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The Word
News from St. John’s, Lafayette Square
The Week of Sunday, October 18
| | | Learn about some of our stained glass windows this Sunday at noon (see details below). | | |
The Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost
Preaching: The Rev. Rob Fisher
Children’s Chapel will be offered during the sermon at 9 and 11 a.m.
The Stewardship Speaker at 9 and 11 a.m. will be Marion Blakey.
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)
Church 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)
Stained Glass Window Tour (Meet guide Richard Grimmett at the Lincoln pew after the service)
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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ADULT BIBLE STUDY
This Sunday at 10 a.m.
Our weekly Bible Study has resumed on the third floor of the Parish House. This group engages with the weekly lectionary readings to put them in context while listening to how God is speaking through them to us today. Jack Reiffer is still recovering from a health event and unable to lead the class. Sessions will primarily be led by Carter Keithley and assisted by Alex Smith, both of whom hold recent master’s degrees from divinity schools.
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STAINED GLASS TOUR
This Sunday at noon
Parish historian Richard Grimmett will lead a 50-minute tour of the first-floor windows in the church on Sunday, October 18, following the 11 a.m. service. We will meet by the Lincoln pew in the sanctuary. A second tour, focused on the gallery windows, will take place on Sunday, November 15.
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GRACE’S TABLE
Third Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Upcoming Dates: October 17, 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
Saturdays, October 17 and November 21
Interested parishioners are encouraged to participate in a “Walking with the Enslaved” pilgrimage offered in Richmond on the above dates by St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and St. Phillip’s Episcopal Church. Attendance is capped at 33 for each date. To register and learn more, please visit walkingwiththeenslaved.org.
—St. John’s Slavery and Its Legacies Committee
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YOGA CLASS: PEACE IN FEDERAL FY 2027
Thursday, October 22, 6:30–7:30 p.m. in Togo West Parlor
Start the new federal fiscal year with a gentle flow yoga class to find renewal and peace. This event is sponsored by the Support for Federal Workers ministry at St. John’s. All are welcome at this one-hour session. Please bring your own mat. Registration is capped at 20 participants. Sign up here. For more about this support group, contact Jordan Baugh.
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SPOOKY FAMILY MEET-UP
Saturday, October 24, 9–10:30 a.m.
Kids and their grown-ups are invited to join in a morning of fall fun. Families with infants through elementary-aged children will gather next to the playground at Montrose Park (3052 R Street, NW) for pumpkin painting, Halloween crafts, spooky snacks, and more! RSVP to Lauren Goodyear by Monday, October 19.
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CARING FOR GOD’S CREATION
Saturday, October 24, at 9:30 a.m. | Anacostia River
Join a crew from St. John’s on Saturday, October 24, for a fun morning of shore cleanup along the Anacostia. We will meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Anacostia River Park Boat Ramp (1500 Anacostia Drive, SE) to begin our work. Afterward, enjoy a narrated boat ride provided by the Anacostia Riverkeeper Association. All are welcome, including individuals, families, and youth. Cleanup supplies will be provided. Contact Joanne Hutton for more information or to sign up.
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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:
October 25: Timothy Lenderking (pictured), former Acting U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and Special Envoy to Yemen, speaks about the worsening conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis amid the widening U.S. war with Iran.
November 1: The Rev. Sharron Dinnie, 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 15: David Sanger, New York Times White House and National Security Correspondent, will talk about the present administration, focusing on foreign policy as it intersects with technology, politics, and superpower conflict.
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Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. (1 Peter 4:10)
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 | | | Monday, October 26, is the deadline to submit names for our All Saints’ and All Souls’ services, at which we remember those who have died since November 1, 2025. | |
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CHORAL EVENSONG
Feast of Saint Simon and Saint Jude, Apostles
Wednesday, October 28, at 5:30 p.m. | Sung by the combined choirs
Steeped in the beauty of the Anglican tradition, Evensong meets us at the even point between the active day and the restful night. Evensong is sung by the St. John’s Choir 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. Please mark your calendar and plan to join us. The service will also be available via livestream on our website.
