Episcopal church in NW DC/close in MD burbs that is more middle class than upper-middle-class

[Anonymous]

Feeling a bit out-of-place at our lovely upper NW Episcopal church. Just can't afford the "normal" events and still contribute a reasonable amount as pledge. It seems at least 1/2 of the kids attend private schools -- to give you a sense for income distribution.

I'd hate to leave, but I feel like we're not really participating as much as we could because of some cost issues. (Should have left when we couldn't afford the nursery school there!) We're not by any means underprivileged, so I would never ask for financial help, though my church offers it to those who really need it.

Any suggestions of where we might feel more at home? I've heard good things about Grace Episcopal in Silver Spring. What are "normal" expectations re fees for kids youth group, church activities/events, etc. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Grace Episcopal doesn't have fees of this kind that I know of. There is a tremendous children and youth choir and music education program that's well known in the area, and it is free.

The congregation is down-to-earth people and families who are very diverse economically, racially and ethnically. There are some very financially comfortable people there but you really wouldn't know it from the vibe. The goal is to be inclusive and organically diverse, which doesn't suggest to me that there are major fees associated with anything. Check it out! It's a very welcoming place.

[Anonymous]

You might also consider Good Shepherd in Silver Spring along University Boulevard. It's a very diverse congregation and probably more middle class than Grace Episcopal. There are lots of K-6 activities for kids although the offerings tend to peter out for middle and high school kids. Perhaps when the current crop of kids ages they'll have more, but it's hard to know.

I don't know the congregation at Grace Episcopal. But if the private school in question is Grace Episcopal Day School, which is associated with that church, then this private is very nice but it isn't as ritzy or expensive as some of the NW DC privates. (My kids went to GEDS for a while.)

[Anonymous]

I have heard good things about the Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Silver Spring:

http://www.ascensionsilverspring.org/

[Anonymous]

They have fees to use the church nursery and do the normal fellowship activities? That's really odd, especially given that the congregation is wealthy. We live in a wealthy area and our Episcopal congregation charges nothing. They budget out of the pledges to cover the activities. They don't charge for Sunday school, nursery, youth activities, etc. I do pledge each month, but that's now why I'm not "charged" for anything. You are right to look for another church.

[Anonymous]

nursery school is not a "normal" church activity, if it is during the week, like regular non-religious nursery schools.

I used to attend an Episcopal church in upper NW and there were no fees for regular church events -- nursery school was separate and did involve a fee.

Silver Spring is less ritzy so the church communities there probably would be too - but nursery school would be fee-based anywhere, I presume, and it might be a schlep getting your kid there every AM if you live in DC or MD chevy chase.

[Anonymous]

6:39 back. OP, are you actually looking for a nursery school as well as a church? If so, Grace does have preschool but it is not inexpensive as it's part of an independent school, as 7:44 said. The campus is in Kensington and it is a lovely school but it's not cheap. I'm sorry, I thought you were only looking for a church.