Tickets · Christ Church Gatherings for November 5, 2026

CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

GATHERINGS

November 5, 2026

Tickets

I don’t remember the first time I ever got a ticket for anything, but considering where I grew up, it doesn’t surprise me that the first-ever ticket that I can remember was a bus ticket.

I remember how the bus ticket looked like. The bus system which used to issue those tickets has since gone out of business, but I remember those bus tickets. Like any passenger, once I got my ticket, I could get on the bus from Sekondi to Takoradi where I attended school. It sometimes amazes me that I had to travel that distance with my younger siblings to school.

The other ticket that I remember was to Gyandu Park. It is a soccer park, and as a huge soccer fan, it was a joy to walk with my father’s paralegal and my little brother to watch soccer. There too, at the gate, we were handed a ticket after we paid a fee.

Those were my early memories of receiving a ticket for anything. Since then, I have had the chance to be given tickets for a whole number of things. If I fly, I need to get a ticket. If I ride the train, I need to get a ticket. If I ride the bus, I need to get a ticket. If I go to the movie theater, I need to get a ticket. If I go to the ballpark, I need to get a ticket. If I go to a football game, I need to get a ticket. If the police pull me over, they give me a ticket.

Tickets grant access, offer permission, and guarantee that the individual holding them is authorized to be at a particular place at a particular time and shouldn’t be hindered at all.

During Slavery, the enslaved had to possess a Slave Pass. The enslaved were mandated to carry the Slave Pass at all times. The Slave Pass stated the name of the enslaver and the enslaved, the destination of the enslaved, and the duration of time that the enslaved had been released from the plantation.

The Slave Pass was like a ticket; it guaranteed access for the enslaved and permitted the enslaved to not only move around freely outside the plantation, but to ensure that the enslaved has his or her master’s permission.

A couple of days ago, millions of Americans including myself joined long lines in casting their votes for the candidates of their choice without any fear or favor. There is no democratic exercise more liberating than the ability to vote for our own leaders. For some, the results were a repudiation of the present administration. For others, the results aren’t a ringing endorsement of the victorious party. Whichever way you look at it depends on where you stand or who you voted for.

I have two offerings for your consideration. First, elections are a cycle. Something similar happened not quite long ago. There is an old joke, politicians are like diapers, you change them for the same reason.

Second, it is like a ticket. The ticket, in a sense, grants the victor permission to the halls of power. The reason it is like a ticket is that it provides the victor the unique responsibility of shaping the lives of millions of ordinary men and women. The victor holds on to that gift because we do not want to lose that ticket.

The idea of a ticket was inspired by my breakfast buddy, who helped me to reframe how I see what we do each year on our pledge Sunday, when we prayerfully walk to the front of the sanctuary and place our pledge cards in the offering basket.

The beautiful thing is that this is our ticket, and it is a blessing to possess it. I offer grateful thanks to God for you and for your faithfulness. Unlike any other ticket that grants us permission or guarantees us access, this ticket helps us serve others. Through teaching, preaching and fellowship, this ticket helps us remind ourselves and others of the good news of God in Christ, and the salvation that God offers to every single soul. This ticket helps us to open our hearts and lives to receive the indwelling spirit of God. This ticket helps us to announce to the world that we have chosen the path of God that honors the dignity of every human being. This ticket builds within us the capacity to seek renewal, forgiveness, and reconciliation, and it requires us to always turn the other cheek.

Interestingly, possessing a ticket doesn’t give us any more rights, nor does it open any more doors, nor grant us any more favors than those who do not hold a ticket. We are asked this question: how can we share the blessings of possessing a ticket?

Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote this “The only thing that can grow is the thing you give energy to.” We give energy to the life of faith that abounds here at Christ Church, and we can testify to both the quantitative and qualitative value of the faith that drives everything good in us and within this congregation.

Last Sunday wasn’t any different. The process of walking to place your pledge card in the offering basket was as holy and humble a sight to behold as ever. It felt like we were laying our burdens at God’s feet. That holy act doesn’t only show the trust we have in God and our belief in the life-transforming work we all do here at Christ Church, but it also demonstrates our inner delight in the joy of the other.

There is a Jewish word, Lefargen - לפרגן. It is a verb that means to take joy or unselfish delight or pride in the accomplishment of another. Our joy has always been about the joy of the other. Our joy has always been about the delight the other finds in a transformed life. Our pride has always been in the meaning others find in their once-shattered lives and hopes. Our deepest joy is doing this life-redeeming work for others, not because of the ticket we hold in our hands, but because the other has found great value in our work of love.

