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The Word
News from St. John’s, Lafayette Square
The Week of Sunday, May 5
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Congratulations to our 2024 graduating high school seniors! Pictured clockwise from top left are Leonardo Arriaga, Callie Ervin, Aurelia Lucio, Sebastian Weng, Alexander Weng, and Katherine Simmonds. Please hold these young people in prayer through this exciting time of transition. | |
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The Sixth Sunday of Easter
7:45 a.m.
Eucharist—Sermon by the Rev. Rob Fisher
8 a.m.
Parish Choir (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. Rob Fisher
10 a.m.
Coffee Hour (Parish House First Floor)
Speaker Series (Togo West Parlor; see below)
Church School (Parish House Second Floor)
Youth Group (Parish House Second Floor)
Bible Study (Parish House Third Floor)
St. John’s Choir (Parish House Fourth Floor)
11 a.m.
Choral Eucharist—Sermon by the Rev. Rob Fisher (Watch live on Sunday)
Children’s Chapel (children begin in church)
Noon
Coffee Hour (Parish House Lower Level)
Parish Lunch (Parish House Lower Level; see below)
Church Tour (see below)
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COMING UP IN THE SPEAKER SERIES
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.
May 5: Mark Hudson, Executive Director of Tudor Place Historic House and Garden in Washington, DC, will give a talk entitled “America’s Story Lives Here.” Tudor Place is a cultural anchor in Georgetown that traces stories of slavery and freedom through six generations of descendants of Martha Washington and the enslaved and free people who worked at Tudor Place.
May 12: Lauren Onkey, Director and Professor of Music, will talk about the Corcoran School of the Arts & Design.
May 19: Columba Stewart, Executive Director and CEO of the Hill Museum and Manuscript Library, will present “Voices of the Ancestors: Saving the World’s Manuscripts from Destruction.”
May 26: Maureen Corrigan, Distinguished Professor of the Practice in Literary Criticism at Georgetown University, offers “The Great American Novelist, F. Scott Fitzgerald.”
Please note that the May 26 Speaker Series will take place at 9:30 a.m., on our first day of the summer schedule.
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DAY OF RECOGNITION AND THANKSGIVING
This Sunday at 11 a.m.
St. John’s has many traditions of honoring its members for their accomplishments or various acts of service. Sunday, May 5, during our 11 a.m. service we will recognize and offer thanksgiving for our high school seniors, acolytes, and Christian education teachers. We ask all involved in these groups to be present as you are able—and all others to join us for this celebration.
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2024 GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS
Leonardo Arriaga will graduate from High Point High School. Leonardo was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s, and he participated in our Christmas pageants when he was younger. He will continue his education in Prince George’s Community College.
Callie Ervin will graduate from the Holton-Arms School in June. During her senior year, Callie served as the co-captain of the varsity soccer team, president of the tutoring club, and a volunteer at Children’s National Hospital. Callie has attended services at St. John’s since infancy. She looks forward to enrolling in the honors program in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts at the University of Michigan in the fall.
Aurelia Lucio will graduate from Woodgrove High School in Purcellville, Va., in June. At St. John’s, Aurelia attended Sunday School and participated in multiple pageants. She was actively involved in high school choir programs, participating at the school, district, state, and national levels. Specifically, as a member of a small vocal ensemble, she was invited to participate in regional national competitions. An avid horseback rider, Aurelia worked at local stables where she mentored younger riders. She plans to continue both her vocal and horseback riding pursuits through her life. She will be attending the University of Iowa starting in the fall.
Katherine Simmonds will graduate from St. Andrew’s School in Middletown, Del., in May. She was a varsity athlete all four years of high school, and captain of both her squash and soccer teams in her senior year. In addition to serving as a resident leader of the freshman girls’ dorm, she was involved in numerous activities spanning her range of interests: student government, an a cappella group, leading the student vestry and Sunday School, head ambassador of the student guide service, and serving as a student mentor. Katherine is excited to matriculate to college, but has not made a final decision.
