newsletter - columba.org. columba’s newsletter n february 2017 1 the desire to reach out and...

ST. COLUMBA’S Newsletter n February 2017 1

The desire to reach out and connect with one another is growing daily. Two weeks ago, we convened an open “Congregational Conversation.” We kept adding chairs, expanding the circle to include all 75 people who showed up. When asked why they came, the overwhelming response as I heard it was “I came to connect and be with others.” For most, this was the primary motive; some wanted to connect with like-spirited people to organize for advocacy and justice; some to coordinate efforts to better get to know people who think and believe differently than they.

Does our impulse to connect arise from fear or from love? Will connecting lead to deeper fear or deeper love? Fear can prompt me to retreat and hide, or to reach out, seek safety in numbers, maybe even take heroic action. Fear can make us larger, but more often makes us smaller than our best selves. In con-trast, love always opens our hearts to the gifts and needs of others, evokes gratitude, generosity of spirit, joy and wonder. Love is expansive.

While basic instincts prompt us to gather the tribe, the Spirit of God continually awakens us to the deeper truth that we are all sisters and brothers. When we gather and connect at St. Columba’s, we likely come with a mix of fear and love in our hearts. But the gift we receive from God, and the gift we offer one another is a salve for our heart, an occasion to remember that we are

sisters and brothers, in love. This comes as we hold hands, or pray, or sing, or march for justice, or seek the lost, lonely and unloved. The fullness of love comes as we find ourselves being sent out, to reach beyond, to hold hands with the most unlikely of God’s beloved.

I am in awe of the gift of this congregation we steward together –a means to connect with one another, to connect for justice, to connect with those who differ from us, to connect with our deepest yearnings of God within, to connect with the winds of the Spirit who calls us out toward deeper love.

In this spirit, join us for our Annual Parish Meeting on Sun., Feb. 12. In addition to electing parish leaders and reviewing the budget, we will hear stories of ministry, connections and the gifts of the Spirit.

Starting Feb. 8, join us for Weekly Prayers for our Nation, on Wednesday evenings at 6:15 pm; Morning Prayer each weekday at 8:45 am; Healing Prayers and Holy Eucharist each Thursday at 12:10 pm.

And on Sat., Feb. 25, let’s all join hands at “The Thirteen” Benefit Concert in support of our Homeless Ministries. Proceeds will support St. C’s Water Ministry and Rebuilding Together, with the goal of keeping the Water Ministry open this summer.

ST. COLUMBA’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

4201 Albemarle Street NW Washington, DC 20016

202-363-4119 fax 202-686-2671

Columba.org The Rev. Ledlie Laughlin

[email protected]

Vol. 60, No. 2

February 2017

Newsletter

“Does our impulse to

connect arise from

fear or from love?

Will connecting lead

to deeper fear or

deeper love?”

Let’s Hold Hands

Peace! [email protected]

ST. COLUMBA’S n 202-363-4119 n Columba.org2

Mothers’ Group Wed., Feb. 8, 10 am in Rm 203This week, the Mothers’ Group will host the St. Columba’s Environment committee to learn more about this important ministry. Free child care is provided in Rm 220. MG meets each Wednesday morning for discussion of the highs and lows of mother-hood. Contact: Susan Higgins ([email protected])

Weekly Prayers for our Nation Starting Wed., Feb. 8, 6:15 pm 1st fl. center space (NS level) As we live into this new period in our national life, in which many perceive fundamental rights in our democracy to be under threat, we find ourselves living with a high level of uncertainty and emotion. Join us for “Weekly Prayers for our Nation.”

Celebration to Welcome New MembersSun., Feb. 12, at all services in the Church Nave and Great HallCalling all new or returning members! We welcome your participation ... Please RSVP to Jennifer Turner ([email protected])

Labyrinth Walk Wed., Feb. 15, 7-8:30 pm, Great Hall Experience the labyrinth by walking it at your own pace, or by sitting quietly and tracing our handheld labyrinths. Share your labyrinth experience. Contact: Suzi Kindervatter ([email protected])

Homeless Ministry ConcertSat., Feb. 25, 6 pm in Church NaveSt. Columba’s will host a benefit concert for our homeless ministries featuring “The Thirteen,” a profes-sional choral group new to DC. (See article, page 9) Contact: Joe Kolar ([email protected])

Mardi Gras PartyTues., Feb. 28, 5:30-8:30 pm, Great HallDon your beads for one last night

of reveling before Lent begins. Children’s games, delicious food and drink! Pancakes and traditional Mardi Gras fare, beer and wine. Want to help with this fun event? Contact: Prentiss Lay or Lisa Whelan ([email protected])

