Our World
Companions in World Mission
This is an group of Episcopal Parishes, organizations and individuals in the Washington D.C. region dedicated to the global mission of the Church. In recent years, the focus has been on responding to overseas bishops’ requests for scholarship aid for native aspirants as priests, catechists and lay leaders. Grants are made to support Bible schools and seminaries situated in the countries and cultures where these servants of the Lord are called to exercise their ministries. Companions in World Mission also assists overseas Church leaders by linking them with resources and by providing hospitality and consultation to church representatives visiting this area. Visit the web site at http://www.ciwm.org.
Compass Rose Society
The Society promotes active participation in and provides resources to the worldwide Anglican Communion. The St. Alban’s chapter convenes to share information on the life of the Anglican Communion, and seeks ways to support its ministries around the world. Each October, members and representatives from Compass Rose chapters, such as ours, meet in London with the Archbishop of Canterbury. Immediately following those meetings, the Compass Rose Society embarks on missions trips to Anglican provinces throughout the world. Recent trips have been to Spain, Portugal, South Africa and Cuba. All who are a part of St. Alban’s are invited to attend our local Compass Rose Society meetings and participate in its activities. Visit the web site at compassrosesociety.org. Contact: Dennis Johnson, 202-686-7487 (h)
Mustard Seed Offering
The Mustard Seed Offering is a special plate offering gathered on the third Sunday of each month. Recipients of the offering traditionally have included local, national and international projects and programs, usually faith-based but also secular. Emergency relief, long-term development and advocacy projects and programs are supported. The offering allows the congregation to support worthwhile ministries that are not always connected to the Parish. If you would like to suggest recipients or to work on a committee that decides about recipients of the offering, contact Jeff Harwood, dme706@aol.com.
Overseas Mission Committee
This committee focuses on developing our relationship with our companion diocese in Honduras and with the Holy Spirit Church and School in Tela. In August, many in this group travel to Honduras to work on projects sponsored by the Diocese of Honduras. Committee members also represent St. Alban’s at diocesan meetings on other missionary efforts throughout the world. Contact: Parish Office, 202-363-8286.
Those Serving Our Country
Please pray for those serving our country in the U.S. Military or in govenment service abroad. We have a special page with a list of specific people »
Transformation Grant Fund
Criteria and grant application (pdf) »
The purpose of the Transformation Grant Fund is to encourage and equip the people of St. Alban’s to fulfill their Baptismal promise of furthering Christ's work for peace and reconciliation in the world. The focus of grants (up to $15,000 each) provided through the Transformation Fund is to support parishioners in ministries which use their spiritual gifts in serving others and to expand those ministries by encouraging other St. Albanites to participate. Examples of awards include: support teams of parishoners in rebuilding the Gulf region in the aftermath of Katrina; organize and present choral chamber ensemble which offers concerts at inner-city schools and nursing homes; fund special guest speakers at parish fora; assist House of Mercy & Rosemont Center to expand program for special needs children; launch educational support progam for "atrisk" 9th graders; support Low Vision Support Group & Clinic to aid low vision, low-income clients; and support teacher training (trainer of trainers model) to serve internally displaced adolescents in northern Uganda. A Storybook summarizes each of the ministries supported by Transformation Funds.
The Fund is an integral component of the Capital Campaign, representing a tithe for outreach from the campaign funds. Trustees review applications quarterly (March, June, October, December), using criteria approved by the Vestry. Contact: Jane G. Schubert, Janeschubert@aol.com.
United Religions Initiative of Washington DC (URI DC)
St. Alban’s is the host for the meetings of URI of Washington, DC, the local Cooperation Circle of the global United Religions Initiative, a worldwide grass roots organization that has more than 370 Circles in over seventy countries. The purpose of the URI is to promote enduring daily interfaith cooperation; to end religiously motivated violence; and to create cultures of peace, justice and healing for the Earth and all living beings. URIDC convenes for meetings on 2nd Tuesdays each month or for other events as announced. All are welcome. Visit the web site at www.uriwdc.org. Contacts: Stream Ohrstrom, 301-949-8984, cmndrx@verizon.net; Eve Pope, 202-966-4883, uriwdc@aol.com.
Workers of St. Alban’s
Workers of St. Alban’s, better known as WSA, provides financial support to service and outreach organizations and to the parish. Using funds raised by St. Alban’s Opportunity Shop, WSA considers grant requests, and designates grant recipients in touch with the needs of service and outreach organizations. WSA encourages participation by anyone who would like to share in the outreach and service mission of our parish. Download a WSA grant application (PDF, 1.7MB). Contact: Joanne Brainard, jebrainard@yahoo.com
Youth Mission Trips
See Youth page »