Please note: The Parish Office will close at 1 p.m. on Good Friday, and will remain closed on Monday and Tuesday, April 6 and 7. | | |
The Word
News from St. John’s, Lafayette Square
The Week of Sunday, April 5
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Easter Day
Preaching: The Rev. Rob Fisher
• Children’s Chapel will be offered during the sermon at both 9 and 11 am
• Last day for N Street Village Supply Drive (see below)
8 a.m.
Eucharist with Hymns
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 and Percussion
10 a.m.
St. John’s Choir (Parish House Fourth Floor)
No Speaker Series, Church School, Youth Group, or Adult Bible Study
11 a.m.
Choral Eucharist with Brass and Percussion (Watch live on Sunday)
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, prayer requests, links, and more, at the bottom of this email.
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N STREET VILLAGE SUPPLY DRIVE | Through this Sunday, April 5
The Sisters at St. John’s are partnering with N Street Village, a local group that supports D.C. women experiencing homelessness by offering a broad spectrum of services, housing, and advocacy in an atmosphere of dignity and respect. We are collecting a variety of necessaries, including toilet paper, paper towels, sanitary pads, women’s underwear all sizes, and casual pants sizes medium to XL. To donate, bring any of the above items to church and leave them in the basket by the reception area in the Parish House. Questions? Contact Emily Lucio.
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ST. JOHN’S BOOK GROUP
Thursday, April 9, at 7 p.m.
Please join us via Zoom to discuss The Coming Wave by Mustafa Suleyman. As cofounder of the pioneering company DeepMind, Suleyman highlights the unprecedented risks to global order that are posed by a wave of fast-developing technologies such as artificial intelligence and genetic engineering—powerful tools that can address complex challenges but also create upheaval at the same time. The book group typically meets the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. Contact Janet Edmond for more information and the link.
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2025–2026 SPEAKER SERIES
Most Sundays at 10 a.m.
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. The lineup includes:
There will be no speaker on April 5 (Easter Day).
April 12: Aalok Mehta (pictured), Director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies’ Wadhani AI Center, will address the promise, perils, and defining questions of artificial intelligence.
April 19: Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, will bring us up to date on the current state of U.S. immigration policies and practices.
April 26: Martha Gimbel, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Budget Lab at Yale University, a non-partisan policy research center, will discuss the state of the U.S. economy.
May 3: The Rev. James Hawkey, Canon Theologian of Westminster Abbey and Chaplain to King Charles III, will engage with us in a Q&A-style conversation led by the Rev. Rob Fisher.
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YOUTH CONFIRMATION CLASS
Second and fourth Sundays at 10 a.m. through April 26 | Next class: April 12
Confirmation is a sacramental rite in which candidates express a mature commitment to Christ before God, the bishop, and the gathered community. On second and fourth Sundays through April, we are preparing interested youth to take this important step in their faith journey, with confirmations to be held at Washington National Cathedral on Saturday, May 9, at 10 a.m. Youth who have already been confirmed are also encouraged to attend, to review faith topics and get to know our new candidates. Questions? Contact the Rev. Eric Bailey.
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LATROBE FELLOWSHIP IN-TOWN RETREAT
Saturday, April 18, at 9:30 a.m.
Please join the Latrobe Young Adult Fellowship for a one-day spring retreat to be held at the Cathedral House and Bishop’s Garden. This will be a time to rest and connect with one another, and will include worship, a picnic by the cathedral, and several activities on themes of community and communion. To help cover expenses, the fee is $25 per person. RSVP here. Questions? Contact the Rev. Eric Bailey.
The Latrobe Fellowship is an active and engaged group of adults, primarily in their 20s and 30s. 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.
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GRACE’S TABLE
Third Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Upcoming Dates: April 18 and May 16
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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UPCOMING MEMORIAL SERVICES
Margo Arnold: Saturday, April 18, at 11 a.m.
Janet Helgert: Saturday, April 25, at 11 a.m.
Join us as we commend Margo and Janet to God’s eternal care. All who knew them are warmly invited to attend. The services will also be livestreamed on the Worship tab of our website for those who cannot be with us in person. Please keep Janet and Margo’s loved ones in your prayers.