SAVE THESE DATES!“New to You” Rummage SaleThurs., May 11 through Sat., May 13 “New to You” Sale is Back! (See article, page 10). Contact: Courtney Hundley ([email protected])

Parish Retreat WeekendFri., May 19 - Sun., May 21in Sharpsburg, MDA time to Play & Pray! Enjoy ‘smores, hikes, crafts, connecting with the Divine and one another. Contact: the Rev. Amy Molina-Moore ([email protected])

The ThireenSat., Feb. 25, 6 pmFeatured at our benefit concert for our homeless ministries, “The Thirteen,” is a professional choral group who will perform Bach Reflections: three lively and joyous motets by Johann Sebastian Bach, along with works by Schütz, Brahms and a number of 21st century American composers. All exhibit the same deep, ardent expression as Bach.

Purchase your tickets online at: tinyurl.com/StCsThirteenTickets

Worship Services

Sundays in the Church Nave8 am EucharistA quiet, simple Eucharist withhomily and without music.

9 am EucharistIn the Church Nave, with sermon,choirs, hymns and the healing rite.

9:15 and 11:15 am EucharistFor families with preschoolchildren in the Great Hall, withstory-style telling of the Gospel andsongs children can sing.

10:15 am Education HourSunday School, youth programs,Sunday Forum, Bible study andrefreshments.

11:15 am EucharistIn the Church Nave, with sermon,St. Columba Singers, hymns and thehealing rite.

Child care is available for childrenages 3 and under, 8:45 am-12:30 pm.

Weekdays in St. Aidan’s ChapelMorning Prayer8:45 am Monday–Thursday;8 am Friday

Thursday Eucharist12:10 pm with healing rite

Holy BaptismFor information on baptismalpreparation and registration,contact Pattie Ames ([email protected]; tele: 202-363-4119, ext. 222). Forms are due six weeks prior to baptism.

Upcoming dates: April 15, 2017, 7 pm Great Vigil of Easter in the Church Nave (Youth and adults only)

April 16, 2017 (Easter Day)11:15 am Eucharist in the Great HallPreparation classes: Mar. 28 and Apr. 4, 7–8:30 pm

Calendar

ST. COLUMBA’S n Open in Spirit


ST. COLUMBA’S n Deep in Faith

Lent, A Season for Reconciliation

On the first Sunday of Lent, our readings speak of temptation and primal rebellion against the good-ness of God in the mythic story of the first man, first woman, a snake and an apple. That fateful bite, as our ancient forebears described it, resulted in four fatal breaches in relationship:

• between humans and their Creator;

• between man and woman; • between humankind and the

natural world;• within the human psyche, as

awareness of shame created a divided self.

The Good News we share as Christians claims that these four breaches were healed in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are invited to be a people of restored relationship, of reconciled and reconciling love, “ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us,” as St. Paul wrote to the Church in Corinth. He spelled out the work we need to do in order to be effective peace-bringers: “We entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”

Jesus told a great story about what it means to be reconciled to the God, the story of a son who broke relationship with his father, took his inheritance early, went far away and squandered it. When he “came to himself,” hungry, filthy, tending pigs better fed than he, he thought to go home and offer himself as a servant, since he’d relinquished his status as a son. On his approach home, rehearsing his speech, he is met on the road by his father, and enfolded in forgiving, restoring love.

This foundation story will form the heart of our Lenten explorations

this year as we travel with that young man, his grace-filled father and his resentful brother. In their stories we can make our own journey of repentance and reconciliation.

There are several ways to embark:• Lenten Book Groups, who will

read together Henri Nouwen’s classic study of this parable, “The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Homecoming,” exploring the tale through the lens of Rembrandt’s great painting;

• Wednesday Evenings starting Mar. 8, “The Dance of Love: Journeying to Forgiveness with the Prodigal.” This 5-week course will trace five movements in the dance of repentance and reconciliation seen in the Prodigal Son story: - breaking away from love; - coming to repentance; - receiving forgiveness;

- forgiving others; - celebration in restored community. Each week will combine a time of teaching with an opportunity for spiritual reflection and a spiritual exercise.

• At Sunday morning worship, our services in the Church Nave will begin with penitential orders tracking this journey from awareness of sin to repentance, to accepting forgiveness, forgiving others and becoming agents of God’s reconciliation in our broken world.

Repentance and reconciliation can be hard work, as we shine the light of Christ into dark corners in our psyches and our world. We engage with this because of the great promise of freedom and renewed energy for bringing healing to the world around us.

As Paul wrote in the passage cited above, “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.”

