Anyone have experience with Chevy Chase United Methodist Church (CCUMC) - either church or preschool

[Anonymous]

We live near CCUMC and are considering attending and perhaps applying to their preschool for our twins for next year. I've read that they are thinking of becoming a welcoming congregation. Anyone have experience or knowledge about the church or the school? TIA.

[Anonymous]

Our DD is at the school. It's been incredibly welcoming, though we're the only same-sex parents there now, as far as I know. Everyone is really nice, and no one - teachers, administrators, kids, other parents - seems to blink an eye over our 2-mom family. The school is really great, we've been very happy there. It's just a sweet, community-minded kind of place, with great facilities and great teachers. As for the church, I haven't attended, but a lot of our neighbors go there, and we've met the minister and his wife at picnics. Again, they're all very open and friendly. I'd say go for it.

[Anonymous]

We are a 2 mom family whose daughter will be attending in the fall. I have asked several friends who are parents there and they have all assured me that it is a welcoming place, as has the director. Their forms have spaces for "parent 1" and "parent 2" which is unusual and which the director said was a change to make all families feel welcome. She said that they have had 2 mom and 2 dad families attend and that all went well. PP I look forward to meeting you, maybe at the picnic in May?

[Anonymous]

Hi! I work there and it is a wonderful place.

[Anonymous]

I may be a little late in the game for answering, but I just came upon this post while trying to get some info online. I've been a member of CCUMC since 1967 when I was a kid. Gone to a lot of other churches in other states, but I do always come back. Mostly very nice people, and I've heard only good things about the preschool. Our music is great, too. Maybe I shouldn't brag, 'cause I sing in the Praise choir (when I'm in Maryland), but they could do just as well or better without my voice, which sometimes goes where it shouldn't. The point is praising
God anyhow, but I think they do it with a great sound, at 9:30 for a contemporary feel or at 11 if you want a more traditional service.

Every large group, I expect, will have a few people you may not get along with. Well, when I was a kid, that was true at CCUMC. I haven't
had a problem with anyone there lately. But I'd say, try the church out, see how comfortable you are, and then if you meet just one or two people you have a problem with, remember that's one or two out of 300 or so.

We're discussing becoming an "open" church, whatever that means. But I'm not around enough to think I should be all that involved in decision-making. And oh yes, you are welcome, whoever you are. There is no question of that.

God bless you, whatever your decision is!

Sarita

[Anonymous]

Some interesting PR going on here.

[Anonymous]

Warm and welcoming. For being in Chevy Chase, with a fair amount of money and power in the congregation, suprisingly down to earth. At least on Sundays.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Some interesting PR going on here.

She signed her name. Seems sincere. So why mischaracterize as "PR." Or are we so jaded around here at DCUM we don't recognize sincerity when we read it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Some interesting PR going on here.

She signed her name. Seems sincere. So why mischaracterize as "PR." Or are we so jaded around here at DCUM we don't recognize sincerity when we read it.

I sent two kids to that preschool and I would never in a million years recommend it to a gay couple. It has a lot going for it but diversity isn't on the list.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Warm and welcoming. For being in Chevy Chase, with a fair amount of money and power in the congregation, suprisingly down to earth. At least on Sundays.

Visited recently. Absolutely agree. I was greeted very warmly by so many people.

[Anonymous]

The church is celebrating its centennial. Went to a related event the other day. Seems like an older congregation, but the younger crowd seems like they have enough spark to make up for small numbers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Some interesting PR going on here.

She signed her name. Seems sincere. So why mischaracterize as "PR." Or are we so jaded around here at DCUM we don't recognize sincerity when we read it.

I sent two kids to that preschool and I would never in a million years recommend it to a gay couple. It has a lot going for it but diversity isn't on the list.

My child recently graduated. We were the second lesbian family there at the time and had a very positive experience. The director and staff are wonderful.

[Anonymous]

Keep in mind that it is a feeder school for Blessed Sacrament. When my kids attended, I felt like a minority. The church might be great, but unless you are comfortable with Catholic attitudes towards homosexuality, I would think twice about sending your kids there.