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new series learn more Welcome to Damascus Road Community Church We're a multi-generational, non-denominational church located in Mount Airy, Maryland, serving Carroll, Howard, Frederick and Montgomery counties and the surrounding areas. We're a community where people learn about Jesus and the abundant life He offers, a community that people run to - not from - in their struggles and challenges. Sunday | 9:30 + 11:15am Children's Program available Discover life with purpose. Adults Jesus wants to have a relationship with you and connect you to His Church as you grow in faith, love and service to others. Damascus Road offers many avenues to help you along your journey. Learn more... Children Our Children’s and HAVEN (for Special Needs Children) Ministries partners with families to encourage and equip children using age-appropriate teaching sprinkled with fun. Learn more... Youth We help teens navigate one of the toughest seasons of life through real relationships, relevant teaching, service opportunities, and connection through small groups. Learn more... You matter to God and you matter to us. Check out these stories of life transformation. Life Stories Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Liana's Small Group Story 01:50 Play Video Now Playing Tina Snow Small Group Testimony 01:14 Play Video Now Playing Ron's Small Group Story 02:03 Play Video Now Playing The Ziegler's - Parents Small Group 01:06 Play Video Subscribe to Our Newsletter Stay up on what's new! Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Sign up

Pull up a chair. Throughout history, porches have served as a meeting place. A place where introductions are made, stories told, laughter is heard, relationships are deepened. People have gotten busier, less connected, more divided and our porches sit empty, unused. Jesus created porches wherever he went.… meals with strangers, the sick healed, sinners forgiven, a hungry crowd fed. Porches are all around- in our neighborhood, at work or school, on the golf course, at a coffee shop, on the sidelines of a sports game. Let’s build new porches where we… learn stories…and share our story. Pull up a chair….join us on the porch! Sundays, 9:30 & 11:15am in-person & online What to expect each week. Hover and click below for each week's details. Videos of the messages will become available on YouTube after they have posted each Sunday. Get interactive content using the Series Guide . Challenge Take the challenge. We've created the Life on the Porch Series Guide to help you follow along with this new message series for an interactive experience! ​ Pick up your free copy on Sunday morning or click below to view/download/print a copy from your desktop. View/Download the Series Guide Guía de series en español Join the conversation. We want to create a culture at Damascus Road where we intentionally share our lives with others who may be exploring faith in our neighborhoods, workplaces, family or friend groups. ​ What better way to learn about community and connection than to experience it for yourself? ​ We've created an online community where you can share your stories, ask questions, and pray for others as we grow together to become more like Jesus. ​ So, here's your invitation to join the Living on the Porch forum : Visit the LOTP Forum Resources Looking for ideas on how to make genuine connections? Check out these resources: ​ Building Genuine Connections - Download The Turquoise Table - Visit the website and find out how to turn your front yard into a place of neighborhood connection! Find Your People: Building Deep Community in a Lonely World , book by Jennie Allen, author, speaker, and the founder and visionary of IF:Gathering. How to Love Your Neighbor Without Being Weird , book by Amy Lively, author and speaker whose passion is teaching God’s Word as a “How To” manual for loving Him and loving others. ​ Receive weekly prayer prompts Want a text reminder to help keep you on track throughout the series? Sign up to receive a weekly prayer prompt or text PORCH to 301-888-6922 (note: if you had unsubscribed from receiving texts from DRCC, simply text, "START" to this same number to opt back in): Sign up!

