It wasn’t your usual classroom, but each kid in the class had his or her own chair. There were none left to spare. Of the twenty-something kids in the class, I was the only one who had a companion. He didn’t belong to that class nor was he even enrolled in the school, but he was there anyway, and no one asked him to leave because there was always a seat for him on my chair. At the end of the semester, he took a test, just like every other kid in that class and he did extremely well. Eventually, he had his own chair. If you can imagine with me for a second, just for a second, what if I refused to provide a seat for him on that chair upon which I sat? What if I had asked him not to walk to my school again? What if...? Providence has a peculiar way of opening our eyes to see the past. And the gift of being able to see the past doesn’t open anyone up to entertain or perpetuate any act of revenge for wrongs done. This is because there’s never been any revenge that offered some sort of healing or reconciliation. The reality is that those who have the capacity to look back can always see the invisible hand of Providence - guiding, prodding, and directing. Providence has always been there! You cannot see Providence’s hand at work if you can’t look back. Looking back offers the opportunity for gratitude and humility because you come to appreciate that nothing was ever done by yourself alone, but that Providence has always been there as that invisible hand, guiding, prodding, and directing your life. The past several weeks have been one of my proudest moments for my brother, to whom I offered a seat on my chair. Looking back, I really don’t know what would have happened to him if my dad - who didn’t even know that my brother had been running away from his nursery school every morning to join me at my school - had asked him to go back to his nursery school, or if I hadn’t offered him a seat on my chair. One of the most empowering thoughts I ever heard from my father after he received our report card was that if he (my brother) wasn’t supposed to be in the class, but had done so well, then he deserves to stay in the class. As a result, my brother became my classmate all through high school. The real challenge came when we lost our father, ten days before enrolling at Adisadel College in Cape Coast. Because we were classmates, each decision regarding every bit of our lives had to now be made for two and not one. I have a sister who missed more than an academic year of school because of a dispute, and so I shudder to even contemplate on what would have happened to my brother if we had not been classmates. Was it destiny? What was it? How does Providence make life patterns fit so well? How does Providence ultimately help us find meaning in our individual stories? Pondering over these helps in finding that sense of gratitude that creates a humble disposition towards life itself. Without ever saying so, we loved each other deeply and looked to the other for solace, strength, and the comfort that none other could ever provide. We disagreed and fought a lot, but that’s what siblings do. Beyond that was the sheer belief in offering a seat on any chair upon which each sat, whether literally or metaphorically, to the other. I look at our story not as a David and Jonathan kind of story, although it has traces of it, but more as emblematic of the story of Moses and Aaron - where mutual dependence made possible the successful liberation of God’s people from slavery in Egypt. In that story, God calls Moses and charges him with the liberation of the Israelites from slavery. Moses is hesitant about undertaking the task and so floods God with all the possible excuses - one of which was that he wasn’t articulate enough. God responded that his brother Aaron would do the talking on his behalf, and so he did. In spite of the hiccups, their frosty relationship, and disappointments along the way, their mutual dependence on each other was more than enough to accomplish God’s purpose. My brother and I have come a long way. Life often felt like walking from the bondage of Egypt through the wilderness of scarcity to the Promised Land that flows with milk and honey. Although the journey has been long, the joy for me is the gift of being able to look back with a sense of gratitude and pride - not for being on the Promised Land itself, but for being so close to the land that we each can freely taste the milk and honey that God richly provides. An unknown author once wrote that “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” Provide a seat on a chair for the other, for you may never know what destiny has in store. Manny.

I am incredibly excited about the new vaccination. I had the opportunity of being vaccinated a few days ago, and encourage you to please get vaccinated when you get the opportunity. ~Fr. Manny

Everyone is encouraged to Zoom with us for CEC Outreach's June virtual gathering, taking place this Monday evening (tomorrow) at 7:30 p.m. The link and details will be included in Monday's Christ Church's Online Gatherings email, but if you'd like us to send them to you or if you have any questions, please email us at outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org You can read about CEC Outreach's latest initiatives here. As summer approaches and life slows a bit, the vital need to help others does not. In our own community and throughout the world, it's as important as ever. Whether you can help often or just once in a while, your assistance is welcome. Come and see how you can be a part of this important ministry.

