From the Interim Rector Concerning the Parish House Renovation
After more than a year, the Parish House renovation is nearing completion. We are all excited to
be returning to normal operation in the updated space that has been the center of our operations
for generations. While we think that everything is organized and planned out, there will in all
likelihood be some interruptions in Parish operations.

We want you to be aware of the timing of our return, as we understand it today.
  • Tuesday, October 2: The staff will relocate from our current offices back to the Parish House. The first week of October will be a frantic one for the staff, but the telephone should be working and email accessible. If you need immediate pastoral support, please call Bruce at 410-336-4188 or Andy at 423-242-5313.
    • The choir will be able to return to the Parish House at the same time, with rehearsals in the fourth floor Music Room.
  • Sunday, October 14: The Speaker Series will resume. On this day, the speakers will be the Rev. Dr. Luis León, former Rector of St. John's Church, with Sharon Park and Chase Rynd, co-chairs of the committee to revitalize the Parish House. They will rededicate the Parish House and lead a discussion of the work that has been undertaken. Tours will be available after the 11:00 a.m. service.
  • Sunday, October 21: Sunday School will resume on the Second Floor of the Parish House. The Nursery will continue to be at the Hay-Adams until the end of the month. 
    • At 5:00 p.m.: Parlor Series Inaugural Concert with the Ars Nova Chamber Ensemble performing Mozart's Clarinet Quintet. Parlor Series concerts are ticketless and free, and include an hour of entertainment.
We are grateful to so many who have contributed to the successful completion of the project: to  Chase and Sharon who chaired the Renovation Committee; to Michelle Mangrum and the firm of  Shook, Hardy and Bacon for contributing office space for the staff, to the Hay-Adams Hotel for  contributing space for nursery and church school activities, to Robin Anderson and Chuck Schwartz for regularly arranging use of their building for EfM, Inquirer's classes, Outreach Committee meetings, and many other parish gatherings, to Hayden Bryan for being our eyes  and ears as the project progressed and to the many parishioners, choir members and staff who  have persevered through the inconveniences.

Faithfully,

The Rev. W. Bruce McPherson
Interim Rector
Update from the Rector Search Committee
The Rector Search Committee is pleased to present to the congregation a summary of findings from our parish survey. If you would like a paper copy, please contact Evangeline in the church office. Meanwhile, the committee continues to review materials from candidates in order to narrow the list for initial interviews in October; site visits and in-person interviews will occur later in the fall. The progress of the committee can be followed on the Rector Transition page of our website. Please continue to pray that the Holy Spirit guides us throughout the Rector Search process.

Rector Search Committee
Hilary West (Chair), Krista Becker, Betsy Danello, Clark Ervin, Wendy Fibison, Andrew Hunt, Powell Hutton, Frank Klotz, Michelle Mangrum, Sara McGanity, Ralph Olson, and Lisa Russo.
Through October 14 | One Room Church School Continues
Church SchoolOn Sunday, September 30, the class will begin at 10:45 a.m. at the AFL-CIO (815 16th St NW) next to the church.

Until the Parish House is available October 21, St. John's Church School will meet from September 30 to October 14 with a one-room class for grades pre-K through five. On October 7 and October 14, the class meets in the Hay-Adams Hotel at 10:45 a.m. Students will join their families in church for Communion. If you are interested in teaching, please email Kaye Edwards.  
September 30 | Music Festival Service
On Sunday, September 30, at the 11:00 a.m. service, enjoy music sung by the combined Parish and St. John's Choirs! Experience music from French Cathedrals including César Franck's elegant settings of Panis angelicus and Psalm 150, and Louis Vierne's Messe Solonnelle and Final from his first organ symphony.
October 3 | First Wednesday Concert
First Wednesday Concerts opens its 2018-2019 season with the United States Army Chorus on Wednesday, October 3, from 12:10-12:45 p.m. The Army Chorus is one of the only professional men's choruses in the nation, singing for Presidents, heads of state, and royalty since their inception in   1956. First Wednesday Concerts will then continue on the first Wednesdays of the month through June at midday. Each concert is ticketless, free of charge, and held in the nave of our historic church.  
October 3 | Latrobe Fellowship Rooftop Eucharist and Wine Tasting
Wednesday, October 3 at 7:00 p.m.
1155 F Street NW

Join the Latrobe Fellowship as we kick off the program year with our First Wednesday service. We will gather on the roof of our temporary office building located at 1155 F Street NW. The evening will begin at 7:00 p.m. with a service of Holy Eucharist and then we will gather to sample a variety of wines (non-alcoholic beverages will also be available). For more information or to RSVP, contact the Rev. Andy Olivo . $10 suggested donation. All are welcome!
October 4 | St. John's Book Group
The St. John's Book Group will meet on Thursday, October 4 at 6:45 p.m. The next meeting dates and books are as follows:  
  • October 4: Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President by Candice Millard.
     
