Local Service and Outreach
Searching for a ministry?
Select the Ministry Leader Directory from the Quicklinks menu at the top right of any page on our website, and you’ll get an alphabetical listing of all the ministry groups at St. C’s.
Click the following links for more information:
Bishop Walker School (BWS)
Environment Committee
The Haven
Loaves and Fishes
Prisoner Mentoring
Rebuilding Together
Serving Our Neighbor
STEP/I Have a Dream
The Water Ministry
Weekend Meals on Wheels
To contact a ministry leader via e-mail, simply click the person’s name or e-mail address.
Bishop Walker School (BWS)
The Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys opened in 2008 to nurture spiritual, intellectual, social, physical and artistic development in a Christian community of learners that welcomes boys of all faith traditions. As BWS grows, we are working with teachers and parents there to support its mission and students. St. Columba’s founded a Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) program at BWS and holds at least three RIF events each year. Please contact Jane Dana or Christina Sprague (bws@columba.org) to join our listserv, participate in a RIF event or share ideas about how to support this mission.
Environment Committee
Members seek to honor and care for God’s Earth by identifying projects at St. Columba’s and in the community that reduce our environmental burden, recycle products and encourage earth-friendly consumption. Examples include the installation of rain barrels and CFL lights, purchase of renewable energy, a cleanup of Soapstone Valley and distribution of reusable St. Columba “green” bags. Fresh ideas and helping hands are always welcome. Please contact Kristin Moore (environmentleader@columba.org). More >>
The Haven
St. Columba’s partners with Friendship Place to operate The Haven, a transitional residence and counseling program for women who have been homeless. Located in Fletcher House, our former rectory at the corner of 42nd Street and Butterworth Place, The Haven depends on parishioners to provide an evening meal; tutor guests in the art of planning, shopping and cooking; or be present in the house for weekend shifts. Please contact Kathy Caputo (havenmeals@columba.org) about meals or Inga Blust (haven@columba.org) about weekend coverage. More >>
Loaves And Fishes
Every third Saturday, St. Columbans are at St. Stephen and the Incarnation (1525 Newton Street NW, on the corner of Newton and 16th), to prepare and serve a meal to about 200 homeless men, women and children. Volunteers are needed for one of two shifts, from 9:30 to 11:30 am or from 11 am to 1 pm. This is a family-friendly activity that welcomes children age 7 and up accompanied by an adult. Please contact Joe Kolar (loavesfishes@columba.org). More >>
Prisoner Mentoring
Join volunteers on Saturday mornings or Thursday evenings to assist prisoners at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility as they prepare to re-enter the job market. We help with résumés, cover letters, job leads and interview preparation. Every Wednesday morning, parishioners distribute Bibles, spiritual literature, greeting cards and calendars. We also mentor inmates when they are released. Please contact Phil Graham (prisonministryleader@columba.org).
Rebuilding Together
Join St. Columbans on the last two Saturdays in April to refurbish the homes of low-income, elderly or handicapped District residents. All levels of construction and clean-up expertise are welcome. St. Columba’s was instrumental in founding Rebuilding Together, formerly Christmas in April, which is now a nationwide nonprofit organization. Please contact Ryan McNavage (rebuildingtogether@columba.org). More >>
STEP/I Have A Dream
In 1994, St. Columba’s made a promise to 73 children at Truesdell Elementary School to support them through college, in exchange for a promise that the children would participate in tutoring, life skills workshops, summer programs and other enrichment programs organized by church staff and volunteers. The students are now young adults in college. Volunteers are still needed to provide mentoring, tutoring and assistance for their college years. Please contact Ron Wisor (step@columba.org). More >>
The Water Ministry
The Water Ministry is a hospitality ministry that provides lunch, showers and laundry facilities for people who are homeless or in need. It is facilitated by volunteers under the leadership of a paid director. It offers services on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 am to 1 pm, early September through early June. Volunteers contribute two or more hours per month working as a team to host 30 to 40 guests each day. Volunteer training opportunities are offered. Please contact the director of the Water Ministry (waterministry@columba.org). More >>
Weekend Meals On Wheels
Deliver nutritious sustenance and ease the isolation of an elderly shut-in by delivering a meal. Deliveries are scheduled for the second Saturday of each month from 10 am to noon. Willingness to drive is helpful, but not required. Weekend Meals on Wheels is a family-friendly ministry; children are welcome to accompany you. Please contact Noreen Shanbacker (mealsonwheels@columba.org). More >>
Click the following links for more information about groups at St. C’s:
Environment Committee
The Haven
Loaves and Fishes
Rebuilding Together
Serving Our Neighbor (SON)
STEP/I Have a Dream
The Water Ministry
Click the following links for more information about outside groups:
The Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys
Friendship Place
Montgomery County Correctional Facility
Reading Is Fundamental (RIF)
Rebuilding Together
St. Stephen and the Incarnation
Top Photo: The Rev. Rose Duncan. STEP Photo: Daniel Kim.
