Centering Saturdays Return

Centering Prayer is the simple act of regularly returning our attention to God. In God’s light we see more clearly our place in creation and God’s desire for our collaboration.

The regular practice of Centering Prayer leads to a more intimate union with God and powerful experience of God’s presence in our lives. This active presence heals, transforms, and offers freedom and peace. 

Join us Saturday, September 17 from 9:30 to 11:30 as we encourage one another in this practice. There will be teaching and a chance to sit together in silence. Invite a friend. All are welcome. We’ll meet the 3^rd Saturday of the month through the end of the year.

Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there?

Why then has the health of my poor people not been restored?

Jeremiah 8:22

Laments: A Cry for Help in Relationship

There are moments in Holy Scripture where tears, searing pain, and great difficulty seem to overwhelm both the Biblical authors and God’s people. Both Sunday’s first reading from Jeremiah and Psalm 79 are unsettling laments that seem aimed right at God’s heart. They seem to be cries of despair; but they are an essential part of Biblical faith.

The Franciscan Michael Guinan writes: “Lament is not a failure of faith, but an act of faith. We cry out directly to God because deep down we know that our relationship with God counts; it counts to us, and it counts to God.” He continues: “Even if we do not experience the closeness, we believe that God does care. Even if God seems not to hear, we believe that God is always within shouting distance.”

The Former Bishop of Durham, England, N.T. Wright, has written extensively about lament. One of his students, Dr. Glenn Packiam, has published five of Wright’s insights which may help us to find our place in these cries.

Lament is Praise – Contrasting Israel in the wilderness with Israel in worship, we can say that a complaint is an accusation against God that maligns His character, but a lament is an appeal to God based on confidence in His character.

Lament is Proof of Relationship – When our children come boldly into our bedroom asking for what they need. “Will you please make me some eggs?!” We are tempted in those moments to get upset, but we should be honored by their request. It is in itself proof of our relationship with them.

Lament is a Pathway to Intimacy with God – By laying every emotion and every experience before YHWH, their covenant God, the psalmist reinforces a bond of intimacy, affirming an attachment.

Lament is a Call to God for Action – Many of the laments in the psalms are calls to action. They plead with God to pay attention to them and to act on their behalf.

Lament is a Participation in the Pain of Others – On the cross, Jesus prayed the words of Psalm 22 precisely because that was the prayer of many Jewish martyrs in the first century. Jesus, dying the vile and shameful death on the cross prayed in solidarity with the suffering. Indeed, His death was the ultimate prayer of solidarity.

Sunday at 10:00 am we will sing the old Negro Spiritual “There is a Balm in Gilead”. Enslaved people in our nation knew the words of lament. They also knew of God’s intimate relationship with them and God’s ability to act. Jeremiah asked; but enslaved peoples responded: “There is a Balm to heal the sin-sick soul”.

Peace,

Mark +



Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

This Sunday's Worship Service

• Join us at the church at 8:00 AM or at Camp Wright at 10:00 AM
• Watch the Live Stream of the 10:00 AM Service on YouTube or
• Watch the Recording of the Service on YouTube
• Bulletin and Readings
• Serving Chart

Please pray for: Robin Pender, Camilla Parrott, Erika Roof, Anneliesse Jones, Joan Cammarata, Deacon Carol Callaghan (RIP), Tony & Sandy, Deacon Melody, Libbie Clough (RIP)-Clough Family, Bluette Blinoff, Jeffery Jones, William C. Gassin, John G. Tom Bevivino, Adam McCathryn, Charles Jewell, Donna Roland, Barb Jones, Rachel Valentine (It’s a girl), Pat Miller, Ann Pease (RIP)-Martha Morotti & Family, Linda Simkins, Caden Link, 911, Rees Stevenson (RIP), Pastor Kendall, Rosie Zahn(RIP)-Matthew Zahn & Family

Prayer Requests can be sent to prayer@ccpki.org

Coming this Week

Monday Night Bible Study

In-Person and Zoom

Beginning September 12, 2022

7:00 – 8:30 PM

The First Paul: Reclaiming the Radical Visionary Behind the Church’s Conservative Icon examines the progression of Paul’s letters and the change in his attitudes and stances on important points, like his changing views on slavery and the patriarchy. The book argues that Paul becomes the ideal figurehead of the Roman church, instead of the radical figure that he clearly was, and tries to renegotiate his place in modern Christianity.

Reply to: frmar@ccpki.org for information about the class,

Zoom invite, and on ordering the book.

You don’t have to read the book to take the class.

Join Zoom Meeting Info

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89974233456?pwd=R3ovQlRaVElKd0NybWpQMjNBTXdMQT09

Meeting ID: 899 7423 3456

Passcode: 668838

One tap mobile

+13017158592,,89974233456#,,,,*668838# US (Washington DC)

Dial by your location

    +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

Meeting ID: 899 7423 3456

Passcode: 668838

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kiC58srSj

Save the Date for Upcoming Concerts!

Mark your calendars now for the following upcoming concerts at Christ Church.

The Maryland Boychoir

Sunday, November 20^th at the 10 a.m. service, the Tour Choir of the Maryland State Boychoir will lead worship and present a brief concert after the service. The Tour Choir is the MSB's most advanced choir. They have performed all over the United States and abroad at venues including the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, The National Cathedral, and the Kennedy Center. 

The Westminster Ringers

Saturday, December 10^th at 7 p.m., the Westminster Ringers will return to Christ Church to present a Christmas concert. This auditioned community handbell choir performs on more than 200 instruments in a musical feast for the eyes and ears. This free event is always highly-praised by our church and community.

FREE COVID-19 Tests are available in the Church Narthex. Although the package shows an expiration date of 07/20/2022 the tests are still good for 6 months after that date. Pick up yours today. 

SHOPPING ON AMAZON

Why not support the ministries of Christ Church at the same time? Simply add Christ Church as your preferred charity and the Amazon will donate 0.5% of the sale directly to CCPKI. 

Click HERE for more information. 

It is almost time to open the shelter for 2022-2023 season. We are glad to have your assistance for another season to help make our clients journey a little less of a burden. I'm asking you to provide dinners for the guests and staff as you did last year. A main dish casserole, salad and bread-dessert is optional. Please have the casserole fully cooked,hot and ready to serve in a throw away pan. Bag salads are good,they can be put in bowl at shelter. Someone will meet you at the kitchen door between 6:30 and 6:45 to drop off the meal. Our dates for October are Oct 1,2 and 3 and Oct 29,30 and 31. Please contact Leslie Schneider at Lschneider3@msn.com or 410-310-4085.