GATHER ❯

Our church is home to people as different as the many people represented in Washington DC. We are multicultural and multiethnic. We are Republican, Democrat, Independent. We are rich and poor and in-between. We believe that something is happening here that goes beyond political ideology, beyond ethnic identity, beyond cultural affinity. We believe that we are part of something bigger that God is doing. Something that has not yet been seen in all of human history: a united community full of worshipping disciples from every tribe, every nation, every tongue. We affirm that the purpose of this and every church is to make those disciples.

Our church is home to people as different as the many people represented in Washington DC. We are multicultural and multiethnic. We are Republican, Democrat, Independent. We are rich and poor and in-between. We believe that something is happening here that goes beyond political ideology, beyond ethnic identity, beyond cultural affinity. We believe that we are part of something bigger that God is doing. Something that has not yet been seen in all of human history: a united community full of worshipping disciples from every tribe, every nation, every tongue. We affirm that the purpose of this and every church is to make those disciples.

Lent 2026

February 18 – April 3

The 40-day season of Lent has been observed by Christians for centuries, all around the world. It’s a season to reflect, repent, and pray together as a community as we prepare our hearts for Easter.

Family, this season of prayer, fasting, and preparation is so important to our spiritual lives! We can’t wait to share this time together with you as we anticipate celebrating the RESURRECTION of JESUS! HE IS RISEN!

Lent for Kids: Families, watch for the special “Lent family resource” cards coming from NCC Kids. We’ll also have a special version of Stations of the Cross just for kids.

LentEN PRACTICEs at NCC

1

Ash Wednesday Service

Wednesday, February 18, noon 
Capital Turnaround

The symbolic act of receiving ashes reminds us of our mortality and helps us prepare our hearts and minds for Lent. All are welcome for this short service to usher in the Lenten season. Sorry, no child care.

2

Sunday Sermon Series

Sundays, March 1 – 29

Join us every Sunday for our It is Written sermon series.

GUEST SPEAKERS

Sunday, March 8
Dr. Anita Phillips, LCSW-C

Dr. Anita Phillips, LCSW-C is a trauma therapist, life coach, and minister. Widely recognized as a thought leader at the intersection of mental health, faith, and culture, Dr. Anita holds degrees from the University of Maryland and Regent University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Sunday, March 15
Dr. Dick Foth

Dick Foth is an author, storyteller, and popular speaker. He holds a master’s degree from Wheaton College Graduate School and a doctorate from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Ruth, were part of the core group of nineteen people when National Community Church first began. He has been a spiritual grandfather of NCC from the beginning.

3

Devoting Ourselves to the Word of God

  • Lent Reading Plan – We’ll be reading through Luke’s gospel this Lent. Download the reading plan here, find it on the NCC App, or pick up a bookmark at church on Sunday.
  • Scripture Memorization Challenge – Every week, we’ll be memorizing a foundational Bible verse. Here’s a list of the verses, or download the lock screen graphic for your phone (downloads coming)
  • Bring your Bible (your physical Bible) to church every Sunday.

4

Fasting Together

Fast with us once a week for 24 hours, sundown Wednesday – sundown Thursday, all during Lent.
We’ll use a version of the John Wesley fast beginning Ash Wednesday, February 18. Then we’ll break our fast together every Thursday night at 6:15pm–right before House of Prayer. Dinner’s on us! 

There is so much power in fasting together. We recognize that some may have medical reasons why you can’t fast, but there are other ways to fast. Here are lots more info and resources about fasting.

Let us know your commitment to fast and pray this season! Text the word “START” to 404-236-6233.

5

Stations of the Cross

Thursday, April 2, 7:00 – 8:30pm (no House of Prayer Thursday)
Good Friday, April 3, noon – 5:30pm
Capital Turnaround

NCC Artist Benjamin Baugham has painted seven powerful scenes from the passion of Christ to guide us in prayer and contemplation. Meditate on these devotional paintings as you follow along with a scripture reading and devotional on the NCC App.

  • Bring your headphones for the audio.
  • Drop in when you can and stay as long as you like.
  • Families, we welcome elementary kids at Stations of the Cross and will have a special children’s version on the app. Please bring a set of headphones for each child.

6

Good Friday Service

Good Friday, April 3, 6:00pm
Capital Turnaround

Good Friday marks the betrayal, arrest, crucifixion, and death of Jesus. It’s a time to reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made as we anticipate the joy of Easter. Join us for a Good Friday service and communion celebration. All are welcome.

If you have kids:  We invite elementary-age kids in grades 2-5 to join their families for the Good Friday service. We believe Holy Week is an important time to intentionally invite children into the rhythms of the church community and encourage families to attend the service together. We will have child care for babies – first grade.

7

Easter Sunrise Service

Easter Sunrise // Sunday, April 5, 6:30am
Lincoln Memorial

As one of the nation’s largest Easter sunrise services, Easter Sunrise at the Lincoln Memorial has attracted people from all over the United States and the world. As the sun rises over our nation’s capital, gather with thousands of believers to worship and declare to our city, nation and world that Christ is risen!

8

Easter Services at NCC

Easter Sunday, April 5, 9:00am and 11:00am
Capital Turnaround

Join us as we celebrate our risen Savior at NCC!

Live Music • Inspiring Message • Warm Community

Special programming for babies, preschool, and elementary kids.