Out & About
Christmas services at affirming churches
Many in region welcome gay worshippers
Washington National Cathedral (Washington Blade file photo)
Christmas Eve
Foundry United Methodist Church (1500 16th St., N.W.) holds a children and family Christmas Eve service from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in fellowship hall. From 8-9 p.m. there will be “a Time of Lessons, Carols and Candlelight” service from 8-9 p.m. in the sanctuary. For details, visit foundryumc.org.
The Christ Church on Capitol Hill (620 G St., S.E.) has multiple Christmas Eve services and events. At 4:30 p.m. there will be a “Come as you are” family service with carols, pageant and communion. At 6:30 p.m. there will be a formal family service with a homily, communion and music from the St. Petersburg Men’s Ensemble. At 10 p.m. the St. Petersburg Men’s Ensemble will perform in the Choral Prelude before the Festival Eucharist at 10:30 p.m. A festive reception will follow at 11:30 p.m. with food and drink. For more details, visit washingtonparish.org.
Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church (3401 Nebraska Ave., N.W.) has many services through Christmas Eve. At 5 p.m. there will be a family Christmas Eve service led by the children. At 7:30 p.m. there will be a candlelight communion service. At 11 p.m. there is a candlelight service with a musical prelude starting at 10:30 p.m. For more information, visit nationalchurch.org.
Dumbarton United Methodist Church holds a Christmas Eve child-friendly service with a repeat of their Christmas pageant at 5 p.m. At 9 p.m. there will be a formal Christmas Eve worship service with candles and caroling. Rev. Mary Kay Totty will lead both services. For more information, visit dumbartonumc.org.
Rockville United Church (355 Linthicum St., Rockville, Md.) has Christmas Eve Under the Stars, a Christmas Eve celebration, at 5 p.m. A service will be at 8 p.m. For more details, visit rockvilleunitedchurch.org.
Metropolitan Community Church of Washington (474 Ridge St., N.W.) holds a Christmas Eve service from 8-9:30 p.m. For more information, visitmccdc.com.
Seekers Church (276 Carroll St., N.W.) has a Christmas Eve dinner at 6 p.m. followed by a service of lessons and carols at 7:30 p.m. Visit seekerschurch.orgfor more details.
Saint John’s Episcopal Church (1525 H St., N.W.) holds a “festive” holy eucharist from 8-9:30 p.m. For more information, visit stjohnsgeorgetown.org.
Washington National Cathedral (3101 Wisconsin Ave., N.W.) has “carols by candlelight” with Rev. Mariann Budde at 6 p.m. Festival of the holy eucharist service is at 10 p.m. Passes are required for both events. Carols by candlelight is sold-out but passes for the 10 p.m. Holy eucharist service are still available. VisitNationalcathedral.org for more details.
National City Christian Church (5 Thomas Circle,N.W.) holds a Christmas Eve service at 7 p.m. For more information, visit nationalcitycc.org.
Christmas Day
Washington National Cathedral (3101 Wisconsin Ave., N.W.) holds the Festival Holy Eucharist service today at 11 a.m. “The Blessing of the Crib: A Service of Christmas Lessons and Carols” will be at 3 p.m. There will be scripture readings and Christmas carols. No passes are required for any of the day’s programs. For more information, visit nationalcathedral.org.
Out & About
Whitman-Walker to host legal services workshop
Event held virtually and in-person at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center
Whitman Walker Health Center will host a legal services workshop on Tuesday, July 21 at 3 p.m. virtually and in-person at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center.
Attorneys from WWH will give an overview of the free legal services they offer and discuss recent challenges. WWH meets clients where they are to address the issues they are facing, such as:
- Immigration relief based on LGBTQ+/HIV status
- Public benefits, including Social Security Disability denials
- Appealing health insurance denials of Gender Affirming Care
- Name changes and ID Document update
Register online to attend virtually. To attend in person, no registration is required.
Friday, July 17
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7 p.m. at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. This is a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Saturday, July 18
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host “Sunday Supper on Saturday” at 2 p.m. It’s an opportunity to step away from the busyness of life and invest in something meaningful, and enjoy delicious food, genuine laughter, and conversations that spark connection and inspiration. For more details, visit the Center’s website.
LGBTQ People of Color will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ people of color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgement free. There will be all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more details, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.
Sunday, July 19
“Nellie’s DC Drag Brunch” will be at 12 p.m. at Nellie’s Sports Bar. Come get served like a queen by a queen. Join Sapphire Blue, Deja Diamond and their team of amazing drag performers for the most fun you’ll have all weekend. Tickets are $58.51 and are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, July 20
“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).
Tuesday, July 21
Center Bi+ Roundtable will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather in order to discuss issues related to bisexuality or as bi individuals in a private setting. Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.
Wednesday, July 22
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
Asexual and Aromantic Group will meet at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a space where people who are questioning this aspect of their identity or those who identify as asexual and/or aromantic can come together, share stories and experiences, and discuss various topics. For more details, email [email protected].
Thursday, July 23
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Out & About
Rehoboth’s Aqua to celebrate 20th anniversary Sunday
Event marks culmination of Pride weekend in beach community
Aqua Bar & Grill in Rehoboth Beach will celebrate its 20th anniversary on Sunday, July 19 from 2-7 p.m. DJ Biff will entertain the crowd; there will be complimentary birthday cake and surprise guests.
The event marks the culmination of Pride weekend in Rehoboth Beach, which runs all weekend with panel discussions, parties, and more.
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