To see this working, head to your live site. Categories All Posts My Posts Life on the Porch Welcome to the Life on the Porch Online Community! Have a look around and join the discussions. Create New Post Start here. In the next five weeks, we'll share stories, experience community & go deeper as we do "Life on the Porch." subcategory-list-item.views subcategory-list-item.posts 3 Follow Weekly Challenges Each week we will be challenged to "build new porches." Follow the weekly prompts and share your progress. subcategory-list-item.views subcategory-list-item.posts 5 Follow New Posts damascus-road Apr 18 Week #1 Weekly Challenges Who are you praying for during this five week Life on the Porch series? Share below using their INITIALS or FIRST NAME only! Like 3 15 comments 15 damascus-road Apr 16 Week #2 Weekly Challenges Now that you have decided on who you will be praying for during the "Life on the Porch" series, share with this community the ways you will connect with them. Will you write a card, send an email, invite them to a concert? Remember, Jesus "meets us where we are" - and that's a good lesson for us when we're brainstorming ways to connect with others! Like 2 3 comments 3 damascus-road Apr 24 Week #3 Weekly Challenges We are fully known and fully loved by God. He is our Creator and knows us inside-out! For we (being mere mortals), get to know others by interactions - by listening to their stories - and sharing our lives with them. What have you learned after hearing the story of someone you are praying for? Don't share personal details here, but write your response in your journal this week. Then, tell us below how hearing their story affected you. Did it bring you greater understanding and empathy? Maybe a little overwhelmed with the information that was shared? How can we pray for you? Like 2 1 comment 1 Forum - Frameless Log In

Adults Our greatest desire is to introduce you to Jesus and see you grow into everything He has planned for you. We are asked to become mature in our relationship with Jesus: to become more like Him in our attitudes, focus and ultimately behavior. It’s not something that happens by accident or overnight, and it can’t be completed in a six-week class. This is a lifelong commitment to follow God with your whole self with the help of the Holy Spirit and His body, the Church - others who are walking in faith right beside you! We believe that "Living the Five, " as part of the Adult Pathway , can help us grow into fully-devoted followers of Jesus Christ: ​ Read the Bible & Pray Serve and Give Do Life Together Share Jesus Remove Barriers ​ Learn more about the Adult Pathway. To help you along your journey of faith, we offer opportunities to learn new things, connect in community, and share the overflow of what God is doing in your life by serving others: Grow We offer learning experiences which are targeted and biblicaly-based. You can learn about baptism, the Bible, God, and faith. We recommend that everyone attend FirstStep , where you will meet new friends, learn about Damascus Road, and begin your faith journey. Care Groups are focused on overcoming life's struggles and loss. Visit our Events Calendar for upcoming growth experiences or find a class now: Connect We believe that following Jesus is not a solo sport. Experience community through Damascus Road Small Groups ! Whether you are looking for a Men's, Women's, Couples, Singles, Parents or anything else that describes your preferences and state of life best, there is one that is just right for you! Serve Serving others not only helps our neighbors, but it makes us more like Jesus. Damascus Road is committed to offer hope to local and global communities through partnering with non-profits and faith-based organizations. Together, we can multiply the impact! Find a growth/care experience Find a small group Learn more about serving New to Damascus Road? We recommend FirstStep , a 3-part experience where you'll learn all about us, meet new friends, and find out all that's waiting for you! Learn about FirstStep Team Meet the Team Tania Grab Small Groups & Classes Coordinator Contact ​ Melissa Graham Connections Coordinator Contact Sherida Kernslong Care Coordinator Contact Paul Foss Outreach and Men’s Ministry Pastor Contact Kelly Tucker Women's Ministry Director Contact

What to expect Sunday mornings are where we come together to worship through energizing, contemporary music, hear a clear, relevant message from a pastor or speaker, and get a chance to connect with others like yourself. Your kids (5th grade and under) will experience age-appropriate activities to help them learn about how they are loved by Jesus at the Children's Ministry wing during the adult worship service. Get a sneak peek of life at Damascus Road and download our Welcome Magazine . Sundays 9:30 & 11:15am in-person & online Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Search video... Now Playing 02:01 Play Video Now Playing 04:18 Play Video Worship Venues Auditorium Located off the main lobby, experience the worship service in-person. The Bridge Casual environment with enhanced audio/video/lighting and light refreshments. On the Lawn Located on the East lawn, enjoy the service broadcast on our 14' LED screen. Online Worship services are livestreamed on YouTube , ChurchOnline , and on the Damascus Road mobile app . Team Meet the Team Darlene Knight Guest Services & Facility Director Sherida Kernslong Congregational Care Coordinator Andy Knight Worship Director Mary Gerner Worship & Tech Admin Assistant Daniel Busche Tech Director Julia Rennolds Technical Coordinator

