I remember when Alyssa and Jonathan first visited Christ Church. I remember their active involvement in the Young Adults Group. I remember when Alyssa gave birth. I remember Nina’s baptism, in the middle of the pandemic. Unfortunately, because of the same pandemic, she hasn’t been to church or used the church’s nursery where she would have met Drew, the son of Alex and Elizabeth Everett - who were also active in the YA Group with Jonathan and Alyssa, and who now have two children: Drew and Milo. Looking at Nina with her sippy cup makes me feel her innocence, just like the innocence of every child. Her face lights up with grace - just like every child. In her eyes, I see a life of beauty and grace, which is of God, and which God alone can give to us as gifts. Looking at Nina reminded me of the words of Jesus: Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. The real deal is, you may not be far from the kingdom of God if you can find within you the love of a child. Sitting on her mother’s lap and sharing the holy space of Old Brick with her parents, she wonders what in God’s name is going on. But the fact that she appears unfazed and unafraid tells of the comfort she feels in knowing the reassuring presence of mom and dad. Comfort! That seems to be the word. How many of us have that sense of calmness or comfort like Nina? How many of us feel comforted in our grief and sorrow over the many losses we have had to deal with? How many of us feel that reassuring presence that somebody has got our back, and that we don’t have to worry? Not many of us feel that way. In fact, listening to Jonathan and Alyssa, their love of Christ Church stems in part from our mission to ease the worries of those who are carrying heavy burdens, and our desire to offer comfort and respite to others. The good news is that we have taken on some more because there are more needs within our world. Christ Church opens itself up to take on some more because each of you believe that to be close to the kingdom of God, and in fact to be a part of the kingdom of God, you have to find within yourself the love of a child. The joy for me is that it is that love that makes it possible for you to see the divine in each other - especially in those who may not be as comfortable as we are. Gregory of Nyssa, a fourth-century mystic, wrote that “In each human soul there exists a divine element, a kind of inner eye capable of glimpsing something of God, for there exists a deep relationship, an affinity between human and divine nature.” There exists a relationship between God and humans, and to see that divine in another makes it possible for you to dare to extend comfort. Apart from turning her eyes to see her parents, Nina didn’t say a word. But she didn’t have to say anything because the video is worth more than a thousand words. Having been a part of her parent’s life before she was born, I can promise you that the joy of a faithful community, and especially of a priest, is to be a part of a family’s life - to offer comfort in times of distress and to share in their joys. Christ Church stays present in each family’s life because your generosity and kindness make it possible for us to do so. And so as we inch closer to Stewardship Sunday on November 7th, I want to invite you to prayerfully reflect upon your present blessings, of which every person has many, and with faith, make a commitment to support Christ Church with your time, talent, and treasure. John Powell wrote that “God sends each person into this world with a special message to deliver, with a special song to sing for others, with a special act of love to bestow. No one else can speak your message, or sing your song, or offer your act of love.” Thank you, Alyssa, Jonathan, and Nina for helping us to know that we can speak our own message, sing our own song, and offer our act of love to comfort and ease the burdens of others. ~Manny Click here to contribute to our 2022 Pledge Campaign.

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.