Alexander and Sebastian Weng will graduate from Gonzaga College High School in June. They were both proud members of the varsity soccer team. They were baptized and confirmed at St. John’s and enjoyed serving as acolytes and participating in many Christmas Eve pageants—13 to be exact. They look forward to coming back to St. John’s during their college years and for years to come. They will both attend College of Charleston in the fall where they plan to study International Business.
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PARISH LUNCH
This Sunday at noon | Hosted by Bishop Walker School
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 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. Valet parking hours are extended to 2 p.m. any Sunday with a parish lunch.
The remaining spring schedule and hosts are:
May 12—No Lunch: Mother’s Day
May 19—Reception for the Rev. Shawn Evelyn
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TOUR OF St. JOHN’S CHURCH
This Sunday at noon | Guide: Richard Busch
For more than 200 years our church has served as a place of worship for a growing and everchanging city and country. Its structure is a lasting testament to Benjamin Henry Latrobe, who, because of his training in both architecture and engineering, is considered by the American Institute of Architects as our country’s first architect. If you are interested in an in-person tour of St. John’s Church, meet at the front of the church near the baptismal font after the 11 a.m. service.
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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 in pre-K through fifth grade may participate in Church School on the second floor of the Parish House, most Sundays from 10 to 10:50 a.m.
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 11 a.m. service. 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.
For more information about our children’s ministry, please contact the Rev. Sarah Akes-Cardwell.
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FOR YOUTH
Most Sundays 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.
Youth in sixth grade and above are also invited to join the Acolytes ministry. Acolytes assist with 11 a.m. worship by serving as torch bearers or crucifers and by helping set the altar for communion. To learn more, contact Nora Haugh.
For more information about opportunities for youth, please contact the Rev. Shawn Evelyn.
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ADULT BIBLE STUDY
Sundays at 10 a.m.
This group gathers most Sunday mornings, using a hybrid approach, with some joining via Zoom and others in person. The group is studying the structure, audience, and themes of the Gospels of Mark and John. 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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PRAYER CARDS
You are invited to take a blank prayer card from the narthex (the entrance of the church) and write down something or someone you would like to pray for. You can hand your prayer card to the ushers when they take the collection, and your card will be blessed and prayed over during the week.
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SPRING ADULT INQUIRERS’ CLASS
Saturdays, May 11 and 18, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Would you like to be baptized, confirmed, or received into membership in the Episcopal Church at St. John’s—or just to learn a bit more about the church? If so, consider taking our two-day Adult Inquirers’ Class, offered twice a year. All are welcome, whether you are a newcomer or a longtime parishioner. This is an opportunity to learn more about the Christian faith, the Episcopal tradition, and the ministry of St. John’s. To express interest or learn more, please contact Lisa Koehler.
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SAVE THE DATE!
Sunday, May 19
After two years at St. John’s, the Rev. Shawn Evelyn and his family will be moving in just a few weeks. His final Sunday with us will be May 19. Please mark your calendar and help us give them all a festive send-off. Details will follow as the date nears.
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SPECIAL CHURCH SCHOOL OFFERING
“There’s something about Mary”: Sunday, May 12, at 10 a.m.
Spend Mother’s Day learning about Jesus’ mom in this offering for kids and their caregivers. We will hear stories of Mary in scripture, make a craft, and celebrate moms and mother figures in our own lives.
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LAFAYETTE FELLOWSHIP TRIVIA NIGHT
Tuesday, May 14, at 6:30 p.m. in Togo West Parlor
Adults looking for community—old souls or the young at heart; parents, couples, singles, or married—are welcome to join the Lafayette Fellowship at St. John’s for trivia night. For information about the Lafayette Fellowship or this event, please contact Hilary West.
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FINAL CHORAL EVENSONG OF THE SEASON
Wednesday, May 15, 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 is available in the 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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MIDWEEK MEN’S GROUP
Third Thursdays at noon: Next meeting, May 16
This lectionary-based Bible study for men of all ages is convened by parishioner Carter Keithley, who holds a master’s degree from Virginia Theological Seminary. The group meets on the third Thursday of every month for a brown-bag lunch with fellowship and a wide-ranging, scripture-based conversation. Contact Carter for more information.
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GRACE’S TABLE
Third Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Next Date: May 18
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 leader Elizabeth Field with questions or to volunteer.
