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The Word
News from St. John’s, Lafayette Square
The Week of Sunday, November 1
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All Saints’ Day & All Souls’ Day
Preaching at morning services: The Rev. Rob Fisher
A brief Children’s Time will be offered during the sermon at 9 a.m.
Children’s Chapel will be offered during the sermon at 11 a.m.
Preaching at the evening service: The Rev. Eric Bailey
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 and Baptisms
10 a.m.
Coffee Hour (Plaza, weather permitting, or Parish House First Floor)
Speaker Series (Togo West Parlor; see below)
Sunday School (Parish House Second Floor)
Youth Group (Parish House Second Floor)
Adult Bible Study (Parish House Third Floor; see below)
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)
Church Tour (Meet guide Kevin Cordova-Brookey near the baptismal font after the service)
Parish Lunch (Parish House; see below)
5:30 p.m.
All Souls’ Day Requiem Eucharist (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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2026–2027 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 fall lineup includes:
November 1: The Rev. Sharron Dinnie (pictured), founder and rector of Kwasa College, Springs, South Africa, will provide an update on the school’s growth. Kwasa is a pre-primary and primary school serving children through grade 7 from the nearby informal settlement who are facing severe hardship, violence, and hunger. Kwasa has been a St. John’s outreach partner for more than 20 years. Sharron will join us via video feed from South Africa.
November 8: Erika Gault, Ph.D., Director of the Center for the Study of African American Religious Life, and the Lilly Endowment Curator of African American Religious History at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, will present on the worship experience of African Americans in early U.S. history, especially in the National Capital Region.
November 23: No Forum (Pre-Thanksgiving Weekend)
November 30: No Forum (Advent Wreath Making)
December 6: Lois Romano, former Washington Post journalist and columnist, will discuss her New York Times bestselling book, An Inconvenient Widow: The Torment, Trial, and Triumph of Mary Todd Lincoln, about the long misunderstood, underappreciated wife of President Abraham Lincoln.
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PARISH LUNCH
This Sunday at noon | Hosted by Kwasa
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 cost. All are welcome. Valet parking hours are extended to 2 p.m. any Sunday with a parish lunch.
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ANNUAL REQUIEM EUCHARIST FOR ALL SOULS’ DAY
This Sunday at 5:30 p.m. | With incense
Join us as we remember and commend to God all the faithful departed at our annual Requiem Eucharist for All Souls’ Day. The St. John’s Choir, joined by chamber orchestra and organ, will offer Gabriel Fauré’s moving Requiem in the context of the liturgy. During the service, we will read the names of parish members and friends who have died in the past year. A reception will follow in the Togo West Parlor. Parking validation is available in the garage at 1575 I Street, NW. When asked for payment (upon arrival), indicate that you will return with a validated ticket from St. John’s good for free parking. The service will also be livestreamed on our website.
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LATROBE FELLOWSHIP WORSHIP SINGALONG
Wednesday, November 4, at 6:30 p.m.
The Latrobe Fellowship is a vibrant group of young adults, primarily in their 20s and 30s. Come join us in November for a night of music, fellowship, and fun! In addition to our typical Eucharist, dinner, and drinks (both alcoholic and non), we will have a worship music singalong! Please submit music requests here. Music submissions can be hymns, anthems, or other pieces of worship music. If you are able to lead the piece, please let us know. For details or to connect with the group, contact Will Yale.
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ST. JOHN'S BOOK GROUP
Thursday, November 5, at 7 p.m.
Join us via Zoom to discuss The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. Set in Maine in 1789, midwife Martha Ballard sets out for justice as she steadfastly pursues the truth in a murder mystery. The book group typically meets the first Thursday of the month via Zoom. For more information and the link, please contact Janet Edmond.
