Parish House Renovation  Update
This coming week, Monarc will begin removal of the scaffolding on the west elevation. The scaffolding on the south façade has already been removed, revealing a refurbished stucco wall, restored windows, and repaired window trim at the upper levels. This week we will see the inspection of the elevator prior to the beginning of the balancing process. The restoration of the white curbstone in front of the yard also will start this week. Inside, the painters are finishing their work on floors 2 through 4, the final few concrete steps on the new stairwell is being poured, and work begins installing the kitchen ceiling.

Our expectation is that we will achieve substantial completion of the renovation near the end of September.

The nursery will be at the Hay-Adams Hotel from 9:45 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
The Rededication of the Parish House will be on Sunday, October 14 at 10:00 a.m. Sunday School registration will also be held on that day. The Rev. Dr. Luis Leon will be with us to dedicate the Parish House and will participate in the Adult Forum with Chase Rynd and Sharon Park to discuss the improvements that have been made.

Tours of the Parish House will be available after the 11:00 service.

Sunday, October 21 will be the first day in which Church School will be held in the Parish House.
Update from the Rector Search Committee
The Rector Search Committee received a number of applications during the application period, which officially closed on September 12. The group continues to review materials from candidates in order to progressively narrow the list for initial Skype interviews, site visits, and in-person interviews across the fall.  The progress of the committee can be followed on our website . Please continue to pray that the Holy Spirit guides us during this very important part of 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.
Sunday Lay Ministry Refresher Classes
There are a variety of ministries in which to serve at St. John's Church, and this is especially true on Sunday mornings. Beginning Sunday, August 26, and continuing until September 23 (except for September 2), there will be a series of "refresher" classes for those currently serving in a lay liturgical ministry, i.e. chalice bearer, crucifer, reader, or Eucharistic visitor, or for those interested in one of these ministries. The classes will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the balcony of the church. The schedule for these classes will be:  
  • September 16: Chalice Bearers 
  • September 23: Readers 
To sign up for one or more of these classes, please email the Rev. Andy Olivo. If you are unable to attend one of these classes but are interested or currently serving in one of these ministries, please contact Andy and he will send you the information that will be provided during these classes.  
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 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 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 over 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 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.
Through October 14 | One Room Church School Continues
Church SchoolUntil the Parish House is available, St. John's Church School will meet from September 16 to October 14 with a
one-room class for grades pre-K through five. Children will be
learning lessons based on a reading in church that day. On September 16 and 23, Church School starts promptly at
10:30 a.m. in the Hay-Adams Hotel. On September 30, when regular service hours resume, the class will begin at 10:45 a.m. in the Hay-Adams. Students will join their families in church for Communion. Please let us know if you can volunteer to teach. We will provide the curriculum and everything you need. For those who are unable to commit to teaching a full year, this is an opportunity to give your time and talents to our youngest members. If you are interested in teaching, please email Kaye Edwards.  
The Adult Forum Schedule - Fall 2018
The Adult Forum 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 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 participate in this class, or have completed another inquirers' class, may attend a Service of Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows at Washington National Cathedral on November 3, 2018.

For more information or to register, please contact Kaye Edwards, Assistant for Church Growth
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 $10 each. If you would like to join the St. John's group, please RSVP to the Rev. Andy Olivo.  
Sing with the Parish Choir
The Parish Choir, a dedicated corps of volunteer musicians who provide musical leadership for Sunday morning services, welcomes new members. Midweek rehearsals are most Thursday evenings from 7:00 p.m.- 8:30 p.m., with a light supper of sandwiches provided at 6:30 p.m. There is a straightforward voice trial for admission, but the main qualification is your interest in serving St. John's in its music program. The Parish Choir uses the Rule of St. Benedict as a guide for serving together in a community of faith. Additionally, the singing season is divided into "Quarters," which are focused commitments of eight to ten weeks.  

