Newcomers & Visitors
We are delighted that you are visiting and hope you will consider making Christ Church your spiritual home. Each new person who comes to us is a special gift of God, and we seek to honor you with the return gift of our hospitality.
Visiting Christ Church
We welcome you to attend our Sunday or Wednesday worship services. Please make yourself known to us by signing the visitor register. Our greeters will be available to help answer any questions and provide additional information about our ministries.
Childcare is provided during our 10am Sunday service for ages six months to 4 years. Children in preschool through grade 5 are welcome to attend Sunday School, rejoining their parents at the Peace.
Assisted listening devices are available. Please speak with an usher if you have any special needs.
Contact a Parishioner
We welcome you to contact a current parishioner using our online form to learn more about our programs and community life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some questions frequently asked by visitors and newcomers to Christ Church.
- What is the difference between the 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. services?
- Can I receive communion?
- What if I do not wish to receive communion and merely want a blessing?
- How does communion work? Do I drink from the cup, does the priest dip the wafer for me, or can I dip it myself?
- Do I have to take wine if I take the wafer?
- It is difficult for me to walk up to the altar rail. Can I receive communion at my seat?
- Where do I park?
- Is the church handicapped accessible?
- How do I find out about becoming involved in the ministries of the church?
- Do you have assisted listening devices?
- How do I get a pledge card?
- Can I make payments online?
- How do I get to coffee hour?
- What is the difference between Rite I and Rite II?
What is the difference between the 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. services?
The 8:00 a.m. service is a quiet, reflective service without music held in our chapel. Once per month, Fr. Carr leads a Eucharist at the 8:00 a.m. service; on other weeks Morning Prayer is offered, and the services are parishioner-led. The 10:00 a.m. worship serves both families and those interested in more ceremonial practices, with music by our adult choir. Learn more about our Worship Services.
Can I receive communion?
All who seek God and are drawn by Christ are welcome to receive Holy Communion. (Gluten free wafers are available, if desired.)
What if I do not wish to receive communion and merely want a blessing?
Cross your arms in front of your chest when you kneel (or stand) at the communion rail. The priest will simply give you a blessing.
How does communion work? Do I drink from the cup, does the priest dip the wafer for me, or can I dip it myself?
We welcome you to receive the Eucharist as you are most comfortable. When you approach the rail, you may kneel or stand. If you would like to receive communion, stretch out your cupped hands to receive a wafer. Please consume the host before receiving the wine; we do not dip (or "intinct") the wafer for hygienic reasons.
Do I have to take wine if I take the wafer?
No. You may choose to only receive a wafer. Simply exit the altar rail after receiving the host.
It is difficult for me to walk up to the altar rail. Can I receive communion at my seat?
If you wish to receive the Eucharist at your seat, simply notify an usher at any time during the service, and a celebrant will approach you at communion.
Where do I park?
There is ample parking in lots and along the street near the church. Reserved easy-access parking (P1) is provided along the driveway at the side of the church, and there is a parking lot behind the church (P4). On Sundays, you may use street parking (P2) along Washington St., Vinson St., and in the Rockville City Hall parking lot (P3). For special events, parking is available in the lot behind the houses on S. Washington St. (P5).
Is the church handicapped accessible?
There are three handicapped spaces at the top of the driveway to the side of the church. On Sundays, there are also usually spaces available on Washington St. directly in front of the church. The handicapped entrance to the church is through the chapel to the right of the main church entrance. Handicapped access to the Dining Room and Murdock Room is via a ramp on the side of the church by the driveway. There is also a lift directly outside the Murdock Room that will take you to the sanctuary level of the church.
How do I find out about becoming involved in the ministries of the church?
Visit our Ministries page to learn about the activities of the various ministries of the church, including contact information for each ministry. There are also printed flyers for each ministry located in the church oratory (near the Nursery). An usher or greeter can direct you.
Do you have assisted listening devices?
Yes. Please ask an usher for assistance.
How do I get a pledge card?
Pledge envelopes are in a rack by the door as you enter the church. You can also ask an usher for one.
Can I make payments online?
Using our eGiving portal, you can make one-time or recurring gifts in support of the church and its ministries.
How do I get to coffee hour?
Coffee hour is held in the Dining Room or occasionally, the Murdock Room. Both are downstairs below the sanctuary. There are two stairways from the hallway on your right as you leave the church.
What is the difference between Rite I and Rite II?
The traditional, more formal, language rites are known as Rite 1, and the contemporary language rites are known as Rite 2. The Rite 1 liturgies reflect the language and piety of the Elizabethan era and the first Book of Common Prayer, although the structure of these liturgies also reflects the influence of modern liturgical scholarship. The Rite 2 liturgies reflect more fully the influence of the liturgical movement and contemporary theology. Rite 2 liturgies tend to reflect greater sensitivity for inclusive language issues. Rite I uses “thee, thy, thou” whereas Rite II uses “you” and “your.”
Become a Member
Learn what it means to become a formal member of Christ Church and how to join.
