Idols · Christ Church Gatherings for October 23, 2026

CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

GATHERINGS

October 22, 2026

Idols

A little over 20 years ago, a new craze erupted in American pop culture. It was more than a phenomenon that enthralled the whole country and kept people glued to their TV sets week after week. It always appeared to me that people hungered for that kind of thrill. People wanted something they could hold on to, something that made them feel they belonged, something that gave them a new sense of identity. If they could talk about that one thing everyone was talking about at work, school, church, or any other function, they would be more than satisfied.

For that reason, people spent an incredible number of hours watching the show. I don’t doubt that people had different reasons for tuning in. Some simply enjoyed a judge's often crude and unsavory remarks. Some were interested in how the contestants conducted themselves, and others in the diverse talents on display every week.

I was one of the millions of Americans who called in to vote for one contestant or another. The winners became our American Idols, and those who didn't win but did very well on the show became our idols too.

Here is an interesting story about the fall and the punishment for Adam, Eve, and the snake. Remember, the punishment for the snake was the curse of eating dust of the ground. The punishment sounds a little perplexing since the snake always had food and didn’t have to worry about it. Other living things and beings like you and I have to work hard, hustle the 9-5 schedule, work overtime, maybe work double shifts, and even have a side gig in order to get by. Despite all the work we do, sometimes the gap between our income and expenses is so staggeringly wide that we have to take out loans to support ourselves.

The question is, if snakes always have food because they crawl on the ground, why is that a curse? The answer could be twofold: first, because snakes always have whatever they need, they never look up to heaven. Two, because snakes are always facing the ground, they are limited in their imagination for themselves.

When we have our faces to the ground, when our eyes are fixed to the ground, when we lack the ambition, drive, and imagination to look up, any and all things become idols for us because we see in each idol the sustenance that we lack, or the control that we want to have.

We worship those idols. We follow them. We love them. We buy their music. We go to their concerts. We watch their movies. We go to the games. We cry when we see them. We become uncontrollable at the mention of their names. We want to have more of it because we are never satisfied with enough.

Truth is, when we fix our eyes on the ground, we take consolation in temporary provisions, and even assure ourselves that we can turn the temporary into permanence, which never happens because it cannot.

On the day I first left home for boarding school with my brother, we went to bid goodbye to an older man who lived in my grandfather’s house. He was my grandfather’s friend. They both sung in the choir of the local Methodist Church and were Freemasons as well. The circumstances surrounding how he came to live in my grandfather’s house is a story for another day.

But on that day, September 27, 1985, this man laid his hands on my brother and I and offered a prayer. The prayer was a recitation from memory of the King James Version of Psalm 121:

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.

The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

From that day till the last time that we traveled to boarding school, we always went to see him for a prayer, and he always offered that same psalm. Part of the incentive was that he always gave us some pocket money for school.

I’d like to say that the first time I heard the psalm was the first time that my grandfather’s friend prayed that psalm for my brother and me.

I am not sure what it revealed to me at that time, but over the years, I came to appreciate the abiding assurance that it is only in God that we can find the help that we need. We only have to lift our eyes to the hills because our help will not come from the idols that we create, but from the hills - where the presence of the living God dwells.

It is interesting that the times we fail to lift our eyes to the hills are the times we become consumed with worshiping what isn’t the God in whose image we were created. Those are the moments when we begin to worship bits and pieces of creation. The tragedy is, the moment we begin to worship the idols we have created for ourselves, our divine image-bearing nature begins to deconstruct, reducing in us the power of being the human beings we were meant to be.

Our story is one where, when we become comfortable in our lives, we stop living with imagination and dreams. And here’s the kicker: we stop living with prayer because prayer compels us to abandon the idols we have that the moment we begin to worship the idols we have created for ourselves, our divine, image-bearing nature begins to deconstruct, reducing created and lift our eyes to the hills.

As we inch a little closer each day to our Annual Stewardship Sunday on November 1, I’d like to share my deepest appreciation to all our parishioners who have already returned their pledges. I equally offer my grateful thanks to all who are looking forward to November and are prayerfully considering our humble plea for your kind and generous support.

As a faithful community, we join together in lifting our eyes to the hills, because we know and believe that the help that will come from God will be channeled through you, God’s faithful vessels.

As faithful vessels, we have rejected the temptation to create and worship our own idols or any other idol.