Somos Amigos Continues Health Care in the Dominican Republic, Expresses Gratitude for Parishioners’ Donations In much the same way that Christ Church has continued to support Somos Amigos Medical Missions — despite pandemic challenges that have kept our volunteers from going to the Dominican Republic — the nonprofit provider of healthcare has continued to treat its patients. Somos Amigos’ previous healthcare delivery model had depended on volunteer clinicians and other helpers traveling four times a year, collaborating with residents of Naranjito. Instead, Somos Amigos created a local model to serve patients in the rural, mountainous region. As you can read in a blog on the nonprofit’s website, Somos Amigos has applied to the nation’s health ministry to expand local care in combination with future volunteer efforts. Meanwhile, during October as usual, patients were coming in for treatment. And on October 6th, Executive Director and CEO Frank Brightwell wrote a letter to Christ Church, beginning with a quote from Helen Keller: "Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence." “Dear Friends, the pandemic has been challenging for all of us. Like so many worthy organizations around the world, Somos Amigos could have responded to the obstacles thrown at us by putting our efforts on hold. As you know, we didn’t. We didn’t because we knew you and our other benefactors were standing beside us, encouraging us to think outside the box, to persevere, to reshape our model of care, because we knew our patients were depending on us. Not only did we recommit ourselves to the service of our patients; we have continued to look confidently to the future. Helen Keller’s words capture our determination: As soon as covid considerations and local regulations permit, we will start to implement some of our plans to reach several thousand new patients. Thank you for your confidence in Somos Amigos. Thank you for helping us deliver reliable and quality healthcare to humble but noble people who deserve nothing less. On their behalf, I am grateful for your recent gift. Thank you for joining us in our optimism and hope.” When donations to Christ Church are designated to Somos Amigos, either electronically on Realm or in the memo line of a check, the Outreach Commission sees that your contribution makes its way to the proper recipient. These worthy causes include organizations that are local, national, and international. For information, please email Outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org. To learn more about Somos Amigos, feel free to speak to parishioners Shahra Toth and Dione Mahoney, who both regularly volunteer at the Naranjito clinic when circumstances permit. Former parishioners Ed and Mary Keath also have been regular volunteers, and she participated in an adult forum with Brightwell when he last visited Christ Church in March of 2020 to deliver the sermon at both worship services. (see their photo in this July 1, 2021 Outreach blog) Collection Drive Continues to Provide Diapers, Personal Care Items for CCC At Christ Church, members of R.A.G.E and the Outreach Commission ask parishioners to support Columbia Community Care (CCC) by collecting diapers, baby wipes, sanitary and personal care items, and adult diapers. Please put any of these items in the yellow bin, marked “CCC,” inside the Parish Hall. You can drop off items on weekdays when the church office is open, but we ask that you call (410) 381-9365 ahead of time. Donate Personal Care and Cleaning Supplies for FISH in Bin on our Breezeway Organizers for FISH of Howard County request household cleaning supplies such as liquid dish soap, bleach, and cleanser as well as personal items such as deodorant, shampoo, and bath soaps. The bin is on the breezeway between Old Brick and the Parish Hall. Registration Now Open for DreamBuilders trip to Puerto Rico - January 9-15, 2022 Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico in September of 2017. Now, four years later, thousands of Puerto Ricans are still living in damaged homes or crowded in with family members waiting for the day when their home can be made livable again. DreamBuilders will be making its second trip to the island this January to work with SBP-Puerto Rico to repair damaged homes. We are opening registration for this trip now and will keep it open for a period of 14 days. The cost of the trip is $1300 per volunteer, which covers the flights, housing, food, and rental vehicles. Daily temperatures in San Juan for January average between 80-83 degrees. SBP has COVID protocols in place to protect its staff, the homeowners, and the volunteers. All volunteers must be vaccinated. Team size will be limited to allow for distancing, and cleaning stations are established at all project sites. More information about SBP's efforts in Puerto Rico and their COVID protocols can be found on their website: sbpusa.org. You can register as a volunteer on our website: https://dreambuildersmd.org/2022-puerto-rico-details-sign-up. You will pay half the fee upon registration ($650) so DreamBuilders can reserve the flights, housing, and rental vehicles. If you have any questions, please contact Cathy Gold at heycathy@verizon.net. 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.

Today is the Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost. Collect of the Day: Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; 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: Job 42:1-6, 10-17 Psalm 34:1-8, (19-22) Hebrews 7:23-28 Mark 10:46-52 Today's Worship Livestream: Today's service bulletin can be found here.

