Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I become a member of Christ Church?
I would like to serve the church in some way, what should I do?
My children are noisy in church. Should I take them out?
Why should I make a financial pledge each year?
How can I become a member of Christ Church?
If you are a baptized Christian, then you may become a member by simply having your name entered onto our parish register. If you are a member of another Episcopal parish, we can get a letter of transfer as the basis for entering your name. Baptism is the only requirement for full membership in the Episcopal Church and that could have happened in any denomination so long as it was with water and in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. If you have been baptized and would like to join Christ Church, speak to one of the clergy. If you desire to be baptized or simply inquire about its meaning, you may also begin by speaking to one of the clergy.
Baptized members of the Episcopal Church may also be Confirmed. Confirmation is not a necessary step but an important one for many as they embrace the Episcopal Church and tradition within the Christian faith. Confirmation is a mature, public, affirmation of one’s baptismal promises. This happens at a service at the Washington Cathedral held numerous times each year with our Bishop and all other members of the Diocese of Washington who are also coming forward for this. If you would like to be confirmed in the Episcopal Church, speak to one of the clergy. If you already have been confirmed in another church which claims apostolic succession for its bishops (such as the Roman Catholic or one of the Orthodox churches), you can be received into the Episcopal Church as a confirmed communicant. Again, speak to one of the clergy.
I would like to serve the church in some way, what should I do?
First of all, your desire to serve God through the church is deeply appreciated. If you already know what area you are interested in, contact the Parish office at 202-333-6677 and someone will put you in touch with the parish leaders responsible for that activity. If you would like to explore various possibilities, please contact the clergy or one of the parish staff and we will happily discuss this with you.
My children are noisy in church. Should I take them out?
Children are welcome at all our services. The 9:00 a.m. Sunday Eucharist has the largest number of children present and noise is simply part of the background. Nursery care is available on Sundays from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. for children from birth to age 3. Parents who prefer to keep young children with them in church, however, are very welcome to do so.
Why should I make a financial pledge each year?
Making a pledge is about setting priorities in our lives. As people of faith, the key to this is, God first! Everything we have in life is a gift. Pledging is a way of offering in thanksgiving to God the first fruits of all our labors. We are to give from our substance and not from what is left over from our abundance.
Making a pledge supports all the ministries of our church, from worship, spiritual formation, education, to all the mission and outreach ministries we have for the poor and those in need.
Over 70% of the parish's operating revenue comes from pledges of financial support. Pledge support is the largest source of budget revenue and without it the parish would be unable to plan or carry out its mission and ministry.
How much should I pledge?
That is a question which ultimately can only be answered by the one who asks. Those charges with holding good and faithful stewardship before the parish suggest that individuals consider some form of proportional giving related to their income. This might be the traditional Biblical tithe of 10% or whatever other figure seems appropriate to the contributor. Some people begin with 2-3% of income and strive to faithfully raise that percentage over time. Finally, no matter what amount one gives, just the act of giving is of ultimate importance.The clergy are more than happy to discuss in confidence any aspect of this with you.
What should I wear to church?
There is no dress code for church. People should follow their own sense of what is appropriate. The most casual services are the 9:00 a.m. Sunday Eucharist in the garden during the summer, and the 5:00 p.m. Sunday Eucharist year round in the chapel.