Local Families Need Our Support! Christ Church’s Lake Elkhorn Middle School (LEMS) ministry is a partnership between our church and Lake Elkhorn Middle School, geared toward providing support to students, teachers, and families. As one element of this partnership, the LEMS Committee supports the school’s Weekend Food Program, providing food for 10 families experiencing food insecurity. This past year, we’ve done this despite the myriad challenges of the pandemic—and with the generous contributions of this congregation. The school has asked us to continue this support through the summer and into the next school year. If we’re to continue - and possibly increase - our level of support, the LEMS Committee needs parishioners to help shop for and package food, as well as parishioners to help deliver the bagged groceries to the school. Shopping is from a pre-set grocery list, is funded by the committee, and can be done on your own time. Delivery is a socially distanced, quick drop-off to the school on the second Thursday of each month at 11:00 a.m. Christ Church deeply values our partnership with LEMS, and families in our community depend on our support. If you’re available to help shop or deliver, please contact Deacon Denise at deacondenise@christchurchcolumbia.org. Support the Diocese of Maryland’s Sutton Scholars at a Milestone Moment People experience milestone moments, either positive or negative, and sometimes those emotions and moments intertwine. Such was the case this week during a vigil hosted by the Baltimore Interfaith Coalition for Dismantling Racism to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the killing of George Floyd. The setting was Bishop Square Park and the host was the nearby Cathedral of the Incarnation, seat of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland. Bishop of the diocese, The Right Rev. Eugene Taylor Sutton, joined in the interfaith vigil, described on WYPR-FM, with leaders representing Jewish, Muslim, and Roman Catholic congregations, among others. He led about 100 participants in calling the names of African Americans who died in police incidents and, in a more hopeful turn, in singing the hymn, “Lift Every Voice.” More coverage can be found here. The leaders were unified in saying that although this was a moment to mourn, it also was an opportunity to look forward. At the same time, in city neighborhoods not far from the cathedral, high school students were envisioning much brighter futures for themselves because of the diocese and Bishop Sutton’s role in founding the program, Sutton Scholars. “It has been a longtime dream of Bishop Sutton’s to create opportunities for youth who otherwise aren’t afforded equal chances for success, ‘giving back’ from the blessings he received from caring adults who took time to help him learn about life and to grow,” the program says. “Through Sutton Scholars, we strive to pay it forward, building a brighter future for our students and for Baltimore as a whole,” the program continues in an informative video on its website. In the video, “Who Are the Sutton Scholars? Learn More,” we’re told that these are Baltimore City students who may be at risk of falling through the cracks of the school system. They make up a maximum enrollment of 120 students (freshmen through seniors) each year. The Scholars learn soft skills and critical thinking, among other life skills. And they experience camaraderie and leadership during a summer trip to the Claggett Center for environmental stewardship, kayaking, zip-lining, and team-building on the ropes course. Since its start in 2016, the first Scholars have completed the curriculum and are now giving advice to others. Deon Jones, the new president of the Sutton Scholars Alumni Association, says, ”Write out the steps you want to take...You have to have a purpose in life to be successful.” To help more young people in underserved neighborhoods achieve success, you can donate online or by writing a check to “Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, Sutton Scholars.” Mail it to Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, Sutton Scholars High School Enrichment Program, 4 E. University Parkway, Baltimore, Md. 21218. Through fundraising, the program has remained self-sufficient. In 2020, the cost for one scholar was about $3,250 or $650 a week with the overall program at $450,000. Reserve by June 6th for Bridges’ “Taste of Wine, Splash of Charity” on June 10th Supporters of Bridges to Housing Stability are invited to a dine-in dinner and wine tasting accompanied by a fundraiser or, for those who wish to avoid in-person outings, a takeout opportunity. Tickets must be ordered by June 6th for the event, which will be held at the Iron Bridge Wine Co. on June 10. The location is 10435 Rt. 108, Columbia, MD 21044. The goal of the nonprofit organization is preventing and ending homelessness in Howard County. Each ticket purchased, whether for takeout or in-person dining, results in a $20 contribution to Bridges’ efforts. The cost is $85 for the 5-course dinner and wine tasting or $70 for a 3-course take-out meal and bottle of wine. For information and to buy tickets, go here. Those who attend in person will be able to take part in a silent auction to be displayed at Iron Bridge. The auction is expected to include six to eight baskets of leisure activities, vacation options, wine, and more. Christ Church has a warm relationship with Bridges that dates to 2019 when we participated in its countywide chili cook-off, Holier Than Thou. Parishioner James Collins, a Bridges board member, was the master of ceremonies. That fundraising and camaraderie were surpassed during our own cook-off in February 2020, which raised $1,000. And that, in turn, led to Christ Church winning a Silver Ladle Award during the Chili & Challenge virtual fundraiser last fall. 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 until 2 p.m., but we ask that you call the church office (410) 381-9365 ahead of time. Donate Spring Cleaning Supplies for FISH in its Yellow Bin on the 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. At present, its pantry has an adequate supply of groceries. The bin is between Old Brick and the Parish Hall. 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. SEAFARER’S Donation Requests We could use your help in gathering the following items. Delivery is made and the date announced when the number of collections gets reasonably accumulated. Contact Carolann Sawyer with any questions. Bible in modern English (or Tagalog, Russian, or Chinese) Times/Newsweek/etc. up to 3 months old Sports Ill/People/etc. up to 6 months Cars/Computers/Consumers up to 1 year Reader’s Digest up to a couple of years National Geographics post-2000 Books (except for Bibles) are less often requested, but some seafarers do appreciate action novels, as well as picture books about Baltimore or the U.S. Action/adventure DVD’s. Recent popular CDs. Religious books (in easy English), DVDs, CDs; rosaries. Clothing - men’s jeans, other sturdy pants (no bigger than XL) or shorts, T-shirts, warm outerwear, and non-skid shoes/boots (in good condition only), and gloves, hats, scarves, and warm socks 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.

