As worshippers sang “Rejoice, Angelic Choirs, Rejoice,” bells played, organ chords reverberated, water was brought forward and liturgical dancers graced the auditorium at Gallaudet University, transforming it into worship space.

Entering to the hymn “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee,” the Monumental Brass Quintet, Good Shepherd Chancel Choir, liturgical dancers and Reformation Bell Choir enhanced the Festive Eucharist. Among communion ministers were the Rt. Rev. John Bryson Chane, Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Washington, D.C., and the Rt. Rev. David C. Jones, Bishop Suffragan, Episcopal Diocese of Virginia.

Those gathered for the 2009 ELCA Metro D.C. Synod Assembly sang “The Church’s One Foundation,” grouding the discussion and decisions of participants in worship.

Also during the Festive Eucharist was Reformation Bell Choir from St. Luke Lutheran Church in Silver Spring playing “For the Beauty of the Earth” during a liturgical dance as the table was set for Communion.

Curious about what a Synod Assembly is like? In addition to displays, worship, business and Bible study we have time to get to know one another from our 80 congregations and worshipping communities.

In “ELCA Identity” Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson explores what it means to be the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (November 2006)