COLUMBIA'S COMPASSION MINISTRY
Columbia's Compassion Ministry (CCM) is dedicated to meeting needs and sharing Christ in our community. Jesus said, "Do you love me? ... Feed my sheep" John 21:17. Located at 301 N. Washington Street, Columbia's community food pantry received 1,753 walk-in requests for food during 2003. These requests helped feed 6,445 people. Families from 41 countries were assisted, receiving 3,273 bags of groceries. Stocked by Columbia's congregation and generous gifts from other individuals and organizations that share our heart for our neighbors, volunteers offer spiritual and physical nurturing to all seeking assistance.
Join us in caring for others. To volunteer, make a food donation, or for more information, call 703-533-8950, Saturdays, 9:30 AM until 12:30 PM
CHRISTIAN LEGAL AID
Christian Legal Aid of Northern Virginia (CLA)
CLA holds clinics at Columbia on Saturdays from 9:30 am-12 pm, generally twice each month, at 301 N. Washington Street (corner of Great Falls and Washington Streets). CLA provides free legal aid to pre-screened clients by appointment. Walk-in clients are accepted if there is space available. Screening forms are available at the 301 N. Washington Street location on Saturday mornings, 9:30-12; on the Ministry Wall at Columbia@Falls Church, 2nd floor outside Stephenson Hall; and at Columbia@Crossroads. For more information about CLA at Columbia please contact Nancy Walker, Pastor for Congregational Care, at 
or 703-534-5740 x266.
For general information about Christian Legal Aid, see the Christian Legal Services website: www.clsnet.org
CHRISTIAN LEGAL AID...FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Christian Legal Aid? (CLA)
CLA is a service provided by volunteer attorneys, legal assistants, paralegals, law students and administrative assistants who are in partnership with Columbia to extend free legal services to those who need them.
Where and when does CLA offer services?
CLA meets with clients two Saturdays each month between 9:30 and 11:30 AM at the Columbia Center for Missions (CCM), 301 N. Washington Street in Falls Church. There is designated space for CLA which includes two consultation offices, a reception area and a secured closet for files and supplies. There is a Columbia liaison on site when CLA lawyers are there.
What kinds of legal issues are handled by CLA?
Most volunteer attorneys are general practitioners and can advise clients in general terms. It may be necessary to refer a client to a specialist if the legal problem is complex. Some typical matters include: domestic matters, immigration law, employee/employer disputes, landlord/tenant matters, credit/debt matters. In some cases the solution is as simple as a phone call or a letter from the attorney.
How does a person make an appointment with CLA?
Registration forms are located on the Ministry Wall at Columbia@Falls Church, on the 2nd floor outside Stephenson Hall; and on the ministry wall at Columbia@Crossroads in the foyer of the worship space. You may also download the form here: Christian Legal Aid Application Form. At the Falls Church campus, the form is to be completed and returned to Nancy Walker, Pastor for Congregational Care; at the Crossroads campus, the form is to be completed and returned to Greg Loewer, Host Pastor at Columbia@Crossroads; The form will be given to Barry Hall, CLA administrator, so he can arrange an appointment with an attorney. Barry will then call the applicant to inform him or her of the appointment date and time. Completed forms may also be mailed to Columbia Baptist Church, 103 W. Columbia Street, Falls Church VA 22046 or faxed to the attention of Nancy Walker, 703-536-6757
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