Instead, we kneel at the foot of the cross and lift our eyes toward the hills, because that’s where our help will come from.

Blessings,

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.

This is a place where lives are renewed.

See you at church!

SHARE IN CHRIST CHURCH'S

COMMON LIFE

Solo in Flight's Fall Farm Market Field Trip - Meet at Church this Saturday, October 24, at 9:00 a.m.

Join us for a festive autumn excursion to explore two of Maryland's wonderful local farmers' markets: Bougher's in Westminster and Miss Jenny's in West Friendship. We will meet in the upper parking lot of Christ Church at 9:00 a.m. to organize carpooling, and enjoy a fun morning selecting fresh seasonal produce, crisp apples, vibrant pumpkins, local honey, and artisanal fruit butters. Don't forget to treat yourselves to fresh apple cider, warm donuts, and delicious homemade pies to celebrate the harvest season and fill our treat baskets!

And stay tuned: Solo in Flight events and gatherings are held every month throughout the winter and spring, with many ways to enjoy the company of others!

Calendar Meeting - This Saturday

It's time for Christ Church's next calendar planning meeting, where we'll cover events scheduled for the remainder of the 2026-2027 program year. We'd like one representative from each ministry to attend, and we encourage everyone to join in person. If you cannot attend in person, you can use this Zoom link to join us.

We'll serve breakfast to those meeting on-site. Gather with us in the New Brick Narthex or on Zoom this Saturday, October 24, at 10:00 a.m. If you have any questions, please email the Church Office.

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.

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.

Movie Night - Friday, October 30

The next film screening in the Parish Building's lower level will be Needful Things (trailer), starring Bonnie Bedelia and Ed Harris. What's it about? Well.... "A mysterious shop of novelties, specialties, and antiques opens in the small town of Castle Rock, where the owner, Leland Gaunt (Max von Sydow), sells items that fulfill the deepest desires of his customers, the unwitting townspeople. Gaunt rarely asks for pecuniary compensation, but rather asks for odd favors and pranks orchestrated on others often seeming completely harmless. The threading of the pranks and misfortunes leads to community hostility and distrust, culminating in widespread chaos and severe violence. Only then does the sheriff begin to understand what is happening in his once-quiet and peaceful town and who is ultimately responsible. Truth becomes his weapon, and you need to see how it unravels the tapestry woven by Gaunt." You don't want to miss this one - gather and enjoy this early-90s tale; join us at 7:00 that night - and bring some munchies to share!

Welcome Newcomers to Christ Church at the HoCo Pride Festival - November 1

Christ Church is proud to represent our community at this weekend's Howard County Pride Festival! The no-cost festival takes place Sunday, November 1, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods. Please speak with Jan DeBoissierre on Sunday, or call the church office if you are interested.

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to staff our booth (canopy, table, and chairs are provided), welcome festival-goers, and share Christ Church's message of God's inclusive love with our wider community. Whether you can give an hour or spend the afternoon with us, your presence and support make a meaningful difference. You can learn much more about this event here, and volunteers can register here. Thank you for helping us reach the wider community and let them know about Christ Church - a place that's truly for everyone.

Taizé Vespers: THANKSGIVING · Sunday Evening, November 1

Taizé Vespers is a liturgy of Evening Prayer that combines scripture readings, prayer, silent meditation, and rich music. On the first Sunday evening of each month, Christ Church offers this truly beautiful service of contemplative prayer and music in the tradition of the Taizé community of France. This community promotes peace and justice through prayer and meditation.

November's Taizé Vespers reflects on Thanksgiving, which is appropriate, given the season. Emphasizing attention to silence, prayer, and singing, Taizé offers an opportunity to give praise and thanksgiving for God's love and presence in one's life, to offer prayer for oneself and others, and to share in a supportive community. Gather with us at 6 p.m. in New Brick on November 1 for this powerful and peaceful worship.

It's Nearly a Full Week of Auction Events! - Begins November 3

The countdown to the best Christ Church social event of the year is really, truly here!

Many thanks to everyone who has donated - we have more than 130 items, and they are fantastic ones, too! If you need us to photograph your donated items, please bring them to the Parish Hall Conference Room between this Saturday, October 24, and Friday, October 30, during regular office hours. If you need assistance, please call the church office. If we don't need to photograph them, please drop them off on Friday, Nov. 6 and Saturday, Nov. 7 (more details later).