It’s Virtual: A June 6th-June 13th “Run” to Promote Health and Help Worthy Causes For the first time, the Howard County government is combining its Health and Wellness Day with the well-established Matzohball 5K run/walk and 1 Mile fun run held by Temple Isaiah. This is the 17th annual running/walking event and the 12th annual family wellness day in Howard County. All the activities are virtual, and you can register or donate here. Christ Church partners with Temple Isaiah and three other congregations in DreamBuilders, which is one of the non-profit organizations that will benefit from the Matzohball Run/Walk donations. The others are Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center and HopeWorks, which is Howard County’s sexual assault and domestic violence center. In announcing the combined events this year, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said on YouTube, “It feels good to see people coming together to run, walk, and make our health and the health of our community a priority.” Sign Up for Bridges’ June 6th “Taste of Wine, Splash of Charity” by Sunday, June 10th Supporters of Bridges to Housing Stability have been invited to a dine-in dinner and wine tasting accompanied by a fundraiser or a takeout opportunity. The in-person tickets, which have sold out, include access to a silent auction to be displayed at Iron Bridge. The remaining tickets cost $70 for a 3-course take-out meal and bottle of wine. Tickets must be ordered by this Sunday, June 6th, for this event that's held June 10th at the Iron Bridge Wine Co., 10435 Rt. 108, Columbia, MD 21044. The goal of the nonprofit organization is to prevent and end homelessness in Howard County. Each ticket purchased, whether for takeout or in-person dining, results in a $20 contribution to Bridges’ efforts. For information and to buy tickets, go here. Christ Church has a very warm relationship with Bridges that dates to 2019 when we participated in its countywide chili cook-off, Holier Than Thou. Parishioner James Collins, a Bridges board member, was a master of ceremonies. That fundraising and camaraderie were surpassed during our own cook-off in February 2020, which raised $1,000. And that, in turn, led to Christ Church winning a Silver Ladle Award during the Chili & Challenge virtual fundraiser last fall. 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 that's marked “CCC” and is located inside our Parish Hall. You can drop off items any weekday until 2 p.m., but we ask that you call the church office (410) 381-9365 ahead of time so that we can ensure your entry into the Parish Hall. Donate Personal Care and Cleaning Supplies for FISH in its Yellow 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. At present, its pantry has an adequate supply of groceries. The bin is labeled and located outside, in between Old Brick and the Parish Hall. Local Families Need Our Support! Christ Church’s Lake Elkhorn Middle School (LEMS) ministry is a partnership between CEC and Lake Elkhorn Middle School, geared toward providing support to students, teachers, and families. As one element of this partnership, the LEMS Committee supports the school’s Weekend Food Program, providing food for 10 families experiencing food insecurity. This past year, we’ve done this despite the myriad challenges of the pandemic—and with the generous contributions of this congregation. The school has asked us to continue this support through the coming summer and into the next school year this fall. If we’re to continue - and possibly increase - our level of support, the LEMS Committee needs parishioners to help shop for and package food, as well as parishioners to help deliver the bagged groceries to the school. Shopping is from a pre-set grocery list, is funded by the committee, and can be done on your own time. Delivery is a socially distanced, quick drop-off to the school on the second Thursday of each month at 11:00 a.m. Christ Church deeply values our partnership with LEMS, and families in our community depend on our support. If you’re available to help shop or deliver, please contact Deacon Denise at deacondenise@christchurchcolumbia.org. SEAFARER’S Donation Requests We could use your help in gathering the following items. Delivery is made and the date announced when the number of collections gets reasonably accumulated. Contact Carolann Sawyer with any questions. Bible in modern English (or Tagalog, Russian, or Chinese) Times/Newsweek/etc. up to 3 months old Sports Ill/People/etc. up to 6 months Cars/Computers/Consumers up to 1 year Reader’s Digest up to a couple of years National Geographics post-2000 Books (except for Bibles) are less often requested, but some seafarers do appreciate action novels, as well as picture books about Baltimore or the U.S. Action/adventure DVD’s. Recent popular CDs. Religious books (in easy English), DVDs, CDs; rosaries. Clothing - men’s jeans, other sturdy pants (no bigger than XL) or shorts, T-shirts, warm outerwear, and non-skid shoes/boots (in good condition only), and gloves, hats, scarves, and warm socks 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.

