Tonight’s concert by the Choir of Westminster Abbey at St. John’s is sold out. | | |
The Word
News from St. John’s, Lafayette Square
The Week of Sunday, May 3
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The Fifth Sunday of Easter
Preaching at 8 a.m.—The Rev. Rob Fisher
Preaching at 9 and 11 a.m.—The Rev. Dr. James Hawkey
Children’s Chapel will be offered during the sermon at 9 and 11 a.m.
8 a.m.
Eucharist with Sermon
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 Sermon
10 a.m.
Coffee Hour (Plaza, weather permitting, or Parish House First Floor)
Speaker Series (Togo West Parlor; see below)
Church School (Parish House Second Floor)
Youth Group (Parish House Second Floor)
Adult Bible Study (Parish House Third Floor)
St. John’s Choir (Parish House Fourth Floor)
11 a.m.
Choral Eucharist with Sermon (Watch live on Sunday)
Noon
Coffee Hour (Plaza, weather permitting, or Parish House First Floor)
Newcomer Reception (Parish House; 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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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:
May 3: The Rev. Dr. James Hawkey (pictured), Canon Theologian and Almoner of Westminster Abbey, will engage with us in a Q&A-style conversation led by the Rev. Rob Fisher. He will also preach at our 9 and 11 a.m. services.
May 10: William Watson, St. John’s Choir member and musicologist, will lead a discussion about Mary Howe (1882–1964), a socialite, composer, and arts philanthropist who greatly influenced the arts in Washington, DC.
May 17: Michael Robert Auslin, historian and author, will discuss his latest book in this eponymous talk, National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America.
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SPRING NEW MEMBER SUNDAY
This Sunday at 11 a.m., with reception following | All are invited!
St. John’s will recognize new members of our community during the 11 a.m. worship service this Sunday and at a welcome reception in Togo West Parlor at noon, to which all are invited. Come show your support for our growing community and get to know someone new!
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LATROBE FELLOWSHIP
Wednesday, May 6, at 6:30 p.m.
Please join the Latrobe Fellowship for a rare celebration of the Eucharist from the 1789 Book of Common Prayer, honoring the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States, and the 210th anniversary of the founding of St. John’s, Lafayette Square. The service will be followed by a meal and a talk by liturgical scholar Derek Olsen entitled, “The 1789 Communion Office: A Surprising Liturgy Then and Now.”
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. Contact the Rev. Eric Bailey with questions.
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ST. JOHN’S BOOK GROUP
Thursday, May 7, at 7 p.m.
Please join us via Zoom to discuss a pair of books: Mark Twain’s 1876 classic, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and Percival Everett’s reconsideration, James, which won the 2025 Pulitzer Prize in Fiction, among other awards. In Twain’s tale, Huck Finn navigates the Mississippi River by raft with his close companion, a runaway slave named Jim, and confronts issues relating to the value of human life and friendship. Everett undertakes a retelling from the perspective of Jim, and wrestles with themes related to morality, the nature of freedom, and enslavement. 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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DIOCESAN CONFIRMATION SERVICE
Saturday, May 9, at 10 a.m. | Washington National Cathedral
Confirmation is a sacramental rite in which candidates express a mature commitment to Christ before God, the bishop, and the gathered community. Since February, we have been preparing interested youth to take this important step in their faith journey—and the time has now arrived! All are welcome to support our young people and our adult candidates on Saturday, May 9, at 10 a.m. at Washington National Cathedral.
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COURAGE AND JOY AWARD
Christopher Alora | Sunday, May 10, at 11 a.m.
The Rt. Rev Mariann Budde is honoring people across the diocese whose Christian witness inspires courage and joy. On Sunday, May 10, during the 11 a.m. service, we will recognize St. John’s 2026 recipient, Christopher Alora. Chris, who began attending in early 2025, has a gift for making others feel seen and valued. He is a hardworking young person and was recently promoted to Chief Warrant Officer Three in the U.S. National Guard. Chris is respected and loved by friends, family members, and colleagues alike. Please join us next Sunday to show your appreciation for his positive impact on the community as the Rev. Amanda Akes-Cardwell presents the award on behalf of the bishop.
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SEEK A MORE JUST ELECTION AGENDA IN DC
Listening Session: Wednesday, May 13, at 6 p.m.
Candidates’ Forum: Sunday, May 17, from 3 to 5 p.m.
The June 16 DC primary will be one of the most consequential elections the city has seen in a generation. Please seize your chance to hear from candidates in person and show your support for faith-driven policies!
On Wednesday, May 13, at 6 p.m., join us in Togo West Parlor for a listening session: Share your concerns, hopes, and dreams for DC and our new representatives, and gear up to help leverage the power of WIN’s 45 local faith communities to effect positive change for DC. Sign up for the listening session here.
