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The Word
News from St. John’s, Lafayette Square
The Week of Sunday, May 19
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The Pentecost window at St. John’s shows the coming of the Holy Spirit to the disciples. Look for it this Sunday, when we will hear the story of Pentecost in scripture and music. | |
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The Day of Pentecost
Remember to wear red in celebration of this important feast in the life of the Church.
7:45 a.m.
Eucharist—Sermon by the Rev. Rob Fisher
8 a.m.
Parish Choir (Parish House Fourth Floor)
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Nursery (Parish House Second Floor)
9 a.m.
Choral Eucharist with Baptism—Sermon by the Rev. Rob Fisher
10 a.m.
Coffee Hour (Parish House First Floor)
Speaker Series (Togo West Parlor; see below)
Special Activity for All Ages (Parish House Lower Level; see below)
Youth Group (Parish House Second Floor)
Bible Study (Parish House Third Floor)
St. John’s Choir (Parish House Fourth Floor)
11 a.m.
Choral Eucharist—Sermon by the Rev. Rob Fisher (Watch live on Sunday)
Children’s Chapel (children begin in church)
Noon
Coffee Hour and Special Reception Honoring the Rev. Shawn Evelyn (Parish House First Floor)
Church Tour (see below)
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COMING UP IN THE SPEAKER SERIES
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.
May 19: Columba Stewart, Executive Director and CEO of the Hill Museum and Manuscript Library, will present “Voices of the Ancestors: Saving the World’s Manuscripts from Destruction.”
May 26: Maureen Corrigan, Distinguished Professor of the Practice in Literary Criticism at Georgetown University, offers “The Great American Novelist, F. Scott Fitzgerald.”
Please note that the May 26 Speaker Series will take place at 9:30 a.m., on our first day of the summer schedule.
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CREATE YOUR OWN WINDSOCK
This Sunday at 10 a.m., Parish House Lower Level
On the Day of Pentecost, we remember the coming of the Holy Spirit to the disciples and the birth of the early church. During the education hour, all ages are invited to participate in an intergenerational activity: Come make your own windsock from recycled materials to take home as a reminder of the Holy Spirit’s movement in your life. This activity will be offered between the 9 and 11 a.m. services in the dining room and will take the place of Church School.
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TOUR OF St. JOHN’S CHURCH
This Sunday at noon | Guide: Richard J. Price
For more than 200 years our church has served as a place of worship for a growing and everchanging city and country. Its structure is a lasting testament to Benjamin Henry Latrobe, who, because of his training in both architecture and engineering, is considered by the American Institute of Architects as our country’s first architect. If you are interested in an in-person tour of St. John’s Church, meet at the front of the church near the baptismal font after the 11 a.m. 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. (10 am to noon starting May 26)
Children in pre-K through fifth grade may participate in Church School on the second floor of the Parish House, most Sundays from September through May, from 10 to 10:50 a.m. (May 19 is our final meeting until after Labor Day.)
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 (10:30 a.m. in summer). 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.
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. (May 19 is our final meeting until after Labor Day.)
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.
For more information about opportunities for youth, please contact the Rev. Shawn Evelyn.
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ADULT BIBLE STUDY
Sundays at 10 a.m. (Summer schedule noted below.)
During the program year, this group gathers most Sunday mornings, using a hybrid approach, with some joining via Zoom and others in person. From May 26 through the end of summer, we will meet occasionally via Zoom, dates to be determined, with weekly study materials provided by email. We will be studying the Galilean Ministry of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark and the broad structure of the Acts of the Apostles, exploring connections with the Sunday lectionary lessons and sermons. To receive class notes and Zoom login information, please contact Jack Reiffer.
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PRAYER CARDS
You are invited to take a blank prayer card from the narthex (the entrance of the church) and write down something or someone you would like to pray for. You can hand your prayer card to the ushers when they take the collection, and your card will be blessed and prayed over during the week.
