First family attends church service

[July 18, 2011]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama took his family to worship services on Sunday, walking out of the White House and to a nearby church often frequented by presidents.

Accompanied by his wife, Michelle, and daughters Sasha and Malia, Obama walked through Lafayette Square to attend the 10:30 morning service at the historic St. John's Church.

Obama wore a dark grey suit, while the first lady and Malia wore shades of purple and Sasha a floral green and white dress.

The hourlong service included readings from the books of Genesis, Romans and Matthew, and the singing of several hymns. The congregation also prayed for family, friends and neighbors, including "for Barack, our president, the leaders of Congress, the Supreme Court and all who are in authority."

The first family participated in Holy Communion before walking back to the White House.

Obama has worshipped at St. John's previously, including Easter services in 2009. He has also attended other churches in the nation's capital.

A pew nine rows back from the altar at St. John's carries a small brass plaque designating it as "The President's Pew." Church history claims that every president since James Madison has visited.

[Associated Press; BY STACY A. ANDERSON]

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