Photo of Sunrise in the Judean Desert by pilgrim Lisa Battalia
In this Sunday's Gospel ... Matthew tells the story of the Transfiguration, where Jesus is transfigured/transformed before Peter, James and his brother John. When have you seen something or someone in a whole new light? Often it helps to change our vantage point--like climbing up a high mountain. What might you do in this upcoming season of Lent to see Jesus more clearly? Turn to St. Columba's Lenten calendar for some ideas!
  ~ a message from Jennifer Turner
You won't want to miss ...
Sunday Forum
This Sunday, Feb. 23 at 10:15 am, join Brookings Institution’s Jenny Schuetz as she addresses "Causes and Policy Approaches to Housing Affordability," a major cause of family homelessness DC (Church Nave)
Sundays at 5 pm with Rosa Lamoreax
Hear Rosa perform Chants of Hildegard von Bingen, 12th c. abbess, counselor and healer. Concert proceeds donated to St. C’s Outreach Fund to benefit the new initiative to end family homelessness in DC. 
Ash Wednesday
Services: 7 am, 12:30 pm & 7 pm. A special Children’s service will be held at 4 pm. Find your “Ashes to Go” at 4201 Albemarle and the Tenleytown Metro stop (corner of Wisconsin & Albemarle), 7:45-8:30 am and 5-6 pm.
And Every Sunday at St. Columba's ...
Our  Regular Worship Schedule offers services in the Church Nave at 
8 am (spoken),  9 am (family-friendly service with children's choirs and an age-appropriate Gospel story for children 3-8), and  11:15 am featuring our adult choirs. The Great Hall service at  9:15 am is designed for pre-school aged children and their families.  Learn more about child care, Sunday School and the other family-focused programs St. Columba's offers.
Practicing Faith
LENT
Walking the Way of Love this Lent
Lent is the time to discern your personal faith story. It is a time for reflection, repentence and renewal. Come rediscover yourself by walking the Way of Love with us this Lenten season. Enrich your prayer life and grow deeper in faith by participating in a St. C’s book group, workshop or retreat.
Learn more about our Lenten formation programs ... Here is just a sampling!
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS AT ST. C'S IN LENT: MAR. 4 - APR. 1
Wednesdays, 9:45-11:15 am (Rm 212) OR 7-8:30 pm (Rm. 215)
Lenten Book Groups
Join a morning or evening group for a weekly exploration of Bishop Marianne Budde's book, "Receiving Jesus: The Way of Love" led by  David Griswold . Register by  email .

Wednesdays, 7-8 pm (Rm 220)
Parenting the Way of Love: Book Study Group
Join us Wednesdays in Lent as we use Bishop Marianne Budde’s book “Receiving Jesus: The Way of Love” to explore what it means for us to "Parent the Way of Love.” Led by  Amy Molina-Moore

Wednesdays, 7-8:30 pm (Rm 212)
Faith at Work
Many wonder … “How do I practice my faith at work? Especially here in Washington, where so many of us are very wrapped up in our jobs, how do we not ‘check it at the door’? It’s not appropriate for most of us to proselytize, but what else can we do? How do we remind ourselves that we are still living out God’s love in the midst of meetings and deadlines?”  from parishioner Mary Ann Carter.

Join  Ledlie Laughlin  for conversation; we’ll learn together. The challenges are different for each line of work, so we will gather with those in similar context on the following dates:
March 4     Education, Communication and the Arts
March 11    Health Care and Social Service Providers
March 18    Those caring for family at home
March 25    Legal, Political and Not-For-Profit
April 1         Business and Finance
You don’t fit neatly in one of these? Pick one and join us. 
Note: you are invited to one session only. If there is interest among those gathered, we will determine next steps.

WEDNESDAYS IN LENT: MAR. 11 - APR. 15, 4:45-6 PM (RM 203)
Legos for Lent
Legos for Lent is a program for children ages 4-10 to hear a Bible story, talk about the story and create a Lego scene depicting the story. Click  here  to register or just come for the fun! Led by  Katie McGervey

TUES., MAR. 10, 7-7:45 PM (WORKSHOP); 8-8:30 PM (WALK) (GREAT HALL)
A Mindful Lent: Special Labyrinth Program and Walk
As part of your Lenten observance, explore the practice of mindfulness – living in the present moment – with a special labyrinth program and walk. Led by parishioner and certified mindfulness instructor Courtney Hundley, the evening will begin with a mindfulness workshop and followed by a special labyrinth walk accompanied by live music.

