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The Word
News from St. John’s, Lafayette Square
The Week of Sunday, September 18
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The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
7:45 a.m.
Eucharist—Sermon by the Rev. Shawn Evelyn
8 a.m.
Choir Rehearsal (Parish House Fourth Floor)
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Nursery (Parish House Second Floor)
9 a.m.
Choral Eucharist—Sermon by the Rev. Shawn Evelyn
10 a.m.
Coffee Hour (Plaza, weather permitting, or Togo West )
Church School Open House (Parish House Second Floor; see below)
Youth Group (Parish House Second Floor; see below)
Adult Bible Study (Parish House Third Floor; see below)
Parish Lunch 101: Refresher Course and Tutorial (Parish House Kitchen; see below)
11 a.m.
Choral Eucharist—Sermon by the Rev. Shawn Evelyn (Watch here)
Children’s Chapel (see below)
Noon
Coffee Hour (Plaza, weather permitting, or Togo West Parlor)
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BRING IN YOUR SUMMER FAITH PASSPORT
This Sunday, September 18
Has your family completed at least five activities from the Summer Faith Passport? If not, there’s still time! Then, show your passport to Rev. Sarah Akes-Cardwell on the Plaza after church on Sunday to receive a special gift.
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CHURCH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE
This Sunday, September 18, 10–10:50 a.m.
Parents and children are invited to come by to see their classrooms, meet their teachers, and ask questions. The Rev. Sarah Akes-Cardwell and teachers will meet families on the second floor of the Parish House. Children in Pre-K through grade 2 will participate in Godly Play classes. Children in grades 3–5 will use a lectionary-based curriculum called Spark: Activate Faith. Come learn about these offerings and get ready for an exciting year ahead! Church school classes begin on Sunday, September 25. Please contact the Rev. Sarah for more information.
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YOUTH GROUP BEGINS
This Sunday, September 18, 10–10:50 a.m.
All middle and high school youth are invited to this first meeting of the year. The Rev. Shawn Evelyn will lead the gathering, which will be a time to connect, pray, and grow in faith. If you have questions before Shawn begins his position, please contact the Rev. Shawn Evelyn.
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ADULT BIBLE STUDY RESUMES
This Sunday, September 18, 10 a.m.
Bible study is back! The group will gather most Sundays at 10 a.m., using a hybrid approach, with some joining via Zoom and others in person. The group is studying the structure, audience, and themes of the Gospel of Luke. Conversations explore the connections with the Sunday lectionary lessons and sermons. To receive class notes and Zoom login information, please contact Jack Reiffer.
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CHILDREN’S CHAPEL
This Sunday, September 18, during 11 a.m. worship
Most Sundays through May 28, children from birth through Grade 5 are invited to participate in a special liturgy just for them. Clergy and lay helpers will lead children in a song, homily, and prayer time in the Children’s Chapel space on the second floor of the Parish House. Children are invited to gather by the stairs in the front of the altar during the gradual hymn before the Gospel is read. They will return to the sanctuary during the Peace. Parents are welcome to accompany their children, and encouraged to do so for those younger than three. Children are always welcome to stay and worship in the sanctuary. For more information, contact the Rev. Sarah Akes-Cardwell.
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STEWARDSHIP 2023
Just as we now start the new program year at St. John’s, welcoming a new priest and regathering for worship, our 2023 Stewardship Campaign also begins. This past year, through the generosity of so many St. John’s members, with one-third of our members increasing their pledges over the prior year, we surpassed our goal and ended up with more than $1.075 million in pledges, from 365 people. Thank you so much for your giving to St. John’s!
This coming year we are asking you to once again pledge as much as you are able, as our church is facing an inflationary environment even as we are doing more to serve the needs of our parishioners and the community beyond. We have welcomed two new fabulous priests, made our music director a full-time position, enhanced our offerings for children and families, and are close to finishing the long process of restoring our building exteriors after the damage from the protests. We continue to develop new offerings for learning, fellowship, and outreach. This fall we are poised to enter an exciting new chapter for our church.
Our 2023 goals are ambitious but achievable. We are seeking to increase the number of pledges to 400 (up from 365) and the pledged dollars to $1.125 million. Any pledge you can make will make a difference—and if you are having a good year and are able to stretch a bit, we would very much appreciate it.
Thank you for being a part of St. John’s. We are pleased to be serving with you this year!
—Toby Stock and Carter Keithly, co-chairs of the Stewardship Committee
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LEARN ABOUT CHILDREN AND YOUTH OFFERINGS
Watch this video to learn about how we are marking the beginning of the program year for families with children and youth. It will be an exciting year to grow together in faith!
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JOIN THE ACOLYTE MINISTRY
Youth in 6th grade and above are welcome to participate in this vital worship ministry. Acolytes assist during the 11 a.m. service by serving as torch bearers or crucifers and by helping set the altar for communion. To learn more, contact Nora Haugh.
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SUNDAY PARISH LUNCHES WILL RESUME OCTOBER 2
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 Dining Room, located on the lower level of 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.