If you would like to join for the "Fall Quarter" beginning with a rehearsal and Evening Prayer on September 20,
please fill out this Google form. A schedule and a short questionnaire can also be found at that link.
Opportunities with St. John's Refugee Project
Sunday, September 23, after the 10:30 a.m. service 
  • Following the 10:30 a.m. service, St. John's Refugee Committee will meet at 910 15th St. NW (the corner of 15th and I Streets NW.) Upon arrival, please call the concierge, using the call box to the right of the gate, and tell him you are attending the St. John's Refugee Committee. Please attend if you want to learn more about St. John's work in this area.
Sunday, September 16, 1:00 p.m.
  • D.C. United game to support DC's refugee youth in the L.A.C.E.S. soccer program! Fifteen refugee youth in the L.A.C.E.S. program have been selected to sit on the bench during warm-ups of the D.C. United vs. New York Red Bulls game. When you buy your ticket from L.A.C.E.S., all profits will go to providing these youth access to L.A.C.E.S. programs throughout the year. L.A.C.E.S. is a non-profit that uses the power of sport to help youth overcome obstacles they experience in life and provide them with an avenue to thrive. Questions? Email sfryatt@laces.org
Saturday, September 22, 6:30- 9:30 PM 
  • Enjoy an authentic Afghan dinner lovingly prepared by WES friends who arrived as refugees last year. The menu will include delicious offerings from appetizers, main courses, both with and without meat, through dessert. All net proceeds will provide much needed income for the cook's family. Tickets are $15.
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.     
Contributions for St. John's Hospitality Hour
During the renovation of the Parish House, St. John's is providing beverages during the hospitality/coffee hour but is unable to store and provide pastries. Through September 23, the coffee hour will be held in the front of the church following the 10:30 a.m. service. Several parishioners have offered to donate baked goods, pastries, or other snacks during this period.  

If you are interested in contributing refreshments of your choice to accompany the beverages, please sign up on the sheet on the bulletin board in the narthex or contact Robin Anderson to choose a date.    
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), Allison Gardner (Elizabeth Gardner), Tyrone Gayle (Jessica Sanchez), Ted Hadley (Carolyn Becraft), Anne Harrington (Anne and Robert Harrington), Bob Kingsnorth (Joanne Hutton), Rosemary Mariner (Carolyn Becraft), William Markiewicz (Matthew Taylor), Deborah Mason (Samuel Watson), Tammy McCleaf (Matthew Taylor), Hattie McDowell (Ellen Parke), Redmond McNeill (Livy More), 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), 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.

Friends and family of our parish: Robert Hohman (Wendy Fibison), Julie Howell (Cynthia Walker), Aiden Mylnikov (Lindsey Bowen), and Larry Watson (Catherine Outten Olivo).

Those who were born:  
From our parish:  Audrey Ella Oster who was born September 10 .  

Those celebrating a birthday this week: Nita Blundon, Mary Cantrell, Ashley Culbertson, Jim Czerwonky, Will Green, Nick Hailey, Marian Hampe, Emily Kallaur, Joan Kirk, Elizabeth Lewis, Tiffany Manchester, Sara McGanity, Peter Neville, John Olson, Denzel Ramirez, Jr., Ben Siegrist and Laura Siegrist.

Those in our parish celebrating an anniversary this week:  Leo Lex and James Bishop, Merrell and Preston Cherouny, Debra and Camden Fine, Annie and Kaleb Froehlich, Katie and Jeff Hantson, Robin and Graham Keithley, Eleanor and Peter Odom, Holly and Trent Smith, Amy and Todd Wagnon, and Wendy Fibison and Samuel Watson.

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. W. Bruce McPherson

9:00 a.m.
Lay Minister Refresher Class for Chalice Bearers (Balcony)

St. John's Choir Rehearsal
(Nave)

9:45 a.m. 
Nursery (The Hay-Adams Hotel)  

10:30 a.m.
Baptism,  Choral Holy Eucharist with Sermon -  The Rev. W. Bruce McPherson

Church School (Hay-Adams)

11:45 a.m.
Hospitality Hour (Front of the Church)  

Tour of Church (Nave)

1:00 p.m. 
Oraciόn Vespertina  
Regular Service  Schedule Returns September 30
The regular Sunday schedule will resume on September 30. Services will be held  at 7:45 a.m., 9:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m.

More details to follow.

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 4th Street, NE, Washington, DC and Hillcrest Place, Alexandria, VA.
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