Columbia Community Care Signs Up Volunteers Through December 18th The all-volunteer organization, Columbia Community Care (CCC), announced last week that it plans to conduct operations outdoors and to keep its three distribution sites at the same locations until Dec. 18, 2021. It has updated its volunteer signup lists for the three sites and suggests that volunteers consider giving a hand. “Please sign up if you can! We love our volunteers!” leaders of CCC posted on Oct. 16 at the CCC Group on Facebook. If you decide to answer their call, you can sign up there or on the CCC website by clicking the section called “I can help.” CCC distributes one day a week, on Saturdays, when volunteers are asked to begin their shifts at 9 a.m. Hours for recipients are 10 am to noon. The distribution sites are at Oakland Mills Middle School, 9540 Kilimanjaro Road; at Long Reach Village Center, Suite 9, 8775 Cloudleap Ct., and at Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, 10431 Twin Rivers Rd., all in Columbia. One or more locations are likely to vary during winter as distribution moves indoors, while remaining in compliance with pandemic protocols. At Christ Church, members of R.A.G.E and the Outreach Commission ask parishioners to continue supporting CCC in various ways. Our point of contact for CCC is Violet Smith, who takes our donated goods to Wilde Lake, where organizers can reallocate them as needed to the other sites. On Oct. 20, CCC told supporters that diapers in sizes 4, 5, and 6 are in particularly short supply. As usual, parishioners are asked to donate baby items, such as diapers and wipes, sanitary and personal care items, and adult diapers. Please put any of these items in the yellow bin, marked “CCC,” inside the Parish Hall. You can drop off items on weekdays when the church office is open but suggest calling the office (410) 381-9365 ahead of time. SAFE Offers Gluten-Free Food at Its CCC-Partner Site on October 23rd The SAFE Food Pantry, a nonprofit organization that helps people who require gluten-free and allergy-friendly groceries, will be at the CCC site at Oakland Mills Middle School on Saturday, Oct. 23. The SAFE table operates on the same timeframe as the CCC site: Volunteers and donation dropoff begins at 9 a.m.; food distribution goes from 10 a.m. to noon. If you have gluten-free or other safe foods to donate, you can bring them without making advance arrangements. Or, if you or others whom you know need these items, please come to OMMS. For more information, please call or text a SAFE volunteer at 443-741-1060. Another way to obtain food from SAFE is through its partnership with the Howard County Food Bank. Clients of the food bank can receive pre-bagged, non-allergenic food items when they check in for their monthly visits. Donate Personal Care and Cleaning Supplies for FISH in Bin on our Breezeway Organizers for FISH of Howard County request household cleaning supplies such as liquid dish soap, bleach, and cleanser as well as personal items such as deodorant, shampoo, and bath soaps. The bin is on the breezeway between Old Brick and the Parish Hall. DreamBuilders are Planning a Trip to Puerto Rico in January! DreamBuilders is in the planning stages for a trip to Puerto Rico during the week of January 9-15, 2022, to repair homes damaged by hurricanes and earthquakes. We were not able to go last year due to COVID restrictions, but in 2019, we were able to help rebuild two homes, working with our St. Bernard Project (SBP) partners. They are once again allowing volunteers to come to the island and work through them, as there are many still in need of help. If you are interested in joining our group, please contact Cathy Gold or Stacey Frith to let us know. 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.

