Welcome to the web page for Christ Church Washington Parish, DC

620 G Street SE | Washington, DC 20003 | fax 202.547.5098 | 202.547.9300
just 2.5 blocks south of Eastern Market Metro

Read any of the following new sermons by clicking on the link

The Rev. Martha Wallace's Sermon for 3rd Sunday in Pentecost, June 12, 2009 Click here for MS Word version or Click here for the PDF version
The Rev. Bill Doggett's Sermon for Trinity Sunday, 2009 Click here for MS Word version or Click here for the PDF version
The Rev. Martha Wallace's Sermon commemorating Justice Thurgood Marshall, May 17, 2009 Click here for MS Word version or Click here for the PDF version
The Rev. Martha Wallace's Sermon for the Fourth Sunday of Easter 2009 Click here for MS Word version or Click here for the PDF version
The Rev. Bill Doggett's Sermon for the Third Sunday of Easter 2009 Click here for MS Word version or Click here for the PDF version
The Rev. Bill Doggett's Sermon for the Second Sunday of Easter 2009 Click here for MS Word version or Click here for the PDF version
The Rev. Bill Doggett's Sermon for Easter Sunday 2009 Click here for MS Word version or Click here for the PDF version
The Rev. Bill Doggett's Homily for Good Friday 2009 Click here for MS Word version or Click here for the PDF version
The Rev. Martha Wallace's Sermon for Palm Sunday 2009 Click here for MS Word version or Click here for the PDF version
For the complete file of the sermons, click here

Special links of interest to members and visitors of the Parish

The Search for a new rector continues at Christ Church. Click here for the Search/Call Committee information page

Sid Neely took some photos at the Vestry Retreat

The Search Committee thanks all who attended the two Open Space meetings. Our facilitators were impressed with the energy at the meetings and the obvious interest everyone is taking in the future of our parish.

The Monday Night class is next venturing into the world of the Bible. We are now beginning to read 'The Bible: A Biography' by Karen Armstrong. (click here to read an excerpt) The Bible is the most widely circulated book in history and one of the most influential texts of all time. Over centuries, the text has been revised, translated, interpreted and re-interpreted. Today, the Bible's origins remain uncertain, and its meaning is still debated.

In the latest in the Grove/Atlantic series, Books That Changed the World, religious affairs expert and author Karen Armstrong weighs in on the text that became a spiritual roadmap to billions.

Armstrong says that today scripture "has a bad name." She writes, "If religion preaches compassion, why is there so much hatred in sacred texts? Is it possible to be a 'believer' today when science has undermined so many biblical teachings?"

Armstrong's previous books include Muhammad: A Prophet for Our Time, A History of God, and Buddha.

Volunteers needed to purchase groceries for making homeless lunches for summer and subsequent months. Sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board. Cost is reimbursable up to $100. Groceries usually cost a bit more than that. Linda Mellgren will provide you with the list and answer any questions. Questions? Contact Linda through the Church office. Click anywhere in the above text to get more information

The Gospel for
4th Pentecost

Mark 5:21-43

When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered around him; and he was by the sea. Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came and, when he saw him, fell at his feet and begged him repeatedly, "My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live." He went with him.

And a large crowd followed him and pressed in on him. Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years. She had endured much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had; and she was no better, but rather grew worse. She had heard about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, for she said, "If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well." Immediately her hemorrhage stopped; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crowd and said, "Who touched my clothes?" And his disciples said to him, "You see the crowd pressing in on you; how can you say, `Who touched me?'" He looked all around to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease."

While he was still speaking, some people came from the leader's house to say, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any further?" But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, "Do not fear, only believe." He allowed no one to follow him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they came to the house of the leader of the synagogue, he saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. When he had entered, he said to them, "Why do you make a commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him. Then he put them all outside, and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, "Talitha cum," which means, "Little girl, get up!" And immediately the girl got up and began to walk about (she was twelve years of age). At this they were overcome with amazement. He strictly ordered them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.

A Sophistication Gap

When he had entered, he said to them, "Why do you make a commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him.
Mark 5:39-40

I think we know what kind of laughter that was. It wasn't happy laughter, the laughter of friends. It was bitter, this laughter. Sarcastic, bitter and hopeless.

It's hard to come back to a place of trust once you've ventured into the place of sarcasm, isn't it? Once you've activated your cynicism, it bleeds quickly into every other part of you, including your heart, which promptly snaps shut. You don't want to be caught trusting in anything too completely. Don't want to look like a fool. Hah! you say, dripping derision from the single syllable. Hah! you say again. Oh, puh-leeze! you say, trying that one on for size. And it fits: you feel a little better about your hopeless situation, a little more in control. At least you still have your sophistication.

Jesus seems not to set much store by sophistication. He leaves all those people outside, still laughing at him. He brings only those who are prepared to love the bereaved parents and the little girl. In her room, a miracle happens. And the only people there to see it are those who are willing to look like fools because their longing is so intense they don't care how they look.

It costs to keep your heart open. You look like a fool sometimes. People think you don't know how the world works. They may feel sorry for you for being such a bumpkin.

But there will be things you see that the sophisticates will miss. Grace can be subtle, a matter of interpretation. Just imagine the people outside when the little girl emerged, well and happy and hungry for her supper: Raised from the dead? Oh, puh-leeze! I knew all the time that she was just asleep!
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Copyright © 2009 Barbara Crafton

To the members of our diocese: Due to the outbreak of swine flu, the diocese would like to provide some information that we hope will be helpful. We are not making specific recommendations, and ask only that our parishes use their best judgment as this situation develops. Click here to read the memo

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Click here for information for all CHGM events

Capitol Hill Group Ministry is beginning its annual Backpack and School Supplies Drive. This year they are supplying lists of needed supplies and asking that you volunteer to either fill or sponsor a backpack. Information, supply lists and donor forms are posted on the bulletin board by the office door.