Columbia Community Care Seeks Volunteers for New ‘Produce’ Slots Now that summer has arrived, Columbia Community Care (CCC) has added two new categories to its volunteer slots. If you have a suitable vehicle and a strong back, consider these opportunities to help our less fortunate neighbors in Howard County to eat healthier. One slot occurs on Wednesdays from 4 to 5 p.m. to pick up produce that is being donated from Clark's Elioak Farm, 10500 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD, 21042 (near the intersection of Rt. 108 and Centennial Lane). The volunteer then delivers these vegetables and fruits to the CCC site at the Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, 10431 Twin Rivers Rd. And lastly, the person must return Clark's crates back to its farm stand. Another slot occurs on Saturdays from 8:30 to 10 a.m. A volunteer must pick up the CCC’s produce order from one of the vendors at the Maryland Food Center Authority, a wholesale produce distribution center at 7460 Conowingo Ave., Jessup, MD, 20794, then deliver the order to the dropoff point so that other volunteers may then distribute it. That destination is the CCC site at the Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, 10431 Twin Rivers Rd. For this duty, a pickup truck is preferred, although a large van works also. One strong person or two capable people are needed. CCC is in the process of adding the new slots to its signup section under “I can help” on its website but, until that site is updated, it’s best to sign up at the CCC Group on Facebook. Existing volunteer slots continue from spring into summer. For more flexibility in timing, for example, consider taking a slot to “shop and deliver” an order of groceries to a recipient who lacks transportation. You can choose when you wish to go to the CCC pantry to fill a family’s shopping list and then take it to the home, following directions sent by text message. One Christ Church parishioner who has performed this volunteer duty finds there's room to deliver goods for two families at a time. (see photo) The “shopping takes place not at a supermarket but at the CCC pantry within New Hope Adventist Church, 12350 Hall Shop Rd., Fulton, MD, 12350. Pantry hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 12:30 to 6 p.m. Whether you plan to volunteer or not, please spread the word in the community among those who need food and other essentials so that more people can benefit. Besides the distribution site at Wilde Lake, CCC sites are located at Oakland Mills Middle School, 9540 Kilimanjaro Rd., and at Long Reach Village Center, Suite 9, 8775 Cloudleap Court, all in Columbia. CCC hours are on Wednesday from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. for volunteers; the line will be open from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, volunteers work from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; the line is open from 10 a.m. to noon. At Christ Church, our Racially Aware Group of Episcopalians (R.A.G.E) and the Outreach Commission join in asking parishioners to continue supporting CCC in various ways. We have been gathering diapers, baby wipes, sanitary and personal care items, and adult diapers such as Depends. To make it convenient, you may drop off requested items in the yellow collection bins in the Parish Hall. You can drop off items on weekdays until 2 p.m., but we ask that you call the church office (410) 381-9365 ahead of time. Outreach Flourishes as a Team Effort: Attend our June 14th Zoom Meeting to Get Involved The Outreach Commission is making an effort to better spread the word about what we do and, in turn, persuade more parishioners to participate during 2021. We invite you to join us at our next meeting, to be held on Zoom at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, June 14th. Information on how to log on using a device or by phone will be provided in the Church notices about online activities next week. To become active in other ways, email outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org. As you consider becoming more involved in helping people, keep in mind the scripture that underpins our mission: And the King will answer them, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” Matthew 25: 40 Donate Personal Care, Household Cleaning Supplies for FISH in its Yellow Bin Organizers for FISH of Howard County request household cleaning supplies such as liquid dish soap, bleach, and cleanser. Also, the families who call on FISH during times of crisis could use personal items such as deodorant, shampoo, and bath soaps. At the present time, the pantry has an adequate supply of groceries. SEAFARER’S Donation Requests We could use your help in gathering the following items. Delivery is made and the date announced when the number of collections gets reasonably accumulated. Contact Carolann Sawyer with any questions. Bible in modern English (or Tagalog, Russian, or Chinese) Times/Newsweek/etc. up to 3 months old Sports Ill/People/etc. up to 6 months Cars/Computers/Consumers up to 1 year Reader’s Digest up to a couple of years National Geographics post-2000 Books (except for Bibles) are less often requested, but some seafarers do appreciate action novels, as well as picture books about Baltimore or the U.S. Action/adventure DVD’s. Recent popular CDs. Religious books (in easy English), DVDs, CDs; rosaries. Clothing - men’s jeans, other sturdy pants (no bigger than XL) or shorts, T-shirts, warm outerwear, and non-skid shoes/boots (in good condition only), and gloves, hats, scarves, and warm socks 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 Third Sunday after Pentecost. Collect of the Day: Keep, O Lord, your household the Church in your steadfast faith and love, that through your grace we may proclaim your truth with boldness, and minister your justice with compassion; for the sake of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Readings for today: 1 Samuel 15:34-16:13 Psalm 20 2 Corinthians 5:6-10,[11-13],14-17 Mark 4:26-34 Today's Worship Livestream: Today's service bulletin can be found here. Sheet music for today is found here.