We all know that the tickets at the ballpark, bus tickets, plane tickets, or train tickets do not multiply by themselves. You only get the number you purchase.

What I have found in God is a God who multiplies our tickets because we are willing to place them, all of them, at God’s feet.

Thank you for your faithfulness.

Happy Fall,

Manny.

SUNDAY WORSHIP

AT CHRIST CHURCH

This Sunday, we have three services:

At 8 a.m. in Old Brick, we celebrate Holy Eucharist without music.

Our Family Worship is at 9 a.m. in New Brick and focuses on engaging our younger church members, featuring a special sermon and a Communion gathering around the altar.

We then have our Choral Eucharist at 10:30 in New Brick.

V&S Workshops - COMMUNICATIONS

this Sunday, Nov. 8 at 9:30 in Old Brick

The Vision & Strategies committee completed its planning work by delivering the V&S Report at the recent Annual Meeting. To support that transition, Vision & Strategies committee members are holding workshops on the four presented ministry areas so existing groups can plan and begin the needed work together. This week, we discuss the many facets of how COMMUNICATIONS impacts our common life.

We hope that you'll read the V&S Report and come to these sessions with any and all questions, concerns, thoughts, and ideas, so that we can build a better Christ Church for the next three hundred years of parishioners - including us.

This is a place where lives are renewed.

See you at church!

SHARE IN CHRIST CHURCH'S

COMMON LIFE

Prayerfully Consider Your Pledge to Christ Church for 2027

We are deeply blessed to be surrounded by such a dedicated and generous parish family whose continued support sustains our ongoing ministry of faithful service. This Sunday is Pledge Sunday at Christ Church, and as we look ahead to what God is calling us to do in the coming year, we invite each of you to spend time in prayerful reflection about how you might contribute your time, talent, and financial resources to Christ Church for 2027.

To make your commitment, you can pick up printed pledge cards and return envelopes in the Narthex and complete them in person. If you prefer to submit your information online, you can securely fill out your pledge form at christchurchcolumbia.org/2027-pledge.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your continued generosity. Your faithful partnership enriches our vibrant worship, strengthens our community outreach, nurtures our children and youth programs, enlivens our music, and supports every other essential aspect of our shared common life.

It's Auction Time! - This Saturday

OK - the live event of the year is finally here... only two days until the spectacular, fabulous, best-ever Christ Church Annual Auction, so don't be late - the doors open this Saturday, November 7, at 6:00 p.m. Come on in, grab a beverage, and get ready - the first round of bidding begins right away! We have some pretty spectacular stuff this year, the likes of which you’ve never seen auctioned here before, as well as those familiar and much sought-after goodies.

Speaking of goodies - if you can bring a snack or refreshment, that would be great - just some bites that are easy to eat and don't get in the way of bidding! Even if you can't, that's fine - join us on Saturday evening for an event that's not to be missed!

The Center for Spiritual Nourishment - Saturday Morning, November 14

This month, our theme is gratitude and service. As we welcome the time of harvest, we reflect on the blessings of God and consider where God is leading us to serve others. Join us for times of teaching and sharing, spiritual direction, meditation, inspirational films, and Fr. Mike’s healing space for trauma, grief, and hope.

The 2nd Saturday Center for Spiritual Nourishment (CSN) takes place on November 14 and provides opportunities for us to be in closer relationship with God by offering an array of experiences that engage the mind, body, and spirit. Learn about the 2nd Saturday CSN at our website - www.christchurchcolumbia.org/spiritual-nourishment.

Larissa & Friends: A Musical Tradition - Saturday Evening, November 14

We are thrilled to present our Music Director, Larissa Sanders, in her fall Larissa and Friends recital - now an annual tradition. Larissa and her selection of incredibly talented musicians and vocalists will present a program of beautiful music spanning several centuries and cultures. Light refreshments will be served at a reception following the performance.

Come to the New Brick Sanctuary on Saturday, November 14 at 5:00 for an evening that's sure to entertain everyone. Save the date, join us, and support excellent music performed by talented musicians.

Youth Sunday - Next Sunday, November 15

Next Sunday is Youth Sunday - that's right, a Christ Church tradition takes place, so come and support the youth of Christ Church as they lead us in worship. They will read the day's lessons, usher us to our seats, deliver a beautiful sermon from their perspective, and lead us in song. It's a service like no other, and one we look forward to every year. Sunday School, Adult Forum: Sunday Circle, and all other formation gatherings take place this Sunday, as well as our coffee hour fellowship.

