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The Word
News from St. John’s, Lafayette Square
The Week of Sunday, November 27
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The First Sunday of Advent
7:45 a.m.
Eucharist—Sermon by the Rev. Will Morris
8 a.m.
Choir Rehearsal (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. Will Morris
10 a.m.
Coffee Hour (Togo West Parlor)
Advent Wreath Making (Togo West Parlor; see below)
Youth Group (Parish House Second Floor)
Bible Study (Parish House Third Floor)
11 a.m.
Choral Eucharist—Sermon by the Rev. Will Morris (Watch live on Sunday)
Children’s Chapel
Noon
Coffee Hour (Togo West Parlor)
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MAKE AN ADVENT WREATH
This Sunday at 10 a.m.
All ages are invited to make a wreath to mark the beginning of Advent. Materials provided: we just need you! Advent wreaths serve as both a decoration and a devotional resource for you to use at home in the weeks leading up to Christmas. A new candle is lit each week as we anticipate the birth of Jesus and coming of Christ. Advent devotionals and activities for younger children will be available. Please bring your own garden clippers if you have a pair.
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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 on 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, on 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 during the sermon at the 11 a.m. service on most Sundays. 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
On Sundays from 10 to 10:50 a.m., all 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. For more information about opportunities for youth, please contact the Rev. Shawn Evelyn.
Youth in sixth grade and above are also invited to join the Acolytes ministry. Acolytes assist with worship during the 11 a.m. service by serving as torch bearers or crucifers and by helping set the altar for communion. To learn more, contact Nora Haugh.
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ADULT BIBLE STUDY
This group gathers most Sundays at 10 a.m., using a hybrid approach, with some joining via Zoom and others in person. The group is studying the structure, audience, and themes of the Gospel of Luke. 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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ST. JOHN’S STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
In March 2022, the Vestry held a one-day retreat with an expert strategic planning consultant who graciously donated his time to St. John’s. To prepare for the retreat, all Vestry members read Measure What Matters by John Doerr, a well-known book that provides a framework for strategic planning. Since March, the Vestry has been following the book’s framework to develop four high-level strategic objectives for St. John’s with corresponding key results for each objective.
In Measure What Matters, the author recommends that strategic objectives be published widely in order to encourage accountability. With that in mind, we share below the Vestry’s newly adopted strategic objectives for St. John’s Church. Please ask your Wardens or Vestry members if you have questions about the objectives or want to know the details of the key results.
Objective 1: Sustain St. John’s as a “place of grace” in the DC community and beyond for centuries to come. *
Objective 2: Attract additional families to St. John’s by making it a more welcoming and vibrant environment for children, teenagers, and families.
Objective 3: Devote more of St. John’s time and talent to outreach so that we expand our role as a spiritual and material resource to those in need in Washington and beyond.
Objective 4: Highlight and increase the diversity of St. John’s.
—Clark Ervin, Senior Warden, and Nora Rigby, Junior Warden
* To sustainably preserve and maintain St. John’s historic buildings and grounds.
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VESTRY NOMINATIONS
Deadline: Sunday, December 4
The Vestry Nominating Committee will meet in early December to select the slate for Vestry elections to be held at the Parish’s Annual Meeting on Sunday, February 5, 2023. The role of the Vestry Nominating Committee is to select, from all those nominated, the six candidates who will stand for election; three candidates will be elected. Nominees should be pledging members of the congregation, attend worship regularly, and be active in the life of the parish. Please submit your nominations here. The deadline to submit nominations is Sunday, December 4.
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CHRISTMAS GIFT DRIVE
The annual Angel Tree Gift Drive is here! As in past years, we are partnering with Advocates for Justice and Education, Bishop Walker School, Cardozo Educational Campus, Southeast White House, and St. John’s Community Services to bring joy to children in need this holiday season. Each child has provided a wish list of toys, books, or clothes that they are hoping to find underneath the Christmas tree this year; please pick up an angel with a child’s list from the Angel Tree near the front desk before entering the Parish House.
