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Everything You Need to Know About Holy Week at Dumbarton
We have so many opportunities for you to engage in Holy Week-related programs and services. Hope to see you at one or all of the following! Palm/Passion Sunday Worship, March
Pastoral Intern Shares Ministry Highlights
Nya Taryor, Dumbarton’s pastoral intern, shared highlights of his recent work:  Greetings, friends and members of Dumbarton United Methodist Church: These last few months have allowed me to practice my
Hope to See You at One or More Holy Week Service
Head on over to 3133 Dumbarton St NW during Holy Week (March 24-31) to participate in the following services: Palm/Passion Sunday Worship: March 24 at 11 a.m. Maundy Thursday Dinner
Those Who Settled the Church’s Land Before Our European Ancestors
Those Who Settled the Church’s Land Before Our European Ancestors No honest history of Methodism, or any denomination anywhere in America, can begin without first acknowledging that the lands on
What’s Happening at Dumbarton (on Feb. 18)
Dumbarton’s Adult Ed session for Sunday, Feb. 18, will focus on the origins of the Human Rights Movement. This session will be led by Joe Eldridge, co-founder of the Washington
Dumbarton at Work (Locally and Around the World)
Thanks to the generosity of Dumbarton members who fulfilled their 2023 pledges, our church was able to help fund the work of 20 organizations through our Mission and Outreach Fund.
Lent 2024 Focuses on Repentance and Repair
This Lenten season we will draw from the wisdom of Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg and her book, On Repentance and Repair: Making Amends in an Unapologetic World, to explore what it
Who Do We Root For? EVERYONE!
Dumbarton’s Online Discovery Group meets Sunday, Feb. 11, at 4 p.m. EST via Zoom. Yes, this event happens to coincide with Super Bowl Sunday, so that means come prepared to
A Conversation About the Future of the UMC
Dumbarton UMC will be hosting a joint program with Foundry UMC on Thursday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m., in our sanctuary about how the global conversation regarding the future of
Upcoming Dumbarton Events (Jan. 25-28)
Hope to see you in-person or online at one (or all) of these upcoming Dumbarton events: Thurs, Jan 25, 7:45 a.m. — Online Prayer Group (Meeting ID: 842 5831 5312;
Reconciling Sunday Celebration (Feb. 11): Come for the Service, Stay for the Food
Mark your calendars now because the only place you’re gonna want to be on Sunday, Feb. 11, is at Dumbarton UMC. WHY? Because it’s Reconciling Sunday, Dumbarton’s annual celebration of
Dumbarton Pledge Dollars at Work
Thanks to the generosity of our congregation in fulfilling their 2023 pledges, Dumbarton was able to support 20 organizations doing important work that aligns with our church’s mission and vision
New Worship Series Focuses on the Importance of Rest
Have you picked up a copy of Tricia Hersey’s manifesto, Rest is Resistance? Everyone is encouraged to participate in a congregational read of Hersey’s book, which advocates “rest as a
Leadership Day 2024 Update
So many dedicated leaders came out on a cold, snowy Monday morning (Jan. 15) to dream together and set goals for the new year! Guided by the teachings of Dr.
Celebrating the Life of Mike Beard
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 27, to honor the wonderful life and impactful legacy of beloved Dumbartonian, Mike Beard, who died in Dec.
January Opportunities to Discuss “Rest Is Resistance”
Starting on Sunday, Jan 21, Dumbarton kicks off a new worship series based on Tricia Hersey’s manifesto, Rest is Resistance. Hersey, founder of The Nap Ministry, says that “rest is
What We’re Reading (As a Congregation) in January
“Rest is a form of resistance because it disrupts and pushes back against capitalism and white supremacy,” says Tricia Hersey, founder of The Nap Ministry and author of “Rest is
Many Ways to Help Georgetown Ministry Center
Georgetown Ministry Center (GMC) has the following suggestions to best care for and support our unhoused neighbors throughout these cold winter months: Give the gift of warmth by ordering a
Beloved Poem a Good Reminder About “Hope”
Thanks to Dumbartonian Nancy Holland for recommending this beloved poem, which aligns so beautifully with Dumbarton’s Advent theme of radical hope. “Hope” is the thing with feathers by EMILY DICKINSON
New Church Banner Proclaims Advent Theme
Dumbarton is committed to Proclaiming Radical Hope in Precarious Times from the entrance of our church, all the way up the stairs into the sanctuary, and everywhere in between! Come
A Few Words About Hope, Trust, and Faith
Hope … is small and firm and looks into the face of God and says. “Good morning.  I knew you would be there.” — Sister Mary Faith Schuster, (1914-2007) In
Dumbarton Focuses on JOY This Advent Season
Christ was born into a weary world. King Herod ruled the land with a legacy of ruthlessness. The Romans treated the people of Israel with contempt, imposing harsh taxes and
Dumbarton’s Special Advent Services
Save the date for these special services during Advent: Longest Night Service on Zoom:  Thursday, Dec. 21, 7 pm Christmas Eve: Sunday, Dec. 24,  11 am Brunch Church: Sunday, Dec.