Then... get ready for AUCTION WEEK! That's right, this year's Auction takes place over a few days and in different ways. First comes the online portion from November 3 - 6, and you can view that catalog here. You can bid on those from your own couch... and then check your bid... and see you're outbid... and then counterbid! The fun is in the competition - and in raising the most for our much-loved Christ Church!

The main event, of course, takes place on Saturday, November 7, at 6:00 in the Great Hall - and we expect to see ALL OF YOU there (remember, there is childcare for all)!

FriendsGiving at Christ Church - Wednesday, November 4

The November version of First Wednesday Fellowship is a festive one - we will celebrate FriendsGiving in the Great Hall! Bring your family and friends for a genuine turkey dinner with all the trimmings, we'll provide the delicious turkey, and you bring the trimmings. Whether you choose cranberry sauce, stuffing, mashed potatoes, or any other wonderful seasonal delights, they are sure to please.

After dinner, we will take part in a service project that benefits others in our community. We are thinking about making Treat Bags for the teachers at Lake Elkhorn Middle School, but other ideas are also possible. No matter what, it's the season to be thankful, and we will do something in that spirit!

So come, join us on Wednesday, November 4, at 6:00 in New Brick, and enjoy an early FriendsGiving together! Questions? Call the Church Office.

Larissa & Friends: A Musical Tradition - 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.

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.

We Have New Name Tags - Wear Yours as We Worship Together!

This Sunday, as our three congregations worship together at 10:00, name tags are more important than ever, so come get one and wear yours so your fellow Christ Church family members and every visitor 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 find them in the Narthex, and you can leave them there after 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. To fulfill this need, 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. 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 - both only require 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. To learn more about the Inreach Ministry, speak with Michon Semon at church, complete the brief form at cecevents.org/Inreach, or email us at inreach@christchurchcolumbia.org, and we will get you started. For those interested in assisting as a Greeter, Reader, Chalicist, or Teller, please call the Church Office at office@christchurchcolumbia.org or speak with Yetti.

JOIN US THIS SUNDAY FOR THE

Vision & Strategies Workshops

Begin this Sunday, October 25, at 9:30 in Old Brick

The Vision & Strategies committee completed its planning work by delivering the V&S Report at the Annual Meeting last Sunday. To support that transition, Vision & Strategies committee members will hold workshops beginning this Sunday, October 25, on the four presented ministry areas so existing groups can plan and begin the needed work together.

Join us in Old Brick at 9:30 a.m. on:

• Sunday, October 25 - Membership

• Sunday, November 1 - Outreach

• Sunday, November 8 - Communications

• Sunday, November 15 - Stewardship

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.

YOUR PARTICIPATION IS WELCOME AND APPRECIATED,

This Halloween, Join Us for Trunk or Treat! - October 24

Get ready for some family-friendly Halloween fun! Join us this Saturday, October 24 at 4:00 p.m. for our new Trunk or Treat event right here at Christ Church. Bring your little ones dressed in their favorite costumes to trick-or-treat safely from decorated car trunks in a welcoming community environment.

The church parking lot will be completely transformed into a safe, festive staging ground lined with creatively decorated vehicle trunks. Kids of all ages can fill their bags with plenty of sweet treats while showing off their most creative, spooky, and fun costumes. All in all, it's a fantastic, worry-free way for families to enjoy the Halloween season together right here in our community. Fellowship, fun, and treats for all ages—we can't wait to see you there!

Youth Halloween Lock-In! - October 24

The Christ Church Youth Group hosts a Halloween Lock-In, and all middle and high school youth are invited to join us! We'll meet on campus at 4 p.m. to assist with the Trunk or Treat this Saturday, then go right to our Lock-In after their event is over. We’ll have pizza, gather around the bonfire, enjoy smores and marshmallows, play board games, and watch some movies. We won’t have faith formation the next morning; we’ll just relax, have breakfast, enjoy a quiet morning, and parents can pick up their children at 10:30 a.m. If you have any questions or need to complete the Parent Form, please speak with Diya or call the church office.