MOCC Breakfast - Saturday, November 21

Join us for French toast and fellowship - the MOCC breakfast is a monthly tradition, and in November, it will take place on Saturday, the 21st. Set your GPS to Silver Diner at 8250 Gateway Overlook Drive in Columbia. We'll meet at 9:30 a.m., and all ages are welcome.

And stay tuned: on December 12, the MOCC will host its Christmas Dinner at the King's Contrivance Restaurant. They have no other information at this time, but just be sure to save the date for now.

Multicultural Sunday - November 22

Christ Church is a church for all nations, cultures, traditions, people, and languages. Although we celebrate the diversity of our community every day of the year, on Multicultural Sunday, November 22, we intentionally take time to acknowledge and appreciate the ones that our church and community represent.

Parishioners of all ages help us with the liturgy by speaking the readings in their native tongue. Everyone is encouraged to attend church in clothing that represents their history and culture, or you can wear clothing of a culture you respect. After worship, we will gather for Coffee Hour, and ask that you bring a snack with cultural significance to share.

It's an important Sunday, one when we want to show the world that praising the Lord has strength, devotion, and meaning in every language.

Advent Formation Celebration! - Sunday, November 22

Kick off the holiday season with fellowship and joy at Christ Church’s Advent Formation Celebration! Join us on Sunday, November 22, at 9:30 a.m. in the Great Hall for an uplifting morning that prepares our hearts and homes for a very special season. This festive gathering is for all ages and brings the whole parish family together to share in community and the spirit of Advent.

That Sunday, we will take a break from Formation classes and instead enjoy a variety of hands-on activities. Everyone can create Advent wreaths, craft meaningful Jesse Tree ornaments, Christmas Sock project, Advent Chain-making, and much more. Whether you are creating keepsakes for your home, creating items to give to those in need, or simply enjoying time with friends and meeting new ones, there is something for everyone to celebrate. We hope to see you there!

Thanksgiving Day at Christ Church - November 26

Come join us at 10 a.m. for the Thanksgiving Day Eucharist in New Brick. We welcome everyone to gather with us, but we will also livestream the service on our website, YouTube, and Facebook pages so you can worship and give thanks from wherever you are.

Church Office is Closed on November 26 & 27

The church office will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 27 and 28, in observance of Thanksgiving, and it will reopen on Monday, November 30.

WOCC Christmas Feast - Sign Up by November 29

Come Join Us For The Women of Christ Church's Christmas Feast: Sunday, December 6 at 1:00 p.m. at the Kings Contrivance Restaurant. The cost is $66 per person for a delicious 3-course meal and non-alcoholic drinks, all-inclusive (fancy drinks can be purchased from the cash bar).

Sign up in the Narthex or online by Sunday, November 29. Subsidies are available, should you need them - please speak to Father Manny. We’ll also be collecting unwrapped gifts for Springfield Hospital again this year, and you can find their wish list on our website. We really hope to see you there!

It's an Ugly Christmas First Wednesday Fellowship! - December 2

Get your "ugly" Christmas sweaters out of storage and get ready for a fun First Wednesday Fellowship to cap off the year. At our FWF on December 2, we'll have a special Pie Contest - make or bring your favorite sweet or savory pie, and the best one wins a prize! We'll provide hearty soups, bread, and refreshments to go with your pies, and we'll all enjoy a fun, flavorful, final FWF of 2026.

Of course, this event wouldn't be complete without our traditional Ugly Sweater Party, but you'll definitely have to get creative - we've seen some AMAZING sweaters in past years, so bring your funniest, your silliest, your ugliest! It's a night of hearty laughs, full bellies, and huge smiles - be sure to join us!

Advent Quiet Day - December 5

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to join us for Advent Quiet Day on Saturday, December 5. This important Christ Church tradition, presented by the Spiritual Life Commission, marks the start of the Advent season and helps us focus and maintain perspective during these hectic weeks leading up to Christmas.

We'll gather in Old Brick for an informal breakfast and conversation at 8:30 a.m. and then take part in a morning of readings, spirited discussions, shared community, and periods for quiet meditation. Our retreat then concludes around 12 noon with an informal Eucharist. It's a memorable gathering each year, and we hope that you'll join us as we let the Light enter our feelings and actions to help make this a remarkable and joyous Christmas season. Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks, but mark your calendars for this special morning of reflection now.