St. Columba’s is well placed to be a strong force for reconciliation in our broken world. Let’s spend this Lent building the spiritual muscles that will make us effective ambassadors.

n The Rev. Kate Heichler [email protected]

Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn. “Return of the Prodigal Son”

(The State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg. Photograph ©

The State Hermitage Museum. Photo by Vladimir Terebenin.)

For Reconciliation on a social scale, come to our Mission Workshop

SERVICE TO JUSTICE: TRANSFORMING SYSTEMSSaturday, March 18, 8:30-12:30


“Entering the Heart of Christ: Christianity as Participatory Mystery” is the theme for this year’s Lenten Quiet Day. On this day of reflection, join us as we explore the heart-centered path of wisdom that deepens our connection and experience of God in our lives. Our program will be led by the Rev. Matthew Wright, a young engaging and compelling retreat leader who lives with his wife at Holy Cross Monastery. He is an Episcopal priest working to renew the Christian

Wisdom tradition within a wider interspiritual framework. Alongside his practice of Christianity, he draws deeply from the sacred worlds of Islamic Sufism and Vedanta.

We encourage you to invite others! There is no cost for the program, however, lunch will be provided at a cost of $15 (collected at the lunch hour). Online registration TBA. Questions? Contact the Rev. Amy Molina-Moore ([email protected])

LENTEN DAY OF REFLECTION: Sat., Mar. 11, 8:30 am-3 pm

Entering the Heart of Christ

ST. COLUMBA’S n Rich in Worship

n Welcome those who have completed welcome cards: Anika Binnendijk, Nathaniel, Malcolmm and Colin Hoopes, DC; Richard Blake, DC; Gail and Don Crane, DC; Catherine Cross and Roberto Depaz, Bethesda, MD; Rita Freas, Bethesda, MD; Richard M. Halfold, Chevy Chase, MD; Jessica and John Langerman, Chevy Chase, MD; Zach, Michelle and Grace Ormsby, Silver Spring, MD; Michael, Lindsay, Grace and Mac Pomponi, Bethesda, MD; Aaron, Marcus and Evelyn Rozeboom and Lina Walker, DC; Kelly and Rosie Saucier, Silver Spring, MD; Victoria Turner, Bloomington, MN; Alice Walker, William, Carolina and Myron Lopez, Bethesda, MD; Jenne, Vivian and Josephine Whitelaw, DC.

n Welcome new members: Joe and Nicholas Bailey, Bethesda, MD; Coleen Klasmeier and Isabel Lawson, DC.

n Rejoice with Brent and Terry Blackwelder for the birth of grand-son Winfield John Blackwelder, Dec. 7; with Ken and Florri DeCell for the birth of grandson Jackson Desaix Pressley, Dec. 14; with Jean Ann Wright for the birth of great-grand-daughter Emeline Virginia Gaffney, Jan. 4; with Liz Wilson for the birth of grandson Griffin Andrew Colella, Jan 5; with Katie McGervey for the birth of great-niece Luna; Mike Kirksey for the birth of niece Drew Nile Phillips, Jan. 30; with Ka Lam for the birth of cousin, Avery Lam.

n Pray for those who have died: Richard Donovan, father of Pat Larson, Nov. 26; Margaret Maida, great aunt of Paul Barkett, Nov. 27; Margaret Cooney, sister of Catherine Cooney; Erwin Smarr, stepfather of Christopher Vaden, Nov. 29; Ray Andrews, father of Julie Petersmeyer, Nov. 30; Mark Hawkings,

Transitions

Transitions (cont).

father of David Hawkings; Margaret Guenther, priest of the Church, mother of John Guenther, Dec. 11; William H. Hudnut III, Dec. 18; Thelma Dugas, aunt of Annette Davis; Calvin Martin, uncle of Mike Kirksey, Dec. 31; Maria Haywood, mother of Crissy Upston, Jan. 3; Joe Earl Steakley, father of Nan

Hildebrand, Jan. 3; Elizabeth Johnson Finch, mother of Betsy Finch, Jan. 4; Janie Hillis, Jan. 10; Phyllis Whitten, Jan. 11; Patty Johnson, mother of Shawn Johnson, Jan. 14; Marjorie Combs, mother of Mary Combs, Jan. 19; Randolph Janney, Jan. 24; Peter Slobogin, father of Kathy Slobogin, Jan. 29.