It all begins Wed., March 4th!
PILGRIMAGE
St. Columba's Holy Land Pilgrimage
Day 9 and counting ... Follow our pilgrims on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag: #ColumbaPilgrims (just cut and past this phrase into the search bar on Facebook). If you are not currently following St. Columba's on social media, now is the sign up by clicking those links provided and liking us!
Strengthening Community
DON'T MISS IT!
Mardi Gras 2020
Come Tues., Feb. 25 and enjoy Shrove Tuesday pancakes traditional New Orleans cuisine, festive beverages, live jazz music, and crafts for kids–a fun night for all ages! Join us in the Great Hall, 5:30-7:30 pm. Purchase tickets this Sunday at the Welcome desk. Children 4 & under are free. Contact: Jennifer Turner
MUSIC
Concert to Benefit Homelessness  
Sundays at 5 pm Concert Series: Chants of Hildegard von Bingen
Prepare your hearts and minds for Lent in this gorgeous program of eternal chants of Hildegard von Bingen, 12th c. abbess, counselor and healer. The concert includes delightful medieval dances on harp and strings. Proceeds will be donated to St. C’s Outreach Fund to benefit the new initiative to end family homelessness in DC. Tickets $10-$30 at www.rosasings.com or at the door.
Finding God
FORMATION
Upcoming Sunday Forums in Lent
Sunday Forums bring us all together to talk about the big issues and tough challenges we face – but also to celebrate our community and find new directions together. During Lent, St. Columba's has brought together a series of powerful speakers bringing new insight to the idea of where we find God from many interesting perspectives: science, music and elsewhere. Join us Sundays at 10:15 am .

March 1: "Choosing a Good Death After a Long Life"
A book talk by Sam Harrington, MD with Susan Flanders
Most people say they would like to die quietly at home. But overly aggressive medical advice, coupled with an unrealistic sense of invincibility or overconfidence in our health-care system, results in the majority of elderly patients misguidedly dying in institutions. Come hear a new perspective on how to ensure loved ones live their last days more comfortably. (Church Nave)

March 8: "Finding God in Science"
Charles Bolden, former astronaut and NASA Administrator
Through personal anecdotes and leadership insights from his Marine Corps and NASA experiences that testify to the ability of the human spirit to overcome adversity and set new expectations for the future, Mr. Bolden will talk about what we can accomplish when we dream big together. (Church Nave)

March 15: Glimpsing God's Beauty Through Music
Cythnia Hoover and Sarah Hoover 
Cynthia Adams Hoover, Emeritus Curator of Musical Instruments at the Smithsonian Institution, and Sarah Adams Hoover, Associate Dean for Innovation, Interdisciplinary Partnerships and Community Initiatives at the Peabody Institute, share reflections from two generations of personal and professional lives in music, exploring the ways in which religious life intersects with career paths, and how we find God through music. (Great Hall)

Missed a past Sunday Forum?
Gathering
For more event info, go to Calendar at Columba.org

St. Columba's Lenten Calendar
Follow the Way of Love this Lenten Season. Start your Lenten journey using the St. C's Lenten Calendar . From worship services to book groups and workshops, and labyrinths walks to days of reflection ... You'll find it all right here .
SUNDAYS
Healing Prayer  During Communion at the 9:15 and 10:30 am services, you are invited for a healing prayer for yourself or others in St. Aidan's Chapel or at the 42nd Street entry.

Sunday Forums 10:15, in Church Nave or Great Hall. Presentations that stimulate our imagination about living the Christian life in this community, and in today’s changing world. See speaker lineup.

Bible, Coffee & Conversation  Come 10:15 am, in Rm 238. When we open our minds and hearts to Scripture, we learn to see God’s story and God’s activity in our everyday lives. Join us!

