Where are you located?
Our address is 1317 G St, NW, Washington, DC 20005.
We are near the intersection of G St and 13th St, at Metro Center, 13th St Exit, 3 blocks east of The White House.
How do I get there?
It’s very easy.
By car: Google map and directions
By Metrorail: The Red, Orange, and Blue lines stop at Metro Center. There are additional options within blocks. Metrorail information
By Metrobus: There are several routes that go to and through downtown Washington. Metrobus information
Is there parking?
PMI Garage, which is located on the 14th St side of the church, provides free parking on Sundays for worshipers. PMI tickets need to be validated in the parish hall. Free on-street parking is available on Sundays.
What sorts of people attend your church?
All types. Some have even called us a motley band of courageous and quirky seekers. We are diverse in race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, class, age, theology, ability and politics. At the same time, a majority of parishioners would probably call themselves progressive on many issues. We come from the city, the suburbs, and the DC shelters.
What’s the neighborhood like?
Downtown Washington is a blend of office buildings, historical and cultural sites, hotels, restaurants, retail establishments, and entertainment locations. There is also a growing number of condo and apartment buildings. The entire downtown area has experienced significant development over the past 15 years.
Learn more about Downtown Washington.
What is the size of your congregation?
We have approximately 350 parishioners. We also count as members of the larger Epiphany Community 250 downtown poor and 250 downtown workers.
What is your worship style?
The Welcome Table Eucharist at 8:00 on Sundays attracts approximately 100 worshipers, most of whom are downtown poor. The Eucharist, which lasts 45 minutes, is inclusive and informal; it is followed by prayers for healing. All are welcome at God’s table
The Holy Eucharist at 11:00 on Sundays has around 100 worshipers, including parishioners, downtown poor and visitors. It is a sung, Rite II, Episcopal Eucharist. The liturgy is characterized by periods of silence for reflection, monthly faith stories by parishioners and maximum inclusion in liturgical leadership. All are welcome at God’s table.
Learn more about Epiphany worship.
What are your expectations of people who come to church?
We hope that all worshipers will feel comfortable enough to participate in the liturgy at the level they desire and need. There is no dress code.
How do you describe your music?
The music at the 8:00 Welcome Table Eucharist primarily features Gospel songs and spirituals and is led by the Welcome Table Choir, piano and organ.
The music at the 11:00 Holy Eucharist is rooted in our Anglican tradition, including hymns, chants and choral music, interspersed with repertoire from other traditions, including American, European and world music. The Epiphany Choir includes both professional and volunteer singers. The Epiphany organ is one of the best in the city, as is our concert grand piano.
The Tuesday Concert Series provides an excellent offering of classical and international music all year.
Learn more about Epiphany music.
How old is your church?
The Church of the Epiphany was founded in 1842. The core of the current church building was completed in 1844.
Learn more about Epiphany's history.
Do you have programs that will help me learn about God and my relationships with people?
Yes, there are several listed and described in the Ministry section of our website. Here are a few: Breaking Bread for Justice, Journey Course, Quiet Days, Shrine Mont Weekend in the fall, Sunday Sessions, Wednesday Sessions.
Learn more about educational opportunities at Epiphany.
Can you help me become more intentional about my prayer life?
In addition to the educational opportunities listed above, we can also suggest some prayer practices for you to use.
Learn more about prayer at Epiphany.
Is there childcare?
Yes, we provide childcare by a trained caregiver in the nursery for infants through 4-year olds from 10:00 to 12:45. We also offer Godly Play at 11am for four-year-olds through eleven-year-olds. Both the Nursery and the Godly Play Room are on the second floor of the parish house.
Do you have many singles?
Yes, singles make up one-third of our congregation.
What about 20s-30s?
We have an active 20s-30s Group that get together about once a month for Sunday brunch and discussion. Other seasonal group activities are planned.
What about seniors?
OPALS (Older Persons with Active Lifestyles) meets after church on Sundays several times a year for lunch and fellowship. They also go on excursions to downtown museums.
Will you ask me for money?
At every liturgy, there is an opportunity for worshipers to make a financial offering in thanksgiving to God and in support of the ministries of Christ through Epiphany. Parishioners are asked to make an annual pledge.
Learn more about giving at Epiphany.
What condition are your buildings in?
Our buildings, which are beautiful and historic, need work. The Campaign for Epiphany is our current effort to raise three million dollars to renovate our buildings. Our plan is to make both the church and the parish house more safe, beautiful and effective for the ministries we offer to the people of the Washington Metro Area.
Learn more about the renovation.
Learn more about the capital campaign.
What is the purpose of your church?
We at Epiphany are called by God to journey together in faith, and to reveal the presence of Christ in the world, by sustaining a community in which all are welcome, by celebrating liturgy that nurtures us and sends us forth, and by caring courageously for our neighbors and ourselves.
How does your church relate to the surrounding community?
Our doors are open Sunday through Friday to all those who work, live or visit in downtown Washington. We welcome all who are seeking a place where they will be accepted, affirmed and inspired. We offer a full schedule of daily worship, Tuesday Concert Series and many fellowship and learning events.
How does your church minister with the poor?
The Welcome Table on Sunday mornings serves a full breakfast to 150 homeless men and women. We also provide Bible study, Narcotics Anonymous, Gospel Art!, a free library, an outreach counselor and worship. Street Church on Tuesdays offers lunch and worship for 50 downtown poor in a local park.
Learn more about The Welcome Table.
Learn more about Street Church.
How does your church work for justice?
We are learning to be advocates with the poor for the needs of the downtown poor. By first developing friendships between parishioners and the poor over a meal, and then getting to know each other’s passions and gifts, we will be better equipped to address systemic injustices.
Learn more about social justice ministries at Epiphany.
What do you think your church will be like in ten years?
We believe that in the near future, Epiphany will be a stronger version of what it currently is. More people will be attracted to our ministries, worship and community, and they will choose to participate in the life of Epiphany in a variety of ways. There will be growing interest in building a deeply diverse faith community that forms and prepares all to do ministry in the world, to respond to those in need, to proclaim the Gospel, to work for justice and to be led by the Holy Spirit. We will also become more confident to embrace the pain of the world and to proclaim our faith in God’s dream for humanity. Our buildings will be renovated. Creative partnerships for ministry will be established. We will become even more faithful instruments of God’s love, truth, and peace in the Washington Metro Area.
Other Questions?
Ask the Rector (the senior ordained minister of an Episcopal congregation).
The Rev. Randolph C. Charles, DMin
202-347-2635 (work)
202-841-8365 (cell)
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