  • November 1: Red Notice: A True Story of High Finance, Murder and One Man's Fight for Justice by Bill Browder. 
If you like to read and meet with others who like to read and talk about books, the Book Club is for you. The meeting will be held at 910 15th Street, NW, on the west corner of 15th and I Streets NW. When you arrive, please call the concierge, using the call box to the right of the gate, and tell him you are attending the St. John's Book Group. Once you enter, the concierge will unlock the elevator, and you will proceed to the second floor. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Leila Taaffe.  
October 7 | Usher Guild Meeting
Started in the late 1800s, the Usher Guild has been a legacy ministry at St. John's Church and has provided a unique opportunity to serve on Sunday mornings. There are more than 60 parishioners who participate in this ministry, and there is always room for a few more.

On Sunday, October 7 , the Rev. Bruce McPherson, Interim Rector and the Rev. Andy Olivo, Assistant Rector, will meet with the ushers and interested parishioners to share their thoughts on the role of ushers in Episcopal churches generally and at St. John's in particular. The meeting will be at 10:00 a.m. in the Hay-Adams Room, located behind the main elevators, at The Hay-Adams Hotel.

If you are interested in becoming an usher, please consider joining us for this informative 45-minute session. Bruce and Andy promise this will be a "fun" experience for all. Not able to attend on the October 7?  No worry.  If you are interested in information about being an usher, you are invited to email Jim Czerwonky, head usher.
October 13 and 20 | 2018 Fall Adult Inquirers' Class
If you would like to be baptized, confirmed, or received into membership in the Episcopal Church at St. John's, join the 2018 Fall Adult Inquirers' Class. Led by the Rev. Bruce McPherson and the Rev. Andy Olivo, the class (a two-day session) will meet on Saturdays, October 13 and October 20, from 8:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. both days. 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.

Those who complete the class may choose to be confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church - or for those who have been confirmed in the Episcopal Church, reaffirm your baptismal vows - at a Service of Confirmation, Reception and Reaffirmation at St. John's on Sunday, November 18, at the 11:00 a.m. service.

For more information or to register, please contact Kaye Edwards, Assistant for Church Growth. 
October 13 | Community Building Event
Parishioners Mary and Carl Raether and Ann and John Gardner are hosting a casual potluck supper at the Gardner's home in McLean, VA, on Saturday, October 13, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Our space is limited, so the first 26 responses will be most welcome. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Ann Gardner at anngardner1@verizon.net or 703-893-5760 by October 9.
With the temporary loss of our Parish House space for our Sunday Parish Lunches, we are organizing fellowship opportunities on a neighborhood basis. These events will be potluck suppers, brunches, and cocktail parties in the homes of parishioners, or happy hours at local establishments, picnics, or whatever our creativity leads to. If you are interested in participating by hosting or organizing an event, please contact Holly Sukenik.
October 14 | Celebrate Bishop Walker School
Please join us Sunday, October 14, as we celebrate 10 years of the Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys (BWS). James Woody, BWS Executive Director, will join us at the 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services.
 
The Bishop Walker School is a tuition-free Episcopal school for boys from kindergarten through fifth grade who come from traditionally underserved communities in Washington.  BWS is a Diocesan school and relies on donations from individuals and parishes for 80% of its funding. St. John's Church and its parishioners have generously supported the school throughout its first 10 years.  James will discuss how the school seeks to foster a love of learning, intellectual curiosity, and a spiritual foundation, preparing students for leadership and service in their communities and beyond.
 
Later that day, a reception will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the home of Andrew Clarke and Chip Sherrill at 1312 Q Street, NW. Please join friends from St. John's Church and the Bishop Walker School community as we celebrate education in our church and in our city. Light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP before October 10.
The Speaker Series Schedule - Fall 2018
The Speaker Series is held at 10:00 a.m. on the following Sundays:

October 14
The Rev. Dr. Luis León, former Rector of St. John's Church, Lafayette Square with Sharon Park and Chase Rynd, co-chairs of the committee to revitalize the Parish House. Rededication of the Parish House.

