Quarterly Update | Q3
GOD’S PEOPLE. GOD’S HOUSE.
Fall 2026
‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the Lord Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the Lord Almighty.
HAGGAI 2:9
Dear District Church Family, On December 1, 2025, we began a two-year journey of faith and generosity called RESTORE, with a vision to RESTORE God’s People and God’s House for His glory. At the heart of RESTORE is people. It is about seeing lives transformed, making disciples who love, think, and act like Jesus, and preparing the next generation to faithfully follow Him. As our students head back to school, this booklet highlights what God is doing through District Kids, District Youth, and our College Ministry. As the world seeks to shape the hearts and minds of our young people, we want to be intentional about discipling them to know Jesus, live according to His Word, and carry their faith into every area of their lives. You’ll also see the latest renderings of our future church home, a space we are preparing to serve our church, our city, and generations to come. The contractors are mobilizing on site now and we are excited to have you join us for the groundbreaking next month! Thank you for continuing to pray, give, and step out in faith as we RESTORE God’s People and God’s House for His glory. If you haven’t joined us yet through your giving, it's not too late. We want to invite you to be part of this historic time in our church.
In Christ,
Pastor Aaron Graham Lead Pastor The District Church
YOU’RE INVITED TO RESTORE NATIONAL
Groundbreaking Ceremony SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18 | 12:30 PM 1501 COLUMBIA RD NW Join us for a historic day in the life of The District Church as we officially break ground on the restoration of National Baptist Memorial Church! Following the 11 AM service, we’ll walk together from Columbia Heights Educational Campus (CHEC) to National for a celebration for the whole family, including snacks, activities for kids, photo booth, prayer, and the ceremonial groundbreaking. Bring the whole family. You don’t want to miss this moment!
SCAN TO RSVP
IT’S TIME FOR THE RESTORATION TO BEGIN!
RESTORE God’s People
DISCIPLING THE NEXT GENERATION
District Kids At District Kids, our vision is partnering with parents to disciple the next generation. Every week, we create safe, fun spaces where children can learn about Jesus, worship, pray, build community, and take their next step in faith. We serve kids from nursery through 5th grade at both the 9 and 11a services. We are seeing God move. This August, we celebrated 8 children dedicated to the Lord and 70 of our children promoted into new classes as they continue growing in their discipleship journey. In addition to that, this fall, we will launch a new class for our 4th–5th graders, bringing us to a total of 8 classes for all our kids. One of our greatest joys is seeing the hunger and excitement our kids have for Jesus, especially in the way they worship each week. But as the children's numbers grow, so does the need for more of us to walk alongside them in their discipleship journey. We are constantly praying and welcoming volunteers to serve in this way at District Kids. Whether you teach, welcome, pray, encourage, or simply show up consistently, your presence will make a difference.
70 19
KIDS PROMOTED INTO NEW CLASSES
KIDS DEDICATED TO THE LORD THIS YEAR
DISCIPLING THE NEXT GENERATION
Student Ministry District Youth is a community of middle and high school students committed to growing in their faith and building friendship. Every Sunday night, the students meet to eat together, worship, and learn more about who God is. We have Life Group leaders committed to mentoring and discipling them along the way. It’s a beautiful community and such a privilege to see God move in the lives of the next generation. Say a prayer that these students will grow in their passion, love, and commitment to the Lord. At District College, undergraduates in DC gather to seek the power and presence of God. Monday nights the Ministry Center is filled with college students who have a hunger for revival in their own lives and on their campus. Every year, we pray that the Lord will show up in a fresh way to provide students in the DC area with confidence, rest, and the tools to be ambassadors for Christ on their campuses.
65 22
COLLEGE STUDENTS AT L A U N C H N I G H T
+ TOTAL YOUTH INVOLVED IN DISTRICT YOUTH
RESTORE God’s House
PREPARING A PERMANENT HOME FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
BUILDING UPDATES As we prepare to restore National, these renderings offer a glimpse of what’s ahead. In partnership with DCS Design & CIVIL Creative, we’re envisioning spaces that honor the building’s historic nature while creating a welcoming, functional home for worship, community, and ministry for generations to come.
Lower Lobby and Kids Check-In
Indoor Playground Note: Designs subject to change.
Student Ministry Spaces
District Kids’ Classrooms
Note: Designs subject to change.
RESTORE Progress Update $16,000,000
Goal
Over Two Years
$14,676,688
Committed & Expected
Our total, which includes both commitments made to RESTORE and expected giving during the course of the initiative (thru Dec 31, 2027)
$5,340,600
Given to Date 968
Households Committed
or that have given to RESTORE
301
New Givers
No prior giving history
Key Dates OCTOBER 4 RESTORE MIDPOINT SERIES KICKS OFF Book of Nehemiah (16th Anniversary)
OCTOBER 18 GROUNDBREAKING AT NATIONAL 12:30pm
NOVEMBER 1 COMMITMENT SUNDAY Committing to start giving, finish strong, or increase
SCAN TO GIVE
Thank you for being part of what God is building.