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SUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULE STARTS THIS SUNDAY
8 a.m.—Eucharist with Sermon
10 a.m. to noon—Nursery available
10:30 a.m.—Choral Eucharist with Sermon and Children’s Chapel
11:30 a.m.—Coffee Hour | Church Tour | Parish Potluck
Free valet parking available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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The Word
News from St. John’s, Lafayette Square
The Week of Sunday, June 7
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The Second 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.
St. John’s Choir (Parish House Fourth Floor)
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 Kevin Cordova-Brookey near the baptismal font after the service.)
Parish Potluck (see below)
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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POST-CHURCH PARISH POTLUCK
This Sunday at 11:30 a.m. | Also Sunday, July 19
During the summer, we enjoy extending our tradition of socializing, with a monthly potluck in the Togo West Parlor after the 10:30 a.m. service. Join us this Sunday! If you are able, please sign up to bring a salad, bread, or dessert. Contact Holly Sukenik with questions.
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HONORING PRESTON CHEROUNY
Sunday, June 14, at 10:30 a.m. | Reception to follow
Preston Cherouny, who served at St. John’s for many years, including most recently as Chief Operating Officer, will be honored for his dedication to the church on Sunday, June 14, during the 10:30 a.m. service and at a festive reception immediately afterward. Please come and wish him well!
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LATROBE FELLOWSHIP BRUNCH
Sunday, June 14, at 11:30 a.m. | Note the new location!
The Latrobe Fellowship is a vibrant group of young adults, primarily in their 20s and 30s. During the summer, we gather for a monthly brunch and other outings, instead of our usual Wednesday evening meetings. The regular schedule will resume in September. Our first lunch will take place on Sunday, June 14. Meet in the sanctuary around 11:30 a.m. to walk together to Immigrant Food (1701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW)—or join us there. For more details or to connect with the group, 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: June 20 and July 18
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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CELEBRATE PRIDE WITH ST. JOHN’S
Saturday, June 20, 3 p.m.
St. John’s Pride will join the official diocesan contingent to march in the Capital Pride Parade on Saturday, June 20. Allies and those who identify as LGBTQIA+ are welcome to march with us. We will gather at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church (1514 15th Street, NW) for a brief prayer and instructions before heading to the parade staging area together (gathering time TBD). The parade begins at 3 p.m.
Questions? Planning to march with us?
Contact the Rev. Sarah Akes-Cardwell so we can keep you aware of logistics and changes.
Interested in learning about our LGBTQIA+ community and allies?
Contact leaders Brian Cordova-Brookey and John Schutz.
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SUMMER CHOIR BEGINS JUNE 21
Singers of all levels are invited to sing with the Summer Choir, which begins June 21 and 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. Come explore our choral program and get to know members of our adult choirs! Since it is helpful to know in advance what singers are available each week, and on which parts, please contact Brent Erstad to sign up or learn more.
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FIFE AND DRUM SERVICE
Sunday, July 5, at 10:30 a.m.
Join us at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 5, for our annual Fife and Drum service featuring the Summer Choir and guest musicians offering music in celebration of Independence Day. Highlights include “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “Stars and Stripes Forever,” and other music that represents the history and culture of America.
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ST. JOHN’S BOOK GROUP
Thursday, August 6, at 7 p.m. | No meeting in July
The book group is currently on summer hiatus. We will next convene on Thursday, August 6, at 7 p.m., to share our personal book recommendations. Please come prepared with a few of your favorite titles to share! 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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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. Further details and registration information will be forthcoming. Those interested are encouraged to contact Brent Erstad, Director of Music
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REQUIESCAT IN PACEM
St. John’s parishioners Janet Risseeuw Beizer and Joan Best both died on May 24. Please hold their families and loved ones in your prayers. We will share plans for the services when they are available.
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SUMMER SABBATICAL FOR THE RECTOR
The Rev. Rob Fisher is away on sabbatical through August 17. Our clergy, staff, and lay leaders are covering the pastoral, liturgical, and operational needs of the church during his time away.
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PLEASE MAKE A 2026 PLEDGE TO ST. JOHN’S
As of Tuesday, June 2, we had received 284 pledges, totaling commitments of $1,136,212 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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UPCOMING CLERGY TRANSITION
After four years of faithful service as associate rector, the Rev. Sarah Akes-Cardwell has accepted a call as Rector of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Silver Spring. Please hold Sarah, Amanda, and Sam in your prayers as they step into this exciting new chapter—and join us on Sunday, July 12, to celebrate Sarah’s final day of ministry at St. John’s. We have formed a small committee, under the leadership of Debby Hailey, to seek and hire a new minister for children and families who will join the staff in time for the new program year in the fall.
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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: Cay Buser, Andy McKinnon, Jim Mullins, and Eleanor Odom.
Friends and family of our parish: Patricia Akes (Sarah and Amanda Akes-Cardwell), Robert Bliss (Katherine Bliss and Mark Dennis), Chad (Wendy Fibison), Paul Colloton (Jack Reiffer), 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), James Mullins (Tony Anikeeff), Ann Petrosky (Johnathan Miller), Susan Price (Richard Price), 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), George Wilkins, Jr. (GeeGee Bryant), Wendy Willett (Meg Carter and Doug Arnold), 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), Joel King (Susan Cardwell), and Laura Walsten (Emily Lucio).
THOSE WHO HAVE DIED:
Friends and family of our parish: Alice Duncan, May 30 (Brian Schoeneman); and Dean Corgey, May 30 (Brian Schoeneman).
THOSE IN OUR PARISH CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK:
Leonardo Arriaga, Martha Birdseye, Reese Crochet, Anna Ehrich, Dick Grimmett, Kelly Hallett, Isabelle Hardinge, John Highsmith, Powell Hutton, Alexander Kaye, Anya Kleymenova, Jon Kosobucki, Margaret Love, Matthew McMurray, Nkem Onwuamaegbu, Issac Ornstein, Carl Raether, Richard Rogers, Cameron Smith, Dorothea Teipel, Vivi Trepagnier, and Zack Zahlaway.
THOSE IN OUR PARISH CELEBRATING AN ANNIVERSARY THIS WEEK:
Andrew Clarke and Chip Sherrill, Cecil and Lydia Hornbaker, Kelly and Nathan Miller, Catherine and John Morefield, Dick and Joy Nathan, Ann and Christopher Tierney, Sang and Sarah Yi.
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
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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.)
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. Sarah Akes-Cardwell.
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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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