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PENTECOST IS SUNDAY, MAY 19
Plan to wear red and celebrate this major feast day
On the Day of Pentecost, we remember the coming of the Holy Spirit to the disciples and the birth of the early church. At St. John’s, we will commemorate the day with baptisms at the 9 a.m. service and special music at 11 a.m. We will also offer thanksgiving for the ministry of the Rev. Shawn Evelyn on this, his final Sunday at St. John’s. Cake will be offered after the 9 and 11 a.m. services. During the education hour, all ages are invited to participate in an intergenerational activity: Come make your own windsock from recycled materials to take home as a reminder of the Holy Spirit’s movement in your life. This activity will be offered between the 9 and 11 a.m. services in the dining room and will take the place of Church School.
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SUMMER SERVICE SCHEDULE BEGINS SUNDAY, MAY 26
On Sunday, May 26, we usher in our summer schedule—moving to two Sunday services (spoken at 8 a.m., with music at 10:30 a.m.) until after Labor Day. Nursery care will be available each Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to noon. The Speaker Series, when scheduled, will start at 9:30 a.m. We will continue to offer Children’s Chapel at the later service throughout the summer.
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ST. JOHN’S BOOK GROUP
Thursday, June 6, at 7 p.m.
Join us via Zoom to discuss Sara Ackerman’s novel The Codebreaker’s Secret. In this tale, set during World War II and the 1960s, two smart, adventurous women attempt to solve a captivating historical mystery in Hawaii—a secret only a codebreaker can crack. The book group typically meets on the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. For information and the link, contact Janet Edmond.
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JOIN US IN CELEBRATING PRIDE!
Saturday, June 8
St. John’s Pride will join others from around the diocese to march in the Capital Pride Parade on Saturday, June 8. Mark your calendar and come celebrate Pride with us! All are welcome; full details forthcoming closer to the date.
Questions? Interested in learning more about our fellowship for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies? Contact leaders Brian Cordova-Brookey and John Schutz.
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LATROBE AND LAFAYETTE FELLOWSHIPS:
BIG SWING AT THE BALLPARK
Saturday, June 15, at 4 p.m.
Join us at the ballpark this summer! On Saturday, June 15, members of the Lafayette and Latrobe fellowships at St. John’s will join congregants from Episcopal parishes around the diocese for a Nationals home game. Tickets are $45 each. In an effort to be seated in the same area, please contact the leaders of Latrobe by Sunday, May 26, to RSVP and receive info about ticket purchase and payment.
Image: All-Pro Reels, LLC (APR) / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 2.0
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STEWARDSHIP 2024
Thank you to those who have already pledged for 2024! As of Wednesday, May 1, we had received 300 pledges, for a total of $1,115,328. By making a pledge, you are helping ensure that the vestry and rector will be able to plan for another great year of ministry, music, outreach, and fellowship. We welcome all pledges, large and small—and, of course, if you are able to increase your pledge this year, it will make a big difference as we grow our programs to better serve our diverse parish community. If you haven’t already, you can register your pledge by returning a completed card (blank cards are found in the narthex) or by filling in an online pledge form at stjohns-dc.org/give. Thank you!
—Toby Stock, Chair of Stewardship
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CURIOUS ABOUT ST. JOHN’S? READ OUR ANNUAL REPORT
The 2024 Annual Report is a great way to learn about our many ministries, volunteers, leaders, and the impact of this faith community. Check it out!
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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, May 19, at 9 a.m. (Class: Saturday, May 18, 10 a.m.)
Sunday, November 3, at 9 a.m. (Class: Saturday, November 2, 10 a.m.)
Sunday, January 12, 2025, at 9 a.m. (Class: Saturday, January 11, 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. For more information, see “Of Special Note” above.
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WEEKDAY SERVICES
We typically offer the following midweek services, except when precluded by a special event, funeral, federal holiday, or office closure:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday at 12:10 p.m.: Eucharist
Friday at 12:10 p.m.: Noonday Prayer
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JOIN A MINISTRY GROUP
Want to get more involved at St. John’s? Hoping to make some new friends? Check out our ministries at www.stjohns-dc.org and contact leaders via our online Ministry Directory for more details or to sign up.