Gather weekly with fellow parish-ioners to read and engage with “The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming” by Henri Nouwen. This is a wise and beautiful book about homecoming, affirmation and reconciliation. Nouwen uses the parable and painting to explore the

challenge of loving and being loved and opening our hearts to God’s transformative work in us. The book is available in the St. C’s bookstore. Sign up online or in the Common on Sun., Feb. 12, 19 and 26. Questions? Contact the Rev. Amy Molina-Moore ([email protected])

LENTEN BOOK GROUPS: Mar. 2 through April 12

The Return of the Prodigal Son

A series of Sunday Lenten Forums entitled, “Being Rooted in Lent” will be led by Virginia Theological Seminary Professors. Come Sun., Mar. 5 through Apr. 2 and learn more about the principles and

traditions that inform how and why we observe Lent the way we do in The Episcopal Church. Questions? Contact the Rev. Amy Molina-Moore ([email protected]

SUNDAY FORUMS IN LENT: Sundays, Mar. 5 through Apr. 2

“Being Rooted in Lent”


Please vote for wardens, vestry members, and delegates to lead St. Columba’s and represent our parish in the councils of the church.

Who is qualified to vote? You are qualified to vote if you are at least 15 years old, baptized and entered on the parish rolls, and are a member of a contributing house-hold to the parish. Contributions are defined as recorded pledges, identifiable offerings or services rendered. Voters are reminded that they may vote only once.

Ballots and Absentee Ballots Voting will take place before, during, and after the Annual Meeting on Sun., Feb. 12. If you are unable to

attend the Annual Meeting but wish to vote, you may complete a ballot at the Welcome table on Sundays before Feb. 12. Ballots will also be available at the parish office during office hours the week prior to the Annual Meeting, and must be submitted by Feb. 12.

What is the vestry? The vestry is “… the agent and legal representative of the parish in all matters concerning its corporate property and the relations of the parish to its clergy. It shall consist of the rector, the senior warden, the junior warden and 12 members as described below. Nominees for the vestry shall have been qualified

voters of the parish for at least the preceding year and shall be at least 18 years of age.” (Bylaws of St. Columba’s Parish, Article 6.)

How are candidates chosen? Candidates are chosen by the Nominating committee, which is headed by two vestry members. At the Jan. 29 Candidates Forum, nominees were introduced and candidates for warden and vestry presented their views.

(Find more information at Columba.org)

n Elizabeth Vaden & Fletcher [email protected]

CALLING ALL PARISHIONERS!

Please Vote ~ Elections February 12

CANDIDATES FOR WARDEN Elect two to serve one-year terms

STEVE SMITH Junior Warden Occupation President & Chief Product Officer at Hobsons Family Single

Church Experience St. Columba’s has been an important part of my life since 2001. I was raised Roman Catholic but discovered the Episcopal Church in college. The Episcopal Church attract-ed me with the beauty of its liturgy and the inclusiveness of its theology. This parish drew me in

with its deep sense of hospitality and purpose. I have sung in the choir regularly and played organ occasionally since coming to St. Columba’s. I’ve been a member of the Finance committee for the past six years and treasurer for three. It has been an honor to serve as a vestry member since 2013, a period that has turned out to be especially critical in the history of our parish. The passion, expertise and resources at St. Columba’s offer tremendous potential to have a positive impact in our community, across the District, and around the world. I am excited about the opportunity to serve as junior warden and to work to fulfill this potential with Elizabeth, Ledlie, the vestry, and the broader parish.

ELIZABETH G. TAYLOR Senior Warden Occupation Lawyer; Executive Director of the National Health Law Program Family Spouse/Partner, David DeBruin; Children: Sam, Joey and Will DeBruin

Church Experience I am the executive director of the National Health Law Program, a non-prof-it that protects and advances access to quality health care for low income people. We are head-ing into challenging times! My husband, David DeBruin, and I have been active at St. Columba’s since we arrived almost 30 years ago. Our three boys attended Sunday School, served as acolytes and sacristans, and loved participating in SCAP. David and I taught Sunday School and

led various outreach efforts. David now has the time to sing in the choir and he is loving it! I served two terms on the vestry and have completed two years as junior warden. Lane Heard’s shoes are impossible to fill, but Steve and I are excited about working together with Ledlie and the vestry. St. Columba’s is heading in a good direction and there is much to do to capitalize on the energy and enthusiasm we all feel. Stay tuned!


CANDIDATES FOR VESTRY Elect four to serve three-year terms

ELIZABETH PYKE Current vestry member Occupation Government affairs for criminal justice policy association Family Spouse/Partner, Gardell Gefke; Children: Madeleine (18), Anna (16)

Church Experience I have loved St. Columba’s since middle school. As an adult, returning with my family, I have coordinated the Usher ministry, taught Sunday School and YAC, been active in Loaves and Fishes, Good Shepherds, the Welcome Team, Mothers’ Group, the Adult Formation Team, and been enriched by numerous retreats and Wednesday night classes.