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GRACE’S TABLE
Third Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Next Date: May 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 leader Elizabeth Field with questions or to volunteer.
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SUMMER SERVICE SCHEDULE BEGINS NEXT SUNDAY, MAY 26
In one week, we will usher in our summer schedule, moving to two Sunday services until after Labor Day. Here’s the weekly lineup:
8 a.m.—Eucharist with Sermon
9:30 a.m.—Speaker Series (when scheduled)
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
Free valet parking is available year-round on Sundays, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
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SPRING DIAPER DRIVE RESULTS
Thank you to all who donated to our 2024 spring diaper drive. The results were spectacular! We received:
• 1,007 diapers;
• 1,514 wipes;
• 306 adult products;
• diaper cream, baby wash, baby lotion, and adult wipes;
• and many generous monetary donations.
Thank you for offering meaningful support to women living in poverty in our region, for whom the high cost of these essential items represents a true financial burden.
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CHARITABLE GIVING: WHAT’S YOUR PLAN?
Wednesday, May 29, 5:30–7 p.m.
Join Lisa Kirchenbauer, Chair of the St. John’s Planned Giving & Investment Committee, for a workshop on how to craft a personal charitable giving strategy. We will discuss lifetime and after-death giving opportunities at St. John’s, including tax benefits and other considerations. We will also learn about potential changes to income and estate tax rules that might be coming in 2025. Wine and cheese will be served, and parking will be offered to guests by voucher. Interested? RSVP to Charley Griffin or Preston Cherouny.
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FAMILY MEET-UP AT HAINS POINT
Saturday, June 1, 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Before the summer heat and travel season gets in full swing, let’s hang out and play! Families with infants, toddlers, and elementary aged children are invited for a fun morning at Hains Point (2301 Ohio Drive, SW). We’ve reserved Picnic Area B, which is close to restrooms and the playground. We’ll pause at 10:30 a.m. to pray together, and coffee and snacks will be provided. Last month we had almost 50 kids and caregivers join in the fun! So save the date, and we hope to see you there.
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LATROBE YOUNG ADULT BRUNCH
Sunday, June 2, at 11:30 a.m.
The Latrobe Young Adult Fellowship will meet for brunch on Sunday, June 2, after the 10:30 a.m. service. All in their 20s and 30s (ish) are invited for food and fellowship. We will gather in the sanctuary around 11:30 a.m. Contact us for more details.
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ST. JOHN’S BOOK GROUP
Thursday, June 6, at 7 p.m.
Join us via Zoom to discuss Sara Ackerman’s novel The Codebreaker’s Secret. In this tale, set during World War II and the 1960s, two smart, adventurous women attempt to solve a captivating historical mystery in Hawaii—a secret only a codebreaker can crack. The book group typically meets on the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. For information and the link, contact Janet Edmond.
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JOIN US IN CELEBRATING PRIDE!
Saturday, June 8
St. John’s Pride will join others from around the diocese to march in the Capital Pride Parade on Saturday, June 8. Mark your calendar and come celebrate Pride with us! All are welcome; full details forthcoming closer to the date.
Questions? Interested in learning more about our fellowship for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies? Contact leaders Brian Cordova-Brookey and John Schutz.
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LATROBE AND LAFAYETTE FELLOWSHIPS:
BIG SWING AT THE BALLPARK
Saturday, June 15, at 4 p.m.
Join us at the ballpark on Saturday, June 15, when members of the Lafayette and Latrobe fellowships at St. John’s will join congregants from Episcopal parishes around the diocese for a Nationals home game. Tickets are $45 each. In an effort to be seated in the same area, please contact the leaders of Latrobe by Sunday, May 26, to RSVP and receive info about ticket purchase and payment.
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PARISH LUNCH
During the summer, we would like to extend our tradition of socializing with a monthly gathering after the 10:30 a.m. service. Since the Plaza is not available as a gathering place, we will meet in the Togo West Parlor. Please sign up to bring a salad, bread, or dessert by contacting coordinator Holly Sukenik.