On Sunday, May 17, 3–5 p.m., attend WIN’s candidates’ forum at Union Temple Baptist Church (1225 W Street, SE) and be counted as a voter seeking justice for all and a stronger DC. Sign up for the candidates’ forum here.
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GRACE’S TABLE
Third Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Upcoming Dates: May 16 and June 20
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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RECOGNIZING HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS
Submit names by Sunday, May 17 | Recognition: Sunday, May 31, at 11 a.m.
Each spring, St. John’s recognizes the graduating high school seniors in our parish. This year’s recognition will take place on Sunday, May 31, at the 11 a.m. service. If you have (or are) a youth graduating from high school this year, please let us know! Contact the Rev. Eric Bailey with the student’s name, a recent photo, the name of the high school, a favorite St. John’s memory or connection, and any plans after graduation. The deadline for submissions is Sunday, May 17. We’d love to hear from you even if you cannot attend the service.
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CHORAL EVENSONG
Wednesday, May 27, at 5:30 p.m. | St. John’s Choir, Parish Choir, and Choristers
St. John’s offers Evensong on the last Wednesday of most months from September through May, beginning at 5:30 p.m. and followed by a reception in Togo West Parlor. Validated parking is available until 7 p.m. in the Colonial parking garage at 818 Connecticut Avenue, NW. Ask an usher for a validation ticket before or after the service. The service will also be available via livestream.
Shortly after evensong, members of St. John’s Pride will gather for drinks at Opaline at the Sofitel Hotel, just a three-minute walk from St. John’s. Join us if you can, or contact our leaders to learn more about this group.
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SKYLARK VOCAL ENSEMBLE IN CONCERT
Sunday, May 31, at 2 p.m. | Ticketed event
Save the date for a performance by Skylark, one of America’s leading vocal ensembles. Their program, Clear Voices in the Dark, pairs music from the American Civil War with Poulenc’s Figure Humain, which was composed in secret during the Nazi occupation of France in 1943—two moments of national crisis and the music that arose from them. The recording earned two Grammy nominations, including Best Choral Performance. This tour is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts and Marriott Family Philanthropies. We hope you will join us on Trinity Sunday for this exciting performance at St. John’s! Purchase tickets here.
PHOTO: MICHAEL JUSTIN
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SUMMER SABBATICAL FOR THE RECTOR
Our rector, the Rev. Rob Fisher, will be taking sabbatical time this summer, from June 1 through August 17. Our clergy, staff, and lay leaders are preparing to cover the pastoral, liturgical, and operational needs of the church during Rob’s time away.
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UPCOMING CLERGY TRANSITION
After four years of faithful, thoughtful service as our associate rector, the Rev. Sarah Akes-Cardwell has accepted a call as Rector of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Silver Spring. Sarah’s last Sunday with us will be July 12. We will gather to celebrate her ministry on that day. More details about the celebration will follow soon.
This is a wonderful and well-deserved next step, and while we will miss Sarah, we celebrate with her and give thanks for all she has given this community—in the pulpit, in the Sunday school classrooms, at the altar, and at the bedside. Please hold Sarah, Amanda, and Sam in your prayers as they step into this new chapter.
We have formed a small committee, which will be 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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TWO NEW BOOKS BY THE REV. NANCY JAMES
The Rev. Nancy James, a longtime friend of St. John’s who leads many of our midweek services, is about to release two volumes of a translation and interpretation of Christian mystic Madame Guyon’s commentaries on Matthew. The books are already receiving positive reviews. More information can be found at nancycjames.com.
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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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INTERESTED IN HOSTING A PARISH LUNCH?
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.
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, April 28, we had received 273 pledges, totaling commitments of $1,105,455 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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Our prayers are requested for the special needs and concerns of this congregation, especially:
THOSE WHO ARE SICK, RECOVERING, OR GRIEVING
From our parish: Sydney Brooks.
Friends and family of our parish: Patricia Akes (Sarah and Amanda Akes-Cardwell), Robert Bliss (Katherine Bliss and Mark Dennis), Chad (Wendy Fibison), Jim DeBello (Grace Barrett), Dru Dowdy (Frances S. Tyler), Bradley Eayrs (Jack Reiffer), 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), 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 Joel King (Susan Cardwell).
THOSE IN OUR PARISH CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK:
Niquelle Allen, Joe Daniels, James Doty, Laura Doucet, Church Elmore, Ann Gardner, Peter Hardinge, Robyne Johnston, Geoffrey McMain, Gus Rawlings, Laurie Rossbach, Jed Sadqi, and Robert Schwartz.
THOSE IN OUR PARISH CELEBRATING AN ANNIVERSARY THIS WEEK:
Betsy and Daniel Danello, Emily and Jason Ornstein, Carrie and Jim Garland, Christine and Matthew Kennedy, Caroline and Judd Littleton.
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 required pre-baptismal classes with the clergy at St. John’s are as follows:
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. From Easter to Pentecost we are studying Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. 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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