Tomorrow is my birthday. This is my first birthday where I am so far away from my current home. But then also, I am home with family and friends in Ghana. So, the question is... where is home? Thankfully, I do not have to choose where my allegiance lies because each family across the Atlantic loves me in a particularly distinct and fulfilling way. All through the many years of my life, I have been blessed by love so preciously inviting, sustaining, and life-giving that I would not trade it for any other. Tomorrow is my birthday, and I am far away from Columbia. It was not by design; it just so happened that I could not miss an important event in our family. I have a much broader sense of family, and with it comes the burden of juggling between competing family obligations. It is not always the case that one obligation is important than the other, but what I have come to find out is that whether big or small, members of a family can stick together in any and all situations and that they could muster the devotion, loyalty, and unconditional love - similar to that of a dog for its master. Tomorrow is my birthday, and I want to write about dogs - primarily for their sense of devotion, loyalty, and unconditional love. Many are the wonderful stories I have heard over the years about dogs, and I am sure you have your own story about your dog(s). If you do, please share it with me, as I’d like to hear it. In fact, there’s actually a dog bedtime prayer: Now I lay me down to sleep, The king-sized bed is soft and deep. I sleep right in the center groove, My human beings can hardly move. I’ve trapped their legs, they’re tucked in tight, And here is where I pass the night No one disturbs me or dares intrude, Til morning comes and “I want food” I sneak up slowly to begin, And nibble on my human’s chin. For morning’s here, it’s time to play, I always seem to get my way. So thank you Lord, for giving me, This human person that I see. The one who hugs me and holds me tight, And shares their bed with me at night. Of all these stories, there is one that I read a few days ago, which appeared on the Judge Judy television show. This little dog, who had known so much affection from her owner, was stolen and sold to another person. The woman who bought the stolen dog loved her as much as she could - just like the former owner, if not more. The story does not really elaborate on how the two - the original owner and the new owner - chanced upon each other, but the original owner of the dog sued the new owner to get his dog back. And, in true Judge Judy fashion, she let the dog loose in the court for the dog to figure out where she really belongs. The dog did not waste time to run to the original owner, and that, for Judge Judy, was more than enough for her to rule on behalf of the original owner. That story reminds me of one of the important pieces of jurisprudence that labeled King Solomon as being the wise king: There were two mothers who lived in the same house. Each one of the mothers had an infant son. One of the women accidentally smothered her son. But each claimed the remaining boy as her own child. The case was brought to the king’s attention. In his wisdom, the king called for a sword and declared that the baby was to be cut into two, with each of the feuding women receiving half of the body. One of the mothers did not contest the ruling, declaring that if she could not have the baby then neither of them could, but the other begged Solomon, "Give the baby to her, just don't kill him!" The woman who was the real mother fought for the life of the baby, "Do not kill the baby," she said. The woman who was not the real mother fought as well, but not with the intent of saving a life, but instead of ending a life, hoping that both women would be in the same position. How cruel can one be, that in your own grief or loss, you can believe that another person’s grief or loss would somehow make life better for you. The king immediately saw through the woman’s depravity. She was neither compassionate nor loving enough to embrace another person’s happiness as her own, but rather too vile to accept her own mistakes. Tomorrow is my birthday, and it will mark a significant milestone for me. Someone asked how I feel being this "young." I responded that I am not sure or know how I got to where I am, but that I feel that I live life as a devoted and loyal pastor who loves unconditionally. This is how I feel, living a life shaped by gratitude, grace, and honor. This is how I feel, living a blessed life that honors my own circumstance - however good or bad it may be - and always looking at the brighter side of life. Tomorrow is my birthday, and I cannot thank my family and friends across the Atlantic, and the faithful people of Christ Church who have blessed me with more than I could ever imagine or desire. You and I are far away from being dogs, but if there is anything we can learn from them, it is their sense of devotion, loyalty, and unconditional love, as these qualities make the world a much better place. Manny.