What drew me to St. C’s as a young person draws me still: warm, wonderful people; kids every-where, participating in everything; glorious music; countless opportunities for service; and complete acceptance no matter where you are on your spiritual journey. This is a happy time of new energy and excitement in our life together. Many new opportunities for worship, service and community are bubbling up from all corners of the parish. It’s an exciting time as we explore together how to advance God’s Kingdom in our parish, the city and the wider world.

ALEX ACOSTA Occupation Attorney (non-practicing) Family Spouse/Partner, Jim Losey; Children: Colin Losey, junior at Rice University and Julia Losey, 10th-grader at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School

Church Experience Like many St. Columbans, I’m not a “cradle Episcopalian.” I grew up in a Roman Catholic parish in suburban New Jersey, and came to St. C’s in 2001 with my husband, Jim and our children. We were seeking an inclusive community where faith is a verb.

While our first venture into the Common on a bustling Sunday morning felt a bit overwhelming, over the years, St. C’s became our “church home”–one that has given us more than we could

ever return. I have had the joy of working, praying and serving with many of you as a Rite 13 leader, Water Ministry volun-teer, Grate Patrol coordinator, and in other ministries. At the heart of everything we do at St. C’s is the urgent question, “Where did you find God today?” If elected to the vestry, I will do all I can to help us answer that question with grace, creativity and energy.

CHRIS LUCKETT Occupation Vice President/Underwriter, Stewart Title Guaranty Company Family Spouse/Partner, Melissa Luckett; Children: Arden (9) and Davis (7)

Church Experience Melissa and I joined St. Columba in 2009, drawn to the Great Hall as a welcoming place to introduce our daughter (and then our son) to church. In the year and a half since moving to the Church Nave, we have been excited to “re-discover” St. Columba and find new ways of participating in the parish.

My involvement at St. Columba’s has included being a lay reader, a member of the 2016 Stewardship committee and a 6th Grade Sunday School leader for the 2016-17 program year.

The past year’s Stewardship campaign gave me a chance to experience a deeper sense of community at St. Columba. My hope is that, as a member of the vestry, I can be a part of the process of the parish continuing to recognize our abundance and how we can share it here at St. Columba, as well as with the world beyond our doors.

ST. COLUMBA’S n CANDIDATES FORUM


CANDIDATES FOR VESTRY (Continued)

JOHN SIDES Occupation Professor of Political Science, George Washington University Family Spouse/Partner, Serena Sides; Children: Ethan (age 9) and Hannah (age 7)

Church Experience We joined St. Columba’s in 2006, and its ministries have always sustained and nurtured our family. Passionate about music, I’ve played piano, organ and guitar in the Great Hall, Church Nave and Live@5. Since 2014, I have served as an adult leader at the St. Columba’s Appalachian Project (SCAP). I’ve presented at the Sunday Forum, and participated in Kate Heichler’s search process and the Live@5 planning committee.

Ethan and Hannah attended the nursery school and Great Hall services, and now sing in the choir. Ethan just started serving as an acolyte. St. C’s supported Serena as she discerned her call to be an Episcopal priest. St. Columba’s inspires me in how it ministers to its members and the broader community. Today I sense a renewed energy and excitement to deepen those ministries. As a member of the vestry, I would seek to help discern how we can continue to grow and lead and serve, as we seek to carry out God’s call to us. St. Columba’s inspires me in how it ministers to its members and to the broader community.

SHELBY TARKENTON Occupation Research Analyst Family Single

Church Experience St. Columba’s has been my spiritual home since I was a child in the early 1990s. The parish community was a positive force throughout my youth. I attended nursery school and Sunday School at St. C’s, and I participated in the youth, acolyte and sacristan programs. Since returning after graduating from college, I’ve enjoyed serving as a verger, lay committee member, youth program advisory committee member, and as an adult leader on SCAP. A key focus for me during my time as an adult at St. C’s has been working with youth.

The cross-generational relationships I developed with adult leaders during my teenage years were invaluable, and my vision for St. C’s is for this tradition to continue and grow. I am particularly drawn to St. C’s mission to nurture a culture of engagement among parishioners, and I hope to see this culture develop a strong cross-generational foundation.