Join the Capitol Hill Group Ministry for the All-Stars Party Night fundraiser at the Nationals Park Diamond Club and support their efforts to help the homeless on Capitol Hill. Tuesday, July 14, 7:00pm - 10:00pm (During the All-Star Game). Enjoy batting cages with professional pitchers, tours of Nationals Park and a chance to run the bases. Watch the All-Star Baseball game in Hi-Definition. Admission includes a delicious high-end baseball dinner and two drink tickets. Tickets: $50 per person / $25 per child (under 12) For more information contact Bruce Degn or 202-486-8822

The Christ Church Profile, a descriptive booklet about the parish and our community, has been approved by Bishop Chane. The Diocesan Deployment Office will now begin the process of seeking resumes from those interested in becoming our next rector. The Search Committee will be working throughout summer and asks for your continuing prayers for the committee and for our parish. The Search Committee reports that the raw data and summaries of the Survey and the Open Space Meetings are available on the website, and the Parish Profile will be posted very soon. Click here to keep track of the progress of the search.

The Outreach Committee has learned that local food banks are in urgent need of donations. Please bring canned vegetables and other suitable non-perishable food products with you to church on Sunday. There will be collection boxes in the Parish Hall and Narthex (near the G Street entrance)

the Christ Church Men's Spirituality Group meets every Saturday morning at 9:00 am in the Christ Church kitchen. Calling all men: come and meet around the kitchen table for fellowship, coffee (or beverage of choice), and light breakfast. A great way to start the day and share your experience,

Christ Church gardeners are looking for tomato cage donations. If you have a spare cage, please contact Robin Blackwood or through the Church office. We have roto-tilled a nice size vegetable garden next to the rectory. Volunteers are welcome. We want to remind everyone of the story of the "Little Red Hen." A copy of the fable will be available on the bulletin board somewhere near the sign up sheets.

Quilting is back every Monday night at 7:30 pm in the Upper Rooms. All are welcome. Contact Linda Mellgren or Andrea Harles through the Church office.

Capitol Hill Group Ministry's Social Service Office has been consolidated with the Potomac Garden Office. Their address is 1227 G Street SE and their new phone is 202.548.0548.

Christ Church + Washington Parish presents the Northwest Boychoir in a Concert to benefit the Christ Church Organ Fund, Monday, July 6 at 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Admission is free. A Free-Will Offering will be taken.

The Annual Christ Church 4th of July Picnic begins at 4 pm in the Courtyard. Burgers, Hot Dogs, Veggie Burgers, Buns and Drinks will be provided. Please bring a side dish to share. Bring a swimsuit if you want to use the Slip-N-Slide.

The Monday Night class is next venturing into the world of the Bible. We are now beginning to read 'The Bible: A Biography' by Karen Armstrong. (click here to read an excerpt) In the latest in the Grove/Atlantic series, Books That Changed the World, religious affairs expert and author Karen Armstrong weighs in on the text that became a spiritual roadmap to billions. Armstrong says that today scripture "has a bad name." She writes, "If religion preaches compassion, why is there so much hatred in sacred texts? Is it possible to be a 'believer' today when science has undermined so many biblical teachings?"

Sunday School is at 8:15am and 11am. All 8:15 students will meet in the first nursery room. The Preschool Sunday School Class will continue with the story of Daniel and the lions' den. Painting and coloring will be done of the lions and the den. The children will learn "Jesus Loves the Little Children".

Volunteers needed to purchase groceries for making homeless lunches for summer and subsequent months Sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board. Cost is reimbursable up to $100. Groceries usually cost a bit more than that. Linda Mellgren will provide you with the list and answer any questions. Questions? Contact Linda through the Church office. Click anywhere in the above text to get more information

The Parish and Rector's Discretionary Fund is used by Bill and Martha to help people who come to us with needs - like utility shut-off notices, to help with transportation, to prevent eviction of families with children, etc. With many job losses, some families' resources are no longer able to meet their needs. Increased demands have drained the Discretionary Fund. People still need help, but the clergy are having use their own funds or turn people away. If you are able to help with a donation to the discretionary fund, Bill and Martha would be most grateful, as they are grateful to all of you who have donated to the discretionary fund in the past. Thanks you for your generosity.

We give thanks for the following who celebrate their birthdays in June: Jesse Carr, Connie Citro, Zach Denton, Laurie Gethin, Sarah Hatch, Shannon Hembree, Jennifer Baker Howard, Pat Lusk, Lydia O'Brien, Coco Provance, Charles Rubio and Isabel Walston. We may not have your birthday on file. Please let the office know.

$1,600 is the cost per day to operate Christ Church. Dollars & Cents (Plate & Pledge Offerings YTD):
Budgeted YTD: $132,500
Received YTD: $120,468
Received 6/21: $3,272

The Outreach Committee wishes to thank the parish for its recent upsurge in weekly donations of canned vegetables and other suitable non- perishable food products for local food banks. Please keep it up! Also, please consider donating bars of soap, tooth brushes, toothpaste & other toiletries. All donations are urgently needed and will be put to good use. There are collection boxes in the Parish Hall and Narthex (near the G Street entrance).

Christ Church Prayer List (click here)

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Prayer List

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A prayer of Thomas Merton - My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know my self, and the fact that I think I am following you does not mean that I am actually doing so. I believe the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope that I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this, you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore, I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone. " Amen
Thoughts in Solitude, New York: Farrar, Straus & Cudahy, 1958, p. 83

ye olde web guy, Gerry Connolly,
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Page updated June 29, 2009