About Christ Church Kensington

Welcome!

Christ Church Parish Kensington is truly alive! With literally dozens of education, outreach, and fellowship programs and our vibrant worship services, all are easily able to find their special area of interest at Christ Church.  For more information on current activities at Christ Church, link to our Calendar or to our Events page!


We work with service and humanitarian organizations throughout the greater Washington D.C. area, and beyond. We currently enjoy partnerships with nearly 20 aid groups, ranging from Bethesda Cares, which serves Montgomery County's homeless population, to Heifer International, which provides farm animals to impoverished families throughout the world (our Sunday School classes lead this project).  And of course, we look after our own as well, by brining holy sacraments to shut-in parishioners and providing food, transportation, prayer and other assistance to anyone in need of a helping heand.

Christ Church also is proud of our active vestry and network of service committees and various education programs. There are seven such programs for younger members, a Wednesday community night featuring dinner and everything from book clubs to sewing groups, a vibrant music program, regular coffee hours, and even parish retreats!

Christ Church Kensington is a liturgically traditional, spiritually-centered parish. We have a strong preaching ministry awith a wide range of liturgy. We understand that with today's busy lives demand flexibility, so we have several worship service options to accomodate you and help you to develop your faith and relationship with Jesus Christ through Christ Church. 

To learn more about these and other CCPK (that's what we call ourselves) activities, click on the navigation bar links.  And call our Parish office at 301-942-4673 for more information or to meet with our clergy.

Prayer Tree
The Prayer Tree of Christ Church is currently a group of 12 people who have decided that they can spend a moment in daily prayer for others in need "in body, mind or spirit."  They are sent a weekly email giving them the names of those in acute need who need support through prayer.  Each PT member prays when and where he/she can.  The names come from the rectors for the most part, but can also come from others.  This year we have prayed for approximately 100 specific people, some in distant lands.   R.s.v.p. 301-942-4673


Wednesday Community Nights
In January 2005, Christ Church initiated this mid-week opportunity for fellowship and adult education. Following the Wednesday night Eucharist, at 6:30PM, all are invited to share a catered dinner in the undercroft, offered at a modest fee. The Community Night Committee coordinates parish needs with the caterers and organizes volunteers to help set tables and clean up.

Following dinner, there are a number of alternatives: Adult Education, a Book Club, a Sewing/Knitting Group, Rehearsal for the Junior Choir, and a Study Hall with volunteer tutoring for students through the high school years. Some church committees also hold meetings during this time. For parents with children in Youth Choir these programs offer something really worthwhile to do while the children rehearse!

Adult Forums
TheWednesday night Adult Forum focuses on issues of interest to the Parish community that are broader and deeper in scope than can be properly investigated in the limited time of the Sunday Adult Forum. For instance, one subject that was discussed over several weeks was Bioethics: the moral implications of stem cell research, moral reasoning and professional ethics. Presentations are always thought provoking and stimulating.  Read more about Adult Forums on our Adult Education page.

Book Club
The book club meets under the auspices of Christ Church to expand our horizons and fellowship. Each month the club selects a book and meets once a month to share thoughts. The club delves into a variety of books (heavy and light, history and fiction, theological and not) and hopes to eventually expand the number of groups discussing books.

Sewing/Knitting Group
Do you enjoy sewing, knitting, crocheting, cross-stitch or other fiber arts? Perhaps you have a project, but haven't found time lately to work on it. Non-fiber crafters are welcome as well. If you have a project, bring it with you or if you are interested in starting a project, but haven't yet, you are welcome to come to get ideas. All levels of experience are welcome. No long-term commitment is required.

Study Hall
Volunteer Tutoring is provided to students while other family members are engaged in Wednesday Community night activities. For those who prefer to study on their own, a quiet space is available.

Student Craft Group
For the young people who have their homework finished and are not choristers, materials are available to make whatever they can imagine. 

BACK TO TOP

Our Building and Grounds

The Courtyard

The courtyard, located between the church and the new education wing, features a landscaped memorial garden highlighted by the magnificent statue, "Ascent Into Heaven," by the sculptor Jay Hall Carpenter, who is known worldwide for his sculptures at the National Cathedral. The courtyard is a place for quiet reflection and meditation.

The Stained Glass Windows Story

The stained glass windows that adorn our church have been generously donated to the Glory of God and in rememberance of families and loved ones by members of the Parish.

There are four groups of 3 windows lining both sides of the Sanctuary, four small windows flanking the altar, and two windows in the small Chapel. In addition, the hallway in the Education Wing has a series of windows of contemporary design providing light and color as you pass the classrooms.

Watch for more information on the stained glass windows!

 BACK TO TOP