HARRY WOOD Occupation 30-year career as CEO of several financial consulting firms providing risk consultation to international financial institutions and sovereign entities Family Adult children: Lindsey, Nelson, Graham, Sean and DJ

Church Experience I came to St. C’s in the early 1990’s, left in 1999 and returned in 2010. Over the years I have developed a deep sense of gratitude for the spiritual sustenance I have received, and for the opportunity to contribute to the mission of the church. As a member, I have taught Sunday school, been a greeter, a greeting team leader and for the past two-and-a-half years, co-chair of the Welcome ministry. This year, I participated in the member engage-

ment team and the stewardship effort.

Many nonprofit institutions are financially challenged, and St. C’s appears to be no different. While progress has been made, a long-term financing plan should be considered. My second area of interest is member engagement, the most challenging part of the Welcome ministry. I am interested in following up on the good efforts of the member engage-ment team.



SUZI KINDERVATTER Occupation 30+ year career with international humanitarian NGOs focused on women’s and girls’ rights; semi-retired (teaching; leading work-shops and retreats; serving on boards)Family Spouse/Partner, Ted Clark; Adult children Caitlin and Adam Church Experience I officially became

a member and fully committed to St. C’s about seven years ago, after having been “bi-congregational” between St. C’s and the Cathedral’s Folk Eucharist community for about 20 years. My St. C’s activities include: coordinator, Labyrinth Min-istry (2015-ongoing); Adult Formation support team (6 years); presenter/facilitator of five “Wednesdays at St. C’s” courses over past several years; Water Ministry and Centering Prayer (15+ years, ongoing). As alternative delegate, I look forward to the prospect of bringing back ideas and resources from the diocese that can engage and enrich us, and will support more exchange of ideas between St. C’s and other congregations in our diocesan district.

BARBARA WOODALL KRAGIEOccupations 20+ years of public service and private practice litigation; pro bono leadership for the Montgomery County Vital Living Network and community organizing Family Spouse/Partner, Scott Kragie; Adult children: Alex and Andrew

Church Experience Since the early 1980s I’ve been involved in numerous St. C’s ministries, includ-ing outreach, Sunday School, youth programs, vestry, Adult Formation and the St. C’s library, Creative Aging Network, Water Ministry and Flower Guild. In these challenging times, I hope to help connect St. Columba’s and the diocese so we may work effectively together.

CANDIDATES FOR DIOCESAN DELEGATE Elect two to serve two-year terms


DEBORAH KENNEDY COSTER Occupation 30+ year career in adult education, second language acquisition and nonprofit development. Currently freelance writer/editor Family Single, no children at home Church Experience I came to St. C’s in 1987 and have been active in the worship and service life of this wonder-ful parish ever since. Member of St.

Columba Singers, St. Columba Ensemble, Altar Guild, Nights of Columba and Greek reading group. Coordinator of Arts Hour and former coordinator of the Concert Series. Diocesan delegate,

2011-2014.

ANNETTE EDWARDS (DAVIS) Occupation Retired college adminis-trator and former college prep coach.Family Two adult children and three grandchildren. Church Experience After four decades as a parishioner at St. Columba’s, I am thankful for this unique place of worship where my young children felt the spirit

of welcome and engagement and my three grandchildren were baptized. My service involvement includes: Flower Guild, Altar Guild, Nominating committee, Lay committee for Seminarians, Rector Search committee, Welcome ministry, Great Hall usher, Playground Restoration project and New to You volunteer. I welcome the opportunity to engage with other parishioners, represent our perspective and work collaboratively.

CHRIS SCHUMANN Occupation Career government attorney overseeing appellate litigation on behalf of the Mine Safety and Health Administration Family Spouse/Partner, Cathy Wiss; Children: Sarah and Thomas Church Experience I have been a parishioner at St. Columba’s since

1982, serving on the vestry for two terms and as a conven-tion delegate and alternate delegate. I have served as a vestry liaison to and a member of the Nursery School board of governors. I lead the Nights of Columba ministry and have led various discernment committees and discussion groups. I think of the Episcopal Church as “the Great Conversation,” and I would be honored to play a role in that conversation as a convention delegate.

CANDIDATES FOR ALTERNATE DELEGATE Elect three to serve one-year terms


ST. COLUMBA’S n Active in Service

Saturday, February 25 offers a perfect multi-tasking opportunity: to hear sublime choral music and support the congregation’s ministries among people who are homeless.

Nationally acclaimed choral group, “The Thirteen,” will perform “Bach Reflections,” featuring motets by Bach and other classical and contemporary composers. All proceeds will support St. C’s Water Ministry, The Haven and Rebuilding Together, with the specific goal of keeping the Water

Ministry open throughout the summer months. Watch for details in the bulletin and website, and mark your calendars!