May 19—Reception for the Rev. Shawn Evelyn
June 9—Summer Potluck
July 7—Summer Potluck
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CURIOUS ABOUT ST. JOHN’S? READ OUR ANNUAL REPORT
The 2024 Annual Report is a great way to learn about our many ministries, volunteers, leaders, and the impact of this faith community. Check it out!
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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, November 3, at 9 a.m. (Class: Saturday, November 2, at 10 a.m.)
Sunday, January 12, 2025, at 9 a.m. (Class: Saturday, January 11, at 10 a.m.)
Sunday, February 9, at 9 a.m. (Class: Saturday, February 8, 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
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JOIN 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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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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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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Our prayers are requested for the special needs and concerns of this congregation, especially:
THOSE WHO ARE SICK, RECOVERING, OR GRIEVING:
From our parish: Sara Josey.
Friends and family of our parish: Susan Baxter (Rob Fisher), Billy Beardsley Conderman (Margo Arnold), Brett Bowman (Jack Reiffer), Diane Chrisman (Jack Reiffer), Francis Collins (Fruzsina Harsanyi), Bruce D’Innocenzo (Jim and Michele Mullins), Mary Leche Delong (Margo Wiegenstein), Ed Eder (Joanne and Powell Hutton), Patricia George (Kelle George), 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), Charlotte Crowley Junilla (Margo Arnold), Olivia Kehoe (Kat Kehoe), Lynne Kessler (Mary and Carl Raether), Elizabeth Lee (Clayton Crawford), Jan Mains (Ryan Wagner), William Markiewicz (Matthew Taylor), Jim Martella (Livy More), Tammy McCleaf (Matthew Taylor), Nell Montgomery (Brandon Montgomery), Bruce Mortimer (Nancy Mathis), JaVonté Odom (GeeGee Bryant), Janet Rich (Christie Rich), Deanne Scanlon (Wendy J. Fibison), Alan Schutz (John & Zachary Schutz), Nancy Stephenson (Ann and John Gardner), Scott (Marta Cook and Cal Trepagnier), Patsy Swain (Margo Arnold), Lou Thesmar (Alfred and Hilary Thesmar), Sallie and William Wilkie Thompson (Cecelia Thompson), Mackenzie Toland (Wendy J. Fibison), Richard Waycott (Louisa Waycott), Jerome Wiggins (GeeGee Bryant), Edward Leland Williams II (Virginia Bader), and Linda Woolley (Blount and Charlotte Stewart).
THOSE WHO ARE IN HOSPICE CARE:
Friends and family of our parish: Carol Bradley (Larry and Krista Bradley) and Henry Farrington (Wendy J. Fibison).
THOSE WHO ARE IN ASSISTED LIVING:
From our parish: Eve Atkeson, Milton Chamberlain, Jack Kinsey, Barney Malloy, Marcella Odom, and Becky Schergens.
Friends and family of our parish: Wilma Daubs (Kay Gilley), Pat Morris (Will Morris), Cawley Scott (Robyne Johnston), and Carl Wright (Frank and Nancy Klotz).
THOSE IN OUR PARISH CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK:
Jim Garland, Zaria Griffin, Vivian Hanniford, Charlotte Hantson, Susan Heil, Francis Hortenstine, Caroline Huettner, McKenzie Jeffers, Nancy Klotz, Katherine Montgomery, Greg Morrison, Charlie Rawlings, James Reilly, Harker Rhodes, Henry Singer, Ali Ulin, Susan Wild, and Paul Zehfuss.
THOSE IN OUR PARISH CELEBRATING AN ANNIVERSARY THIS WEEK:
David Abernethy and Beth Lewis, Jeannette and Matt Berlin, Coleman and Judy Campbell Bird, Paul and Kathryn Brandus, Susan George and Emmanuel Lagera, Joanne and Powell Hutton, Bill and Sara Josey, Carter and Fran Keithley, and Henrik and Jennifer Weng.
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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