We are an accepting, lively, and diverse Episcopal faith community, grounded in the love of God in Jesus Christ. Walk with us as we seek the way of Christ through worship, relationship, music, learning, and acts of compassion.
Episcopal Church
ST. COLUMBA'S
Sunday worship: 8am and 10am
Godly Play and Sunday School 10am
26715 Military Road South, Kent, WA 98032
The Saint Columba's Family
Staff Profiles
The Rev. Alissa Newton became Vicar of St. Columba's on August 3, 2014. Alissa grew up in Northern California and moved to the Pacific Northwest to attend Seattle Pacific University in 1996, where in the course of her undergraduate career she found and fell in love with the Episcopal Church. After completing her BA in Religious Studies at SPU, Alissa worked as a research interviewer for Washington State's Department of Social and Health Services and spent her free time playing the drums for an all-female rock band she formed with friends.
In 2008 Alissa received a certificate in Congregational Development from the Congregational Development Institute and was accepted into postulancy for priesthood in the Episcopal Church. She attended seminary at Seattle University while also working as a congregational development consultant in the Diocese of Olympia and as a founding trainer for The College for Congregational Development. In February of 2014 Alissa became the Director of The College for Congregational Development. She graduated from Seattle University in 2014 with her MDiv, and was ordained priest in July of 2014.
Alissa married her husband Andrew, a native of Poulsbo, WA, in 2005. They have two daughters, ages 4 and 6, and a 2 year old black lab. Alissa and her family live in Des Moines, WA. In her free time, Alissa loves to spend time with her family, read geeky fiction, play the drums, and grow dahlias.
Showing an affinity for singing from a young age, Martin has brought his musical gifts to a variety of settings.
His music leadership in churches has crossed denominations, including choral conducting in Baptist and Lutheran congregations and service as a pianist for a small charismatic faith community. More recently, Martin has previously served as music director for Episcopal congregations in Tempe, Arizona and Sammamish, Washington.
He has performed with numerous wind and choral ensembles, including the choirs of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, All Saints' Episcopal Church, and the Phoenix Symphony Chorus, and on the euphonium with the Phoenix Metropolitan Philharmonic, Phoenix Concert Band, and the Rainbow City Band of Seattle.
His primary work has been in the multifaceted world of church administration. He makes time for solo work in churches around the community and enjoys engaging faith groups in experiences of worship in the style of the ecumenical monastic community of Taizé, France.
With private study in voice, composition and euphonium, Martin graduated Summa Cum Laude from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona with a Bachelor of Music degree in Church Music, with an emphasis in Choral Conducting. There he was awarded the Ray-Maben scholar designation, the school's highest academic honor. Professional interests include the intersection of music, worship, and congregational development.
Elaine Ogden is our Children, Youth, and Family Minster. Her favorite thing about St. Columba's is the people! She loves how the people here love and respect one another, are always happy to help, and are energized about the children and youth. When she is not spending time with her favorite young people, she enjoys adventuring with her family and watching Netflix.
If you need something - ask! Becca does as much as possible in the few hours she has each week including but not limited to: parts of the ePistle, setting up Prayers of the People, calendaring, reminders to servers, answering phone and voice mail, handling incoming mail and "other duties as assigned"!