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SAMARITAN MINISTRY GALA 2026
Saturday, November 7, 3–6 p.m. | St. Paul’s, Rock Creek
Celebrate four decades of collaboration among Episcopal churches putting faith into action serving others. The Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop of Washington, will bless the event, which will include awards, hors d’oeuvres, live jazz, and silent and live auctions. Free parking will be available onsite. Please join us! This event is both a celebration and a critical fundraiser for Samaritan Ministry. Info about sponsorships, tickets, and donations at samaritanministry.org.
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FALL NEW MEMBER SUNDAY
November 8 at 11 a.m. | Reception at noon
Next Sunday, we will recognize new members of our community during the 11 a.m. worship service and at a welcome reception in Togo West Parlor at noon, to which all are invited. If you began attending St. John’s recently or have returned after some time away, please join us! You’ll receive a flower as our way of saying welcome. Longtime members are encouraged to greet those holding a flower and help folks feel at home. Come show your support for our growing community and get to know someone new!
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The 2027 Stewardship Campaign is underway! Join the growing community of parishioners and friends who have already made their pledge to St. John’s. As Christian stewards, we believe God’s blessings merit our grateful response. Our pledge is an act of spiritual responsibility that acknowledges God’s work in our lives and the life of our church.
Your pledge can be a one-time annual payment or it can be paid weekly, monthly or on the schedule of your choosing. You may pledge online or by returning your pledge envelope in the offering plate or via post. Thank you for making your financial commitment to St. John’s!
—The Stewardship Committee
| Listen below as parishioners share why they pledge at St. John’s. | | Alfred Thesmar
October 4, 2026 | | Kingsley Afemikhe
October 11, 2026 | | |
Marion Blakey
October 18, 2026
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DIOCESAN CONFIRMATION SERVICE
Saturday, November 14, 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. All are welcome to support our several candidates from St. John’s, as well as others from around the diocese, on Saturday, November 14, at 10 a.m. at Washington National Cathedral. The service will also be livestreamed online.
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DIOCESAN YOUTH DAY OF SERVICE
Saturday, November 14, 2–5 p.m. | St. Alban’s Church
Middle and high school youth (grades 6–12) are invited to the third annual “Be a Blessing: Youth Day of Service” sponsored by the diocese and held at St. Alban’s Church (3001 Wisconsin Avenue, NW). The day opens with a brief prayer service, followed by a fair where youth can explore ministries from around the diocese, take part in hands-on service, and earn service learning hours for school. Registration and contact info available online.
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STAINED GLASS TOUR: GALLERY WINDOWS
Sunday, November 15, at noon
Following up on his tour of the first-floor windows in the church, parish historian Richard Grimmett will lead a 50-minute tour of the gallery windows on Sunday, November 15, shortly after the 11 a.m. service.
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GRACE’S TABLE
Third Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Upcoming Dates: November 21 and December 19
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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WALKING WITH THE ENSLAVED
Saturday, November 21
Interested parishioners are encouraged to participate in a “Walking with the Enslaved” pilgrimage offered in Richmond by St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and St. Phillip’s Episcopal Church. Attendance is capped at 33. To register and learn more, visit walkingwiththeenslaved.org.
—St. John’s Slavery and Its Legacies Committee
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WOMEN OF ALL AGES: WALK IN ROCK CREEK CEMETERY
Sunday, November 22, at 2 p.m.
Join the Sisters at St. John’s for a visit to this local gem. First established in 1719 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Northwest D.C., Rock Creek Cemetery features a natural rolling landscape and winding pathways beneath groves of trees. The grave of the District official who lined the city’s streets with trees, Alexander Robey Shepherd, rises beneath specimens planted during his lifetime. Artful tombstones and breathtaking sculptures are abundant, most notable the evocative memorial to Henry and Marian Adams designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens; it alone is worth the visit. Contact Emily Lucio for information and registration ($30 per person).
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CHORAL EVENSONG FOR THANKSGIVING
Wednesday, November 25, at 5:30 p.m.