This tradition relies on volunteers to prepare and serve the meal. We encourage individual members, families, groups, and ministries to sign up to prepare a meal. Hosts may be reimbursed for expenses or receive a tax receipt. Not sure what’s involved? Sign up for the following tutorials with coordinator Holly Sukenik:
Parish Lunch 101: Refresher Course and Tutorial
September 18 at 10 a.m., Parish House kitchen
If you have never participated in preparing Parish Lunch or have gotten “rusty” over the Covid break, please join Holly in the kitchen for a tour, a review of the process, and menu ideas.
“Lab” Practicum: First Lunch of the Year
October 2, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Lunch is served at 12:15 p.m., following the 11 a.m. service.
Join Holly and those who want a supervised experience in preparing and serving Parish Lunch to host the first lunch of the year.
To sign up as a host, take part in the tutorials, or receive a list of guidelines, please contact Holly Sukenik.
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SEEKING DEDICATIONS FOR SPECIAL MUSIC
We invite parishioners to sponsor extra musicians for services and special events in the life of our parish. These generous contributions enhance our worship life and allow us to present large-scale musical works over the course of the program year. Sponsorship is recognized by a dedication at the top of the bulletin for the given service.
Sponsorship opportunities for the coming season include Choral Evensong on the third Wednesday of each month ($1,560), a commemoration on Sunday, November 6, for All Souls’ Day ($1,000—two gifts needed), and the annual service of Lessons and Carols on Sunday, December 18 ($1,500—two gifts needed). Please contact Brent Erstad to learn more.
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FALL/WINTER COMMUNITY EVENTS RETURN!
After a long season of isolation, everyone is eager to reconnect—and St. John’s community events are a chance to do just that. We offer these events as an opportunity to get to know better our clergy as well as fellow parishioners. As in the past, events are arranged by parishioners and may be potluck suppers, brunches, cocktail parties, happy hours, picnics, playground gatherings, nature walks, or anything else you might envision.
Would you be a host for a St. John’s community event?
• Hosts determine the date and the type of activity.
• Hosts also establish and advertise the number of guests they can accommodate.
• If you are interested in hosting an event, please contact Holly Sukenik.
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FIRST CHORAL EVENSONG OF THE PROGRAM YEAR
Next Wednesday, September 21, at 5:30 p.m.
Steeped in the beauty of the Anglican tradition, Evensong meets us at the even point between the active day and the restful night. Evensong will be sung by the St. John’s Choir on the third Wednesday of each month through May, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Parking validation is available in the C & C Parking Garage at 818 Connecticut Avenue, NW. A validation ticket can be obtained from an usher before or after the service. Please mark your calendar and plan to join us for this special offering.
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SAVE THE DATE: MINISTRY FAIR
Next Sunday, September 25, after the 9 and 11 a.m. services
The Ministry Fair is a festive event offered to highlight St. John’s ministries, to meet lay leaders and clergy, and to recruit new members. Mark your calendars and contact Lisa Koehler to learn more.
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THE 2022 FALL ADULT INQUIRERS' CLASS
Saturdays, October 1 and October 8, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
If you would like to be baptized, confirmed, or received into membership in the Episcopal Church at St. John’s, join the Fall Adult Inquirers’ Class. The two-day class will meet on two Saturdays, October 1 and October 8, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Rev. Rob Fisher, Rector, will lead the sessions. Anyone—newcomer or longtime parishioner—interested in learning more about our Christian faith and life, the Episcopal tradition, and the ministry of St. John’s Church is encouraged to attend. For more information or to register, contact Kaye Edwards. Those who participate in this class, or have completed another inquirers’ class, may attend the Service of Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows at Washington National Cathedral on Saturday, October 15.
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SPEAKER SERIES: FALL 2022
The Speaker Series for the new program year will be held Sundays at 10 a.m. in the Togo West Parlor on the first floor of the Parish House. Upcoming speakers and topics include:
October 2: Andrew O'Shaughnessy (pictured), Saunders Director of the Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies at Monticello and a professor of history at the University of Virginia, who will speak on his book The Illimitable Freedom of the Human Mind: Thomas Jefferson’s Idea of a University.
October 9: Brent Erstad, St. John’s Director of Music and Organist, who will speak on Bach’s motet, Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied (Sing to the Lord a New Song), BWV 225, which will be included in the 11 a.m. service that day.
October 16: Susan Behrends Frank, Curator, The Phillips Collection, who will speak on the recent exhibit of paintings from Pablo Picasso’s Blue Period.
October 30: An Afghan Family Reflects. More than a year ago, the world watched as Kabul fell to the Taliban, and many in our church asked how we could help. Since February 2022, St. John’s has partnered with two other churches to support a resettled Afghan family through the Sponsor Circle program. Join us for a conversation with the father of this family about his life in Afghanistan and the family’s experiences settling in northern Virginia. This conversation will be a personal reflection on what it was like to be evacuated from Kabul and rebuild life in the United States.
November 13: Mike Molina, Head of School at the Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys in Southeast Washington, will update St. John’s on the resilience of the school during the pandemic, the school’s plans for the academic year, and highlights of the school’s impact through its first graduating class—kindergartners from the school’s inception who completed high school last spring. St. John’s plays an active role in the development of the school through financial support and the school’s annual Christmas book drive. Several St. John’s parishioners serve as BWS Board members, partners, and staff.