This past Sunday afternoon, I had the unique privilege of picking up the Golden Ladle at Bridges to Housing Stability. It was a sweet, sweet moment for me. It was sweet because we were so eager to win gold last year but we came in second. This year, Christ Church raised the most, and that is why we won the Golden Ladle. This effort was spearheaded by Patricia. Outreach is her passion. Outreach drives her. Everything about Patricia is Outreach. Prior to the pandemic, Patricia always had an announcement about Outreach at the 8:00 a.m. service. We had a lot going on this past Sunday. We featured Don Link and the Hessarni family from Afghanistan. Don spoke at both services, sharing with us the work his church did to resettle the Hessarni family once they arrived in the United States from Afghanistan. We invited Don and the Hessarni family to Christ Church primarily because, upon prayerful discernment, we have also decided to resettle a refugee family from Afghanistan. This is a big task in itself, but as I said on Sunday morning, with God, all things are possible. Well, once we had won the Golden Ladle, I had to represent Christ Church and pick it up. And guess who was there? Patricia. But as I made my way to the office of Bridges to Housing Stability to pick up the ladle, I received a phone call from Jan DeBoissiere, our Junior Warden. Jan shared with me that a parishioner who shall remain nameless had just donated $5000.00 towards our Refugee Resettlement Ministry. I was shocked. I couldn't believe my ears. I couldn’t stop myself from screaming in elation after that phone call. There, within that moment, I was again reminded of what I shared with you last Sunday morning... With God, all things are possible. I don’t remember if I have ever shared with you my love for solving Sudoku puzzles. But an interesting point that Patricia made in her video submission hit home for me. She made the point that “When you are helping others it makes you feel a part of the whole and that is one of the best parts about being at Christ Church.” One reality about solving Sudoku puzzles, or any puzzle, for that matter, is the realization that each part - however big or small - is a significant part of the whole.  In a way, our Christian calling is akin to seeing every one of us as part of the whole, part of the puzzle - part of God’s puzzle. And the work of the Outreach Ministry at Christ Church is an acknowledgment of the fact that each part of this puzzle may not be the same. And because each part is not the same, we take steps to alleviate the burden of any individual piece of this puzzle, and we do this just so all may be whole. We do this work because you have not only chosen Christ Church as your home away from home, but because you believe in what we stand for. It is because of your generous support. It is because of our kind giving that we can do all of this work, both within our community and in places as far afield as Thailand. I once read that a difficult part about Christianity is the invitation to love people you simply don’t know, or may not even like. Heaven knows that not many of us know people in Thailand, the Dominican Republic, or Uganda, but if we believe that they are also a part of God’s puzzle, then someway, somehow, our joy should rest firmly in the knowledge that we are nothing but God’s hands, God’s feet, God’s ears, God’s eyes, and God’s mouth. We stand ready to do God’s work. Are you a part of the whole? Do you feel a part of the whole? Just as much as it may not matter how large or small the puzzle is, it may also not matter how large or small your individual contribution may be. But remember, the joy in all of this is the blessing that you are very much a part of the whole…and that is the best part about being at Christ Church. Thank you Patricia, for inviting us to be a part of the whole. ~Manny Click here to contribute to our 2022 Pledge Campaign. You can view the above video by clicking the image, or by going here.

Diane is one of those parishioners whose hand is in many activities. She tries as much as possible to participate in ‘everything.’ Her enthusiasm is infectious, and her giving spirit is a true blessing. She’s been here for many years and has found great value and nourishment in our worship and ministries. It, therefore, didn’t surprise me when I heard her refer to Christ Church as "the bedrock, the foundation" for her. That thought reminded me of Jesus’ admonition in Matthew’s gospel when he compared building a house on a rock to one built on sand. This is what he said: “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” To build a house on a rock - which is Christ - is to make God dependent on your faithfulness. It is to believe that you have the ability to endure every test or trial. To be sure, the rock offers stability. The rock offers endurance. The rock offers strength. The rock offers durability. The rock is the one thing that we can hold on to, and so we build on a rock because we believe that no amount of sand is ever enough. C.S. Lewis wrote that “There are lots of things you can do with sand, but do not try building a house on it.” The question is, are you building your house on a rock, or on sand? And would you consider Christ Church as your bedrock or foundation? Christ Church is a gem, and just as much as we hold on to a gem, we hold on to Christ Church because within this holy space we learn the importance of relationships - relationships with God, relationships with others, and a relationship with ourselves... and these relationships often become our bedrock and foundation. Christ Church has been a bedrock and foundation for Diane, her children, and her family and, in fact, for many other families because of our collective generous and kindhearted spirit of giving. Christ Church is also your bedrock and foundation because each one of you blesses Christ Church with your bountiful love and goodwill. How can I ever thank you for sustaining this community during both bountiful and lean seasons? It's something I always wonder about. If you - like Diane - believe that Christ Church helps you to focus on all things important and true, then we invite you to prayerfully consider joining us in creating a holy space where we each can learn how to build and hold on to our relationships and to the rock of our salvation. Thank you, Diane, for reminding us that God has chosen to make himself dependent on our faithfulness. ~Manny Click here to contribute to our 2022 Pledge Campaign. You can view the above video by clicking the image, or by going here.

