Dear St. John’s Community,

I have some exciting news that comes in two parts.

First, after a successful and extensive search process, I am thrilled to announce that the Rev. Shawn Evelyn will be coming to St. John's to serve as Assistant Rector.

He and his wife, who is also a priest, are graduates of Virginia Theological Seminary, so they are already familiar with life in the Washington metropolitan area. They will be moving here from Chicago, where they both currently serve on the staff at St. James Cathedral. Like me, Shawn grew up in Southern California and was sponsored for ordination by the Diocese of Los Angeles. Shawn is known for thoughtful preaching, dynamic ministry with people of all ages, a passion for outreach, and for being a relationship builder with a deep gift for pastoral care.

Shawn writes: 

"I am overjoyed that I will be joining the community of St. John's, Lafayette Square. I am coming from the Diocese of Chicago where I have served as the Interim Youth Associate for St. James Cathedral and as priest in charge at St. Edmund's Episcopal Church. I look forward to contributing to the worship experience at St. John's, and to dreaming with you all about what we can do together. I am excited to be able to work with your youth and young adults and to explore the various ways you reach out to your neighbors and the surrounding communities. 

"I won't be coming alone to Washington, DC; my wife Anna, who is also a priest and a Chaplain in the United States Army Reserves, daughter Yara, and our two dogs, Ygritte and Frank, are all in tow and eager to engage in this great adventure."

Shawn will begin officially on the week following Labor Day, and his first Sunday will be Kick-Off Sunday on September 11.

The other wonderful news to share with you is that the Rev. Sarah Akes-Cardwell is going to remain at St. John's. In her time here, which began in February, she has made a real difference in the life of our community. She will continue to be half-time, with a focus on children and families.

Sarah writes:

"I am grateful for this opportunity to continue being in ministry with St. John's. In particular, I am excited to walk alongside families and the youngest members of our community as we explore what it means to live as followers of Jesus. We'll do this through faith formation at church and in our daily lives in a way that is intentional, relevant, and grounded in Jesus' way of love. 

"You all have been a blessing to me and my family over the past three months. I can't wait to see what the Spirit has in store for all of us."

We are blessed that Sarah, her wife, the Rev. Amanda Akes-Cardwell, and their son Samuel, will remain part of the St. John's community.

Please extend a warm welcome to Shawn and Sarah and their families. We are incredibly blessed to have them among us, and I look forward to seeing what exciting new things God is about to do among us and through us as we enter a new phase in the life of our church.

God's peace,

Rob+