St John’s United Church of Christ

I grew up in a progressive church. When you grow up in a place where 75% of adults hold a PhD in physics or chemistry, churches have to be willing to think outside the box on doctrine if they want members. But my grandpa directed a gospel choir and I sang in gospel choir at Cal and was a soloist at Glide for years — traditional music is a big part of the way I worship. Obviously, tough to strike a balance, so finding a permanent church in this city has been really difficult for me.
Walked into service at SJUCC today on recommendation of a friend who’s a UCC member in DC. First impressions:
There’s a rainbow flag next to CA and US flags in front of the alter — good sign. I’m straight, but I don’t want to go to a church that wouldn’t perform gay marriages. They’re holding their first next week.
Greeting lady immediately made me feel very welcome. Very lovely person.
Music was great, though the director played Blessed Be the Tie That Binds entirely too fast. Probably notable that the musicians are professional, which I’m not entirely sure how I feel about, but I’m encouraged they do sing/​play legit hymns, no matter how fast. IMHO Christian rock doesn’t make Christianity better — it just makes rock and roll worse.
Great sermon by a female pastor who went out of her way to make me feel welcome — for that matter everyone did.
A bit light on attendance, but given I went to early service, and it’s burning man this week (the pastor gave a shout-​out to members missing because they’re off to Black Rock City — Pastor’s prayer: «thank you for providing them with this opportunity, and thank you for letting me stay in a place with running water and electricity.»)
This is the first church I’ve found in years where I’m really hopeful it might be a good fit. Looking forward to going back!

We went to this church for Easter and it was great! They were very welcoming to my family, & there was a nice mix of young to old & families with kids. My son is 9 and he said he had a great time at the Sunday School.
The music was great!
They gave easter baskets to all the kids and had a nice brunch afterwards.

This is a small, progressive, friendly church. I felt welcome and I felt I could make a difference there. I would definitely go back.