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About Us
All Saints Sharon Chapel is the cherished home of an open and affirming, racially and ethnically diverse congregation holding steadfast to our best traditions while seeking to explore the spirit and will of God together.
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The parish is also honored to provide a home one other congregation, Iglesia de Dios "El Sinai" and benefits from its history with and proximity to Virginia Theological Seminary as it hosts seminarians seeking practical experience with a diverse and active congregation.
Core Values
Core values are basic beliefs we live by; that give our lives meaning and shape our relationship to the world around us. As Christians, living into our core values always has to do with the person of Jesus Christ, for he is the Word, the expression of God's will for humankind. We asked ourselves, What have we always cared about? Who are we today? What are we called to be tomorrow? After reflection and lengthy discussion, the Vestry determined the following Core Values of All Saints Sharon Chapel:
Diversity & Inclusion
Education & Formation
Family & Belonging
Our Parish Prayer
Gracious God, we thank you for the blessings of our parish family and the ever-growing spirit we share through your grace. Guide us, O Lord, as your reveal yourself to us, both individually and corporately. Grant us the gifts of insight and discernment so we may share the warmth we enjoy through your love. Keep us ever mindful of the deep roots this parish has in our community, and your call to spread the branches of faith ever wider. Empower us, Lord, as we spread your word, and grant us peace, safe harbor, and unity for the sake of your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.
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What can I expect when I visit All Saints Sharon Chapel for the first time?You should expect to be greeted warmly and made to feel welcome and at home. Ushers will hand you a bulletin for that day's service and will answer any questions you may have. At the end of the service the Priest will greet you as you leave. If you would like to stay for fellowship and conversation, please proceed to Gunnell Hall for coffee and refreshments.
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Where are services held?At the All Saints Sharon Chapel sanctuary, in Fairfax County: 3421 Franconia Road, Alexandria, Virginia 22310. Although the postal address says "Alexandria," All Saints Episcopal Church - Sharon Chapel is located in the Wilton Woods neighborhood of Fairfax County. The church building is located on the eastern stretch of Franconia Road (Route 644), about 1/3 mile west of its intersection with Telegraph Road (Route 611), where Franconia Road goes downhill toward the intersection. The church driveway is on the southern side of Franconia Road.
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Do I need to be a member or must I be Episcopalian to attend worship services?Worship services at All Saints Sharon Chapel are open to all; anyone may attend and worship. Christians from many denominations attend regularly.
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Is there something for my kids?For children 18 months to 12 years old, we offer Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS), which is a Montessori-based approach to faith formation used all over the world. Rooted in the bible and liturgy, our CGS at Sharon Chapel opened in 2001, established through an evangelism and outreach Mustard Seed Grant from the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia serving families throughout Northern Virginia and the DMV region, both nationally and internationally through our hybrid atrium program and CGS training. We have served hundreds of children and adults over the years. To learn more about CGS, click here.
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Can my young children stay with me in the sanctuary during the service?Yes. Especially if you are visiting for the first time your children may be more comfortable staying with you during the service. Even if your children stay with you during the worship service, we hope you visit our nursery and Catechesis atrium. Once you and your child feel ready, we encourage you to make use of the nursery (for children under 3), or our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Sunday school classes (for children 3 through 12), or our teen Sunday school classes.
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How much does it cost?Contributions to the church are entirely voluntary. We pass a collection plate. Anyone may contribute as they wish.
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What is the congregation like?Diverse. Young and old. Of various ethnic, national, racial, and religious origins. Some are new to the Northern Virginia area, others are members of families that have worshiped at All Saints Sharon Chapel for generations.
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What do people wear?At a typical All Saints Sharon Chapel worship service you will see everything from tee-shirts and jeans to dresses and suits and ties. Many parishioners wear what could be described as "business casual" attire. There is no dress code; the only expectation is that people attending worship services are neat and clean.
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Can I speak with someone before I come for the first time?Please call the church office at 703-960-4808 and ask to speak to the Rector or Priest in charge.
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How long has All Saints Sharon Chapel been around?Since before Franconia Road was Franconia Road (it used to be Old Fairfax Road). Since before there was an entrance to the church property from Franconia Road (people once came to Sharon Chapel on Sharon Chapel Road, which still exists but no longer leads all the way to the church). Since before it was "All Saints." The history of All Saints Sharon Chapel begins in 1848. People have been worshipping here for over 150 years (with just a few interruptions).
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Is All Saints a church or a chapel?All Saints Sharon Chapel is a full-fledged parish church in the Diocese of Virginia. The name reflects our history. For many years, we were known simply as Sharon Chapel, a mission of the Virginia Theological Seminary, with seminary students conducting the vast majority of services and no permanent rector or priest. When we became a parish in 1974, with a full-time rector, the name "All Saints" was chosen to go with the existing name. To find out more, see our history page.