Please ensure that your gifts are delivered by Wednesday, December 7. Gift distribution will begin on Monday, December 12. You can also help by joining us for a gift-wrapping party on Saturday, December 10 (see below). If you have questions, please contact Emily Louise Able and Patrick Bond. Thank you for your generosity this holiday season!
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STEWARDSHIP 2023
The 2023 Stewardship Campaign is well underway. Thanks to those who have already pledged! As of November 20, we have received 200 pledges for a total of $768,126. This is very good progress toward our goals of 400 pledges and $1.125 million. If you have not yet done so, please consider what you might be able to pledge toward the mission and ministry of this parish in the coming year and complete a pledge card, or pledge online here.
The act of giving to our church and shared mission is one that brings great fulfillment—and to the extent you are able to make a formal commitment in advance, it helps our vestry greatly in planning for the year ahead. Thank you for prayerfully considering your 2023 commitment to St. John’s!
—Toby Stock and Carter Keithley, co-chairs of the Stewardship Committee
DID YOU KNOW?
Setting up automatic pledge payments on Realm is easy and convenient—but in order for us to know that you have made a pledge, we still need you to visit the “Make a Pledge” link on the website or turn in a pledge card. This will help us record your pledge promptly and accurately. Thank you for your support of the ministry of St. John’s!
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HONOR YOUR LOVED ONES WITH GREENS FOR ADVENT
During Advent, St. John’s Flower Guild decorates the church each Sunday with greens. When you make a contribution to the Flower Fund, you may honor loved ones with a dedication in our Sunday bulletin—remembering a loved one or marking a birth or birthday, a wedding, an anniversary, a graduation, or another special event. You can choose to dedicate the two main altar arrangements ($110), the side chapel ($55), the narthex ($55), or all four arrangements in the church ($220).
To pay by check, please complete this form, enclose it with a check payable to St. John’s Church, and send it to the Parish Office, Attention: Finance—or bring it with you to church on Sunday to place in the offering plate.
You may also pay online. Choose “Sunday Flowers” in the dropdown menu. Under memo, type the desired Sunday, list the name(s), and indicate whether your gift is in memory of or in thanksgiving for.
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CHRISTMAS FLOWER MEMORIALS AND THANKSGIVINGS
The poinsettias and evergreens that enhance the beauty of the church and parish house at Christmastide are given by parishioners as memorials for those who have died and as thanksgiving for those who are living. Please consider remembering those who are important to you. The suggested donation is $50 per name. Your support of this important ministry is greatly appreciated.
To pay by check, please complete this form, enclose it with a check payable to St. John’s Church, and send it to the Parish Office, Attention: Finance, with “Christmas Flowers” noted on the outside of the envelope—or bring it with you to church on Sunday to place in the offering plate.
You may also pay online. Choose “Christmas Flowers” in the dropdown menu. Under memo, list the name(s), and indicate whether your gift is in memory of or in thanksgiving for.
The deadline for inclusion in the Christmas order of service is Tuesday, December 13.
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ST. JOHN’S BOOK GROUP
Thursday, December 1, at 6:45 p.m., via Zoom
The St. John’s Book Group will meet virtually on Thursday, December 1, at 6:45 p.m. to discuss Go, Went, Gone by Jenny Erpenbeck. This European novel tells the journey of a retired German university professor, immersed in the world of books and ideas, as he steps into the streets of his city, Berlin. Here, on Alexanderplatz, he discovers and gets to know a new community—a tent city, established by African asylum seekers. Richard finds his life changing, as he begins to question his own sense of belonging in a city that once divided its citizens into them and us. For more information, please contact Janet Edmond.
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ORDINATION OF CAY BUSER
Saturday, December 3, at 11 a.m.
God willing and the people consenting, the Right Reverend Robert W. Ihloff will ordain longtime parishioner Cay Buser to the Sacred Order of Deacons. Cay is on track to serve as a priest in the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland. You can support Cay by attending her ordination service at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Incarnation (4 E. University Parkway, Baltimore) or watching the livestream. Congratulations, Cay!
