“I hear people referring to this church as a ‘church plant.’ What’s that?”

A “church plant” is simply a start-up church, a new local community of faith. And “church planting” refers to the process of establishing that fledgling community (i.e., new church development). The botanical imagery comes from the Bible, which often describes God’s people as a plant, tree, vineyard, or garden (see Isaiah 11:1; Jeremiah 32:41; Luke 20:9-18; 1 Corinthians 3:6).

“When will things be starting?”

Two ways to answer this: (1) The community has already begun—relationships are forming, connections with the neighborhood deepening. (2) Our Sunday worship services are in the process of development — we are adding elements to our service each week, expecting to reach our “cruising altitude” on January 9, 2011.

“Why is the congregation named, ‘Meridian Hill’?”

As their names suggest, Columbia Heights, Mount Pleasant, and Adams Morgan (part of which was formerly called Kalorama Heights and Lanier Heights), rest atop a terrace that overlooks downtown Washington two hundred feet below. Of course, if you’ve ever walked, biked, or jogged into this part of the city, this is no news to you. You’ve probably already gotten to know the steep incline which in the 19th century came to be known as Meridian Hill.

Originally a sacred space for Native Americans who lived here, the hill draws its current name from the city’s original “prime meridian” (16th Street) which runs up its southward slope. Today, Meridian Hill is most commonly associated with the 12-acre park that bears its name: Meridian Hill Park (called Malcolm X Park by locals since 1970). Perhaps this is fitting, as the Park has come to represent some of the most defining characteristics of the surrounding hilltop neighborhoods: the celebration of diverse cultures (the weekly drum circle), the fostering of local community through outdoor activities and performing arts events, its rich history as a rallying place for civil rights and other activist groups since the 1960s, and the compelling story of regular neighbors working together to restore a formerly crime-ridden community park.

The 16th Street meridian now serves as the geographical boundary between the places we call home: Columbia Heights to its east and Adams Morgan and Mount Pleasant to its west. There are many other lines that cut across our local community socially, culturally, spiritually, and economically. They are both visible and invisible, real and perceived. Which is why we long to be a church that follows Jesus on Meridian Hill, building relationships across the divides that often separate neighbors one from another. After all, God has done just that with us.

“Can I be a part of the church even if I don’t live in the neighborhood?”

Absolutely! While our mission and ministry have a local geographical focus , everyone is welcome to our community regardless of where they live.

“I’m currently a part of another church. Can I come?”

Everyone is welcome. But, if you are a member or committed attender of another church, we’d like to ask you to speak with your ministry leaders (pastor, priest, etc.) first. We’d even urge you to seriously consider remaining at your present faith community, because we are committed to being a support, rather than a detriment or disruption, to other Christian churches in the neighborhood.

“I’ve got a lot of questions about God. Is this church for me?”

Yes! We’re specifically committed to walking with people like you—those wrestling with doubts, hard questions, or bad past experiences with the church. Please let us know how we can help you.

“How has fundraising been going?“

God has been providing for our needs through the generosity of many people. We’re very encouraged, especially in light of the rough economy. We are still in need of more financial support, however—“seed funding” for ministry expenses until we are financially self-sufficient (weekly tithes and offerings). If you’re interested in partnering with us, please see the Support section of this site.