National City is pleased to announce the opening of the Kathleen Swihart Office of Denominational Collaboration in Washington DC. This newly updated space will serve as shared office space for leaders and partners of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to book as needed and available. Our hope is to serve the wider church engaged in ecumenical and interfaith justice, advocacy, organizing, and policy work in the United States capital.
In May of 2025, the National City Christian Foundation board voted to approve the use of office space at National City Christian Church to be designated the Kathleen Swihart Office of Denominational Collaboration on the second floor of 5 Thomas Circle, Washington, DC. Since then our building and operations team has worked to create a fresh space to support the work of the wider church.
Kathleen Swihart was a member of National City Christian Church for nearly 70 years and passed away on March 19, 2025. She served God and God’s people faithfully as the Associate for Membership at National City Christian Church, the President of the Christian Women’s Fellowship, as well as a variety of leadership roles within the Capital Area Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Each of these roles reflect her lifelong commitment to translating Christ’s hospitality into the life of the church. Her commitment to creating spaces of welcome is why the Foundation felt compelled to name the space dedicated to denominational collaboration in Kathleen Swihart’s honor.
Of this new space The Rev. Stephanie Kendell, Senior Minister and President shared, “We are hoping that this space becomes yet another way that the National City Christian Church Foundation can support our partner ministries doing important work in our nation’s capital. Having physical space to meet and work is an important part of how we support the wider work of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) as their national church. Kathy’s work and ministry here was so connected to the wider church, I am pleased we can continue her legacy and love for the church at National City.”
General ministries and recognized ministry partners of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) may book this shared space by emailing vwick@nationalcitycc.org.