October 21
Melissa Chiu, Director of Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, the national museum of modern art. She will speak on A Look inside the Hirshhorn.

November 4
Bishop Ellinah Wamukoya, Bishop of the Diocese of Swaziland. She is the first woman to be elected as bishop of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa and of the whole African continent.

November 11
Peter Bergen, CNN National Security Analyst and terrorism expert. He will speak on An Update on Terrorism.

November 18
Bishop Mariann Budde, Bishop of Washington.
October 21 | Museum of the Bible Tour
On Sunday, October 21, a group of St. John's parishioners will tour the newly opened Museum of the Bible. Opened in 2017, the museum documents the history and impact of the Bible through various collections, exhibits, and interactive media. Tickets are $12 each. If you would like to join the St. John's group, please RSVP to the Rev. Andy Olivo.  
St. John's Refugee Committee Needs Your Help
For many years, Afghans who aided the American military - many as interpreters - were granted Special Immigrant Visas (SIV). The SIV program, which was enacted in 2009, "saves the lives of Afghan interpreters and support staff who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Americans in the field, putting themselves and their families at risk to help our soldiers and diplomats accomplish their mission and return home safely."  Without the passage of new legislation, the program cannot continue to issue visas.
 
Sen. Jean Shaheen (N.H.) has introduced the "Afghan Allies Immigrant Act of 2018."  This bill, which has bi-partisan support in the Senate, would allow 4,000 additional SIV visas to Afghan interpreters who are seeking refuge here. There is a similar bill in the House of Representatives.
 
Please contact Senators Orrin Hatch (Utah) (202) 224-5251 and Chuck Grassley (Iowa) (202) 224-3744  to communicate your support for the legislation. 

Here is an example of what to say: "I'm a voting American citizen. I urge you to vote 'YES' on the 'Afghan Allies Immigrant Act of 2018.'" Contact your own senators and representatives.
 
If you have questions, please email Leila Taaffe.
Tuesday, September 25, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
  • The Capitol Hill Good Neighbor Refugee Project is sponsoring a panel on Afghan Culture and the Effects of Destabilization on the Assimilation of Refugee Families in the US.  Come join this opportunity for a deeper understanding and appreciation of their work with Afghan refugees. The panel will provide some history of Afghanistan and the challenges which those who have fled their homeland must face as they create a new life in the US.  Light mezze will be served.  At St. Mark's Church 300 A Street SE, Washington, DC in Baxter Hall. Sponsored by the Capitol Hill Good Neighbor Refugee Project.
January 13-25, 2019 | Holy Land Pilgrimage
St. John's Church has the opportunity to take a pilgrimage to the Holy Land from January 13-25, 2019. Over the course of the 10-day trip, pilgrims will thoroughly explore the Holy Land.  Highlights include visits to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Jericho, Nazareth, the Jordan River, and many other places and experiences.  

The cost for the land portion of the trip is $2600 and includes accommodations in a double room, all meals, transportation in Israel via deluxe bus, entrance fees, and tips for guest house/restaurant staff, and bus drivers. Each pilgrim is responsible for airfare to Tel Aviv.  
For more information, please contact the Rev. Andy Olivo.     
Prayer List
Our prayers are requested for the special needs and concerns of this congregation, especially: 

Those sick or recovering:
From our parish:  Jimmy Lowe, Bob Patchell, Betty van Iersel,
and Brenda Wolter .    
           
