St Augustine’s Episcopal Church

I have been attending St. A’s –as it is affectionately called – for a little over two years. After moving to SW, I wanted to try a neighborhood church and found St. A’s very welcoming: the people warm, the church comfortable and the services touching. I soon found I was coming to St. A’s more often than attending the other churches I had tried because the schedule of services was great. 9:30 was not too early, but not too late. And even though I could dress up if I wanted to, if I wanted to come in shorts because I was going to the afternoon Nats game, I didn’t feel out of place; I didn’t get odd looks. The congregation knows what’s important.
That’s the other thing. St. A’s is very grounded in service and support of the community. The congregation is so diverse – by age, economic status, race, education, national origin! On so many levels there is an understanding of the human spirit and condition and an openness to love and serve. There are many different ways to get involved, but there is no judgment to do so. You can find how you best fit. I have been volunteering in many ways at St. A’s for a year and half.
I would give St. A’s five stars save one thing, the building. It is an older church, and while beautiful aspects, such as the ancient baptismal font and the view of the waterfront, its seen better days. The great news is (an why I will soon give it 5-​stars) is St. A’s is a part of Waterfront Development and will be constructing a new building with new amenities.
Finally, there are fun extra things at St​.As. The monthly Game Night, the Art & Spirit Coffeehouse, Grounds for Discussion and the concerts by the SW Chamber Players.
Yes, definitely, I am a fan!