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The Word
News from St. John’s, Lafayette Square
The Week of Sunday, April 20
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Easter Day
8 a.m.
Eucharist with Hymns—Sermon by the Rev. Rob Fisher
Parish Choir (Parish House Fourth Floor)
8:30 a.m.
Nursery—available until 12:30 p.m. (Parish House Second Floor)
9 a.m.
Choral Eucharist with Brass & Percussion—Sermon by the Rev. Rob Fisher
10 a.m.
Coffee Hour (Plaza, weather permitting, or Parish House First Floor)
St. John’s Choir (Parish House Fourth Floor)
11 a.m.
Choral Eucharist with Brass & Percussion—Sermon by the Rev. Rob Fisher (Watch live on Sunday)
Children’s Chapel (Children begin in church)
Noon
Coffee Hour (Plaza, weather permitting, or Parish House First Floor)
Find all our Sunday reminders, including programming for children, youth, and adults, as well as details about our free valet parking, helpful links, and more, at the bottom of this email.
| | The parish office will be closed Monday and Tuesday, April 21 and 22. | | A memorial service for Thomas Bleha will be held Friday, April 25, at 11 a.m. | |
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GIVING OR RECEIVING SUPPORT
Many in our parish have livelihoods that are closely linked to the federal government. We have created a simple survey to learn what type of support might be helpful to them in this tumultuous time, and also what gifts, talents, and ideas our own parishioners have for offering help. You can access the survey here; it is designed for both those interested in receiving support and those wanting to offer it. For more information about this effort, read Rob’s letter to the parish here.
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RECOGNIZING HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS
Submit names by Sunday, May 4
Each spring, St. John’s recognizes the graduating high school seniors in our parish. This year’s recognition will take place on Sunday, May 11, at the 11 a.m. service. If you have (or are) a youth graduating from high school this year, please contact the Rev. Dcn. Eric Bailey to let us know. We ask that you include a recent photo, name of high school, a favorite St. John’s memory or connection, and any plans after graduation. The deadline for submissions is Sunday, May 4.
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HEARTIEST OF THANKS!
Thank you to everyone who donated to the recent Refugee Committee supply drive or who offered their time to this important event! We delivered all the items and had a successful volunteer day at the Resource Center last Saturday. Please keep an eye out for future opportunities to help our newest neighbors, and contact the Refugee Committee with any questions.
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PLEDGING AT ST. JOHN’S
Thank you to all who have already pledged to support the mission and ministry of St. John’s this calendar year! As of Wednesday, April 16, we had received 297 pledges for a total of $1,170,482. We treasure pledges of any size, big or small. If you still need to make a pledge for 2025, pick up a pledge card from the front desk or in the narthex of the church, or simply click here to make your pledge online. Thank you!
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GRACE’S TABLE
Third Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Upcoming Dates: April 19 and May 17
Grace’s Table is an outreach partnership between St. John’s and Grace Episcopal Church in Georgetown. Every third Saturday of the month, a group from St. John’s prepares and serves a meal at Grace to folks who are unhoused or at risk of losing their housing. Volunteers purchase and prepare food (including casseroles, rolls, salad, and dessert) and/or serve the guests. Typically, as many as 60 or 70 guests come seeking food and fellowship. This is a wonderful opportunity to get to know other St. John’s parishioners and to spread God’s loving kindness in our community. Contact Elizabeth Field with questions or to volunteer.
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NATIONAL ARBORETUM AZALEA WALK
Saturday, April 26, at 10 a.m.
All ages are welcome on a walk through the azaleas at the National Arboretum, which are projected to be in peak bloom, followed by a celebration of the Eucharist. We will gather at the Grove of State Trees parking lot (see map). Enter the arboretum from R Street or New York Avenue, NE, and allow extra time for possible slow traffic. Walking shoes, hats, and water bottles are encouraged, and there are picnic tables if you’d like to bring food. For more information and to RSVP or request a ride, contact the Rev. Sarah Akes-Cardwell. Please include your cell phone number so we can contact you as needed.
