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The Word
News from St. John’s, Lafayette Square
The Week of Sunday, August 16
| | | St. John's Church and Lafayette Park, 1857-1858 | | |
The Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
Preaching: The Rev. Eric Bailey
Children’s Chapel will be offered during the sermon at 10:30 a.m.
8 a.m.
Eucharist with Sermon
9:30 a.m.
Summer Choir (Parish House Fourth Floor; see below)
10 a.m.
Nursery available until noon (Parish House Second Floor)
10:30 a.m.
Choral Eucharist with Sermon (Watch live on Sunday)
11:30 a.m.
Coffee Hour (Plaza, weather permitting, or Parish House First Floor)
Church Tour (Meet guide Richard Busch near the baptismal font after the service.)
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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SUMMER CHOIR
Sundays at 9:30 a.m. through Labor Day
Singers of all levels are invited to sing with the Summer Choir, which rehearses each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. for the 10:30 a.m. service. There is absolutely no midweek commitment, and you are welcome to sing for as many or as few Sundays as you are able—but signing up is encouraged, since it is helpful to know in advance what singers and parts are available each week. Come explore our choral program and get to know members of our adult choirs! Please contact Brent Erstad to learn more.
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OUR RECTOR RETURNS!
Monday, August 18
The Rev. Rob Fisher has been away on sabbatical and will return August 18. Our clergy, staff, and lay leaders have done a superb job covering the pastoral, liturgical, and operational needs of the church during his time away.
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MEMORIAL SERVICE
Thomas Andrew "Andy" McKinnon: Wednesday, August 19 at 3 p.m.
Join us as we commend Andy to God’s eternal care. All who knew him are warmly invited to attend. The service will also be livestreamed on the Worship tab of our website for those who cannot be with us in person. There will be a small reception in the Togo West Parlor before the service, starting at 2pm. Please keep Andy’s loved ones in your prayers.
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LATROBE FELLOWSHIP ROOFTOP SERVICE
Wednesday, September 2, at 6:30 p.m.
Join Latrobe Young Adult Fellowship on Wednesday, September 2nd to celebrate the end of Summer while enjoying a rooftop view of D.C. We will meet offsite at 6:30 p.m. for worship and fellowship. Please contact Will Yale for details.
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ST. JOHN'S BOOK GROUP
Thursday, September 10, at 7 p.m.
Please join the St. John’s book group on Thursday, September 10 at 7 pm on Zoom for a discussion of Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. This science fiction novel centers on science teacher and former biologist Ryland Grace, who wakes up aboard a spacecraft, afflicted with amnesia. For more information, please contact Janet Edmond.
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KICKOFF SUNDAY IS SEPTEMBER 13
On Sunday, September 13, we will return to our full round of services (spoken at 8 a.m., with choir and hymns at 9 and 11 a.m.). Church School will host an open house, and the Adult Bible Study and Speaker Series will resume.
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CHURCH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE
Sunday, September 13, at 10 a.m.
Kids and parents are invited to explore classrooms and meet their teachers between the 9 and 11 a.m. services. We’ll have activities for kids and information about the program year ahead. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, contact the Rev. Eric Bailey.
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GRACE’S TABLE
Third Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Upcoming Dates: September 19 and October 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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GET INVOLVED! COME TO THE MINISTRY FAIR
Sunday, September 20, after the 9 & 11 a.m. services
Are you looking for ways to get involved in our church community? Look no further than our annual Ministry Fair, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore ministries and find the perfect fit. Whether you’re passionate about our church community, participating in worship, reaching
out to the wider community, or helping with Christian education and formation, there’s a ministry for you! Representatives from each ministry will be available to answer any questions. Come learn about ministry goals and activities, as well as the time commitment and training required. Mark your calendars and contact Lisa Koehler to learn more.
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THE 2025 FALL ADULT INQUIRERS' CLASS
Saturdays, October 10 & 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Would you like to be baptized, confirrmed, or received into membership in the Episcopal Church at St. John’s? Or are you just interested in learning more about the Christian faith, the Episcopal tradition, and the ministry of St. John’s Church? Either way, please join the two-day Fall Adult
Inquirers’ Class, led by the Rev. Rob Fisher, on Saturdays, October 10 and 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Contact Lisa Koehler to learn more or register for this class.
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WALKING WITH THE ENSLAVED
Saturdays, August 15, September 19, October 17, and November 21.
Interested parishioners are encouraged to participate in a “Walking with the Enslaved” pilgrimage offered in Richmond on the above summer and fall dates by St Paul’s Episcopal Church and St. Phillip’s Episcopal Church. Attendance is capped at 33 for each date. To register and learn more, please visit https://walkingwiththeenslaved.org.
The St. John’s Slavery and Its Legacies Committee
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Parish Pilgrimage in 2027 | | |
OXFORD, LONDON, AND CANTERBURY
Join us on tour in England | August 18–30, 2027
Next summer, the Rector and choirs of St. John’s invite you to join a parish pilgrimage to the historic heart of the Anglican Communion: from Oxford and London to Canterbury, the ancient see from which our tradition has spread throughout the world.
During the journey, the choirs of St. John’s will offer Choral Evensong at three of England’s great cathedral churches: Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford; Southwark Cathedral, London; and Canterbury Cathedral, where the choir will serve a week-long residency. In each place, our worship will take part in the centuries-old rhythm of daily prayer that continues to shape Anglican life and spirituality today.
This pilgrimage offers an opportunity to encounter the theological, intellectual, and artistic inheritance of our tradition through worship, architecture, music, and shared reflection in some of the most significant places in Anglican history. Those interested are encouraged to contact Brent Erstad, Director of Music.