Adult Education Advent Schedule
Be in the room (Dumbarton’s first floor social hall) where Adult Education happens each Sunday morning at 10 am. Dumbarton’s weekly Adult Ed programming offers interesting speakers, timely topics and
Upcoming Dumbarton Events (Nov. 16 to 26)
Here’s a list of what’s happening at Dumbarton this coming week: Thurs. Nov 16, 7:45 am — Prayer Group (online) Thurs. Nov 16, 11:00 am — Communications Cluster (online) Thurs,
Invitation to Join Weekly Thursday Morning Prayer Group
If the Spirit moves you, please participate in Dumbarton’s Thursday morning prayer group. This very informal and friendly gathering (via Zoom) starts each Thursday morning at 7:45 a.m. (Eastern Time)
Book Study Concludes Nov. 16
Dumbarton’s weekly book study based on the Jemar Tisby’s book, How to Fight Racism: Courageous Christianity and the Journey toward Racial Justice, concludes on Thursday, Nov. 16, at 7 p.m.
Calling All Handbell Ringer Wannabees
Who doesn’t love the hypnotic, soothing and oh-so joyful sound of handbells, especially during the Advent season? Have you ever wished that you could be a handbell ringer?  Well, now
Reflections on the 2023 RMN Convocation
Exactly one month ago today (Oct. 13), United Methodists from near and far gathered in Charlotte, N.C., for the Reconciling Ministries Network Convocation. This annual event was held at the
Dumbartonians Urge Ceasefire, Humanitarian Aid for Gaza
Members of Dumbarton United Methodist Church were part of the tens of thousands of people gathered in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 4, to push for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza
Pastoral Intern Shares Highlights of Recent Service
Dumbarton’s Pastoral Intern, Nya Taryor, Jr., shared the following highlights of his work during the month of September: I served as liturgist and helped with the Eucharist. I wrote a
West River Annual Retreat Recap
Dumbartonians returned to our beloved West River Camp, Oct. 21-22, for our annual retreat. During our Saturday workshop, we learned all about the Enneagram and how our personalities align with
Oct. 29 Worship Service Celebrates Power of the Human Spirit
Dumbarton proudly presents Gabriel Fauré’s timeless masterpiece, the Faure Requiem, on All-Saints Sunday (Oct. 29). Come feel the power of the music, the harmony of voices, and the magic of
Fall Sermon Series Continues Through Nov. 5
Dumbarton’s Fall Sermon Series (“Along the Way: Finding God Through Pilgrimage”) is inspired by the wisdom of the Camino de Santiago. Here are the next milestones along the way… Oct. 22:
WCC Calls for Immediate Ceasefire, Urgent Humanitarian Aid
The World Council of Churches (WCC), representing over 580 million Christians worldwide, called for an immediate ceasefire and urgent humanitarian aid for Gaza in an Oct. 15, 2023, news release.
Register to Attend Bishop Easterling’s Leaders Academy
The following post appeared in the Oct. 11 issue of the Baltimore-Washington Conference’s e-connection: Twice a year, Bishop LaTrelle Easterling invites leaders of the Baltimore-Washington and Peninsula-Delaware Conferences to join
Dumbarton Delegation Heads to RMN 2023 Convocation
Dumbarton represent! Members of our congregation, including Rev. Rachel, will be attending the Reconciling Ministries Network 2023 Convocation, Oct. 13-15, in Charlotte, N.C. This in-person gathering (the first for the
Calling All Early Birds to Weekly Prayer Group
Dumbarton’s Thursday morning prayer group is still going strong. If the Spirit moves you, participate in this very informal and friendly gathering via Zoom on Thursday mornings from 7:45 a.m.