When it opened in 1990, Water Ministry was groundbreaking in recognizing that people who are homeless have needs beyond hot meals and shelter–if they cannot bathe or do laundry, they are ham-pered in finding employment or housing. Water Ministry provides these essential services, as well as a warm, safe place to be in the middle of the day. This year our goal is to make Water Ministry a year round program, at a cost of $10,000 over the program’s $55,000 budget.

Proceeds for Rebuilding Together will help fund home repair projects the last two weeks of April, for our local neighbors in need.

Sponsors are welcome at $1,000 (8 reserved seats), $500 (4 seats) or $250 (2 seats) levels, and will be listed in our program. General admission tickets at $35 will be available in advance online at: tinyurl.com/StCsThirteenTickets and in the Common on Sundays prior to the concert; and $40 at the door, as available. Additional donations are most welcome.

The Thirteen comprises young singers from all over the country,

many of whom also sing in other premiere groups such as Chanticleer and Seraphic Fire. Known for their virtuosic polyphony in an often chal-lenging repertoire, The Thirteen has garnered accolades for its choral artistry and precision. As of this 2016-17 season, it is resident in Washington, DC, offering most of its programs at St. Columba’s. The Thirteen was founded and is led by Matthew Robertson, who began his musical career as a chorister at St. Columba’s. He elicits from his young singers a remarkable blend, balancing solos and flawless choral harmony. (For more information: www.thethirteenchoir.org)

Let’s help St. Columba’s sound good and do good!

n The Rev. Kate Heichler [email protected]

ST. COLUMBA’S BENEFIT CONCERT

Heavenly Music Benefits HomelessAt the vestry’s December 19, 2016 meeting:

n Suzanne Burrows and Fletcher Jones presented a report of the Culture of Gratitude Missioning Team, which conducted research and generated ideas for creating a culture of gratitude at St. Columba’s. Ledlie and the vestry discussed the report’s three recommendations: (1) increasing financial transparency; (2) adding the practice of gratitude to our tradition of radical welcome; and (3) investing in a dedicated staff position for gratitude and steward-ship. The vestry also considered next steps for implementing the recommendations.

n Stewardship Campaign committee co-chair Paul Barringer provided an update regarding the stewardship campaign, noting that excellent progress had been made compared to prior years (as of Dec. 19, 2016, 472 pledges for a total of $1,906,799). The campaign must raise an additional $300,000 to fully fund a balanced budget.

n The vestry approved a resolution to advise the diocese that St. Columba’s will make a pledge to the diocese in an amount at least equal to that pledged last year ($95,000). In light of the Bishop’s request that all parishes increase their pledge by 1 percent of gross revenues each year until they are pledging 10 percent of gross revenues, consideration will be given to a possible increase after the conclusion of the stewardship campaign and adoption of a budget.

n The Rev. Kate Heichler presented a plan for keeping the Water Ministry open during the summer. The plan would require additional volunteers,

(Continued on page 10, bottom left)

Vestry Notes

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and would provide guests with a lunch consisting of sandwiches, fruit, dessert, and similar items. The vestry will consider funding the plan at its next meeting.

n Nominating committee co-chair Elizabeth Vaden reported the names of candidates selected for delegate, alternate delegate, and vestry positions.

Respectfully submitted, Charles Molluzzo

secretary of the [email protected]

ST. COLUMBA’S n Open in Spirit

Vestry Notes(cont., from page 9)

Did you know that A Wider Circle collects and distributes over $9m worth of furniture, clothing, house-wares, toys and books each year? Spending a couple of hours there alongside our son yesterday reminded me of the repurposing, reusing and redistributing our parish does each year as a result of our New to You sale efforts.

Last year New To You took the year off after five years running. The sale will return in May 2017, and we hope to make it the most successful one yet. We are interested in success, not purely from a money raising stand point (although the amount of funds raised is terrific–$30,000 in 2015), but from an entire parish engagement standpoint.

It takes hundreds of volunteers to make this sale happen, and we will need people from across the generations, from the clergy and staff, friends of parishioners to offer a few hours of their time to unload, sort, price, sell, lift, cashier, load and assist the thousands of people who will be coming through our doors and shopping for needed things and treasures at our annual sale.

What’s your favorite New to You purchase? Martin Smith found a wonderful old leather jacket that he was delighted to buy at the sale. Constance Azzi found a beautiful, white fur vest that looked divine on her, and she beamed when she tried it on for a group of us. John Nolan found a brand new Burberry rain-coat complete with the tags.