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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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MAKE A PLEDGE TO ST. JOHN’S
A pledge is a commitment of financial support over the course of a year, to be paid weekly, monthly, or on another schedule. By making a pledge to St. John’s, you enable us to plan for the work we will undertake in mission and ministry. It’s easy to make a pledge commitment online on our website. Thank you!
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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:
Friends and family of our parish: Susan Baxter (Rob Fisher), Billy Beardsley Conderman (Margo Arnold), Brett Bowman (Jack Reiffer), Diane Chrisman (Jack Reiffer), Francis Collins (Fruzsina Harsanyi), Bruce D’Innocenzo (Jim and Michele Mullins), Mary Leche Delong (Margo Wiegenstein), Ed Eder (Joanne and Powell Hutton), Patricia George (Kelle George), Linda Young Gsell (Rick Young), Morgan Hickenlooper (Livy More), Doug Holy (Joanne Hutton), Jack (Marta Cook and Cal Trepagnier), Latithia and Charles Jones (GeeGee Bryant), Charlotte Crowley Junilla (Margo Arnold), Olivia Kehoe (Kat Kehoe), Lynne Kessler (Mary and Carl Raether), Elizabeth Lee (Clayton Crawford), William Markiewicz (Matthew Taylor), Jim Martella (Livy More), Tammy McCleaf (Matthew Taylor), Nell Montgomery (Brandon Montgomery), Bruce Mortimer (Nancy Mathis), JaVonté Odom (GeeGee Bryant), Janet Rich (Christie Rich), Deanne Scanlon (Wendy J. Fibison), Alan Schutz (John & Zachary Schutz), Nancy Stephenson (Ann and John Gardner), Scott (Marta Cook and Cal Trepagnier), Patsy Swain (Margo Arnold), Lou Thesmar (Alfred and Hilary Thesmar), Sallie and William Wilkie Thompson (Cecelia Thompson), Mackenzie Toland (Wendy J. Fibison), Jerome Wiggins (GeeGee Bryant), Richard Waycott (Louisa Waycott), Edward Leland Williams II (Virginia Bader), and Linda Woolley (Blount and Charlotte Stewart).
THOSE WHO ARE IN HOSPICE CARE:
Friends and family of our parish: Carol Bradley (Larry and Krista Bradley), Henry Farrington (Wendy J. Fibison), and Mark Ledger (Laurie Adams).
THOSE WHO ARE IN ASSISTED LIVING:
From our parish: Eve Atkeson, Milton Chamberlain, Jack Kinsey, Barney Malloy, Marcella Odom, and Becky Schergens.
Friends and family of our parish: Wilma Daubs (Kay Gilley), Pat Morris (Will Morris), Cawley Scott (Robyne Johnston), and Carl Wright (Frank and Nancy Klotz).
THOSE WHO HAVE DIED:
Friends and family of our parish: Gene Benner, April 21 (Kate Benner), and Jennifer Marie Stelloh, April 12 (Wendy Wardwell and Pat Wardwell Czerwonky).
THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN BORN:
From our parish: Hugo Kingsley, April 30 (Thomas Kingsley and Aaron Knowlson).
THOSE IN OUR PARISH CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK:
Joe Daniels, James Doty, Laura Doucet, Church Elmore, Allison Eydt, Philip Faris, Robyne Johnston, Carter Keithley, Marcus Lemon, George Miller, Gus Rawlings, Laurie Rossbach, Robert Schwartz, Alex Stolar, Hilary West, and Sarah Yi.
THOSE IN OUR PARISH CELEBRATING AN ANNIVERSARY THIS WEEK:
Christine and Thomas Arrasmith, Carrie and Jim Garland, Christine Kennedy and Matthew McMurray, Caroline and Judd Littleton, and Emily and Jason Ornstein.
THOSE ON THE FRONT LINES:
Friends and family of our parish: Janie Abernethy (Elizabeth Lewis and David Abernethy) and Philip L. Faris (Caroline and Steve Faris).
Please click here to add, remove, or change the status of someone on the prayer list.
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