Now that you have found our website, let me introduce you to John Calvin Presbyterians. We think we are an unusual group of dedicated Christians, committed to renewing our lives, minds and spirits in the likeness of Jesus Christ.
When you visit us, the first thing you’ll notice is how we bring the outside world inside, and how the inside world of the sanctuary welcomes and calms one spiritually. Our sanctuary takes advantage of a very peaceful setting in a naturalized area off of Columbia Pike. When you worship with us you will immediately be taken by the large glass wall behind the chancel area which opens onto a wooded area. Worshipers enjoy meditating in this peaceful and beautiful setting. The openness of the sanctuary metaphorically communicates the openness of the congregation to people of different ages, races and stages of faith development.
When you visit us you will see lay people and youth taking leadership roles in worship. You will be taken by the worshipful music led by our adult choir. Early in the service, children of young families gather in the chancel for a focused word from the pastor or another adult leader. Afterwards they leave for their Church School Classes while adults continue to worship in the sanctuary. We strive to make every worship service one in which people discover the joy of a renewed sense of calling and empowerment through the Word of God preached and the Sacraments freely administered. Being a caring and warm congregation, we also hope that those who feel life’s brokenness will find healing and a sense of God’s presence with us.
We are committed to serving Christ by serving others, especially those marginalized by society. Over 25 years ago, concerned members of JCPC founded ACCA, one of the major outreach ministries in the Annandale community. Through an annual Alternative Gift Giving Program, a partnership with Belvedere Elementary School, and support for international missions and causes promoting world peace, we bear witness to God’s justice and hope for this world.
Among our congregation you will find members who are passionately interested in interfaith dialogue, affordable housing for all, childcare for working single parents. You’ll find members with a global conscience, honed by years spent in careers serving our government in foreign service. We have among us teachers, social workers, active and former military and medical personnel. Seekers and sages alike, we are all seeking ways that God will use our lives in loving service for others.
At John Calvin Presbyterian Church people reach out to embrace a living Christ, whose Spirit nudges us into relationships and ministries we never imagined. Some people have been in their faith journey for many years, and others are just beginning that journey. JCPC is a place where the faith can be talked about, acted out, sung, meditated over and fully embraced. JCPC is a place where people feel free to be who they uniquely are as children of God. Many members like to read and educate themselves about national and world affairs. No one believes they have all the answers to the political, economic, theological, societal and justice issues we face. We do, however, bring our concerns for the world into the church and seek ways in which our faith intersects with the deep needs of the world.
In short, inspiration happens here at JCPC. We hope you’ll visit us and find out for yourself!
May the Peace of Christ Be With You,
Rev. Lisa Rzepka