Daily Reflection
St. John's Church, Lafayette Square
May 9, 2020
Dear St. John's Community,

I grew up 80 miles away from Hollywood. That placed me on the edge of the home of the entertainment industry. That world is not wonderful in all ways, but there are some very good and even inspiring aspects to it. There is a spirit of creativity and ingenuity that swirls around it.

There are some similarities and some big differences between movie making and what we are now doing for Sunday worship online.

We are seeking to put the camera, microphone, lighting and editing technology to good use, to convey a powerful experience for the viewer, or in language I prefer—the participant.

As you have hopefully seen, we are aiming to give online worship participants the feeling that they are experiencing the holy as if they were sitting in the pews. At least that is our goal, and there are numerous subtle choices we are making in the "production" to help bring about that effect.

Also, importantly, since the service is conveyed on a screen, it is easy to go into "movie critic mode," but I want to invite you instead to intentionally embrace the experience as a time of prayer. Just like it is in physical worship, some things go smoothly and some things don't, but it is all lifted up in holiness.

I have just viewed the draft of tomorrow's service, and I really look forward to sharing it with you all. Once again, we will be blessed to worship together even while we're apart.
Tune in tomorrow anytime at our St. John's YouTube Channel! Or, watch it "live" together with your fellow parishioners at 9:00am ET on our Facebook Page.

***

Requiescat in pace. St. John's parishioner and friend to many of us, Neil Fletcher Wilson, lost his battle with pancreatic cancer today. There will be a service at some time in the future. Please hold his beloved Emma in your prayers as we also pray for the repose of his soul. O God, whose mercies cannot be numbered: Accept our prayers on behalf of your servant Neil, and grant him an entrance into the land of light and joy, in the fellowship of your saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

***

How to help, or how to get help. During this difficult time, St. John's is looking to connect people in need of assistance with those who are able to help. If you fall into either category, please visit this  link or send an e-mail to  help@stjohns-dc.org with your name, contact information, and details of the type of support you can give or the support you need. And to get involved in any of our ongoing local outreach ministries, which are in special need curing this time, you may click here .
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God's peace,
Rob+
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St. John's Church, Lafayette Square
1525 H Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 347-8766