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NATIONAL ARBORETUM AZALEA WALK
Saturday, April 25, at 2:30 p.m. (New time)
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. Enter the arboretum from R Street or New York Avenue, NE, and allow extra time for 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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AN EVENING WITH THE CHOIR OF WESTMINSTER ABBEY
Friday, May 1, at 7 p.m., at St. John’s
The White House Historical Association and St. John’s, in celebration of America’s 250th, will host an evening with the choir of Westminster Abbey on Friday, May 1. Westminster Abbey’s choir is renowned worldwide as one of the finest of its type, with up to 30 boys and 12 professional adult singers. The choir’s wide-ranging performing activities are rooted in a centuries-old tradition, and its repertoire ranges from plainsong and Tudor polyphony to 20th-century masterpieces and new commissions. Purchase tickets ($25) here. This event will be held at St. John’s.
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SPRING NEW MEMBER SUNDAY | Sunday, May 3
St. John’s will recognize new members of our community during worship on Sunday, May 3, 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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SPOTLIGHT ON NEW ASSISTANT TREASURER JANE REICHARD
Jane Reichard is the new assistant treasurer for St. John’s. Originally from North Carolina, she moved to DC in 2024. Jane holds an undergraduate degree from Berry College and a master’s from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She works as a financial planner and enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with friends.
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FEDERAL WORKERS | GIVING AND RECEIVING SUPPORT
Many of our parishioners have been affected by recent layoffs in the federal government. We are seeking to care for one another. If you are seeking help—or if you have help to offer—please complete our survey with the details of what you need or can provide. You can also reach out to Jordan Baugh, our point person for this ministry.
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PARISH LUNCH | Most Sundays at noon
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.
The Sunday lunch tradition relies on volunteers to prepare and serve the meal—which is why we encourage individuals, families, groups, or ministries to host at least once per program year. Hosts may be reimbursed for expenses or receive a tax receipt. Not sure what’s involved? Want to claim a future date? Contact Parish Lunch coordinator Holly Sukenik.
April 5—No Lunch: Easter Day
April 12—RJ Lyerly
April 19—Vestry
April 26—Sisters at St. John’s
May 3—Newcomer Reception: All are welcome. Come get to know someone new!
May 10—No Lunch: Mothers Day
May 17—Care of Creation
May 24—No Lunch: Memorial Day Weekend
May 31—Host needed
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PLEASE MAKE A 2026 PLEDGE TO ST. JOHN’S
As of Tuesday, March 31, we had received 271 pledges, totaling commitments of $1,097,155 toward St. John’s mission and ministry in 2026.
Your 2026 pledge is a commitment of financial support to St. John’s over the calendar year. It can be a one-time annual payment, or it can be paid weekly, monthly, or on the schedule of your choosing. You can make your pledge online or return a completed pledge card either by mail to the church office or by placing it in the offering plate on Sunday. Thank you for your financial commitment to our parish!
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BECOME A PARENT NAVIGATOR / PEER MENTOR
Communities in Schools (CIS) is looking for volunteers to serve as navigators, or peer mentors, for parents striving to support their children’s education and their own personal and professional goals. Use your knowledge in areas such as finance, medicine, nutrition, and child advocacy to provide one-to-one guidance, support, and practical strategies that help parents build strong home-school connections and advocate for themselves and their families. Volunteers matched with a family can expect a commitment of a few hours a month. Other ways to mentor include doing a webinar or virtual workshop in your area of specialty. Orientation, training, and ongoing support will be provided. For more information, contact CIS leaders Ann Gardner and Livy More.
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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: Bill Josey and Andy McKinnon.
Friends and family of our parish: Conor Barry (Sarah Wood), Robert Bliss (Katherine Bliss and Mark Dennis), Chad (Wendy Fibison), Jim DeBello (Grace Barrett), Dru Dowdy (Frances S. Tyler), Walt Eccard (Margaret Depue), Ed Eder (Joanne and Powell Hutton), Laurie Feldon (Eleanor and Peter Odom), Bob and Heather Gilbert (Andrea Winchell), Chantay Griffin (Charley Griffin and Gee Gee Bryant), Linda Young Gsell (Rick Young), Morgan Hickenlooper (Livy More), Doug Holy (Joanne Hutton), Jack (Marta Cook and Cal Trepagnier), Latithia and Charles Jones (GeeGee Bryant), Olivia Kehoe (Kat Kehoe), Elizabeth Lee (Clayton Crawford), Jane Lee (Claire Kim and Jess Unger), William Markiewicz (Matthew Taylor), Jim Martella (Livy More), Tammy McCleaf (Matthew Taylor), Nell Montgomery (Brandon Montgomery), Ann Petrosky (Johnathan Miller), Susan Price (Richard Price), Sunil Ramchand (Susan Cardwell), Scott (Marta Cook and Cal Trepagnier), Nancy Stephenson (Ann and John Gardner), Ashley M. Smith (Marta Cook and Cal Trepagnier), Mackenzie Toland (Wendy J. Fibison), Caleb Williams (Alfred Thesmar), Darrel Williams (Caleb and James Hays-Reilly), Edward Leland Williams II (Virginia Bader), Bess Williamson (Wendy Fibison), Andrew Woods (Johnathan Miller), and Judith York (Caroline Fisher).