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

Christ Church Supports the Howard County Food Bank & Other CAC Operations; You Can Help as Individuals at a Nov. 10th Fundraiser

The Outreach Commission at its October meeting approved a donation of $500 to the Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC), to be used for operations in the area of greatest need. These are Vestry-approved funds derived from parishioners’ pledges and contributions. Thank you for helping our neighbors who are struggling. Soon we’ll launch our annual Thanksgiving Drive for CAC’s Howard County Food Bank. Stay tuned!

As an individual, you may wish to support CAC in other ways. Consider participating in a fundraiser, “2026 Evening of Impact,” for a capital campaign on Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Savelle, a renovated space formerly known as the Great Room. Ample free parking is available in the Savage Mill complex in nearby Savage, MD. A general admission ticket is $150 for an evening of great food and beverages. Supporters may wish to purchase a sponsorship for a business or donate directly.

It’s for a worthy cause. The CAC is the county’s official anti-poverty, non-profit agency. Its “Cornerstone of Opportunity” capital campaign is intended to address rising demand for food assistance and affordable early childhood education, particularly along the Route One Corridor. CAC and government officials broke ground in Elkridge on a site that will house a more efficient food bank and an education center, as described in a Sept. 26, 2025 county release. CAC received county and state funds to launch the project but must raise the balance.

Christ Church Donates to Christian Jail Ministry to Support Religious Education and Pastoral Care for Detainees and Their Families

You could be among the volunteers at Christian Jail Ministry (CJM), which provides pastoral care to people who might otherwise be ignored. Again this year, the Outreach Commission approved contributing $500 for its work at the Howard County Detention Center (HCDC).

“We would like to thank you for the financial support as well as your prayers,” said Lead Chaplain Kevin Griffith. “We are truly having a tremendous impact in the lives of many men and women in the Howard County community."

He told of heartwarming moments at CJM’s recent banquet as a returning citizen took the podium, “thanking our volunteers for walking alongside him as he re-establishes himself in the community.”

Please pray for the ministry as CJM seeks to meet the spiritual needs of those detained at HCDC. Bible study is one way that CJM reaches them; our donations provide religious materials such as detainees’ worksheets. Volunteers at partner churches grade the worksheets. If you are interested in participating, email outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org.

Enjoy an Outing at Topgolf, Baltimore on Nov. 6 from 3 to 5 p.m. to Benefit the Baltimore International Seafarers’ Center

Pick up a golf club, have fun, and help mariners from around the world whose ships call at the Port of Baltimore on Friday, Nov. 6. The Baltimore International Seafarers' Center (BISC) will hold its annual golf event from 3 to 5 p.m. at Topgolf, Baltimore, 1411 Warner St., Baltimore, Md., 21230. Parking is in the nearby Horseshoe Casino garage.

Go here to see if you or your company would like to become a sponsor or to sign up as an individual player. For $100, a one-player ticket covers general admission, food, water, tea, soda, and one drink ticket.

Topgolf is a sports entertainment complex offering a high-tech golf game that everyone can enjoy. Players can experience the thrill of hitting golf balls at giant targets, with Toptracer technology tracking their drives for real-time feedback and scoring.

The outing is for a good cause. BISC provides spiritual care and hospitality to mariners working far from their homes and loved ones. You can get a feel for the ministry on the donation page of its Support Catalog, which lists services such as a month of Wifi and “snacks for one crew stuck on their ship.”

BISC is a program of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, supported by the Bishop’s Appeal.

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!

A Glorious Day at LEMS!

Today was a glorious day outside and a wonderful day to help with The Roving Radish food distribution at Lake Elkhorn Middle School. Thanks to Beth and Daniel Baker and Sara Kirkpatrick for helping unload 100 protein boxes from the truck! Folks from Christ United Methodist Church also joined us.

Once school let out, families lined up for their boxes, and in under an hour, the food was gone. It's fun to see families come together and help parents carry their boxes home. They simply sign their names and school, and we welcome them with a box.

We also took your nonperishable items to the food pantry closet, where staff will distribute them to the families most in need.

Our next project is putting together health bags with items such as facial tissues, hand sanitizer, and wipes for all the LEMS teachers. We'll do that at Christ Church's First Wednesday Fellowship Friendsgiving on Wednesday, November 4, so please come help us share our friendship with LEMS!

Your generosity is making many local families feel loved!

Jenny Cecil, Jan DeBoissiere, Sara Kirkpatrick, Cathy Whittaker - LEMS Committee

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!

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

Pledge to Christ Church for 2026

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/2026-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.