From the Rector's Desk The Rev. Ledlie I. Laughlin Rector, St. Columba's Episcopal Church, Washington, DC

August 11, 2020 From the Rev. Amy Molina-Moore, Associate Rector of Family Ministries Dear St. Columbans,  After months of searching, interviewing, praying and listening I am thrilled to announce that we have found our next Director of Youth Ministries! Friends, allow me to introduce you to Elliott May. Coming to us most recently from the great state of New Jersey,* Elliott is a recent graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary. While in seminary Elliott “discovered” The Episcopal Church where he began worshipping and studying Anglican theology and liturgy.   Prior to arriving at Princeton, Elliott spent four years working with students in his hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma as an AmeriCorps member. Elliott brings to the role of Director of Youth Ministries a deep personal respect and care for the church, mission and a history of professional and volunteer experience with young people.

From Elliott May ... "I’m so happy to be joining St. Columba’s as the Director of Youth Ministries. I love working with young people and am excited to plug in to the great work that's already going on at St. Columba's. Before seminary, I worked with middle and high school students at an urban education nonprofit organization in Tulsa, OK, where I grew up. I love working with people during such a formative stage of life, and I’m eager to get to know all of the incredible youth and families of St. C’s. Young people bring so much to the life of the church, and my hope is that through the youth ministry at St. Columba’s, students will have fun, build strong relationships, and grow into a faith that is uniquely their own."

Throughout this search process I have been impressed with the thoughtfulness, commitment and care of the many people who participated, no more so than with the youth who lent their voice to this search. I was powerfully reminded again how awesome the youth of St. Columba’s are; they are insightful, conscientious and they want to help make the world a better, kinder place. I am excited that Elliott has accepted the call to minister to such a distinguished group, and look forward to partnering with him in this meaningful work.  Faithfully,

The Rev. Amy Molina-Moore *Proud Jersey Girl