Centering Prayer - Monday Evenings

Centering Prayer is a special evening prayer gathering that can help lead to a more intimate union with God. This active presence heals, transforms, and offers freedom and peace. Be with us in Old Brick or online via Zoom at 7:00 p.m. on Monday evenings. You can also ask for more information by speaking with Kathy Lyon at church or by emailing centering@christchurchcolumbia.org.

Noonday Healing Eucharist - Thursdays

Throughout the year, Christ Church offers a midday Healing Eucharist on Thursdays in Old Brick. A member of our clergy leads this service of readings, prayers, a litany for healing, and the Holy Eucharist. Parishioners and community members are all welcome to join in a prayerful time in the presence of God, and to share in the wonderful mystery of God’s love whilst we seek healing for ourselves and our loved ones. Please come in to reflect, pray, and participate in a service held in our beautiful, historic chapel.

Join the Christ Church Choir - Thursday Evenings

Get ready, all you singers and music lovers! The choir has resumed rehearsals in New Brick on Thursday evenings - Handbell Choir at 6:45 and Adult Choir at 7:30 - and all adults are welcome to join us.

Whether you read music or not, have previous experience or not, and whether you are ready to commit full-time or not, there's a place for you to give it a shot in our handbell &/or vocal choirs. If you're interested, please speak with Larissa at church on Sundays or email her at music@christchurchcolumbia.org.

We Need Your Photo!

As our church community continues to grow and flourish, staying connected is more important than ever. Christ Church is creating a new to make it easier for everyone to reach out, connect, and care for one another, put faces to names, welcome newcomers, and help long-time members stay in touch across our services and ministries. The "faces to names" part of that is where you come in - we need your individual or family photo so we can add it to the Directory. Please email them to office@christchurchcolumbia.org, and we'll add them.

A directory helps our clergy, staff, and lay leaders easily recognize, reach, and support parishioners when they need pastoral care or community outreach. Knowing one another also better builds a tightly knit, supportive spiritual home where everyone is truly seen and appreciated, so thank you in advance for helping make this Directory a reality.

We Have New Name Tags!

Soon, you'll see our new name tag wall in the Narthex, so come grab one and wear it so friends old and new can greet you by name! These durable tags feature a clean design and are easy to reuse, making them a great sustainable choice for our church community.

You’ll also find them on the rear table in Old Brick, and you can leave them there after the 8:00 worship. Please grab one, write your name using the supplied dry-erase markers, and help us make everyone feel welcome!

Learn More About Your Parish - Read the Monthly Vestry Meeting Minutes

To provide complete transparency with our parish family, we share the minutes from each monthly Christ Church Vestry meeting. These minutes provide the parish family with full transparency into church leadership, decisions, and governance. They may include official updates, financial and stewardship updates, reviews of plans from ministries, groups, and programs, and information on upcoming parish events and strategic plans.

We recently had our monthly Vestry meeting, and a PDF of the latest Vestry meeting minutes is available here. If you have any questions or wish to discuss something specific with a Vestry member, please stop by the Vestry Table at church on any Sunday morning.

Provide Eucharist to Those Unable to Travel to Church as a Lay Eucharistic Visitor

This year, we have had more people request Communion to You, a service Christ Church provides to bring Eucharist to homebound parishioners, so we require a few more Lay Eucharistic Visitors (LEV). If you're interested in helping with this vital ministry, please speak with Kathy Lyon at church or contact the Church Office. And if you require this service for yourself or someone you know, please fill out this brief form, or call the Church Office. We will ensure that Communion gets there.

We Always Need More Help at Christ Church

There are many roles in the church that most people don’t think of regularly – or at all. However, many people do a great deal of work to keep Christ Church the well-run parish it is. And with the holidays coming, we need more help than ever. You can help your church by volunteering as a Greeter, Reader, Chalicist, or Teller, serving in the Inreach Ministry, or assisting the Christ Church Altar Guild.

None of these requires weekly assistance - a short amount of time every few weeks or so - but the impact you have on the entire parish is significant. For those specifically interested in the Altar Guild, email altarguild@christchurchcolumbia.org or speak with Pam Foreman or any other Altar Guild member setting up on Sunday mornings. For those interested in assisting as a Greeter, Reader, Chalicist, Inreach, or Teller, please call the Church Office at office@christchurchcolumbia.org or speak with Yetti. Thank you.

JOIN US THIS SATURDAY FOR...

