiful fabric, and so should you. There are times when we can get the feeling that if a particular thread has been figuratively dyed a different color, things would have been different. But that is a misnomer. Life is not lived by colors, and colors do not determine anything; each experience may take on a color of a thread, and each thread is woven together to make a beautiful fabric with different patterns. Like the Kente cloth, each pattern tells a story. Each story has a pattern. Every single part of your life is like a thread - even invisible, sometimes. But for the fabric to come alive, each part of your life's fabric, the thread should be woven together. The point I am trying to make here is that each part of your life - good or bad, ugly or beautiful, tragic or triumphant - is incredibly significant, and you are enriched, deeply enriched by all your experiences combined. For me, the beauty lies in the sum total of all. I have always been moved by the story of a man whose fabric was woven by threads of joy, sadness, tragedy, and success. He was a successful lawyer and businessman in Chicago named Horatio Spafford, who wrote the words to the popular hymn It Is Well. He had a wife, Anna, and five children. Tragedy also entered his life; a son died of pneumonia in 1871 at the age of four. They also lost their business in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. On November 21, 1873, a French ocean liner, Ville du Havre, was crossing the Atlantic from the U.S. to Europe with 313 passengers on board. Among the passengers were Mrs. Spafford and their four daughters. Mr. Spafford had planned to go to Europe with his family, but as fate would have it, he stayed in Chicago with a promise to his family that he will join them with another ship. About four days into the journey, the Ville du Havre collided with a powerful, iron-hulled Scottish ship, the Loch Earn. Suddenly, all of those on board were in grave danger. Anna hurriedly brought her four children to the deck and sought God’s mercy through prayer. But within approximately 12 minutes, the Ville du Harve sank with 226 of the passengers, including the four Spafford children. Anna survived because she was found floating on a piece of the wreckage by a sailor rowing a boat over the spot where the ship sunk. He pulled her into the boat. Anna eventually landed in Cardiff, Wales. Remember, there are those things that you have control over, and they're those over which you don’t have any control over. From Cardiff, she sent a telegram to her beloved Horatio, which simply read, “Saved alone, what shall I do?” Horatio would later frame the telegram and place it in his office. He got himself on the next available ship to join his grieving wife, Anna. When the ship got to the spot where Ville du Havre sunk, the captain called Spafford to his cabin and told him they were over the place where his children went down. The Staffords went on to have more children. One of the surviving children, Bertha Spafford Vester, wrote that her father wrote the words to the aforementioned hymn while he was on his way to reconnect with his wife. When peace like a river attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll, Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul. Chorus: It is well with my soul, It is well, it is well with my soul With these words, Mr. Spafford sure reminds me of Job’s thoughts: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” The question then, is, how can ‘It’ be well when my world just fell apart? For me, it takes a different kind of spiritual growth and depth to arrive at the point in life where you can utter those words without any reservation. Where you can bless God for a thread that didn’t fit right, but yet, can still make the fabric beautiful. I don’t think I could muster the courage of Mr. Spafford to pen those soothing words of reassurance and contentment - It is Well. As I said before, I do not know how to weave nor do I know how to knit, but I believe that in so far as there’s some thread in me, I can still weave and knit this life of mine. So long as there’s some thread in you, you can still weave and knit yours, as well. Remember, there are those things which you have control over and they're those over which you don’t have any control over. The only prayer I can share with you is one of making sure that for those things over which we can exercise some control, may we never relent in weaving those into the beautiful fabric that we desire to see. My prayer for you today is that in spite of whatever circumstances in which you may find yourself, don’t stop weaving, and don’t stop living. You still have a few more threads, all waiting to make that beautiful fabric. Manny.

Find the point of radiance in your heart. Whether that be passion, pleasure, or pain so deep it's etched in blood, follow where your true heart leads. When it seems there is no light, look carefully, for it is always there, that ember of the God-force. It may be hidden in a dim corner or buried beneath a pile of regrets, but it's there nonetheless, that spark of divine essence, illuminating your next step. by Danna Faulds

The Spiritual Life Commission invites everyone to join us on Zoom for our Wednesday Evening Lenten Series, which centers on our 2021 theme - Be God's Light that Shines in the Darkness. Each week, we host a presenter who gives their perspective on this theme, and tonight we're blessed to have the Reverend Richard Ginnever, Rector Emeritus of Christ Church, offer his perspective. The leaflet for tonight is here. Everyone is welcome to be with us for this popular series. We sent the Zoom details out earlier, but if you would like them sent to you directly, please email us at info@christchurchcolumbia.org

A PSALM OF LIFE What the Heart of The Young Man Said to the Psalmist Tell me not, in mournful numbers, Life is but an empty dream! For the soul is dead that slumbers, And things are not what they seem. Life is real! Life is earnest! And the grave is not its goal; Dust thou art, to dust returnest, Was not spoken of the soul. Not enjoyment, and not sorrow, Is our destined end or way; But to act, that each to-morrow Find us further than to-day. Act in long, and Time is fleeting, And our hearts, though stout and brave, Still, like muffled drums, are beating Funeral marches to the grave. In the world’s broad field of Battle, In the bivouac of Life, Be not like dumb, driven cattle! Be a hero in the strife! Trust no Future, howe’er pleasant! Let the dead Past bury its dead! Act, --act in the living Present! Heart within, and God o’erhead! Lives of great men all remind us We can make our lives sublime, And, departing, leave behind us Footprints on the sands of time; Footprints, that perhaps another, Sailing o’er life’s solemn main, A forlorn and shipwrecked brother, Seeing, shall take heart again. Let us, then, be up and doing, With a heart for any fate; Still achieving, still pursuing, Learn to labor and to wait.