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SPEAKER SERIES
Most Sundays at 10 a.m. | Next talk: April 27
The Speaker Series is held most Sundays from September through May at 10 a.m. in the Togo West Parlor on the first floor of the Parish House. An audio recording will be available on our website the week after each talk.
Please note: There will be no Speaker Series on Sunday, April 20.
April 27: The Increasing Threat of Microplastics. How are microplastics affecting DC waterways and drinking water? And what can we do about them to protect human health as well as the health of our environment? We will be joined by Dr. Jesse Meiller, a marine ecologist and environmental toxicologist who teaches at Georgetown University as part of The Earth Commons Institute, where she investigates microplastics in water, sediment, and biological communities in the Chesapeake Bay, to increase awareness and understanding about the environmental and health effects of pollution.
May 4: Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, Senior Fellow, American Immigration Council, will present “Current Policies Impacting Immigrants, Refugees, and Service Providers.”
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PARISH LUNCH
Most Sundays at noon | Next lunch: April 27
Sunday lunch at St. John’s is a longtime tradition in which every member and every visitor can participate. It’s a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones—a time for fellowship and for hearing another’s story. The lunch is held most Sundays in the Parish House. Contributions of $5 for adults and young people 13 and over and $2 for children under 13 are requested to help defray the costs of the lunch. All are welcome. Valet parking hours are extended to 2 p.m. any Sunday with a parish lunch.
We offer thanks to the many individuals, families, groups, and parish ministries who have hosted a parish lunch during this program year. The remaining schedule is:
April 20—No Lunch: Easter Day
April 27—Kwasa
May 4—New Member Reception: All welcome
May 11—No Lunch: Mothers Day
May 18—Youth Group
May 25—No Lunch: Memorial Day Weekend
June 1—St. John’s Pride
June 8—Pentecost Party
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ST. JOHN’S BOOK GROUP
Thursday, May 1, at 7 p.m., via Zoom
Join us via Zoom to discuss The Magician by Colm Tóibín, an intriguing, fictionalized account of the life and times of Nobel Prize-winning German author Thomas Mann (1875–1955). The book group typically meets on the first Thursday of the month; discussion starts at 7 p.m. For information and the link, contact Janet Edmond.
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SPRING NEW MEMBER SUNDAY
Sunday, May 4, at 9 and 11 a.m.
St. John’s will recognize new members of our community during worship on Sunday, May 4, at 9 and 11 a.m., and at a welcome reception in Togo West Parlor at noon. Come show your support for our growing community and get to know someone new.
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LATROBE YOUNG ADULT FELLOWSHIP
Wednesday, May 7, at 6:30 p.m.
The Latrobe Fellowship is an active and engaged group of adults, primarily in their 20s and 30s. Pictured above, members of the Latrobe Young Adult Fellowship viewing the cherry blossoms this spring. We typically gather at St. John’s at 6:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month for a short worship service followed by an activity, but in May we will gather at St. Albans (3001 Wisconsin Avenue, NW) for a rooftop service and the chance to enjoy the Bishop’s Garden. Contact the Rev. Dcn. Eric Bailey with questions or to RSVP.
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YOUTH LOCK-IN
Saturday, May 17, at 4 p.m.
All middle and high-schoolers are invited to spend the night at St. John’s—a safe, fun event designed for youth to play games, eat snacks, make communion bread, and prepare the Sunday parish lunch! Youth are welcome to invite their friends. RSVP here or contact the Rev. Dcn. Eric Bailey with questions.
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Our prayers are requested for the special needs and concerns of this congregation, especially:
THOSE WHO ARE SICK, RECOVERING, OR GRIEVING
From our parish: Margo Arnold, Hyman Field, and David Springer.
