We are a lay-led Christian ecumenical fellowship with members from many denominational backgrounds, including Lutheran, Methodist, Episcopal, Mennonite, Catholic, and Evangelical Covenant. We affirm that Jesus is Lord, that the Bible urges us to work for peace and justice, and that a weekly Eucharistic service is central to our common life. We are affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Synod. 

The Community welcomes people familiar with the Church and Christian tradition, those seeking understanding about faith in general or the way we approach life together, and everything in between. We affirm that the scriptural metaphor of the church as the body of Christ demands that Christian communities be inclusive of all people and that no one be denied participation or leadership on the basis of race, class, sexual orientation, or gender.

As a community, we worship and celebrate together, living in acceptance of God’s love and forgiveness, and showing love and respect to each other.  In this way, we present to the world a model — however imperfect — of the ultimate community that is the kingdom of God. As individuals, we strive to contribute to the coming of the kingdom through our jobs, our family lives, and through active participation in other organizations that are devoted to meeting human needs and transforming society.   

We practice shared leadership in many ways:

1. Most members take turns leading the Sunday service and preaching a sermon — usually on the biblical lectionary readings for the day. The Eucharist is performed by one of our several retired ordained clergy, or by a member who has explored a call with the Community to serve in this way, completed a process of preparation, and been commissioned.
2. We strive to offer leadership opportunities to all of our members.  Needs and ideas are considered in community with the goal of equipping and supporting individuals to pursue passions that enhance our life together.
3. Decision making is by consensus. For us, consensus means that questions are discussed (often at monthly Community meetings) until most members agree on some decision and the others agree that there has been sufficient discussion.
4. Because we do not pay a pastor we are able to devote about 35 percent of our members’ financial contributions to other organizations that need support in their work for peace and justice.

We also describe ourselves in a printable, one-page document, available below as a PDF.