Join us on the eve of Thanksgiving for a special service of Choral Evensong as we usher in the season of gratitude. Begin your holiday by lifting your heart in prayer and song with favorite hymns of Thanksgiving, including “Come, ye thankful people, come” and “Now thank we all our God.” A reception will follow in the Togo West Parlor.
Parking validation for Evensong is available in the garage at 1575 I Street, NW. When asked for payment (upon arrival), indicate that you will return with a validated ticket from St. John’s that is good for free parking.
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SUPPORT SPECIAL MUSIC FOR CHRISTMAS EVE
The gift of music enriches our worship and draws us closer to God’s presence. You are invited to support our music ministry through a general gift to the Music Fund, or by sponsoring one of this season’s special musical offerings. Your generosity helps sustain the beauty and excellence of our musical tradition. Sponsorship opportunities include:
• Christmas Eve String Ensemble (7 p.m. service)—$2,000
• Christmas Eve String Ensemble (10 p.m. service)—$2,000
To make a gift or learn more about sponsoring or helping to sponsor a special offering, contact Brent Erstad. Every contribution—whether large or small—makes a meaningful difference.
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LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT SPRING: WOMEN’S WEEKEND RETREAT
Friday, March 5 through Sunday, March 7
Women of all ages are warmly invited to join the Sisters at St. John’s for “Exploring the Gift of Conflict,” to be held at the A. Felix DuPont Memorial House in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
Led by the Rt. Rev. Mary Gray-Reeves, we will focus on the dynamics of conflict and explore God’s desire for us to engage in the holy work of reconciliation and restoration. Space is limited; please complete the online registration here and submit your payment to secure your spot.
The cost ($425) includes housing and meals. Scholarships are available for those in need of financial assistance; contact the Rev. Rob Fisher with your request. Questions? Reach out to leader Emily Lucio—and remember that your payment (not your email) secures your place at the retreat. More information can be found here.
We are also planning a local one-day retreat sometime in February. Contact Emily Lucio to learn more or express interest.
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CARING FOR GOD’S CREATION: ONE TRASH BAG AT A TIME
The Care of Creation Committee is pleased to report that five volunteers from St. John’s and two from St. Mark’s, Capitol Hill, participated in a trash cleanup on Saturday, October 24, shepherded by the Anacostia Riverkeepers.
We picked up 115 pounds of trash from the river’s edge, including bottles, cans, food containers, polystyrene, and many other assorted items. After the cleanup, we enjoyed a boat ride up the Anacostia narrated by Riverkeeper Trey Sherard, who shared stories about the ecology of the Anacostia Watershed, and efforts to monitor and improve water quality and manage plastic waste. The enthusiasm was high, the sky clear, and the autumn weather perfect.
This is the third year that St. John’s Care of Creation Committee has organized an environmental cleanup activity to help beautify the District of Columbia and improve watershed ecology. Hearty thanks to Abbott McCartney for coordinating the activity this year and assuring its success. Other participants included Livy More, Ginny Griggs, Powell and Joanne Hutton, and Leslie and Doug Allen.
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ARE YOU INTERESTED IN A 2027 VISIT TO KWASA?
St. John’s is considering a trip to visit Kwasa College, a pre-primary and primary school in South Africa and our long-term international outreach partner, with travel dates likely in winter or spring of 2027. Prior St. John’s trips have toured Johannesburg, a game park, and Capetown, in addition to spending time with Kwasa students. Contact Lisa Koehler to express interest.
Don’t miss out on our Kwasa-themed Sunday, November 1. The Rev. Sharron Dinnie will speak at 10 a.m. and Parish Lunch at noon will be hosted by the Kwasa committee.
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PARISH LUNCH HOSTS AND SCHEDULE
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 an open date in 2027? Contact Parish Lunch coordinator Holly Sukenik.
November 1—Kwasa
November 8—New Members Reception: All invited!
November 15—Sisters at St. John’s
November 22—Greeters
November 29—No Lunch: Thanksgiving Weekend
December 6—Stewardship
December 13—Book Group
December 20—No Lunch
December 27—No Lunch
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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, Carter Keithley, Lydia Olson, and Jack Reiffer.