What's next? It all starts with Jesus. Understanding Christ's redemptive work on the cross - becoming the all-encompassing sacrifice for our brokenness and sin - and entering into a relationship with Him is at the core of the new life you can experience! The Bible Project has a great explanation of Jesus' sacrifice, atonement, and why this matters to us. Watch now... We can’t earn God’s forgiveness – it must be given. Jesus gave His life as a sacrifice so that we could be forgiven. It is His free gift to us. (Romans 5:8, Romans 6:23) Our response is accepting this free gift from God by committing our lives and heart to Jesus. At Damascus Road, we've developed the Adult Pathway to help you move toward Christ-centered maturity in community - there is always a next right step! We want to be a church where community is flourishing and people are personally connected to Jesus, serving and sharing Him with joy. This growth track outlines some recommendations no matter what phase of spiritual growth you find yourself to help you navigate your journey to a fully-devoted life in Christ. You can grow and form new habits when you're "living the five :" ​ Read the Bible & Pray Serve and Give Do Life Together Share Jesus Remove Barriers Don’t think of this as a to-do list to simply check off, but use the recommendations as a tool to help you find which opportunities will meet your needs. Use the assessment tool to get started. We recommend FirstStep for everyone , a 3-part experience, where you'll meet new friends, learn more about us and your next step, and be offered an option to learn more about becoming all in with Damascus Road. Learn more about FirstStep... We recommend Small Groups for everyone, no matter where you're landing on the Adult Pathway. Find a small group that's right for you... But don’t stop here! Once you have taken advantage of the opportunities for growth and find yourself ready for more, pick up the next growth track brochure and keep the journey going. Generally, most who embark on this exciting journey find themselves in one of four categories: Exploring God, Faith & Damascus Road If you are new to Damascus Road, or simply believe that you’re in the “exploring faith, God, and Damascus Road” phase, you are in the right place! Beginning in faith & taking first steps If you are new to a relationship with Jesus, or taking your first steps of faith, you are in the right place! Growing in faith & experiencing change If you are regularly pursuing a relationship with Jesus and being changed into His likeness, you are in the right place! Overflowing in faith & leading others If you are continually maturing and helping others to grow in their faith, you are in the right place! Next Steps for Explorers Next Steps for Beginners Next Steps for Growers Next Steps for Overflowers Not sure where to start? Take the Adult Pathway Assessment to get an idea of what stage you are in on your growth journey: Exploring, Beginning, Growing, or Overflowing. Take the Assessment

Sundays | 9:30 & 11:15am in-person & online New Summer Series Sundays, July 9 - August 20 We look forward to traveling with you to Judea and Galilee through our study of the Bible with a laser focus on Jesus! Journey with us to explore His interactions with the disciples and others through the artistic interpretation of the scriptures in the first season of the series, "The Chosen ." Dallas Jenkins’ creative historical drama series will serve as the springboard for us to consider Jesus, how we orient to Him, and even how we may identify with particular portrayals of various characters we encounter in the gospels: an impulsive yet charismatic fisherman struggling with debt, a woman redeemed from demonic trouble and trauma, an esteemed religious leader struggling with the scriptures and the Savior, and many more... Ultimately, this journey will lead us to the cross and how we find ourselves in HIS story! To help bring the story of Jesus to life during this sermon series, we'll be hosting The Chosen Watch Parties featuring episodes of the first season. Bring the family, invite your friends, and come ready to experience the epic historical drama on the lawn on our 14' LED screen. Food and dessert trucks will be on-campus for food purchases. Be sure to bring sunscreen, chairs, blankets, etc. ​ July 8 - Episodes 2 & 3 Food trucks: LaPrada Food Truck / Snowie Sno-Cones ​ July 22 - Episodes 4 & 5 Food truck: Sunset Slush ​ August 5 - Episodes 6 & 7 Food truck: LaPrada Food Truck / Snowie Sno-Cones ​ August 19 - Episode 8 Food truck : Glamourview Creamery ​ *In the event of inclement weather, the watch parties will move indoors. Saturday Night Watch Parties 7-9pm