Only two days until the spectacular, fabulous, best-ever Christ Church Annual Auction, so don't be late - the doors open this Saturday, November 7, at 6:00 p.m. Come on in, grab a beverage, and get ready - the first round of bidding begins right away! We have some pretty spectacular stuff this year, the likes of which you’ve never seen auctioned here before, as well as those familiar and much sought-after goodies:

"A Weekend Away"

Wines and Chocolates Basket

Gospel Brunch (if you know, you know... and if you don't, you'll want to!)

Monthly Homemade Soup and Dessert

Handmade Queen-Size Quilt

"It's Better in Bozman"

Any Frederick Keys Home Game for Two

NASA Gift Basket

...and many, many more!

And don't forget - the Online Auction is still going on, but only for a little longer. Visit our email from Tuesday, or visit here, and start bidding!

Remember, this entire week is Christ Church's largest fundraising event of the year, and one you truly shouldn't miss. We'll have childcare for those who need it, and we guarantee many laughs and enjoyable moments throughout the evening!

If you need help with the Online Auction or have any questions, email auction@christchurchcolumbia.org and we'll get back to you quickly!

Youth Sunday - Next Sunday, November 15

You Can Register for Sunday School

From Autumn through Spring, Faith Formation is thriving at Christ Church, and anyone from pre-K to 12th grade is invited to gather with us next fall. It's a program of age-appropriate classes that’s relevant and engaging, and we're looking forward to an exciting year! The Sunday School details are on our website's Sunday School page.

Christ Church's Sunday School and Youth Formation ministry believes in growing a deep and wide faith in kids through education in the Gospel, serving our community, and fellowship with one another. From the earliest age, we want kids to know the basic truths of God’s Word and how we can apply those in our daily lives. Our dedicated and trained Sunday School team provides age-appropriate groups where the kids can connect and learn with one another.

Registration is now open, so complete our registration form here (one form per child, please), so we can reserve space for your children. If you have any questions or need assistance, please email sundayschool@christchurchcolumbia.org

CHRIST CHURCH OUTREACH

IN ACTION

Please Pitch In! Bring Holiday Sides and Year-Round Staples by Thursday, Nov. 19, for our Thanksgiving Drive for the Howard County Food Bank

You can make Thanksgiving and the upcoming holidays special for those who depend on the Howard County Food Bank to feed their families. The staff of the food bank provides the makings of festive meals for 1,000 people for Thanksgiving and another 1,000 by Christmas.

Christ Church contributes to this effort by collecting non-perishables prior to Thanksgiving and by sending funds to CAC. The Outreach Commission approved a donation of $1,000, which goes in part to broaden options beyond a whole turkey. Some people prefer a hen, turkey breast, or plant-based proteins.

It’s up to you to complete the menu! Bring stuffing mix, gravy, cranberry sauce, olives, pickles, and canned fruits and vegetables. Because household pantries may be bare, please add staples such as bags of rice, tuna, hearty soups, pasta and sauce, peanut butter, and spices. Put items in the marked boxes upstairs in New Brick or on the Parish Hall breezeway in a bin labeled “Thanksgiving Food Drive". NOTE: No produce, pies, other desserts or rolls due to perishability. Deadline: Thursday, Nov. 19.

The monetary donation went to the Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC), which operates the Howard County Food Bank. These are Vestry-approved funds derived from parishioners’ pledges and contributions. Thank you!

It's Christmas at Sea for the Seafarers, and You Can Help - Through Nov. 8

Please join us in supporting the International Seafarers' Center's annual Christmas at Sea program by donating items through November 8. WOCC representatives will deliver all collected goods in mid-November, and we will announce the exact delivery date once it is confirmed.

Donation bins marked "Seafarers" are ready to receive your contributions. The Center is especially in need of the following items:

Warm Clothing: Watch caps (warm hats) and scarves without fringe or other trim.
Comfort & Care: Hand warmers and cookies (homemade if close to the delivery date, or store-bought otherwise).
Souvenirs & Reading Materials: Flat Baltimore souvenirs like postcards, magnets, or stickers, along with 2027 calendars and magazines such as Sports Illustrated, National Geographic, and Smithsonian.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Carolann Sawyer or Cindy Read. And thank you for your generosity!

Help Feed the Homeless on Monday, Nov. 9 as Our Meal Team Continues to Provide Meals at Two Grassroots’ Venues

On the second Monday of each month, Christ Church serves a hot midday meal at the Day Resource Center (DRC) in Jessup and supplies the menu for an evening meal at the emergency shelter in Columbia. Both are operated by the Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center. We last participated on Oct. 12.