Friends and family of our parish: Susan Baxter (Rob Fisher), Billy Beardsley Conderman (Margo Arnold), Gisela Block (Sigi Block), Cliff Christians (Jack Reiffer), Jim DeBello (Grace Barrett), Ed Eder (Joanne and Powell Hutton), Sue Edmonds (Sarah and Jeff Agnew), Bob and Heather Gilbert (Andrea Winchell), Linda Young Gsell (Rick Young), Mark Hallett (Livy More), Morgan Hickenlooper (Livy More), Doug Holy (Joanne Hutton), Jack (Marta Cook and Cal Trepagnier), Latithia and Charles Jones (GeeGee Bryant), Charlotte Crowley Junilla (Margo Arnold), Olivia Kehoe (Kat Kehoe), Elizabeth Lee (Clayton Crawford), William Markiewicz (Matthew Taylor), Jim Martella (Livy More), Tammy McCleaf (Matthew Taylor), Nell Montgomery (Brandon Montgomery), Lisa Nestor (Sarah Wood), Patrick Christopher O’Donnell (Wendy J. Fibison), Paul Peralta (Debby Hailey), Ann Petrosky (Johnathan Miller), Leo S. (Wendy J. Fibison), Nancy Stephenson (Ann and John Gardner), Scott (Marta Cook and Cal Trepagnier), Geri Shapiro (Jordan Baugh), Louise Shaughnessy (Sarah Wood), Pam Snyder (Sarah Agnew), Patsy Swain (Margo Arnold), Sallie and William Wilkie Thompson (Cecelia Thompson), Ashley Smith Thomson (Marta Cook and Cal Trepagnier), Mackenzie Toland (Wendy J. Fibison), Reuben Varghese (Krista and Larry Bradley), Richard Waycott (Louisa Waycott), Darrel Williams (Caleb and James Reilly), Edward Leland Williams II (Virginia Bader), Andrew Woods (Johnathan Miller), and Linda Woolley (Blount and Charlotte Stewart).
THOSE WHO ARE IN ASSISTED LIVING:
From our parish: Eve Atkeson, Milton Chamberlain, Barbie Harper, Barney Malloy, Marcella Odom, Becky Schergens, and Paul Van Nice.
Friends and family of our parish: David Brown (Lisa Koehler), Wilma Daubs (Kay Gilley), Lori LaPoint (Brent Erstad), Cawley Scott (Robyne Johnston), and Carl Wright (Frank and Nancy Klotz).
THOSE WHO ARE IN HOSPICE CARE:
Friends and family of our parish: Henry Farrington (Wendy J. Fibison), Janet Fischer (Ann Gardner), and Ian Paton (Frances Tyler).
THOSE IN OUR PARISH CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK:
Jeanne Arnold, Maggie Coppinger, Lafawn Davis, David Evans, Cathy Feig, Anne Harrell, Everett Haugh, Cliftine Jones, Mauricio Lovelace, Aidan Maher, Earl Matthews, Leah Proffitt, Katherine Seifert, Catherine Stolar, Paul Szczepanik, and Betsy Van Orman.
THOSE IN OUR PARISH CELEBRATING AN ANNIVERSARY THIS WEEK:
Caroline and Steve Faris, and Casey and Le Evans.
THOSE ON THE FRONT LINES:
Friends and family of our parish: Janie Abernethy (Elizabeth Lewis and David Abernethy) and Philip L. Faris (Caroline and Steve Faris).
Please click here to add, remove, or change the status of someone on the prayer list.
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BAPTISMS
The next dates for Baptism and required pre-baptismal classes with the clergy at St. John’s are as follows:
Sunday, April 27, at 11 a.m. (Class: Saturday, April 26, at 10 a.m.)
Sunday, June 8, at 9 a.m. (Class: Saturday, June 7, at 10 a.m.)
Sunday, November 2, at 9 a.m. (Class: Saturday, November 1, at 10 a.m.)
If you are interested in baptism for yourself or a child, please contact Lisa Koehler. Please note that the parents or grandparents of children being baptized must be active, pledging members of St. John’s. Adults interested in baptism must also attend an Adult Inquirers’ Class, offered each fall and spring, and be active, pledging participants in the life of the parish.
