Outreach
In the Community
St. Columba's Outreach Ministry responds to needs in the community, nation, and world, providing a helping hand in the spirit of Jesus Christ through prayer and action by members of the congregation. It also recommends charitable expenditures to St. Columba’s Vestry. Some of the agencies we support, either financially or with the involvement of parish members as volunteers, are included below.
If you wish to become more involved with St. Columba’s outreach ministries or any of our programs, please email the Parish Office.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center
The MLK Center provides a wide range of social services, meals and food for those in need in our community. St. Columba’s parishioners volunteer at the center and also make donations to the MLK food pantry. Pantry staff let us know which food items or toiletries are most needed and St. Columba’s parishioners provide monthly deliveries of those items to the center in Newport. This project, named The 5th Loaf, was initiated by St. Columba’s Wednesday morning Bible study group. Baskets in the back of the church and just outside the parish office in the entryway to the parish house are provided to collect our contributions during each month.
Episcopal Charities of Rhode Island
Priorities include food, shelter and healthcare provided by charitable agencies and programs throughout the Diocese. St. Columba’s operating budget includes a line item for Episcopal Charities of Rhode Island.
Episcopal Relief and Development
ERD provides aid and relief in this country and in developing countries. St. Columba’s operating budget includes a line item for Episcopal Relief and Development.
St. Columba’s Garden Party
In June of each year, St. Columba’s hosts a garden party on the church grounds. A major portion of the proceeds from the garden party are distributed as grants to non-profit organizations on the island to assist with current critical needs in our communities
Women's Resource Center
In November and December, St. Columba’s parishioners support the Women’s Resource Center, an organization that provides safe housing for women, children and the elderly experiencing domestic violence. This support is provided via a holiday fundraising campaign highlighted on the Center’s website.
Lucy's Hearth
During those same months, parishioners take paper ornaments from The Giving Tree in St. Columba’s Parish Hall to support several local families with gifts and gift cards. Family information and wish lists are provided by Lucy’s Hearth, an organization that helps families who are experiencing homelessness due to economic hardship, family crisis, divorce, eviction, and severe shortage of safe, affordable housing.