ARLINGTON, Va. — President Bush and first lady Laura Bush attended a church service Sunday where they heard a Methodist minister say God's spirit makes possible things that often seem impossible.
As the Bushes walked hand in hand into the Clarendon United Methodist Church, three young men softly strummed guitars in an informal and relaxed musical prelude to the service.
Fewer than 75 people spread across the aisles under a wood-beamed, steeply pitched ceiling as one of the players added a harmonica and the trio played "Amazing Grace."
The Bushes joined in as the congregation sang "Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus," identified by the hymnal as an 1830 hymn with words written in 1858.
"We are gathered this morning to worship together with the president and Mrs. Bush," the Rev. Glen C. Evans said. "It's good to worship together. Welcome to the family. It's an honor and a privilege."
It was the only reference to the president. During the service, Bush made no remarks.
The president listened quietly as Evans said, "When God's spirit is moving and breathing in our lives, that which seems impossible becomes possible."
"We may not have all the answers," Evans said. "God invites us to use what we have."
Following the service the president's limousine headed back to the White House, where Bush changed clothes and drove back to Virginia for a jog at nearby Fort McNair.
Back at the White House, the president said he intended to "have a little lunch, watch a little basketball, do a little studying."
He said he was getting ready for his trip Monday and Tuesday to Missouri, Montana and Michigan.
The Bushes have attended public worship services three times since the inauguration on Jan. 20. White House aides said the first family also has held services in the private chapel at Camp David, the presidential retreat in western Maryland, during the several weekends they have spent there.
On Jan. 28 the president, his wife and parents sang and clapped along with the choir and the congregation at the largely black Lincoln Park United Methodist Church on Capitol Hill. The congregation at Clarendon United Methodist was white.
Bush attended services at Washington National Cathedral the day after his swearing-in.
He has not announced a decision on choosing a church where he will worship regularly. Quiet lobbying is known to have taken place by area churches eager to welcome a president to their congregation.
The president once attended Presbyterian and Episcopal churches but later joined his wife as a United Methodist. They were members of the Tarrytown United Methodist Church in Austin when he was governor of Texas.