"Newton was right that an object remains at rest until an external force acts upon it. Our external force is the one God who calls us into a deep, deep relationship. The beauty of this relationship is that, just like the servants who were handed talents, it has never been about force or coercion."

Father Manny might not enjoy learning about science or sci-fi, but he sees the connection between Newton's most famous law and The Parable of the Talents in the Bible.

We are excited to share this episode of the second series of Christ Church Conversations with you! Our podcast continues to take shape in several forms, and you can find us on major podcast platforms. Visit our website, choose your favorite podcast format, and take this journey with us.

To learn more about our worship, outreach, formation, and fellowship gatherings, please visit www.christchurchcolumbia.org

"There’s no doubt that our weary throats need something soothing. It needs some good news, it needs some hopeful news. More than that, we need God’s help."

Father Manny reminds us that during moments of struggle, pain, and suffering, it's vital that we have an audience open and receptive to transformation. 

We are excited to share this first episode of the second series of Christ Church Conversations with you! Our podcast continues to take shape in several forms, and you can find us on major podcast platforms. Visit our website, choose your favorite podcast format, and take this journey with us.

artwork in the title slide by Alfons Niex

To learn more about our worship, outreach, formation, and fellowship gatherings, please visit www.christchurchcolumbia.org

"It is indeed true that not all circumstances are of our own making. There are times when we become victims - either of the circumstances that we have created for ourselves or others have created for us. The real issue is this: whether it is created by someone, or you created it yourself, you owe it to yourself to transcend them - especially when they become debilitating."

Father Manny reminds us that throughout our lives, open doors offer us the grace to see and welcome the possibilities that lie ahead. Open doors renew the desire to transcend whatever circumstance in which we may find ourselves. At Christ Church, we are blessed to have each other, and able to face any circumstance with that support.

We are excited to share this episode of Christ Church Conversations with you, our podcast series! This series takes shape in several forms, and you can find us on major podcast platforms. Visit our website, choose your favorite podcast format, and take this journey with us.

To learn more about our worship, outreach, formation, and fellowship gatherings, please visit www.christchurchcolumbia.org

"When we are filled with gratitude, we give with joy in response to the gratitude we feel in our hearts and lives. And we give, not out of any sense of obligation, but as an act of duty. A duty we owe to ourselves, to others, and the God who gives us the cup of life - after all, this same God loves a cheerful giver. And a cheerful giver is always a grateful giver."

Father Manny recalls a time in his life when even moments of sadness create moments of gratitude.

What are you grateful for? What fills you with gratitude?

We are excited to share this episode of Christ Church Conversations with you, our podcast series! This series takes shape in several forms - audio, video, interviews, scripture-based discussions, and much more - and you can find us on major podcast platforms. Visit our website, choose your favorite podcast format, and take this journey with us.

To learn more about our worship, outreach, formation, and fellowship gatherings, please visit www.christchurchcolumbia.org

"Ideas are what turn our world around from its dark places to places of vitality and growth. Ideas turn our beleaguered selves into engines of optimism. Ideas always question our disposition to violence, and ideas lift people and inspire them to offer their very best selves, shape the destiny of our world, and renew the human promise." 

This week, Father Manny expands on the perspective that whatever ideas you possess have to be tested with other ideas, not by use of violence but through persuasion and compromise.

We are excited to share this episode of Christ Church Conversations with you, our podcast series! This series takes shape in several forms - audio, video, interviews, scripture-based discussions, and much more - and you can find us on major podcast platforms. Visit our website, choose your favorite podcast format, and take this journey with us.

To learn more about our worship, outreach, formation, and fellowship gatherings, please visit www.christchurchcolumbia.org

"I am thankful for each day that she spent with us, each time that she shared her faith story with us, and each day that she advocated for justice for those left on the margins of our society. Each moment of a hug, a handshake, a moment of listening to her share her wisdom at staff meetings, and her devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ." 