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INDYCAR RACE
Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23
There will be extensive road closures in our area for the Indycar race scheduled for the weekend of August 22-23. While our block is not directly affected, please allow additional travel time that weekend and use Metro if possible. Up to date maps and schedules can be found at www.freedom250gp.com.
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ST. JOHN'S SECURES GRANT TO FURTHER SUPPORT KWASA COLLEGE
St. John's Church Lafayette Square is pleased to announce that it has secured a $125,000 grant to enable Kwasa College (Springs, South Africa) to build two new classrooms to serve its ever-growing primary school, while also transforming a little-used house into a musical arts learning center to nurture students' vocal and instrumental music talents.
Kwasa serves 500 children, many from a nearby informal settlement, where they face severe hardship and formidable challenges, with a mission of offering a comprehensive learning and nurturing environment as the most powerful tool to break the cycle of poverty; for over 20 years, St. John's has been pleased to partner with Kwasa and support its ministry.
This gift is made possible through the support of the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation Fund at the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, which awarded the grant to St. John's on behalf of Kwasa in part due to the parishes' long association with and trust in Kwasa, and "in recognition of the many contributions St. John's has made to provide meaningful assistance and support to society, the arts, and the environment benefiting the communities it serves, particularly groups who have been historically excluded".
Construction is now underway to ensure the new classrooms will be ready for the new school year in January 2027, and St. John's particularly thanks Abbott McCartney for his steadfast efforts in support of Kwasa.
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SAMARITAN MINISTRY
Make this your summer of impact!
As high unemployment and rising living costs continue to grip the DMV, Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington is seeking your support for its 40th Anniversary Summer of Impact Campaign, which will fund the uniquely loving and personalized Next Step counseling and training that Samaritan offers to the region’s most vulnerable residents. To learn more, go to samaritanministry.org.
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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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Our prayers are requested for the special needs and concerns of this congregation, especially:
THOSE WHO ARE SICK, RECOVERING, OR GRIEVING
From our parish: Glen Bootay, Stevan Johnson, Jim Mullins, Lydia Olson.
Friends and family of our parish: Olivia Beckett (Justin Dean), Robert Bliss (Katherine Bliss and Mark Dennis), Casey Byers (Eric Peters), Chad (Wendy Fibison), Paul Colloton (Jack Reiffer), Jim DeBello (Grace Barrett), William and Jane Dennis (Katherine Bliss and Mark Dennis), Ann Dilworth (Sydney Brooks), Walt Eccard (Margaret Depue), Ed Eder (Joanne and Powell Hutton), Leonard Edwards (Lauren Edwards), Laurie Feldon (Eleanor and Peter Odom), David Ferriero (Fruzsina Harsanyi), 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), Laura Lynch (Wendy Fibision), Anne Lynch (Wendy Fibison), William Markiewicz (Matthew Taylor), Jim Martella (Livy More), Allie Matthews (Cal and Mary Raether), Tammy McCleaf (Matthew Taylor), Mike (Susan Cardwell), Nell Montgomery (Brandon Montgomery), Mark Mousouris (Chris Northrop), Ann Petrosky (Johnathan Miller), Susan Price (Richard Price), Scott (Marta Cook and Cal Trepagnier), Anne Shepherd (Jim Shepherd), Nancy Stephenson (Ann and John Gardner), Ashley M. Smith (Marta Cook and Cal Trepagnier), Elena Sukenik (Holly Sukenik), Sunil (Susan Cardwell), Mackenzie Toland (Wendy J. Fibison), Wendy Willett (Meg Carter and Doug Arnold), Caleb Williams (Alfred Thesmar), Darrel Williams (Caleb and James Hays-Reilly), Bess Williamson (Wendy Fibison), Michele Wilson (Margo Wiegenstein), Andrew Woods (Johnathan Miller), and Judith York (Caroline Fisher).
THOSE WHO ARE IN ASSISTED LIVING:
From our parish: Milton Chamberlain, Marcella Odom, Larry Redway, 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)
THOSE IN OUR PARISH CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK:
Justin Bacon, Jordan Baugh, Jeff Bozman, Andrew Foss, Andrew Lee, Jan H. Lupton, Peter Odom, Ugo Owunwanne, Beatrice Rabbe, and George Rabbe.
THOSE IN OUR PARISH CELEBRATING AN ANNIVERSARY THIS WEEK:
Beth and Mike DuMond, Clark Ervin and Carolyn Harris, Pete and Katherine Kyle, Kate and Zack Lindsey, Charles and Geraldine Rhodes, and Christopher Semkow and Alexian Wines.
THOSE ON THE FRONT LINES:
Friends and family of our parish: Janie Abernethy (Elizabeth Lewis and David Abernethy), Faith Drow (Glen Bootay), 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, office closure:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday at 12:10 p.m.: Eucharist
Friday at 12:10 p.m.: Noonday Prayer
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BAPTISMS
The next dates for Baptism and the required pre-baptismal class with the clergy at St. John’s are as follows:
Sunday, November 1, at 9 a.m. (Class: Saturday, October 31, at 10 a.m.)
Sunday, January 10, 2027 at 11 a.m. (Class: Saturday, January 9, 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 10 a.m. to noon 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 10:30 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.
Resuming after Labor Day: Most Sundays from September through May, children in pre-K through fifth grade may participate in Church School on the second floor of the Parish House from 10 to 10:50 a.m.
For more information about our children’s ministry, please contact the Rev. Eric Bailey.
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FOR YOUTH
Resuming after Labor Day: 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.
Resuming after Labor Day: 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.
For more information about opportunities for youth, please contact the Rev. Eric Bailey.
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ADULT BIBLE STUDY
Resumes after Labor Day | Most Sundays at 10 a.m. from September through May
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. We are currently adjourned for the summer—but to join our email list or find out more, 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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