Beginning Sunday, August 2, we will worship at 10:00 a.m. at St. Luke's (3655 Calvert St. NW) through Sunday, October 18. (Our All Church Retreat at West River is October 23-24.) We will return to Dumbarton for worship on Sunday, November 1, All Saints Sunday.
Please see details below:
Dear Dumbartonians,
As you know, our congregation has always approached our mission with heart, generosity, and a deep commitment to faithful stewardship. As we continue discerning how best to use the resources God has entrusted to us, we have reached an important moment in that journey.
Capital Campaign Discernment
Over the past several months, we have been assessing the feasibility of a capital campaign. Among the possible projects, a new HVAC system quickly emerged as the highest priority.
That need is significant. A new system for the entire building is estimated to cost more than $2.2 million. While our congregation has shown remarkable generosity and willingness to support a campaign, it is unlikely that congregational giving alone could meet that goal. As a result, we are exploring additional possibilities—including grants, loans, and the potential sale of the parsonage—as we prayerfully discern the best path forward.
A New Opportunity
As part of that discernment, an unexpected opportunity emerged.
National United Methodist Church has invited Dumbarton to worship at St. Luke's Mission Center (3655 Calvert St. NW) on a temporary, trial basis through the summer and fall. St. Luke's, a former United Methodist congregation, now houses Project Transformation DC and Campus Kitchen, and National has generously offered us the use of its air-conditioned sanctuary, classrooms, and parking at no cost.
Since we are already worshipping in our social hall because of the summer heat, the SALT Team recommended accepting this invitation as an opportunity to worship comfortably while also learning something important about ourselves.
Beginning Sunday, August 2, we will worship at 10:00 a.m. at St. Luke's through Sunday, October 18. (Our All Church Retreat at West River is October 23-24.) We will return to Dumbarton for worship on Sunday, November 1, All Saints Sunday.
Why This Experiment Matters
This is just that—an experiment.
The goal is not to make permanent decisions, but to gather information that will help us discern our future. What matters most to us in worship? How do our buildings serve our mission? What resources are needed to support the ministry God is calling us to?
During this time, our church building at 3133 Dumbarton Street will remain available for memorial services, weddings, and other special occasions as needed and weather permits.
Dumbarton has never been afraid to take faithful risks. Inspired by those who came before us, the SALT Team voted to take this ten-week step together, trusting that God will teach us something along the way.
We encourage everyone who is able to worship in person at St. Luke's during this trial. While Zoom worship will continue, being physically present will help all of us share in the experience and contribute to our discernment. We know we will not all feel the same way about this journey. Some will feel excitement, others uncertainty, and many both at once. Our hope is that we will listen well—to one another and to the Spirit—and discover together where God is leading Dumbarton next.
Parsonage FAQ Coming Soon
During the capital campaign feasibility process, many thoughtful questions arose about the parsonage. To help everyone have the same information, the SALT Team is preparing a Parsonage FAQ that will address the most common logistical and financial questions.
We've chosen to wait a few weeks before engaging in this conversation so that the congregation can first settle into our temporary worship at St. Luke's. We look forward to continuing this conversation together with clarity, openness, and prayer.
Thank you for taking the time to read this important message. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.
With Gratitude and Hope,
Rev. Rachel Cornwell and the SALT Team