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.
Shortly after the service, 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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ANNUAL REQUIEM EUCHARIST FOR ALL SOULS’ DAY
Sunday, November 1, at 5:30 p.m.
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.
REMEMBERING THOSE WHO HAVE DIED—Submissions are due by Monday, October 26
Names of those who have died since November 1, 2025, will be listed in our All Saints’ service bulletins and read aloud during the All Souls’ requiem that evening at 5:30 p.m. If you would like a name to be included in this remembrance, please complete our online form. The deadline for submitting names is Monday, October 26.
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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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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 Harpist (4 p.m. pageant service)—$600
• 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 | Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
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.
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NATIONAL ACOLYTE FESTIVAL
Last Saturday, youth acolytes from St. John’s, Ugo, Grant, and Derek, participated in the annual National Acolyte Festival at Washington National Cathedral, carrying the St. John’s banner and torches in “The Grandest of Processions” alongside more than 70 other acolyte groups from around the country. This is the first time in memory that St. John’s was represented at this service. Participants heard an inspiring sermon from the Bishop of West Virginia and shared communion with a packed congregation of ministers and laypeople. We are extremely proud of the boys for representing our church in this special ceremony, and we look forward to bringing a group of acolytes back next year. Thank you to Acolyte Coordinator Vincent Scauzzo for organizing this memorable day for our acolytes.
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DIOCESAN REQUEST FOR NOMINATIONS
Submit names for Bishop Search & Transition committees by Monday, October 26, 5 p.m.
We give thanks for the ministry of the Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, who has faithfully served as our bishop since 2011 and has recently informed the diocese that it is time to begin preparing for the election of our next bishop.
The diocese is now entering an important season of transition. The Standing Committee is beginning the process of identifying lay and ordained members to serve on the Search and Transition committees. Nominations for these important roles are due by October 26 at 5 p.m. Details about the committees, nomination process, and timeline are available here.
Please pray for Bishop Mariann and her family, the diocesan staff, those involved in the search, and our entire diocese. May the Holy Spirit guide us with wisdom and faith as we enter this season of change together.
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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.
October 4—“Welcome Back” Potluck: Please let Holly know know what you can bring to share and whether you are able to help set up, serve, or clean up.
October 18—No Lunch
October 25—No Lunch: Marine Corps Marathon
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, 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), Chad (Wendy Fibison), Tim Collins (Wendy J. Fibison), Paul Colloton (Jack Reiffer), Jim DeBello (Grace Barrett), Dominic D’Andrea (Krista Bradley), William and 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), 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), Brad Todd (Pamela Venzke), Mackenzie Toland (Wendy J. Fibison), Caleb Williams (Alfred Thesmar), Darrel Williams (Caleb and James Hays-Reilly), Bess Williamson (Wendy 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: Lewis Coleman “Cole” Casey (Eric Bailey), Tom Lamont (Eric Bailey), 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: William “Bill” J. Shepherd (Jim Shepherd).
THOSE IN OUR PARISH CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK:
Chris Betts, Carly Connell, Pat Dalby, Lauren Edwards, Rob Fisher, Kelle George, Tammi Hoback, Hunter Johnston, Chip Lyerly, Eleanor Odom, Natachi Onwuamaegbu, Susan Warren, and Chase Woodley.
THOSE IN OUR PARISH CELEBRATING AN ANNIVERSARY THIS WEEK:
Case and McGowin Anderson, Tony Anikeeff and Tung-lin Wu, Kim Kennedy and Beverly Roberts, Ray and Susan Petniunas, R. Scott Raspa and John Staples, and Jason and Laurie Rossbach.
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, November 1, at 9 a.m. (Class: Saturday, October 31, at 10 a.m.)
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.)
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 Church 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? Hoping 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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