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Sundays | 9:30 & 11:15am in-person & online The Book of Acts: Our Turn Join us as we look “back” to the book of Acts: “back” to the bridge between the resurrection of Jesus to the launch of the early Church. And we’ll glimpse into the “future” and unpack Jesus’ challenge to us, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth!” In the coming weeks, we’ll dive into Jesus’ last act of service before His ascension to heaven, His call to the disciples then and His call to us now. We’ll explore how the good news of Jesus Christ which was preached powerfully in the days of Acts is the same good news for us – ALL generations, every tribe, tongue, and nation – today! more... Wild ride We are taking a wild ride through the Book of Acts and you're invited to ride shotgun. For four Sundays - April 16, 23, 30 and May 7 - we're doing a deep dive into the Book of Acts. This will be an interactive experience, with weekly independent Bible reading and action steps to make the story of the early Church come alive and help you grow along the way. Once you have completed all four actions steps (one per week) and the Bible readings (a chapter a day), we'd love to send you a little congratulatory gift . A Wild Ride Through the Book of Acts Week 1 Reading: Acts 1 - 7 ​ Action Step: Join a Local Mission Team to expand the impact as we serve our communities. Sign up here. Watch A New Community, Then and Now Week 2 Reading: Acts 8 - 14 ​ Action Step: Have a conversation with someone about faith who is not in your culture, ethnicity, or political bent. ​ Watch From Darkness to Light Week 3 Reading: Acts 15 - 21 ​ Action Step: Pray for the salvation of somebody who is far from Christ every day for three days in a row. ​ ​ Watch You Will Be My Witnesses! Week 4 Reading: Acts 22 - 28 ​ Action Step: Watch the Bible Project video on Acts on YouTube. Watch Part 1 Watch Part 2 ​ Watch We've made it easy to read along using the DRCC App! Download the DRCC app And tap the Bible icon. Then tap the "Plan" icon. Read a chapter. Each day a chapter will be added to the plan. Download the DRCC app And tap the Bible icon. 1/3 Complete the challenge? Once you have successfully completed all four action steps, complete this form to reserve your keychain. If you are local, you can pick yours up at the NextSteps kiosk in the lobby on/after May 14. If you are a virtual attendee, include your mailing address on the form and your keychain will be mailed to you. Claim your keychain!

What we believe The mission of Damascus Road Community Church is centered around Colossians 1:28: ​ "He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ." Our vision is to be "a Community of Light by the Power of the Lord Jesus Christ . " That vision is anchored on these core values: We Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing The cross of Christ defines our life in Christ. Therefore, Jesus and His finished work on the cross is at the heart of all we do. God welcomes us as we are, but His love and grace transforms us over time to become more like Jesus. We are all on a journey and each of us has a next right step. We are a Mission-Driven Church God has called us to be a light. We partner with other churches and organizations to bring hope and transformation in our region and our world where we have been called to engage in. We are a Community-Focused Church We were designed to live in community. Weekly large gatherings of anointed teaching and worship and authentic, caring relationships in small groups create genuine community. We want to be a community people run to—not from—in their struggles. We Focus on the Essentials We prize unity by focusing on our mission and core biblical beliefs. We are known for what we are for, not what we are against. We refuse to allow non-essential issues to divide our church. We are Equally Ministers of Jesus Christ As Christ’s followers, we are each called to serve others through our unique spiritual giftedness. We do ministry in a way that speaks to our culture without compromising the truth of God’s Word. What are your spiritual beliefs? Our Statement of Beliefs gives an overview of how we view God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and other faith-related points. DOWNLOAD OUR STATEMENT OF BELIEFS What is your position on women in leadership? Taking the overall weight of Scripture, DRCC endorses the active role of women who are gifted in leadership, taking a servant-leadership role on ministry teams or staff. DOWNLOAD OUR POSITION PAPER. What are your beliefs about Christian marriage? We understand that Christian marriage is a life-long covenantal relationship as the basis for the family-unit. DOWNLOAD OUR POSITION PAPER. Got a question of your own? Feel free to reach out to us. Nothing is off-topic! ASK YOUR QUESTION Common Questions Questions Questions? Reach out with your questions and we'll be in touch soon! First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting!