This week, Father Manny reflects on the years we were blessed to have Deacon Denise at our church, not only for her service but for the human being she is to everyone she encounters. As she begins her next chapter tomorrow - she will be installed as the new Archdeacon of the Diocese of Maryland - this episode has come at the perfect time. Take a listen, thinking fondly of her time with us while praying for this next step in her ministry.

We are excited to share this episode of Christ Church Conversations with you, our podcast series! This series takes shape in several forms - audio, video, interviews, scripture-based discussions, and much more - and you can find us on major podcast platforms. Visit our website, choose your favorite podcast format, and take this journey with us.

To learn more about our worship, outreach, formation, and fellowship gatherings, please visit www.christchurchcolumbia.org

"All of this was set in motion by a deceptively simple question asked by one Christ Church parishioner in what turned out to be at the right time, in the right place."

All of what? What is that quote referring to? To find out the answer, listen to this week's podcast - a beautiful and true story that parishioner Ann Barnes shares with us.  It stems from a recent meeting of Christ Church's Interfaith Refugee Ministry, a moment in time that came together through the participation, communication, and selfless compassion of a community of dedicated people from different faiths teaming up to carry out important ministry. 

We are excited to share this episode of Christ Church Conversations with you, our podcast series! This series takes shape in several forms - audio, video, interviews, scripture-based discussions, and much more - and you can find us on major podcast platforms. Visit our website, choose your favorite podcast format, and take this journey with us.

To learn more about our worship, outreach, formation, and fellowship gatherings, please visit www.christchurchcolumbia.org

"When Christ tells us to love our neighbor, when he tells the parable of the Good Samaritan helping the stranger, he does not say that it will be easy, or quick, or painless, or without problems. What He tells us is that this is what we are supposed to do and that in doing so, we are loving Him. Here at Christ Church, we really try to live into these commandments in all sorts of ways – the Refugee Ministry is just one - and all are worthy."  

Parishioner Ann Barnes shares an update on our Refugee Ministry and its incredible three-year journey from a parish outreach ministry to an organization actively supported by six local congregations of different faiths - and currently assisting multiple refugee families. You can learn more at www.christchurchcolumbia.org/refugee-ministry

We are excited to share this episode of Christ Church Conversations with you, our podcast series! This series takes shape in several forms - audio, video, interviews, scripture-based discussions, and much more - and you can find us on major podcast platforms. Visit our website, choose your favorite podcast format, and take this journey with us.

To learn more about our worship, outreach, formation, and fellowship gatherings, please visit www.christchurchcolumbia.org

"The question has always been, would the church, especially Christ Church, have the wherewithal to continue its ministry into the future? I am convinced that we can, but we will have to take certain steps today to prevent a challenging future for those who will be worshipping in the same space 300 years from today."

Father Manny's recap of his first 25 years in ministry concludes this week, with gratitude for everyone who has helped make Christ Church the wonderful parish it is today, and an eye toward the future and what it can be in the years to come.

We are excited to share this episode of Christ Church Conversations with you, our podcast series! This series takes shape in several forms - audio, video, interviews, scripture-based discussions, and much more - and you can find us on major podcast platforms. Visit our website, choose your favorite podcast format, and take this journey with us.

To learn more about our worship, outreach, formation, and fellowship gatherings, please visit www.christchurchcolumbia.org

"This September will mark seven years for me here, and I think it has been a wonderful ministry. I am so grateful to God for the gift and blessing of being at Christ Church. Providence has a way of bringing things together. M3daas3."

Father Manny's recap of his first 25 years in ministry continues this week, as he reflects on his time at St. Paul's in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA. This parish was his home right before he accepted his current position at Christ Church, and it played a large role in making him the beloved Rector he is today.

We are excited to share this episode of Christ Church Conversations with you, our podcast series! This series takes shape in several forms - audio, video, interviews, scripture-based discussions, and much more - and you can find us on major podcast platforms. Visit our website, choose your favorite podcast format, and take this journey with us.

To learn more about our worship, outreach, formation, and fellowship gatherings, please visit www.christchurchcolumbia.org