I’m New
Welcome to Rock Creek Parish. We are looking forward to meeting you!
Visiting a church for the first time can be an intimidating experience.
Will I feel welcome. How will I know what to do? We all were new, at one time or another and we remember what it was like; so we’ve provided the information below, knowing that it’s easier when you have an idea of what to expect. To the right, read through somesome frequently asked questions.
MEET BRANDON GALLAS
Q: When did you join the church and how long have you been a member?
A: My wife, Emily, and I have been members since 2007.
Q: What drew you to St. Paul’s/why did you join the church?
A: We were still a little new to DC and had been looking for a church home. We wanted an Episcopal church near our home, and we wanted some diversity. We visited one Sunday, and were made to feel welcome by the parishioners sitting around us, especially Mr. Joe Shelton. So, we kept coming back!
Q: What is your favorite thing about St. Paul’s?
A: It may be cliché, but the people are my favorite thing about St. Paul’s. We feel grateful to be part of such a diverse group of worshipers. Everyone has always made Emily and me feel comfortable and wanted. Helping at church events, like Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras) pancake supper, the Strawberry Festival, and Halloween, helped to solidify friendships and a sense of belonging and ministry. We became more and more a part of the St. Paul’s family, especially as we began our family. Our two boys were baptized at St. Paul’s. They went to the nursery and the Sunday school (I helped teach!), and are excited to help at events. I truly love following the lives of the younger kids on the same trajectory. Now I hope that I am the one making new folks and
kids feel welcome and loved.
Q: What is your message to community members interested in learning more about St. Paul’s?
A: Join us. I would be happy to meet you and talk. I’m easy to spot in church … tall, standing next to my tall boys and Emily (unless I’m in the back running the AV and zoom). If you have a child that can’t sit still and makes noises, sit near us; it won’t bother us at all. It will make us giggle remembering some of the silliness and outbursts our kids had in church when they were younger. The saving grace was that we were surrounded by friends.
Q: Tell us one thing about yourself that is important to know.
A: I run the zoom every other week, alternating with Oswald Carter. I’d be happy to get feedback on the production, with the understanding that I am not an expert. I also enjoy cooking and eating, and talking about cooking and eating. During the pandemic, what else was there?!
How should I dress?
Casual dress is just fine. Our church has a “come as you are” atmosphere. You will see some dressed up; some dressed casual. We have no expectations for attire. Wear what is comfortable, whether it be suit and tie or dress, t-shirt and shorts, hoodie and jeans — most of our congregation land somewhere in the middle.
Parking
Parking is plentiful – There are designated handicapped parking places just in front of the church. Otherwise, park along the roads around the church.
Sunday Services
St. Paul’s is an Episcopal Church, and our services draw the Book of Common Prayer, as well as other liturgies from around the Anglican Communion Our Sunday Services are at 8:00 am (sermon and communion without music) and 10:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome at our altar.
The 8:00 a.m. service lasts about 45 minutes. The 10:30 a.m. service lasts around an hour and fifteen minutes. This is a wonderful opportunity for fellowship. We provide a service leaflet containing everything you need for the service. Read more about our worship practices during COVID-19.
Bulletin
When you arrive, ushers will greet you and hand you a bulletin. The bulletin includes prayers, Scripture readings, and hymns — everything you will need for the service.
Can I take Communion?
All baptized Christians , regardless of denomination, are welcome to take Communion in the Episcopal Church. If for any reason, you don’t want to receive Communion, you are still invited to come forward, kneel, and cross your arms over your chest. The priest will say a prayer of blessing for you.
Learn more!
We invite you to explore our website where you can find information about what we believe, our history, what we are involved in, upcoming events, and much more. If you have further questions, you can call our church office at 202-726-2080.
St. Paul's Rock Creek
How do I find you?
Our Address
ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, ROCK CREEK PARISH
Rock Creek Church Road and Webster Street, NW
Washington, DC 20011
Our Neighborhood
The historic grounds of St. Paul’s Rock Creek Church are located on the edge of the culturally diverse Petworth neighborhood. Easily accessible from downtown DC and points beyond, the church is close to Catholic University, President Lincoln’s Cottage, the Armed Forces Retirement Home (Soldier’s Home), and other local points of interest.
The Church is convenient to the Brookland, Fort Totten, and Georgia Avenue/Petworth Metro stations and offers plenty of on-site parking.