Care | St. Columba's Episcopal Church

Pastoral care is the very soul of this Christian community. For each of us, there are times in life when we need loving support from others, and times when we can offer it to others. Find here, your opportunities for both.

If you have an immediate need and would like to connect with a member of our pastoral team, you can email [email protected] or call 202-669-4856.

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in."
MATTHEW 25:35

Seeking Assistance

Pastoral care is the very soul of this Christian community. For each of us, there are times in life when we need loving support from others, and times when we can offer it to others.

Stephen Ministry

Parishioners and others in the community (called care receivers) who are going through a difficult time can receive one-to-one, high quality care from a trained lay caregiver, a Stephen Minister. Grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, caregiver burnout, infertility, birth of a special needs child, miscarriage, parenting struggles, hospitalization, spiritual crisis, depression or empty nest are just some of the issues our trained ministers might help with.

Stephen Ministers listen to, support, encourage and pray with and for their care receiver. A Stephen Minister and care receiver typically meet once a week for about an hour, and the conversation between them is confidential. A referral may be made to an appropriate health professional if the needs of the care receiver are greater than what a Stephen Minister is qualified to provide.

Prayer

Opportunities for Prayer and Meditation Abound!
With an energy that St. Columba's is well known for, several of our prayer ministries came back online after only a brief disruption, and some new ones blossomed forth in response to the current crisis.

The Labyrinth at St. Columba's

Are you seeking peace, renewal, and time for quiet inner reflection? Come walk St C’s labyrinth! When our labyrinth is unfolded and in place -- and lit only by battery-operated candles and a bit of natural light through the windows -- the Great Hall is transformed into a magical place.

Fellowship Groups

Fellowship Groups encourage St. Columbans to gather based on shared interests and life experiences, and to share in each other's faith journey.

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It is my great joy to welcome you! Your presence here is a gift.

St. Columba’s is a lively, inclusive community of faith engaged in many ministries. We’re glad you’ve found us and look forward to welcoming you and learning more about you!

Whether you are new to the area or just to St. Columba’s, whether you are familiar with the Episcopal Church or have never attended church before, we know it can be a challenge to make your way into a new faith community. Answers to all your questions are just a click away.

We’re glad you’re here. St. Columba’s is a church on a mission to Live God’s Love. While our building is closed, our parish community is alive and well connected online. Walk with us during these uncertain times as we encourage spiritual curiosity, celebrate children and youth, and embrace the world in the spirit of God’s justice and love. We'd love to connect with you via phone and/or email.

The opposite of faith is not doubt, but certainty. ~ Anne Lamott

Joining a church doesn’t mean you don’t have big questions or doubts. Deciding to be part of a loving community of faith means you’re open to exploring and wrestling with those big questions and doubts. Most people here did not grow up in The Episcopal Church. Some have never been a member of any church. Many have a background in a different church or faith tradition. At St. Columba’s, there will be many opportunities to learn, ask questions, and get to know other pilgrims along the way. Our deepest hope is that everyone who steps through our doors knows they belong here.

While our building is closed, our parish community is alive and well connected online. Walk with us during these uncertain times as we encourage spiritual curiosity, celebrate children and youth, and embrace the world in the spirit of God’s justice and love. How can we serve you today?

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Check out #ColumbaDailyBread... Daily reflections from St. Columba's clergy and staff.

Let's Stay in Touch!

A pledge is a promise - a promise to give a certain amount over the course of the following year. We don’t expect you to fulfill your pledge in one lump gift. Many find they can give more when pledging and then giving incrementally over the course of the year.

Pledging before the start of each calendar year is critical for clergy and staff to develop an annual budget and plan to serve you and our wider community.

Pledge Online Brochure and Video

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Give? God asks us to share our time, talent and treasure. A life of generosity is at the root of Christianity. The Bible encourages the tithe – or 10% of your annual income – and we encourage you to think about what a meaningful gift would be for you.

When you give to St. Columba’s you help fund our ministry in the community, our worship, and the staff that supports our community as we strive to Live God’s Love.

Our mission is funded by you – St. Columbans and other supporters.

St. Columba’s is grateful for your generosity. We accepts gifts in the form of cash, checks, appreciated stocks, Charitable IRA Rollovers, Donor Advised Gifts, and matching gifts. If you would like to include us in your end-of-life charitable gift plans, we accept bequests, life income gifts, and gifts of special assets (real estate, closely held stock, life insurance).

Want to learn more?

Giving Instructions and FAQ

To visit our member portal for online giving, recurring gifts, the member directory, events and registrations, or to create a new member log-in, click the button below.

The Iona Society is an honorary society of parishioners through the decades who have chosen to support the life and work of St. Columba’s Episcopal Church through charitable bequests, life income gifts, trusts, and other planned giving arrangements. St. Columba’s has thrived due the generosity of many hundreds of friends over the past century. The preservation of its buildings, its ministry to those within and outside our walls and the success of its programs all depend on such continuing support. Members of the Iona Society play a crucial role in providing for the church’s future through their gifts.