Churches: Grace Episcopal Church #9

Today was our last day during Year 3 at Grace Episcopal Church in nearby Georgetown.

We discovered the church one year ago and were warmly welcomed.  Over the past year, we have made many new friends and volunteered often at Grace's Table, the weekly luncheon and bible study for our homeless neighbors.  

Today, the congregation bid us bon voyage as we depart D.C. and look ahead to Paris.  The flowers on the altar were given in our honor.  

Given "in thanksgiving for the presence of Susan and Greg Bendlin with us this past year and for their special ministry of coordinating Grace's Table".

At the coffee hour afterward, we were honored with a delicious cake complete with Eiffel Towers.  Oh la la.

Saying thanks and farewell was bittersweet and emotional.  We will miss our friends and fondly remember Grace Church.  We hope to return for a visit in the future.  Who knows, perhaps Year 11 will be spent in D.C.

P.S.  While photographing the flowers, Greg walked around behind the altar and saw something out of the ordinary.  Greg remembered that the rector, John Graham, is a fan of jazz.  The church often hosts jazz events.  The church even has its own drum kit, which is conveniently stored under the altar.  Who knew?