In a time of crisis and a culture of busyness, it may sound wasteful or even inappropriate to prioritize rest. And yet, God invites us into an expression of trust–to step aside from our work, to imitate God’s own pause on the seventh day of creation, and to remember that rest is holy. On April 19th and May 17th we’ll gather at 10am in the Saint John Room and then enjoy silent, unstructured time together. Tea, simple art materials, and an indoor labyrinth will be provided. Feel free to bring your own journal, books, or anything else you need. Contact Mindy Van Wart with questions by clicking here.

Each year we celebrate Easter and the Bishop’s visit with a joyous reception after the Easter Vigil which is on 4/19 this year. On Saturday morning, 4/19 from 10:30 - 12, anyone is welcome to help set up tables, reception supplies and decorate Merrow Hall. No experience needed, just willing hands and enthusiasm. We also are calling on parish members to contribute food for the tables, focusing on easily served sweet and savory treats. They should be brought to the kitchen on Saturday during set up time, or from 6:30 on before the service at 8:00 pm. A poster will be in the lobby for the next week for easy sign up of donations. All help is appreciated. For questions or to volunteer contact Lynn Rohrs here.

You’re invited to join Grace to celebrate Christ's Resurrection with an Easter Sunrise Service by the Potomac River. We will hold this Easter liturgy at 6:00 am at the Lady Bird Johnson Park in Columbia Island. We will be right by the Navy-Merchant Marine Memorial (same place as the last two years). Please bring a flashlight as it will still be dark and a camping chair if you have one. This will be a contemplative service with readings, silence, a short homily, and Holy Eucharist. We will greet the sun at 6:24 am. Please invite your family, friends and neighbors to this service.

Join us on Easter Sunday morning for our annual Easter Egg Hunt! Our older youth will help pack and hide over 400 eggs filled with treats for our younger children to find. The hunt begins at 9:45am on April 20th, after Little Church ends, and it takes place on the playground and surrounding areas. The Easter Egg Hunt is open to all kids 5th grade and younger, and older kids are encouraged to come and help the youngest kids find eggs. If your youth enjoyed participating in the egg hunt back when they were little ones, then this is a great chance to pay it forward for the next generation!! This year, we are asking folks to donate fun-sized candy to put in the eggs. Candy donations can be left outside of Mother Emma’s office or in the church office with a note. Please bring all candy donations in by Palm Sunday (April 13th).

This month we will hold the Vigil for our Country on April 22nd at 6:00 p.m. This liturgy includes a eucharist as well as a time to offer prayers for vulnerable individuals and groups: immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others. This liturgy is usually offered on the third Tuesday of each month but is being moved to April 22nd this month due to Holy Week.

On Saturday April 26, for the third year in a row, Grace will be participating in National Rebuilding Day. We will be supporting a veteran who is homebound and lives about 15 minutes away in Alexandria. Our work will be to ensure that he can stay safely in his home. We have about 15 volunteers so far and would like more to ensure we can accomplish all of our goals. If you have not already, please e-mail Robert Schultz by clicking here to be included.

Join us for Aging with Grace, a four-part series led by Father Santiago Rodriguez that invites us to reflect on the spiritual and emotional journey of growing older. Meeting on Wednesdays, May 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., we will gather over a brown bag lunch and explore The Gift of Years: Growing Old Gracefully by Joan Chittister - a wise and honest book that celebrates the blessings of aging. With clarity and compassion, this series looks at the realities of the aging process while revealing the later years of life as a time of purpose, richness, and grace. All are welcome - invite a friend.