Sung Compline During Lent
Singers will be sharing Compline, a service of quietness and reflection before rest at the end of the day on Sunday evenings, Mar. 1-29, at 7:30 pm in St. Aidan's Chapel.

MONDAYS & THURSDAYS
Centering Prayer
Join us Monday evenings (6:25-7:30 pm) and/or Thursday afternoons (12:55-2 pm), Rm 202.

WEDNESDAYS
Mothers' Group 10 am, Rm 203. Join us as we get to know each other better, sharing the highs and lows of motherhood. Free child care.

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS AT ST. C's IN LENT
Find more information about Wednesday evening Way of Love book groups, programs & workshops on St. C's Lenten Calendar.

THURSDAYS
Thursday Morning Bible Study Group 7:45 am, Rm 212.
Living Clearly: Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation An introductory course Mar. 5 - Apr. 9 at 7-8 pm, in Rm 212, led by Catherine Flanagan.

SUN., FEB. 23
42nd Street Fellowship Luncheon 1 pm, House of Foong Lin (4613 Willow Lane, Bethesda). 
"Sundays at 5 pm: Chamber Music for Hearts and Minds" with Rosa Lamoreaux, 5 pm in the Church Nave. Tickets

TUES., FEB. 25
Mardi Gras Celebration 5:30 - 7:30 pm in the Great Hall. Tickets
Burning of the Palms Liturgy 6 pm in the Columbarium.
Branches Meditation Group meets (Fourth Tuesday) for meditation, prayer and sharing in community, 7:30-9 pm in Rm 203.

WED., FEB. 26
Ash Wednesday Services 7 am, 12:30 pm and 7 pm. A special Children’s service will be held at 4 pm. “Ashes to Go” at 4201 Albemarle and the Tenleytown Metro stop (corner of Wisconsin & Albemarle), 7:45-8:30 am and 5-6 pm. Find more information about Lenten services, programs & classes on St. C's Lenten Calendar.

THUR., FEB. 27
Afternoon Labyrinth Walk with Water Ministry Guests 1-2 pm, Great Hall. 

SUN., MAR. 1
Caregivers' Support Group 12:30-2 pm, in Rm 212.
Environment Committee 12:30 pm, in Rm 215.
Fathers’ Group 8 pm at The Avenue (5540 Connecticut Ave., NW).

MON., MAR. 2
First Monday Prayer Group 9-10:30 am, in Rm 220.

WED., MAR. 4
Wednesday Nights at St. C's begins! 7 pm Click here for course list.
Benedictine Cell First and third Wednesday of the month, from 6-7 pm in the Deming Library.

THURS., MAR. 5
Creative Aging Network (CAN) 12:30-2 pm in Rm 212.

SUN., MAR. 8
Daylight Savings Begins! Set your clocks ahead by one hour.
Newcomer Tour & Talk 10:15 am, at the Welcome Desk.
Second Tuesday Grate Patrol 11:15 am, in Rm 205.

TUES., MAR. 10
A Mindful Lent: Special Labyrinth Program and Walk 7 pm Led by parishioner and certified mindfulness instructor Courtney Hundley, in the Great Hall.

WED., MAR. 11
CIRCLE: Wisdom Circle 9:30-10:45 am, Rm 212. A chance to reflect on the experience of "Elderhood" with prayer, bible study and discussion. (Second Wednesdays) Register or just come!
CIRCLE: LGBT Circle at 7 pm, in Rm. 220. Led by Mark Smith.

SAT., MAR. 14
Sticks-in-Stitches 10 am-12 pm in the Lounge at Friendship Terrace (2nd fl).

FRI., MAR. 20
Environment Committee Movie Night An award-winning documentary “The Biggest Little Farm” at 7 pm in the Great Hall.

SAT., MAR. 21
The Contemplative Experience of Jesus: Lenten Half Day for Prayer and Reflection. Come and deepen your Lenten journey at this mini-retreat 9 am-1 pm, in Rm 212.

SUN., Mar. 28
J2A Chili Cook-off 12:30-2 pm, Common.
"Sundays at 5 pm: Chamber Music for Hearts and Minds" with Rosa Lamoreaux, 5 pm, Church Nave.