THOSE WHO ARE IN ASSISTED LIVING:
From our parish: Milton Chamberlain, Marcella Odom, Becky Schergens, Suzanne Whitmore, and Mary Wilson.
Friends and family of our parish: David Brown (Lisa Koehler), Bob Chrystal, Sr. (Chris Jones), Denise T. Griggs (Ginny Griggs), Veronica Jones (Chris Jones), Lori LaPoint (Brent Erstad), Yvonne Reiffer (Jack Reiffer), and Carl Wright (Frank and Nancy Klotz).
THOSE WHO ARE IN HOSPICE CARE:
Friends and family of our parish: Wilma Daubs (Kay Gilley) and Teri Nelson (Lisa Koehler).
THOSE WHO HAVE DIED:
Friends and family of our parish: Guy Storman Clark, March 16 (Brian and KayAnn Schoeneman); Dennis Patrick “Pat” Curley, March 23 (Brian and KayAnn Schoeneman); and Janey Studt Symington, April 1 (Harker and Gini Rhodes).
THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN BORN:
From our parish: Ethan Michael Ford, March 23 (Matthew and Molly Ford).
THOSE IN OUR PARISH CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK:
Ellie Eversole, Daniel Honeycutt, Heather Hopkins, Thomas Keithley, Samuel Lancaster, Rita Louise Leonelli, Nathan Lofton, Haley Lyerly, Nathan Miller, Joy Nathan, Chloe Neufeld, Dixie Noonan, Nick Robischon, Chase Rynd, Catherine Shepherd, John Staples, and JoAnn Zuercher.
THOSE IN OUR PARISH CELEBRATING AN ANNIVERSARY THIS WEEK:
Brady and Sarah Demarest, Everett and Nora Haugh, Annie and Will Simonds, and Alfred and Hilary Thesmar.
THOSE ON THE FRONT LINES:
Friends and family of our parish: Janie Abernethy (Elizabeth Lewis and David Abernethy), Philip L. Faris (Caroline and Steve Faris), and Charles Lewis, Jr. (Charles Lewis, Sr.).
Please click here to add, remove, or change the status of someone on the prayer list.
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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
No noonday service on Monday or Tuesday, April 6 and 7: Parish Office closed.
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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 12, at 9 a.m. (Class: Saturday, April 11, at 10 a.m.)
Sunday, May 24, at 11 a.m. (Class: Saturday, May 23, at 10 a.m.)
Sunday, November 1, at 9 a.m. (Class: Saturday, October 31, 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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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 9 and 11 a.m. services. 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.
Our Chorister Program runs from September through May. Young singers receive training in sight reading, vocal production, music theory, liturgy, and leadership, and become part of a vibrant community of music makers. 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 worship services by serving as torch bearers or crucifers and by helping set the altar for communion. To learn more, contact Vincent Scauzzo.
From September through May, youth with unchanged (treble) voices are invited to join our Chorister Program. Through a custom-made curriculum, singers receive training in sight reading, vocal production, music theory, liturgy, and leadership, and become part of a vibrant community of music makers. Contact Brent Erstad for details.
For more information about opportunities for youth, please contact the Rev. Eric Bailey.
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ADULT BIBLE STUDY
Sundays at 10 a.m.
During the program year, this group gathers most Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. using a hybrid approach, with some joining via Zoom and others in person. Conversations explore the connections with the Sunday lectionary lessons and sermons. In Lent we will study two of the major discourses and the passion narrative of Matthew, as well as the narratives of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, and Jacob, Leah, and Rachel from the book of Genesis. For information, please contact Jack Reiffer.
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SECURITY MEASURES AT ST. JOHN’S
St. John’s identity as a congregation is shaped by our urban location in the nation’s capital. We seek to welcome all to our services and activities with dignity, while ensuring the safety and well-being of those who worship in our facilities. We hire security personnel for Sundays and special services to maintain a low-key, proactive presence and to be prepared to respond quickly and respectfully to any needs that may arise.
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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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