Welcome!
Thank you for visiting our site. I hope it encourages you to visit Washington Street Church in person.
We are proud of our urban location and consider it a springboard for exciting ministry and mission in Old Town, Alexandria, the entire metro area, and worldwide as we participate in our denomination’s many, excellent outreach programs. We also take spirituality seriously and encourage one another to walk daily with God via ancient and modern pathways of spiritual formation.
We strive to share ourselves and God’s love with ALL people. Regardless of your ethnicity, race, previous religious affiliation (or lack thereof), or anything else, if you hunger for God and a faith community, I invite you to become part of our pilgrimage of faith. I believe you will be blessed by this church and that through it you will become even more of a blessing to others.
Come and be welcomed.
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The Rev. Dr. Michael L. Lyle, Senior Pastor
More information for visitors to Washington Street UMC
Links:
Frequently Asked Questions:
Upcoming Events and Activities:
Worship:
Parking:
Frequently Asked Questions:
What do you believe?
The United Methodist Church is renowned for its openness to all people regardless of ethnicity, life stage, race, gender, or anything else. Our theology is grounded in God’s grace, (the understanding that God, through Christ, has done all that is necessary for our salvation and that we do not need to earn, and cannot work, our way into heaven.) We believe that God is love and that the deeper our relationship with God the more joyful, fulfilling and productive our lives become.
What is your worship like?
We characterize our worship as vibrantly traditional. While we sing to a pipe organ, our clergy wear vestments, anc we read several lessons from the Bible, we also make time for children and enjoy a wide variety of musical genres. Our clergy are dedicated to the importance of their preaching ministry and numerous laity also take leadership roles in worship. We are grounded in the past but dedicated to being a vital church for the new millennium.
Who can receive communion?
In the United Methodist Church, the Lord’s Table is open to all who come in the spirit of the service, regardless of whether you are a member of this church or any church. (We serve communion at both services each Sunday.)
What about child care and Sunday School?
We offer child care every Sunday morning beginning at 8:30 and running through the 11:00 a.m. worship hour. Sunday School for all ages begins at 9:45.
How will I get to know people?
There are many ways to get to know the people of this congregation. We have frequent fellowship events following worship (and at other times) throughout the year and there is always lots of visiting in the narthex (churchy name for the foyer) before and after services.
The best way to get connected, however, is to participate in some of the church’s many small groups. Whether joining the choir, attending a Sunday School class, volunteering on a mission team, playing softball, joining a Bible Study or participating in one of the church’s numerous other activities, the best way to get connected is to get involved.
What is available for my entire family?
We strive to make Washington Street a church for all people. Through our wide array of ministries and activities, we believe that people of all ages are provided the opportunity to grow in their relationship with God and in ministry to the world around us.
How will you help me to grow in my faith?
We take spiritual growth and development very seriously. In addition to meaningful worship, we offer ongoing opportunities to learn about prayer, interpret our dreams, share our spiritual journeys, attend workshops and go on spiritual retreats. We believe that relationship with God is a personal and corporate pilgrimage and therefore do everything we can to help one another along this holy path.
What is the best way for me to communicate with the church?
While the Church Office is an excellent place to get information and to leave messages, the pastors are happy to receive phone calls and emails. A tear-off flap is also attached to the bulletin insert on Sunday mornings and this is a great way to sign up for activities and request additional information. (Just fill it out, tear it off, and place it in the offering plate, hand it to an usher, or leave it in the pew.) [Please Contact Us.]
How will you help me (and my family) to get involved in meaningful mission and ministry?
The pastors enjoy helping all newcomers to get connected with the small groups and outreach ministries that are most important to them.
How do I become a member of Washington Street United Methodist Church?
New Members come to us by Certificate of Transfer (The Office Manager writes to their previous church for a letter of transfer.), or by Profession of Faith. When someone informs the pastors, or church office, that they are ready to join the church a date is set that works well for that individual and her/his family. Then the date is announced to the congregation for a few weeks, (because others are often also ready to join and like joining as part of a group). Any who have not previously been baptized are baptized on the same day that they take the vows of membership. The welcoming of new members is a very special time and is cherished by the entire congregation.
Can I participate in the church without becoming a member?
The ministries and offerings of the church are open to everyone, whether you are a church member or not. Non-members are also welcome to serve on committees as only a few, specific church offices require membership.