December 4: Jake Flack, Associate Director for Museum Education, Ford’s Theatre, will talk about the history of the theater, Lincoln’s assassination, and the theater’s current programming.
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LATROBE YOUNG ADULTS FELLOWSHIP
Wednesday, October 5, at 7 p.m.
Mark your calendars for Latrobe’s next meeting. We’ll begin with a short Eucharist in the church followed by fellowship together. The Latrobe Young Adult Fellowship at St. John’s Church is an active and engaged group of adults, primarily in their 20s and 30s. We gather at St. John’s at 7 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month. For more information, contact the Rev. Shawn Evelyn.
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ST. JOHN’S BOOK GROUP
Thursday, October 6, at 6:45 p.m., via Zoom
The St. John’s Book Group will meet virtually on Thursday, October 6, at 6:45 p.m. to discuss Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr. This fictional novel is dedicated to “the librarians then, now and in the years to come.” Three intertwined stories feature children on the cusp of adulthood in three different times and places: 15th-century Constantinople, a small town in present-day Idaho, and an interstellar spaceship decades from now. For more information, please contact Janet Edmond.
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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 6, 11 a.m. (Class: Saturday, November 5, 10 a.m.)
Sunday, January 8, 2023, 9 a.m. (Class: Saturday, January 7, 10 a.m.)
Sunday, February 19, 11 a.m. (Class: Saturday, February 18, 10 a.m.)
Sunday, April 16, 11 a.m. (Class: Saturday, April 15, 10 a.m.)
Sunday, May 28, 11 a.m. (Class: Saturday, May 27, 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 first attend an Adult Inquirers’ Class (see above) and be active, pledging participants in the life of the 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: Ezra Lagera George, Robert Kirchenbauer, and Glenn Reichardt.
Friends and family of our parish: Barbara Virginia Abalos Branes (Joanne Hutton), LaKeshia Bryant (GeeGee Bryant), Jackson Bryce (Livy and John More), Burleson Family (Susan Welch), Billy Beardsley Conderman (Margo Arnold), Charlotte Crowley Junilla (Margo Arnold), Harry Davis (Carl and Mary Raether), Wendy Addiss Dellar (Joanne Hutton), Sharon Diehl (Alex Stolar), Reagan Eudy (Alfred Thesmar), Pamela Evelyn (Rev. Shawn Evelyn), Janet Fischer (Ann Gardner), Linda Young Gsell (Rick Young), Charles Jones (GeeGee Bryant), Olivia Kehoe (Kat Kehoe), Chase Lasbury (Garrett Russo), Melanie Markiewicz and William Markiewicz (Matthew Taylor), Tammy McCleaf (Matthew Taylor), Kathryn McGraw (Mary and Carl Raether), Lynda Michaelis (Wendy Fibison), Britt Neff (Julie Neff-Lippman), Judy Nicola (Cynthia Walker), Carl Raether, Jr. (Allie Raether), Cawley Scott (Robyne Johnston), Scott (Marta Cook and Cal Trepagnier), Samuel S. Spaulding (Diane Spaulding), Lou Thesmar (Alfred and Hilary Thesmar), William Wilkie Thompson (Celia Thompson), and Marsha Walston (Robert Carroll).
THOSE WHO ARE IN THE HOSPITAL:
From our parish: John More and Elizabeth Thompson.
THOSE WHO ARE IN HOSPICE CARE:
Friends and family of our parish: Henry Farrington (Wendy Fibison).
THOSE WHO ARE IN ASSISTED LIVING:
From our parish: Eve Atkeson, Jack Kinsey, Barney Malloy, Marcella Odom, Becky Schergens, and John Whitmore.
THOSE IN OUR PARISH CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK:
Sigrid Block, Robert Craft, Ashley Culbertson, Caroline Faris, Art Fisher, Molly Giammarco, Sebastian Gonzalez, Will Green, Samuel Greene, Nick Hailey, Marian Hampe, Kristy Highsmith, Mason Jeffers, Elizabeth Johnston, Mary Johnston, Emily Kallaur, Margot Kieve, Ivy Mason, Sara McGanity, Denzel Ramirez, and Glenn Reichardt.
THOSE IN OUR PARISH CELEBRATING AN ANNIVERSARY THIS WEEK:
Merrell and Preston Cherouny, Anne and Cliff Elmore, Bob and Tammi Hoback, Bayne and Elizabeth Johnston, Eleanor and Peter Odom, Holly and Trent Smith, and Hillary and Tim Stuart.
THOSE ON THE FRONT LINES, ESPECIALLY:
Friends and family of our parish: Janie Abernethy (Elizabeth Lewis and David Abernethy), Sandra Brown (Becca Brown), Nathan Cobb (Livy and John More), Philip L. Faris (Caroline and Steve Faris), Yee Houston (Quin Woodward Pu), Marta Kochanska (Livy and John More), Amanda and Blake Tidwell (Willy Wolter), and Bill Wolter (Willy Wolter).
Please help us keep this list updated: Contact us with corrections, additions, and updates on status.
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