Special Events
One of the hallmarks of our community is a love of celebration. Just as our worship is a joy-filled thanksgiving for the blessings of this life, our shared life is a spirited celebration of our relationship with each other. We are a family united in Christ. Celebrate with us in the events listed here.
Advent Wreath Making and Potluck Supper
On the first Sunday in Advent, join fellow wreathmakers to create your own Advent wreath and to sing songs of the season. This is a special opportunity for lively fellowship and preparation for Advent. Bring a dish to share for the potluck dinner. There are many opportunities to help plan the event or to assist with set up or clean up. Contact: Parish Office, 202-363-8286
Christmas Day Community Dinner
For many years, St. Alban’s has hosted a Christmas Day Community Dinner providing food and merriment to parishioners and neighbors. Last year, over 120 diners reveled in the spirit of the season with a banquet of ham and turkey with all the trimmings. Volunteer opportunities abound. Watch our publications for details, and plan to attend and lend a hand. Contacts: Jane and Nick Karas, 301-853-8910 (w), 301-263-1095 (h), karas@comcast.net; or the Parish Office, 202-363-8286
Gala Parish Dinner
Always a great party, this merry event, held in late winter or spring, is the principal fund-raiser for St. Alban’s Food Ministries (including Grate Patrol and Christ House). There are many ways to help, from selling tickets on Sundays to decorating. Contact: Parish Office, 202-363-8286
Opportunity-for-Ministry Fair
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in the Flower or Altar Guild? Or how to get involved with the Africa Roundtable? Every year, in the late summer, we celebrate the beginning of the new program year at St. Alban’s with a fair displaying the wide variety of ministries, guilds, and other service and worship opportunities available at St. Alban’s. Contact: Parish Office, 202-363-8286
St. Alban’s Day Party
Celebrate our Patron Saint’s Day (in 2008: June 22) at a combined 10:30 am service. We begin with a joyous worship service, then the party continues on the church lawn. St. Alban’s provides and grills hamburgers; all are asked to bring their favorite picnic dish to share. Plan to spend the afternoon at this old-fashioned church social. Please volunteer. Contact: Parish Office, 202-363-8286
Shelter Open Golf Tournament
Each fall St. Alban’s holds an annual golf tournament to raise money to help cover the cost of operating the Crossroads Shelter. Typically, tee off begins after lunch, followed by dinner, raffle, and awards ceremony. All are welcome to come and play. Volunteers are needed at the registration table, to drive a beverage cart, and in other ways. Those who voluteer are invited to stay for dinner. The cost to play varies, but is usually around $125; hole sponsorship starts at $250. The tournament is held the third or fourth Monday of September (in 2008: September 22 is the tentative date). To play or help, contact: Steven Fox, 703-407-7424 (c), SFox@FirstSavings.com
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Come celebrate with pancakes, sausage and music (in 2008: February 5, 6–7:30 pm, Satterlee Hall). The supper is a fundraiser prepared and served by the St. Alban’s Rite 13 youth group.
Thanksgiving Day Community Dinner
For many years St. Albans, the Church of the Annunciation, and the Washington Hebrew Congregation have sponsored a Thanksgiving dinner for the elderly and others who otherwise would be alone. The location rotates each year, while each congregation is responsible for one-third of the food and staffing. Sign up sheets are in the narthex after services. Please sign up to provide a cooked turkey (no stuffing), other food, and/or help on that Thursday. This has been a wonderful event for the neighborhood and an opportunity for us to cooperate with our friends in the other two congregations. Contact: Nan Pierce, 301-907-3345.