Education

St. Columba’s sees Christian education as an essential part of its mission, and has recently devoted new resources and energy to the Children's Chapel program. We want our kids to become well-informed believers who will share the Christian faith with others. Many adult parishioners also find their spiritual life and understanding is strengthened by an ongoing investigation of the Bible and the Christian story, through the classes, book studies, and forums that are offered throughout the year.

Sunday School

LISTEN * LEARN * LIVE

Led by Lisa Reimer for children ages 5 and up.

9:00am - the Children will gather in the Parish House classroom for Children’s Chapel (scripture reading and prayers). They will join their families for communion in the church. The last Sunday of the month is Youth Sunday when the children serve as liturgical helpers during the 9am service. There is no Children’s Chapel in the parish house on these Sundays.

9:50am – juice and refreshments, and immediately following, Sunday School in the class room for those children who attended Children’s Chapel and also for those who will be attending the 10:45am worship service in the church. Lisa is using the new children’s curriculum for the Episcopal Church, Weaving God’s Promises, which provides activities including arts, crafts, dramas, games and more to reinforce the lessons of the day. Come join the fun!

Childcare, ages 4 and under, is available 9:00am - 11:45am.

Youth Group

The combined youth groups from St. Columba’s and Trinity Church, Newport gather not only for fun and fellowship (wonderful ski trip to NH), but also to work together in Outreach projects for local agencies.

In December the Youth Groups raised over $1100 for their “Gifts for Teens” project. They shopped for, wrapped, and delivered presents to 23 area teens, who would otherwise have no presents to open on Christmas morning. In June members of the Youth Group accepted an award from East Bay Community Action for their outstanding efforts at Christmas time.


Adult Education

We encourage all to grow their faith at St. Columba's through a variety of educational opportunities offered throughout the year, many of them initiated and led by parishioners.

Currently, there are two ongoing lay-led groups - a weekly Early Bird men's Bible Study group and an afternoon women's spiritual study group.

On Sunday mornings, time has been set aside as Reflect & Connect (9:50 to 10:40) - a newly created block of time that is used by our rector to explore issues raised by the weekly Scripture readings, current events and to listen to outside speakers.

Advent and Lent offer a special opportunity for spiritual growth. During those seasons, the rector leads a multi-week program, often using a book as a springboard for discussion. These meetings follow the 5:30pm Wednesday Eucharist service and begin in fellowship with a potluck dinner and then conversation. Parishioners enjoy the opportunity to get to know one another better in this casual setting.

There is an annual Quiet Morning in November before the hustle and bustle of the holidays where all are invited to take time for reflection.

Throughout the year, the church hosts evening talks by parishioners and members of the wider community on a number of topics. In the recent past, these included: a woman's pilgrimage on El Camino de Santiago, a fledging not-for-profit's work providing electricity in Africa, healthy nutritional practices and working through the stages of grief.

If you have an idea, please contact our interim rectory, The Rev. Ned Mulligan at rector@stcolumbaschapel.org

Men's Bible Study

A group of guys meets in the Parish Hall Wednesdays at 6:30 a.m. for the Men’s Bible Study. They all swear it’s worth getting up that early.

The Future

Christian formation is an ongoing process and our programs are always evolving. If you have an idea for a future class, or if you would like to explore teaching adult or children’s classes, contact our Interim Rector, Reverend Ned Mulligan, at rector@stcolumbaschapel.org. To see more photos click here.