When I first visited Christ Church with my family, my children spent time at the home of Preethi and Sam Jackson. During that visit, Diya and Deepti spent time with my daughters, and they did a very good job hosting them. It has been quite an interesting experience watching Diya and Deepti grow into beautiful young women who serve as acolytes at Christ Church and are actively involved in our Youth Ministry. It was pure joy watching Diya play the piano and Deepti play the violin during the last Youth Sunday. Diya was also one of the candidates who was confirmed last May and I look forward to having Deepti in the next confirmation class. Watching them grow reminds me of the nurturing environment that Christ Church provides for each one of us - a place where we each grow in body, mind, and spirit. I am grateful for their playfulness, smiles, and love for Christ Church. I am also grateful for the many ways in which your generosity to Christ Church makes it possible for us to nurture, and put a smile on all of our faces. It is my prayer that Diya and Deepti's love for Christ Church may resonate with you and that your love and total devotion to God and Christ Church may speak for you, especially during this stewardship campaign. Thank you Diya and Deepti, and God Bless, ~Manny Click here to contribute to our 2022 Pledge Campaign. You can view the above video by clicking the image, or by going here.

Adult Choir and Adult Handbells are in Session Choral singing and hymn leadership are returning to the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service and ringing bells to embellish hymns is also a new staple for this fall! If you’ve ever been interested in joining our choir, now's that time… and this invitation is open to any adult parishioner. No experience is necessary! Socially-distanced and masked rehearsals now take place on Thursday evenings. Please email Len Langrick, our Interim Director of Music, at music@christchurchcolumbia.org to learn more, or to RSVP for rehearsals. Children's Choir Rehearsals Return Parents, be on the lookout for information about choir rehearsals starting up this month. New and returning children are invited. Len Langrick, our Director of Music, has a passion for working with young people and can't wait to get started! Handbells and chimes will also be included in our rehearsals. Please email Len to learn more or to RSVP for rehearsals – music@christchurchcolumbia.org It's exciting to get things running for another amazing year of music making!

Adult Choir and Adult Handbells are in Session Choral singing and hymn leadership are returning to the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service and ringing bells to embellish hymns is also a new staple for this fall! If you’ve ever been interested in joining our choir, now's that time… and this invitation is open to any adult parishioner. No experience is necessary! Socially-distanced and masked rehearsals now take place on Thursday evenings. Please email Len Langrick, our Interim Director of Music, at music@christchurchcolumbia.org to learn more, or to RSVP for rehearsals. Children's Choir Rehearsals Return Parents, be on the lookout for information about choir rehearsals starting up this month. New and returning children are invited. A start date is yet to be determined -- past singers, be on the lookout for a survey heading your way. Len Langrick, our Director of Music, has a passion for working with young people and can't wait to get started! Handbells and chimes will also be included in our rehearsals. Please email Len to learn more or to RSVP for rehearsals – music@christchurchcolumbia.org I'm exciting to get things running for another amazing year of music making! Whether you plan to return or not this program year, I encourage you to view our above Children's Choir promotional video, and then I invite all families to take this brief survey to help guide our planning for this program year. Again, whether you are planning to return or not, your feedback on the survey is important. The survey will help to determine which afternoon we will rehearse as well help us to gain feedback on a few "out of the box" ideas. You can also find the survey here. If possible, please return the survey by Tuesday, October 12th. Thank you.

Thank you to everyone who attended Christ Church's Annual Meeting this morning, whether you did so in person, or you joined us online via Zoom. It was a brisk, windy outdoor gathering and so we've now uploaded a video of Father Manny's morning message - this time delivered from the relative quiet and calm of our New Brick Sanctuary.