The WOCC's next monthly meeting will take place Monday, June 7th, at 1:00 pm. Once again, we will be meeting via the Zoom meeting app, which is free and available on www.Zoom.us. Feel free to join us! All the women of Christ Church over the age of 18 are already members of the WOCC. If you have any questions or need the Zoom details, please contact the WOCC officers by emailing wocc@christchurchcolumbia.org

Today is the Second Sunday after Pentecost. Collect of the Day: O God, from whom all good proceeds: Grant that by your inspiration we may think those things that are right, and by your merciful guiding may do them; 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: 1 Samuel 8:4-11, (12-15), 16-20, (11:14-15) Psalm 138 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1 Mark 3:20-35 Today's Worship Livestream: Today's service bulletin can be found here. Sheet music for today is found here.

One of the incredible rivalries between siblings that the Bible recounts is the one between Jacob and Esau: Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger. Esau was the first to be born, and according to scripture, Jacob was holding Esau’s leg when Esau was born. The height of that rivalry was when Jacob with the help of his mother stole Esau’s blessing from him and then took off. Later, when Jacob was returning back to his country, he sought and made peace with Esau. The rivalry did not end after Jacob and Esau smoked the peace pipe; it has continued on to this very day. Scripture is replete with stories upon stories about this rivalry, and in the recent past, we have seen the rivalry played out on our TV screens and many other avenues of communication. The most recent flashes occurred a few weeks ago between the Israelis, who are thought to be descendants of Jacob, and the Palestinians, who are also thought to be descendants of Esau. The Israelis used the powerful military strength to cause as much damage and death as possible. The Palestinians also used their less superior weapons to cause as much damage and death on the Israeli people as possible. Mine is not to debate the merits of their long-running dispute. I think the issues run very, very deep and have been passed on from one generation to another. Many are the world leaders who have spent significant political capital on this very concern. What saddens me, however, is that after all the efforts that have already gone into solving this conflict, the world has still not been able to provide a concrete resolution to this intractable problem. Without a lasting solution, we will have to wake up in the morning to more news flashes of conflict between the descendants of twins. I had a chat with a friend the other day, and she reminded me of the many ongoing conflicts around the world. It does not appear that the pandemic has slowed down people’s appetite for conflict. As terrible as the pandemic has been, I was hoping that its effect on all of us will help us to be more measured in our interaction with each other and be filled with compassion for the other. We may all have been twins thousands of years ago, but we have grown so distant and different that we no longer recognize each other as such, nor do we honor our common heritage. We have, in all honesty, lost trust in each other. It often feels like our desire is to get at the other. We have lost trust in the honesty and truth which our public institutions must represent. We continue to fail the institution for which our ancestors fought and died. This past Memorial Day was an incredibly somber day for me. I have reflected a lot about the sacrifices that many millions of people have made to make this country safe, secure, prosperous, and strong. I thought a lot about their dedication to duty, honor, honesty, and patriotism. Amid my wonderings, the events of this past January 6th came to mind. I could not just bring myself to understand the refusal to have a bipartisan investigation into the events of that day. I thought that would be a given - that as a constitutional republic, properly investigating an event of such national importance would have been the desire of everyone. But that was not to be. There is no doubt that we have a long way to go; whether you live in Israel or Gaza, Venezuela, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Myanmar, or even our own United States, we have a long way to go in making sure that we find greater meaning and purpose in our common heritage. We also have a long way to go in building relationships that overlook our differences and creates an avenue for smoking the proverbial peace pipe. We have a long way to go in being twins with different and enriching motivations than Jacob and Esau. Manny.