Obamas are still searching for church

McClatchy Newspapers

WASHINGTON — Time magazine reported online earlier this week that President Barack Obama and his family had found a new church: Evergreen Chapel, at the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland.

Apparently, Time got it wrong.

“The president and first family continue to look for a church home,” White House spokeswoman Jennifer Psaki said. “They have enjoyed worshipping at Camp David and several other congregations over the months, and will choose a church at the time that is best for their family.”

Obama has made limited appearances at the 19th Street Baptist Church in Washington and at St. John’s Episcopal Church near the White House. Former President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura, often attended St. John’s on Sundays.

The 150-seat Evergreen Chapel at Camp David, a rustic stone-and-glass structure, was built using private money.

President George H.W. Bush dedicated it in 1991.

Each week, Time notes, whether Obama is there or not, Evergreen Chapel has nondenominational Christian services open to the nearly 400 military personnel and staff at Camp David and their families.

The first family plans to spend the long July 4 weekend at the cool mountain retreat before the president heads to Moscow and a Group of 8 summit in Italy next week.