Friends and family of our parish: Yvonne Allen (Nikki Allen), Bonni Ashburn (Kaye Edwards), Jim Bailey (Mike Becraft), Gianna Balerna (Judy McKevitt), Carrie Nelle Moye Bannerman (Joanne Hutton), Rachael Buckley (Chrystal Martin), Judi Campbell (Brenda Wolter), John Frew Carter (Margo Arnold), Lane Carter, Ellen Cromwell-Cecrle (Carolyn Becraft), Bill Clark (Clark Ervin), William Frew Conderman (Margo Arnold), Dona Coultice (Betty van Iersel), Sambar Datta (Ashley Culbertson), Henry Farrington (Samuel Watson), Ted Fibison (Wendy Fibison), Elisabeth Fisher (Ellen Parke), Nancy Francisco (Ellen Parke), Allison Gardner (Elizabeth
Gardner), Tyrone Gayle (Jessica Sanchez), Ted Hadley (Carolyn Becraft), Anne Harrington (Anne and Robert Harrington), Joe Heitzler (Mike Becraft), Bob Kingsnorth (Joanne Hutton), Rosemary Mariner (Carolyn Becraft), William Markiewicz (Matthew Taylor), Deborah Mason (Samuel Watson), Tammy McCleaf (Matthew Taylor), Hattie McDowell (Ellen Parke), Timothy Mullins (Jim Mullins), Judy Nicola (Cynthia Walker), Luther and Dorothy Nixon (Samuel Watson), Jerry O'Hagan (Lance Jensen), Jonathan A.I. Olowu (Elizabeth Leach), Susie Pappas (Alex Pappas), Lisa Pell (Mike Becraft), Montica Pes (Thom Sinclair), Drew Sinclair (Thom Sinclair), Elizabeth Soyster (Debby Hailey), Jim Tatosian (Pat Dalby), Conyers Thompson, Jr. (Joanne Hutton), Henry and Sandy Welles (Donna Welles), Maya White, and Peter Winkler (Betty van Iersel).

Those in the hospital:
From our parish: Max Hudgins and Gordon Richmond.

Friends and family of our parish: Robert Hohman (Wendy Fibison), Julie Howell (Cynthia Walker), Bob Kingsnorth (Joanne Hutton), Aiden Mylnikov (Lindsey Bowen), Trace Phipps and Boyd Family (Wendy Fibison and Samuel Watson), Gene Venzke (Pamela Venzke), and Larry Watson (Catherine Outten Olivo).

Those celebrating a birthday this week: Will Ackerly, Kathryn Donaldson Baker, Marta Cook, Nicole Crochet, Sandra Cunningham, Oliver Evans, Juliet Faris, Deborah Fuller, Chuck Hagel, Peter Hailey, Budd Hallberg, Dolph Hatfield, Diane Hauslein, John Herzog, Chris Kenny, Kenny Kraft, Clayton Lewis, Aurie Lucio, Anne Martin, Hilary
Mehrkam, Michael Neufeld, Rachel Oster, Gay Pasley, Lisa Stover, Thomas Wade, Barbara Wall, Chris Wall, James Wallner, Donna Welles, and Karen Williams.

Those in our parish celebrating an anniversary this week:  Jeanne and Keith Arnold, Nancy and Ronald Fletcher, Joanne and Jim Grossman, Kate and Nick Hailey, Teresa and Stephen Huettner, Leila Taaffe and Arthur Kellerman, Michele and Jim Mullins, Nicole and Michael Neufeld, and Dixie and John Noonan.

Those who are deployed: 
Friends and family of our parish: Brian Anderson (Ellen Parke).  
This Sunday's Schedule
7:45 a.m.
Holy Eucharist with Homily - The Rev. Andy Olivo

8:30 a.m.
Nursery (AFL-CIO)

St. John's Choir Rehearsal (Nave)

9:00 a.m.
Choral Holy Eucharist with Sermon - The Rev. Andy Olivo

10:10 a.m.
St. John's Choir and Parish Choir Rehearsal (Nave)

10:45 a.m.
One-Room Church School (AFL-CIO)

11:00 a.m.
Music Festival and Holy Eucharist with Sermon - The Rev. Andy Olivo

12:15 p.m.
Hospitality Hour (Front of the Church)

1:00 p.m.
Oraciόn Vespertina 
Upcoming 
Baptism Dates
The next dates for 
Holy Baptism are:

*  November 4, 
11:00 a.m .
* January 13, 9:00 a.m.
* February 17, 11:00 a.m. 

If you are interested in having a child baptized, or in baptism for yourself,
Flower Deliveries
Help brighten the day of parishioners who can't be with us by taking them flowers, located in the side chapel. A card is attached to each vase with contact information. Thank you for checking to see if a delivery address is convenient for you. 

Flowers need to be delivered on L Street NE, Washington, DC.
In Case You 
Missed it...
Listen now to past Sunday Sermons and Adult Forums.

St. John's Church, Lafayette Square
1525 H Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005
P: (202) 347-8766
F: (202) 347-3446

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