I’m New Here…
We’re so glad you stopped by! Our worship service is both ancient and modern. We live a historic faith that’s applicable today in the suburbs of Washington, DC. We join in old practices, and we apply them to our current lives. We’re a liturgical church (with humor, drums, and modern aspects), following the Anglican Book of Common Prayer, but we’re definitely not boring or stodgy.
So, don’t let the word “liturgical” scare you away. It’s really just a fancy way of saying “the way we do worship each week.” We believe that Jesus and his gospel should be central to every worship service. The way we do this is by reciting The Lord’s Prayer and the Creeds, confessing our sins together, and gathering together at the Lord’s Table (Holy Eucharist or The Lord’s Supper) each week.
We want to be a church where we faithfully, by God’s grace, live out the implications of the gospel. We want to tap into historic church practices and yet apply them to our current city and time. The church is not a physical place where good people come to be made comfortable in their goodness. Rather, the church is people who are learning what it means to live in the love of Christ who died for us.
When should I arrive?
We start our Sunday service at 10:30 am. We also offer a class Sunday mornings usually taught by Pastor Eric which starts at 9:30 am. You can come a few minutes early, pick up a weekly bulletin and grab a coffee. One of our friendly greeters can answer any of your questions.
Can I bring my children?
Yes, please! Children are a big part of the church and are very welcome. Our 10:30 am service begins with children in the service so when you arrive, bring your kids in with you. There will be an obvious point when we invite them to depart for their age-appropriate children’s program that mirrors the regular service. We will dismiss them back to you right before Holy Communion, or you can pick them up from their classroom at anytime. And if you prefer, you can have them with you during the entire service. We have a small activity table for younger children who aren’t comfortable leaving their parents. We don’t mind a little noise.
How long is the service?
About an hour and a half. We have special services throughout the year to mark holy days, and these range in service length depending upon the occasion.
What are services like?
Our service is based on the Anglican Book of Common Prayer. In each service, we sing, pray, read Scripture, celebrate the Lord’s Supper weekly, and listen to a sermon that lasts about 30 minutes. We place a high value on the preaching and hearing of God’s Word. Each week we want to be reminded of God’s amazing love for us in Jesus Christ and how we live out that love in our lives.
What are your expectations If I want to become a member?
We believe in every-member ministry (see Ephesians 4:12). That means we see every Christian member of our church family as an active gospel minister. So we hope you will find a ministry - a passion that God has birthed in you - and start serving. If you don’t a ministry where you fit in, speak to the Rector! We offer Membership classes once a quarter so you can see if we’re a good place for you to come your spiritual home - there is no obligation or pressure to join us.
I’m not from an Anglican background. Will I feel comfortable?
We sure think so. If you’re from a liturgical background (e.g., Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Episcopalian), there are many aspects of our worship that you’ll find familiar, and some you won’t. If you’re from a non-denominational background, don’t worry. Everything you need to do or say is printed in the bulletin. One of the things that will strike you is how deeply saturated our worship service is in the Scriptures, and particularly, God’s overwhelming grace in Christ Jesus. The best thing to do is come along and see for yourself.
Will I be expected to give money?
No. Please come as our guest. Any collection is given by the members of our church.
What should I wear?
Just come as you are. Folks wear all sorts of types of clothing.