A team led by Outreach member Shahra Toth serves the midday meal in person. Please check our DRC online signup form, which describes the procedure. To help on Monday, Nov. 9, bring side dishes or items for the DRC pantry to the Parish Hall kitchen no later than 12:45 p.m. A group of servers will carpool to the Leola Dorsey Center, departing the Old Brick parking lot at 1 p.m.

To bring food for the shelter’s evening meal, check our Grassroots online signup form. Side dishes should be marked and placed in the Parish Hall kitchen by 12:45 p.m. or handed directly to the carpool. It’s efficient to provide for both venues on the same day, in total feeding more than 150 people. Your donations and Vestry-approved funds pay for the fried-chicken entrees. Thank you!

Inviting You to Join Our Monthly Outreach Meeting on Monday, Nov. 9

Learn many ways to help others by joining us remotely for the Outreach Commission meeting on Monday, Nov. 9, at 7:30 p.m. Our mission has a local, national, and international scope. The Zoom link is here, Meeting ID is 892 6873 6183, and Passcode is Outreach! It isn't a long meeting, and the difference you could make in someone's life is immeasurable, so why not stop by? See you on Zoom!

Please Fill the Altar Basket and Parish Hall Bin with Goods for FISH/CCC

Since 1976, FISH, an all-volunteer organization has aided tens of thousands of Howard County residents facing hard times. Delivery of food, staples and hygiene supplies are handled by Columbia Community Care (CCC), which merged pantries with FISH last year. CCC delivers food to Howard County residents and distributes it at three sites on Saturday mornings, except on holiday weekends. For information, go online to Get Help.

FISH picks up donated goods from Christ Church and others. Please put non-perishable food and personal care products in the altar baskets or in a bin just inside the Parish Hall. Look for a combo label “FISH/CCC”. Please bring baby wipes and diapers, especially large sizes.

FISH will continue to provide telephone support to Howard County residents, offering guidance and financial support because the personal touch matters when people are in crisis. For information, ask parishioner and FISH treasurer Andy DeLong or email andydelong.fish@gmail.com. You could lend a helping hand by lending an ear! As a phone volunteer, you can help from your home by giving just one day a month to assist those who could benefit from financial assistance from FISH. Training is provided. Thank you!

Your Help is Needed to Provide Support for Comfort Cases, a Long-Standing Outreach Group for the MOCC - November 19

The Men of Christ Church needs volunteers to help pack bags in support of Comfort Cases. If you are interested in helping out, please speak with Duane Smith at church or email MOCC@christchurchcolumbia.org. You can also find flyers around the campus with more information.

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.

WE ARE ALL STEWARDS

OF CHRIST CHURCH

A Message from the Treasurer

September Net Income was positive. A nice change from the last few months - and consistent with seasonal trends.

September income was above budget, last year, and expectations. Year-to-date income is now at 71% of the full-year budget. Our five-year average for the fourth quarter is 30% of the full year budget, so we are tracking well. It's worth noting that we'll need to finish strong in order to satisfy our commitment to bring on our Curate, Reverend Natalie (who was not budgeted in 2026).

Monthly expenses were below budget and last year. Year-to-date, we are in line with budget; however, Salaries and Benefits and Office Operations remain a challenge. We've been working on these two issues since August. There's more work to be done; however, September's numbers suggest we're making progress.

Drew Eaton

Christ Church Treasurer

You can read the NEW Vestry-approved monthly financial report here.

Pledge to Christ Church for 2027

We are so blessed to have a community of dedicated parishioners who support our ministry of faithful service, and we hope that each parishioner will prayerfully consider their contribution to Christ Church. You may pick up a pledge card in the Narthex to complete, or you can complete one electronically on our website - christchurchcolumbia.org/2027-pledge

Text Giving

You can give securely and conveniently by using your mobile phone! Simply send a text with the word CECGIVING to 73256, and you'll receive a secure link to our page where you can set up a one-time or recurring gift.

Online Giving

You can also continue to pledge and give to Christ Church online. It's a safe and secure method of contributing toward your annual pledge or another offering. Whether it's a one-time donation or a recurring gift, you can go to our overview page for instructions and links. Signing up is fast and easy; if you need assistance doing so or if you have any Stewardship-related questions, please contact us at info@christchurchcolumbia.org

Your faithfulness is what makes life happen at Christ Church. Your faithfulness makes Christ Church stronger. Your faithfulness enables our parish to embrace, with courage, the task that God has for us. We need to remember that Christ Church is completely dependent on this faithfulness. Your beloved Christ Church counts on you and your faithful giving.

Thank you.