Children DRCC’s Children’s Ministry partners with families to encourage and equip children to know & love Jesus and His Word, grow in relationship with Him and His church, and live as a light in their community. Sundays | 9:30 & 11:15am Check in is at the DRKids kiosk in the lobby Weekly Programs Birth - 5th Grade Sundays 9:30 & 11:15am Your child will feel welcomed and experience the love of Christ, learn more about God and His Word, and receive next steps for going deeper in their walk with God. We offer a safe and loving environment for infants and toddlers. In both our Pre-K and elementary classes, every child will experience a dynamic Bible lesson and activities. We also offer a fully staffed nursery for children 0-17 months. Special Events We offer fun and engaging opportunities for children and their families through-out the year. These are times for connection, growth, and making memories. Your child will experience family movie nights, fall bonfires, Family Easter Egg Hunt, Kids Camp and much more! Check out the Children's Ministry upcoming special events . Growing in faith In Children’s Ministry, our focus is on raising up a generation of lifelong disciples for Jesus Christ. In order to do this, we partner with and equip parent. We offer child dedication classes for parents who wish to dedicate their children to the Lord, as well as offer "deep dives" into the Bible for 5th graders through confirmation classes , age-appropriate baptism classes for the older kids, and a kids' Bible reading challenge each year. Email us to learn more... View the Calendar Contact us For Parents & Team Members We want to partner with you, the parents/guardians! Join the Team Every week new families are calling Damascus Road their church home. This means we have the joyful and crucial opportunity to invest the love and truth of Christ into more young minds and hearts. Our volunteers in DRKids serve during the weekend worship service in areas such as greeting, teaching, check-in and clean-up. Interested in becoming a DRKids volunteer or childcare provider for events? ADULTS APPLY or YOUTH APPLY Parent Groups Parent Small Groups are here to support you as you tackle the ins and outs of parenthood. There are groups where the kids can join in and groups where it's parents-only. There is also a single moms group, middle school moms group, and groups for parents of children with special needs, too. FIND A PARENT GROUP Stay in Touch DRKids offers DR Kids’ At Home on Facebook for your children. There you will find some fun activities for your child and a place to connect with the DRKids team and others parents in a safe, private online group's page. Join us on Facebook! ​ Text 'DRKids' (case sensitive) to 301-900-5933 to receive important parent updates. ​ Questions? We'd love to connect with you. EMAIL THE CHILDREN'S MINISTRY. Safety Your child’s safety is one of our top priorities. All volunteers pass a background check to ensure your child’s safety. We use a security tag system for child check-in and pick-up, and a paging system for parents/guardians in case we need to reach you during the worship experience. Check in On your first visit, please stop by the DRKids Welcome booth (currently located in the lobby) so your child can receive a gift from us. Please have the following information ready for our secure check-in system: parent/legal guardian names, children’s names and birth dates, address, phone number and any special instructions (allergies, special needs) for each child. Teaching Portal If you're a member of the teaching team, download the lesson plans and access teaching resources to use this weekend. Access the Portal Team Meet the Team Stephanie Earle Director of Children's Ministry Joy Thompson Early Childhood and Events Coordinator Maegen Clark Assistant Director of Children's Ministry Ann-Marie Miller Children's Ministry Admin Assistant DRKids Events News & Upcoming Events

Our Story "Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin..." Zechariah 4:10