We have even considered having a New to You fashion show on a Sunday leading up to the sale, so

that we can show off some of the wonderful treats we have shopped for and found. We love the fact that gently used items have gone to new homes, but we also love the fact that several charities, A Wider Circle, National Children’s Center, Transitional Housing and Samaritan Ministries have taken away truck-loads of items at the conclusion of the sale, to donate to people around the city who are in need of clothing, furniture and housewares in good condition.

Where would you like to put your volunteer efforts? Perhaps you are interested in sending out New to You blurbs to several local listservs as a means of getting out the word? Maybe you are interested in helping us to make lunch one day for a group of dedicated volunteers and you can join us in fellowship while taking a break from the many tasks at hand? Maybe you would like to captain a group of folks in a specific area of the church during the sale, be head cashier for a day or organize and sell in the upscale boutique? There are countless jobs and this sale simply could not happen without the enthusiasm, commitment and dedication of the volunteers who will join us the week of May 8th.

On Sun., Feb. 12, we will gather in Rm 212 at 12:30 pm to have a New to You informational meeting. We will share some of our ideas and celebrate with our fabulous volunteers of the past while getting organized for this coming May. We would love to hear how you plan to help and any expertise you might be able to offer.

n The New To You co-chairsJohn Nolan, Courtney Hundley,

Katie [email protected]

New To You is Back!NTY SALE DATESThurs., May 11 (6-8 pm) Preview sale (for parishioners, staff and nursery school families only)

Fri., May 12 (11 am-7 pm)Open to the public

Sat., May 13 (8 am-2 pm)Open to the public

DONATIONSNew or gently used clothes,toys, tools, housewares, sporting goods, furniture, collectibles, books, etc.

We cannot accept:Electronics of any kind including TV’s (working lamps are okay), car seats (boosters are okay) cribs or bedding.

DROPOFF DATESSat., May 6, 10 am-3 pm (or until 2 Pods are full)Sun., May 7, 1-4 pm (NEW!)Mon., May 8, 9:30 am-2:30 pmTues., May 9, 9:30-4 pm (No donations accepted after 4 pm)


ST. COLUMBA’S n Deep in Faith

ST. COLUMBA’S DIARYChristmas at St. Columba’s

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A WELCOMING CHRISTIAN

COMMUNITY THAT SEEKS

TO BE OPEN IN SPIRIT, DEEP

IN FAITH, RICH IN WORSHIP

AND ACTIVE IN SERVICE. Mailed February 7: Dated material. Please deliver promptly.

Periodical PostagePaid at Washington DC

St. Columba’s monthly newsletter (USPS#002559) is published by St. Columba’s Episcopal Church. Second-class postage paid at Washington, DC. Postmaster: Send address changes to St. Columba’s Newsletter, 4201 Albemarle Street NW, Washington, DC 20016.

T H A N K S G I V I N G S

Make Them Smileby Marquael

I wish I could give my mom my freedomWalk out of the jail gates and then I see themMy grandmas and my momsHolding them in my armsHeart racing, feeling alarmedMom cries tears of joyHappy to see me, her eldest boyNow I’m feeling real proudTo once again make them smile

On Sun., Feb. 5, the St. Columba Prison Ministry working group presented the Free Minds Book Club & Writing Sunday Forum and Workshop as a two-part event. At the Sunday Forum, Tara Libert, a former television news producer and now executive director of Free Minds, described how books, creative writing and peer and community support are being

used to awaken incarcerated DC youth to their creative and life- giving potential, while also reducing recidivism. We heard about the personal impact of these programs from some “Poet Ambassadors” who upon their release from prison are participants in Free Minds’ job-readiness and personal skills-building training program.

At 12:30 pm, the Prison Ministry hosted a “Write Lunch”– an

opportunity open to all parishioners to read extraordinary poetry, such as the poem above, written by young people behind bars. This poetry explores themes of parent-hood, love, pain, identity, race, and freedom in voices both raw and powerfully moving. The poets thrive on input and communication from outside the prison walls, and our task was to read and respond to the poems and to annotate them with encouraging feedback.

Pages of newly-minted poems and colored pens were distributed and Free Minds will return the marked-up pages to their authors. Tara and the “Poet Ambassadors” were also in attendance, and shared how much the feedback from volunteers like us can mean to an incarcerated individual.

If you would like to support Free Minds, you may purchase copies of “The Untold Story of the Real Me,” an anthology of poems written by Free Minds members. If this experience moved you to get involved, please contact the Prison Ministry working group.

n Ginny Denning and Peter [email protected]

Young Voices from Prison

4201 Albemarle Street NW Washington, DC 20016Columba.org

newsletter - columba.org. columba’s newsletter n february 2017 1 the desire to reach out and...

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