John Campbell Bulow Library
Supporting Columbia Students
Over seventy-five years ago, the wives of two seminary professors encouraged other Atlanta area Presbyterian Women Circles to give one dollar apiece to support the students of Columbia, who they realized were in financial difficulty. At the same time, they realized the need for our students to have dress coats and appropriate clothes to be able to work in churches, so the Clothes Closet at Mission Haven was born. From those humble beginnings, Columbia Friendship Circle has grown to encompass all Presbyterian Women from the synods of South Atlantic and Living Waters, and beyond.
This wide circle of women has carried on the tradition of helping support our future pastors at a critical juncture in their faith journeys. Every year, a CFC Scholarship is awarded to a PCUSA student who attends seminary with their families and who demonstrate academic ability, financial need, and a commitment to serve the church upon graduation.
Download the CFC brochure today.
Meet CFC Scholarship Recipient
Jean Shults grew up in rural Pennsylvania, where she felt a call toward ministry that defied her denomination’s rules on women in leadership. She studied Ministry at Gordon College in Wenham, MA, and worked in full-time youth ministry for 9 years at Presbyterian Churches. In 2023, she married her now husband, and last May, they welcomed their first child, Maisie. Through the generosity of others, God cleared her path for continued education, and she is now pursuing an MDiv at Columbia. When she is not studying, she enjoys petting her cats, playing peek-a-boo with her daughter, and buying art supplies with the intention to eventually use them
Make plans to join us for your next opportunity to experience your seminary up close on Thursday, April 23, 2026! Individuals and groups are welcome.
We begin our day with a continental breakfast before enjoying worship in Campbell Hall Chapel. After chapel, you are invited to a seminary class of your choice (Class options to be announced in March). Following class, we will meet in the Refectory (dining hall) in Richards Center, where we will enjoy a delicious meal with this year’s scholarship winner, Jean Schults. After lunch, you are invited to tour Mission Haven, a ministry of the Presbyterian Women of the Synods of Living Waters and South Atlantic (www.missionhaven.net).
The cost for this event is the cost of your meal: $15.
You may register as individuals or as a group.
Accessibility: Parking in the Campbell Hall circle will be reserved for those with limited mobility. Please contact Julie Bailey to reserve your spot! We will have students on hand to guide those who would benefit from support moving between buildings. For more information, contact Julie Bailey: baileyj@ctsnet.edu.
It is only through generous donations from friends like you that these scholarships are available to help our students with families pursue their call to God. This year, our fundraising goal is $30,000 to be reached by June 30, 2026. EVERY DOLLAR MATTERS!
Please support them with a gift today!
Get to Know Columbia
Columbia Chapel
Visit Columbia on April 18 to celebrate 75 years of friendship. Learn more and RSVP.
RSVP Today
Stay curious. Keep exploring your passions through Lifelong Learning.
Lifelong Learning
Columbia Theological Seminary News
Keep with what is happening at Columbia. Read the latest news.
News & Features