Worship Options for Sunday, Oct. 22
Dumbarton’s All-Church Retreat is taking place at the West River United Methodist Center (Oct. 21-22), so there will be no in-person or online worship, Sunday, Oct. 22, at our Georgetown
Come Meet Therapy Dog Murphy the Yellow Lab During Second Sunday Celebration
It’d be RUFF if you missed the chance to meet Murphy the Yellow Lab, and his best (human) friend, Joe, this coming Sunday, Oct. 8, so make plans now to
Updates on the Work of Georgetown Ministry Center the Focus of Oct. 1 Adult Ed
Dumbarton continue its “What’s Happening with…?” series on Sunday, Oct. 1 at 10 a.m. with our Georgetown Ministry Center (GMC) liaison, Jennifer Whatley, who also serves as the GMC Board
Fall Sermon Series Continues Through Oct. 22
Come on the journey of Dumbarton’s current sermon series, “Along the Way: Finding God Through Pilgrimage,” which is inspired by the wisdom of the Camino de Santiago. This sermon series
One Way We Care for Our Unhoused Neighbors
Dumbarton partners with other Georgetown churches to provide warm, home-cooked meals for the unhoused in Georgetown at Mount Zion United Methodist Church, a few blocks away from our church.  We
International-Themed Potluck on World Communion Sunday
Come for worship at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 1, and stay for an international-themed potluck immediately following the service. Oct. 1 is World Communion Sunday, and everyone is encouraged
Thursday Morning Prayer Group Resumes on Sept. 28
Calling all early birds! Dumbarton’s Thursday morning prayer group is BACK! If the spirit moves you, participate in this very informal and friendly weekly Zoom gathering, Thursday mornings from 7:45
Pastoral Intern Reflects on His Experience
Dumbarton’s Pastoral Intern, Nya Taryor, Jr., shares his thoughts on what the past year has meant to him as well as his hopes for the coming year.  Greetings, Dumbarton United
New Fall Sermon Series Starts on Sept. 17
Dumbarton’s Fall Sermon Series (“Along the Way: Finding God Through Pilgrimage”) kicks off on Sunday, Sept. 17, at 11 a.m. This new series is inspired by the wisdom of the
Main Street Brass Quintet Live at Dumbarton on Sept. 17
Dumbarton is delighted to welcome Main Street Brass Quintet, a small ensemble of the City of Fairfax Band Association. They will perform selected pieces of Debussy, Gabrieli, and Mouret during
The Work of Project Transformation Continues–Get Involved!
“The best thing I learned…is to be a leader,” reported a fourth grader attending Project Transformation DC summer camp for the first time in 2023. Dumbartonians showed up this summer
Youth Share Takeaways From Recent Immersion Experience  
If you were unable to be part of the Sunday, Sept. 10 worship service (in-person or via Zoom), you missed Dumbarton youth members sharing what the recent El Salvador Immersion
What “The Good Place” Discussion Group Meant to One Church Member
Dumbarton’s summer 2023 sermon series, “How to be Perfect,” was based on themes from the TV show “The Good Place” and the moral philosophy that the show’s characters wrestle with
Fall Schedule Begins Sunday, Sept. 10
Back by popular demand, Dumbarton’s Second Sunday Celebration gets underway at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 10. All ages welcome! Come for intergenerational activities — singing, banner-making, make-and -take keyring crafts,
Dumbarton Representatives Share Highlights from 2023 Annual Conference
During the Sunday, July 16, 2023, Witness to the Word (All About Love), three Dumbarton members shared highlights and reflections from attending the 2023 Annual Conference of the Baltimore-Washington Conference,
July 2023 Mission Trip to El Salvador
Thirteen youth and adults from Dumbarton UMC and Christ Crossman UMC spent a week in El Salvador this past July engaged in an immersive mission trip experience. Ava Murray, one
Reflections on Thursday Morning Prayer Group
During the 2022 Advent season, Rev. Rachel started an early Thursday morning online prayer group for those interested in journeying into the season with one another. The weekly event was
Dumbarton United Methodist in Local Church History Contest
Dumbarton United Methodist in Local Church History Contest The commission received about one hundred submissions for the Local Church History Contest, and chose 10. The three from the BWC are: Metropolitan
Through the Eyes of Women: A Journey to Palestine and Israel
A few months ago, Dumbarton parishioner Ginny Lapham and former parishioner Rev. Amy Stapleton traveled with women from the US, Ireland, and Canada on a tour of Palestine and Israel.
Here’s How to Connect with Dumbarton Church on Social Media:
Here’s How to Connect with Dumbarton Church on Social Media: FaceBook: facebook.com/DumbartonUMC YouTube: tinyurl.com/DumbartonYouTube Instagram: instagram.com/dumbarton_umc  
Giving Up Plastic for Lent in 2022: What Did We Learn?
Giving Up Plastic for Lent in 2022:  What Did We Learn?  — During the 2022 Lenten season, many Dumbarton United Methodist Church parishioners pledged to give up as much as
Dumbarton UMC 2.0
A Strategy for Hybrid Worship — For the Pandemic and Beyond Introduction  — Amid the fear and sadness of the COVID-19 pandemic our congregation, like so many others, adapted to