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WEEKDAY SERVICES
We typically offer the following midweek services, except when precluded by a special event, funeral, federal holiday, or office closure:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday at 12:10 p.m.: Eucharist
Friday at 12:10 p.m.: Noonday Prayer
There will be no noonday service on Monday, April 21, or Tuesday, April 22, as the parish office will be closed. There will be no noonday prayer on Friday, April 25, due to a memorial service.
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FOR CHILDREN
Children are welcome at all worship services.
A nursery for infants and children up to age three is available most Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the second floor of the Parish House.
Children from birth through grade 5 are invited to participate in Children’s Chapel, a special liturgy just for them most Sundays during the sermon at the 11 a.m. service. Parents may accompany their children, and are encouraged to do so for those younger than three.
Children’s Bulletins with coloring pages of stories from this Sunday’s scripture readings are posted here each week in time for Sunday services.
Most Sundays from September through May, from 10 to 10:50 a.m., children in pre-K through fifth grade may participate in Church School on the second floor of the Parish House.
From September through May, children in grades 3–6 are invited to sing in the St. Cecilia Choir. Using the curriculum of the Royal School of Church Music in America (RSCMA), these choristers learn the basics of vocal production and music theory. Membership is open to all. Contact Brent Erstad for more details.
For more information about our children’s ministry, please contact the Rev. Sarah Akes-Cardwell.
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FOR YOUTH
Most Sundays from September through May, from 10 to 10:50 a.m., middle and high schoolers are invited to Youth Group on the second floor of the Parish House for an exploration of life and faith with their peers.
From September through May, youth in sixth grade and above are also invited to join the Acolytes ministry. Acolytes assist with 11 a.m. worship by serving as torch bearers or crucifers and by helping set the altar for communion. To learn more, contact Nora Haugh.
From September through May, youth with unchanged voices who have passed their dark blue RSCM examination or demonstrate the necessary vocal skills are invited to participate in the Advanced Chorister program. Singers receive advanced musical training, including regular private vocal lessons. Membership is by audition. Contact Brent Erstad for details.
For more information about opportunities for youth, please contact the Rev. Sarah Akes-Cardwell.
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ADULT BIBLE STUDY
Sundays at 10 a.m.
This group gathers most Sunday mornings, using a hybrid approach, with some joining via Zoom and others in person. Conversations explore the connections with the Sunday lectionary lessons and sermons. During Year C, we will be focusing on the structure, audience, and themes of the Gospel of Luke. For class notes and Zoom login information, please contact Jack Reiffer.
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FLOWER MEMORIALS AND THANKSGIVINGS
The flowers that enhance the beauty of the Church and Parish House are made possible by gifts from our community and are often dedicated to the memory of a loved one or to mark a birth or birthday, a wedding, an anniversary, a graduation, or another special event. To make a dedication, pick up a flower card at the entrance to the Church.
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GET INVOLVED IN A MINISTRY GROUP
Want to get more involved at St. John’s? Hoping to make some new friends? Check out our ministries at www.stjohns-dc.org and contact leaders via our online Ministry Directory for more details or to sign up.
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JOIN OUR LIVESTREAM MINISTRY TEAM!
St. John’s streams one Sunday service a week, the monthly choral evensong, Christmas and Holy Week services, and very occasional parish-wide events. The livestream offering has become particularly meaningful to parishioners unable to attend due to illness or travel, as well as to anyone anywhere seeking to learn more about St. John’s. If you are curious about this ministry or want to join our volunteers, visit the livestream desk any Sunday after services or contact Lisa Koehler.
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PLEASE MAKE A PLEDGE TO ST. JOHN’S
A pledge is a commitment of financial support over the course of a year, to be paid weekly, monthly, or on another schedule. By making a pledge to St. John’s, you enable us to plan for the work we will undertake in mission and ministry. It’s easy to make a pledge commitment online on our website. Thank you!
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