Western’s ministry in Foggy Bottom, in the Washington region, and around the world, is made possible by you. See what your giving makes possible in our Narrative Budget.Download When you give to Western, you support our Mission Benevolence budget, which in turn provides help for women in crisis through Calvary Women’s Services, works to reunite immigrant families through Lutheran ImmigrationRead More →
As Session and the Deacons broke bread together on Tuesday, Laura and John proposed a journey Western could embark on to become a more fully inclusive and intercultural church. We would follow a model laid out by Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis and Rev. John Janka. The first step: Forming a vision team — 8-10 elders, deacons, and congregation members — Read More →
Did you know that the People For Fairness Coalition (PFFC) was started in 2008 in Miriam’s Kitchen dining room right here in Western Presbyterian Church? Ever since, this group of MK guests, former guests, and concerned citizens has been fighting and advocating for the right to housing and for homeless people living in poverty. They are working on several initiatives youRead More →
No one has ever accused me of being part of an angry mob. Public demonstration or peaceful protest? Yes. But “mob” mentality? Never, at least, not until this month. For me, the words coming from the administration are not so much about my political affiliation, but about the values shaped by my faith, especially women’s rights and social justice. IRead More →
During the Civil War, a man asked President Lincoln if he thought God was on the Union’s side, and Lincoln replied, “Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side…” Lincoln’s statement rings in my head frequently, especially when I find that a prayer or hope has political ramifications. Or whenRead More →
As mother of an almost-teenage girl, as pastor of women who have survived sexual violence, as a former teenage girl with a story of my own, as a human being and person of faith reading Christine Blasey Ford’s account of sexual assault, I felt my heart both sink and ignite. Professor Blasey Ford’s story sounded too much like other storiesRead More →
We welcome our new alto section leader, James M. Brown! How did you end up in DC? I was looking to move to move somewhere central to the East coast with access to multiple cities after being in Canada for the past few years. My best friend happened to have a room open in her home and I joined herRead More →
Session met on September 11 and began discussion about Western 2019 budget. The finance ministry team did outstanding work preparing three different scenarios for the budget with different endowment draws. We still have a lot of work to do to reduce our draw, but the finance ministry team recommended steps to move in the right direction. The stewardship ministry teamRead More →
Starting with Why: Exploring the Big Questions of Faith WHEN: Saturday, October 20, 10am – Sunday October 21, 1pm WHERE: Camp Hanover, Mechanicsville, VA WHAT: Join with other Westerners for a couple of days away at scenic Camp Hanover. We’ll share meals, meet in small groups, spend time outdoors, and worship together. Our theme will look at the big questionsRead More →
Last Saturday, as concerned groups all over DC were preparing to protest the white nationalists gathering this past Sunday, Western hosted what we called “A Mindful Response.” If you missed it, you missed something that wasn’t exactly a counter-demonstration, nor was it standard worship, nor was it just mindful meditation. We at Western were learning to “be church” for the largerRead More →
