Ministries, Groups, and Activities

The ASD Committee arranges seminars, workshops, mini-courses, book discussions, etc., on a range of topics—from social and environmental justice to theology and spiritual practices to arts and crafts—that reflect the variety of interests of All Souls’ congregants. We meet to review proposals for classes and explore future offerings. We always welcome new members.

A non-profit corporation composed of All Souls members, ASHC seeks to build a healthy, diverse community in our neighborhoods by developing and maintaining affordable housing and services to residents. In 1971, as Change-All Souls Housing Corporation, we helped build Columbia Heights Village on 14th Street, for which we have continuing responsibility. We work with community partners to build and rehab affordable housing units, sponsor information forums, and advocate for the community. Our board meetings are open for all All Souls members periodically after church. 

We collect, preserve, and organize documents and photographs related to All Souls. We also respond to a wide variety of queries, and we're particularly proud of assistance given to Rev. Bruce Marshall and Rev. Mark Morrison-Reed as they prepared books. Our current goals include developing a topical index to make it easier for researchers to access materials and to make decisions about the much-coveted Eaton papers. Some of our two dozen volunteers work at home.

Established in 1973 through a generous donation from Earl and Meta Beckner, the All Souls/Beckner Advancement Fund helps make the community around the church more cohesive, attractive, and forward-looking, while fostering human rights and dignity. The Fund supports efforts to advance social justice, distributing over $100,000 in grants annually. More information at www.all-souls.org/beckner.

We toll our historic 1822 Revere Foundry “Abolition” Bell, which has served our community for 190 years. We mix the joys and sorrows of the world by pealing the bell for several minutes, pausing for two minutes to wind the weights on our bell tower clock to keep it running, and then tolling the bell in memory of all the deaths in current wars. After training, volunteers are given access to a Google calendar to sign up for open slots.

The Caring Network comprises congregants who reach out to others with visits, cards, meals, transportation, and other practical and emotional gifts. Ultimately, the Caring Network is simply an organized extension of the care we all offer one another. Contact us if you are in need of care or would like to help others.

The CRE Committee supports and participates in the creation of a faith development program plan which strengthens and clarifies the ethical, moral, and spiritual lives of children and youth in collaboration with the Children’s Religious Educator and the Director of Children's Religious Education. We meet once a month to support teacher training and development, plan and implement religious education events, represent the interests of the children and youth within the church, and work with other adults in the wider congregation to build a religious community.

The Council comprises the church’s lay leaders of committees, groups, and activities, trustees and officers, and staff. We meet to implement the work of the church, share information, support and coordinate programs, and develop leadership. The Council’s 16-member Steering Committee plans and implements the Council meetings and monitors and reports on progress towards realizing the church’s visioning goals.

Appointed by the Board of Trustees, we coordinate the church’s conflict resolution process. One of our responsibilities is to identify and recruit mediators and provide training in conflict resolution. More information at www.all-souls.org/right-relations.

Covenant groups, organized through All Souls’ small-group ministry program, offer opportunities to build community, deepen relationships, and provide a safe place for spiritual exploration. Five to ten people meet once or twice a month in the homes of members, and meetings are led by a facilitator. As the program grows, new groups are always forming. The Covenant Group Steering Committee provides resources based on the church’s monthly spiritual themes and also provides training for new facilitators. 

We express our commitment to building a Beloved Community by welcoming all immigrants and English-language learners in the DC area who wish to improve their speaking and listening skills. The program focuses on conversation and pronunciation rather than grammar; provides training and ongoing support by an ESL education expert; has a high teacher/tutor–to-student ratio; schedules classes on Sunday outside of the work week; and shares information from other DC-based agencies.