Friends and family of our parish: Olivia Beckett (Justin Dean), Earl Billings (Chase Rynd) Robert Bliss (Katherine Bliss and Mark Dennis), Judi C. (Adelle Simmons), Casey Byers (Eric Peters), Lewis Coleman Casey “Cole” (Eric Bailey), Chad (Wendy Fibison), Tim Collins (Wendy J. Fibison), Paul Colloton (Jack Reiffer), Jim DeBello (Grace Barrett), Dominic D’Andrea (Krista Bradley), 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), Benoit Gibert (Margaret Wiegenstein), 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 Pierre Cal Trepagnier), Latithia and Charles Jones (GeeGee Bryant), Petros Kartos (Meg Carter), Olivia Kehoe (Kat Kehoe), Svetlana Kleymenova (Anya Kleymenova), (Elizabeth Lee (Clayton Crawford), Tom Lamont (Eric Bailey), Jane Lee (Claire Kim and Jess Unger), William Markiewicz (Matthew Taylor), Jim Martella (Livy More), Allie Matthews (Carl 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 Pierre Cal Trepagnier), Nancy Stephenson (Ann and John Gardner), Ashley M. Smith (Marta Cook and Pierre Cal Trepagnier), Elena Sukenik (Holly Sukenik), Sunil (Susan Cardwell), Betty Tisevich (Debby Hailey), Brad Todd (Pamela Venzke), Mackenzie Toland (Wendy J. Fibison), Caleb Williams (Alfred Thesmar), Darrel Williams (Caleb and James Hays-Reilly), Bess Williamson (Wendy J. Fibison), Michele Wilson (Margo Wiegenstein), Andrew Woods (Johnathan Miller), and Judith York (Caroline Fisher).
THOSE WHO ARE IN THE HOSPITAL:
Friends and family of our parish: Dean McGrath (Laurie Adams).
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 WHO HAVE DIED:
Friends and family of our parish: Robert Davis, October 12 (Laurie Adams).
THOSE IN OUR PARISH CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK:
Alison Adkins, Eric Bailey, Larry Bradley, Julia Brandus, Lizzie Eversole, Ella Fuller, Lauren Goodyear, Susie Jess Hallberg, Clara Hallett, DeQuan Kuntu, Judd Littleton, Claire Montgomery, Susan Morefield, Elizabeth Morrison, Matilda Rossbach, Lily Venzke, Alexian Wines, and Jessica Zavala.
THOSE IN OUR PARISH CELEBRATING AN ANNIVERSARY THIS WEEK:
Collier & Carly Connell, David and Liz Gallalee, John and Kristy Highsmith, and Katie and Paul Holder.
THOSE ON THE FRONT LINES:
Friends and family of our parish: Janie Abernethy (Elizabeth Lewis and David Abernethy), Audrey Anikeeff (Tony Anikeeff and Tung-lin Wu), 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, January 10, at 11 a.m. (Class: Saturday, January 9, at 10 a.m.)
Sunday, February 7, at 9 a.m. (Class: Saturday, February 6, at 10 a.m.)
Sunday, April 4, at 9 a.m. (Class: Saturday, April 3, 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, children in pre-K through fifth grade may participate in Sunday School on the second floor of the Parish House from 10 to 10:50 a.m.
For more about our ministry for children and families, please contact Lauren Goodyear.
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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.
For more information about opportunities for youth, please contact the Rev. Eric Bailey.
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ADULT BIBLE STUDY | Most Sundays at 10 a.m.
From September through May, 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. Contact us to join our email list or find out more.
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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 AT ST. JOHN’S | Find your place and share your gifts
Want to get more involved at St. John’s? Hope to make some new friends? We’d love to help you find your way into the life of the church. Simply complete our interest form, and a ministry leader will be in touch to welcome you and answer any questions.
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