Question 1

What can I expect when I visit All Saints Sharon Chapel for the first time?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Where are services held?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Do I need to be a member or must I be Episcopalian to attend worship services?

Accepted Answer

Worship services at All Saints Sharon Chapel are open to all; anyone may attend and worship. Christians from many denominations attend regularly.

Question 4

Is there something for my kids?

Accepted Answer

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.(sharonchapel.org/kids)

Question 5

Can my young children stay with me in the sanctuary during the service?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Contributions to the church are entirely voluntary. We pass a collection plate. Anyone may contribute as they wish.

Question 7

What is the congregation like?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

What do people wear?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

Can I speak with someone before I come for the first time?

Accepted Answer

Please call the church office at 703-960-4808 and ask to speak to the Rector or Priest in charge.

Question 10

How long has All Saints Sharon Chapel been around?

Accepted Answer

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).

Question 11

Is All Saints a church or a chapel?

Accepted Answer

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.(https://www.sharonchapel.org/history)

All Saints

EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Sharon Chapel

Plan your visit.

SERVICE ON SUNDAYS AT 8:00 AM + 10:30 AM | IN-PERSON

Worship Service Schedule

Sundays

We can't wait to meet you.

Our Location

3421 Franconia Road
Alexandria, VA

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