CONVERSATIONS ON RACE: R.A.G.E. Ministry Tuesday, March 9th at 7:30 p.m. Join us as we begin a discussion on the book "So You Want to Talk About Race" by Ijeoma Oluo. You can find the book - a New York Times Bestseller - at many retailers in physical, audiobook, and digital form. All are welcome and encouraged to join us for this virtual gathering, and feel free to email us if you have any questions or would like the Zoom link - info@christchurchcolumbia.org

On the Pulse of the Morning So say the Asian, the Hispanic, the Jew, The African, the Native American, the Sioux,, The Catholic, the Muslim, the French, the Greek, The Irish, the Rabbi, the Priest, the Sheik, The Gay, the Straight, the Preacher, The privileged, the homeless, the Teacher… History, despite its wrenching pain, Cannot be unloved, but if aced With courage need not be lived again. Maya Angelou

Are You Listening? Say, ‘Yes,’ and Be God’s Light Such a wide world. So many problems. What can I do as just one person? Lent is an appropriate time to step back from the brink of resignation and contemplate what it takes to “Be God’s Light that Shines in the Darkness.” Given the right circumstances, a single person can make an impact far beyond the expected reach of an ordinary individual. For example, a recently published book review in The Washington Post described how the son of Holocaust survivors helped bring about a peace agreement in Mozambique that saved lives. In the book, The Good American, The Epic Life of Bob Gersony, the U.S. Government’s Greatest Humanitarian, author Robert D. Kaplan describes how the consultant for the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department adopted a new technique to help officials make sound policies. He relied on interviewing refugees and other vulnerable people. Over a 40-year career, according to reviewer Daniel Runde, Gersony talked to more than 8,200 people. But the most important observation is that he listened. That is a characteristic anyone can emulate. Think of listening as a way of letting God’s light shine through. Teachers, priests, and mentors do it, shaping others’ actions in the process. Young people often brighten the lives of their elders with a call, or text, or video-chat. Parents and children share life’s lessons. Spouses, siblings, friends, neighbors, and co-workers shine God’s light when they lend an ear. And during the pandemic, having someone to talk to eases what can be a frightening, lonely path. Clearly, most of us have the opportunity to speak with hundreds or thousands of people over the decades of our lives. And while most of us are not aiming for world peace or even a nation’s peace, however imperfect it turned out to be, we do have the chance to listen. ~ Patricia

Today is the Third Sunday in Lent. 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. Readings for today: Exodus 20:1-17 Psalm 19 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 John 2:13-22 Sermon for Today: Father Manny's Sermon text can be read here. Today's Worship Livestream: Today's service bulletin can be found here.

Today is the Third Sunday in Lent, but this year it is also celebrated as "Keath Sunday" at Christ Church. For those of you who do not know, Mary and her husband Ed are soon heading westward and relocating to Oregon. They are very excited about their trip across the country to begin their next adventure and deserve the fondest of send-offs. For the last 45-plus years, Mary has been committed to meeting so many of the needs at Christ Episcopal Church. She has served as a Warden, a Greeter for newcomers, the Chair of the Building Committee for New Brick, as Parish Ministries Coordinator, as a master gardener, and a host of other roles. Ed, for his part, has shared his artistic woodworking talents in the form of the beautiful Altar Table, the Cross on the wall, the case that holds the McGill Bible, the Lectern, and the Ambo. And so in our diverse and appreciative voices, we want to say Bon Voyage, Adios, O dabo (Yoruba), Sanga sung (Efik), Sai anjuma (Hausa), Ijeoma (Ibo), Kwaheri (Swahili), NyiƐmƆ JurƆ (Ga), Arrivederci, Auf wiedersehen, Au revoir, and Happy trails to Mary and Ed. You are loved by all of us!

On weekdays during the season of Lent, we post daily meditations on our website, and on Sundays this year 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. Light Up the Sky by The Afters When I'm feeling all alone With so far to go The signs are no where on this road Guiding me home When the night is closing in Is falling on my skin Oh God will You come close? [Chorus] Light, light, light up the sky You light up the sky to show me You are with me I, I, I can't deny No, I can't deny that You are right here with me You've opened my eyes So I can see You all around me Light, light light up the sky You light up the sky to show me That You are with me When stars are hiding in the clouds I don't feel them shining When I can't see You beyond my doubt The silver lining When I've almost reached the end Like a flood You're rushing in Your love is rushing in [Chorus] So I run straight into Your arms You're the bright and morning sun To show Your love there's nothing You won't do [Chorus] That You are with me That You are with me

Nurturing the Light Within with the Rev. Dr. Jill Snodgrass March 6th and 13th at 11:00 a.m. on Zoom Join us for an hour on consecutive Saturdays - March 6th and 13th - for a guided discussion on self-care and spiritual care practices that foster health and wellness during this time of continuing isolation and turmoil. The Reverend Dr. Jill Snodgrass, professor of theology at Loyola University, a pastoral counselor and ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, and Clinical Director of Spiritual Support at GBMC hospital, will lead us in exploring ways to nurture and care for ourselves spiritually and emotionally during dark times, including strategies for managing stress and anxiety in our lives. We emailed the Zoom link earlier this week, but if you would like us to send it to you directly, let us know - email info@christchurchcolumbia.org