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SPEAKER SERIES: FALL 2022
The Speaker Series is held Sundays at 10 a.m. in the Togo West Parlor on the first floor of the Parish House. Upcoming speakers and topics include:
December 4: Jake Flack, Associate Director for Museum Education, Ford’s Theatre, will talk about the history of the theater, Lincoln’s assassination, and the theater’s current programming.
December 11: Nina Zannieri, Executive Director of the Paul Revere Memorial Association, will join us. The association’s mission is to inspire a deeper appreciation for the relevance of American history by sharing the life, legacy, craftsmanship, and iconic home of artisan, businessman, patriot, and citizen Paul Revere.
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ADVENT PARTY
Sunday, December 4, at 5 p.m.
After two years of virtual and outdoor alternatives, our annual Advent Party returns in its traditional fashion this year. You are cordially invited to join us in the Togo West Parlor for an evening of holiday revelry including decorations, food, music, and a carol sing-along. Special activities and food will be provided for children. In order for us to have an accurate head count, please RSVP by Wednesday, November 30, to Charley Griffin or by using this form and include the number of adults and children in your party.
Volunteer greeters are needed for this event. Please contact Christi Rich and Lisa Koehler to join the crew.
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MIDWEEK MUSIC: AIR FORCE STRINGS
Wednesday, December 7, at 12:15 p.m.
Our monthly lunchtime concert series continues on December 7 with a performance by Air Force Strings. The official string ensemble of the U.S. Air Force, the Air Force Strings are stationed at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, and are made up of 17 active-duty musicians performing a wide range of styles. Click here for the full schedule of Midweek Music offerings. All concerts are open to the public without charge and run approximately 35 minutes in length. If you would like to make a donation to support future Midweek Music programs, please contact Brent Erstad, Director of Music and Organist.
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LATROBE YOUNG ADULTS FELLOWSHIP
Wednesday, December 7, at 7 p.m.
Celebrate the holiday season with the Latrobe Fellowship! Join us at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 7, for a service of Holy Eucharist followed by dinner in Togo West Parlor. We will also have a white elephant gift exchange, so bring a fun or silly wrapped gift ($20 or less). Everyone is welcome, and participation in the gift-exchange is optional. If you do participate in the gift exchange, we encourage that your gift be one that you yourself would enjoy receiving. The Latrobe Young Adult Fellowship is an active and engaged group of adults, primarily in their 20s and 30s. We gather at St. John’s at 7 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month. For more information, contact the Rev. Shawn Evelyn.
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ANGEL TREE WRAPPING PARTY
Saturday, December 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
In the spirit of our Christmas gift drive, we will have a special gift-wrapping event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for all of our Angel Tree Gift Drive donations. Whether you are great at wrapping gifts or not so good with your hands, come along. This will be a fun gathering with food and music to help us prepare to distribute the gifts that will help to make someone’s Christmas a little extra special this year. To RSVP, please click here.
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CHURCH SCHOOL MINISTRY VISIT: USHERS
Sunday, December 11, at 10 a.m.
Children in pre-K through grade five are invited to learn about the ministry of St. John’s ushers. We will meet on the second floor of the Parish House immediately following the 9 a.m. service to explore in kid-friendly ways what it means to be an usher. Parents are welcome to join the group. Ministry Visits are held monthly and are a new addition to children’s faith formation. They give our youngest members opportunities to learn more about the St. John’s community and ways to be involved in various ministries. Ministry Visits take the place of Church School classes on Sundays when they occur.
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LESSONS AND CAROLS
Sunday, December 18, at 5:30 p.m.
Join the St. John’s Choir for a service of Lessons and Carols for Christmas. Sung in the beauty of a candlelit church, the service begins with the singing of “Once in Royal David’s City” followed by nine lessons interspersed with carols and choral anthems. The readings and music trace the ancient story of salvation from our beginnings in the Garden of Eden all the way up to the manger. For the first time this year, Lessons and Carols will take place on a Sunday evening, allowing us to fully embrace the spirit of Christmas while remaining faithful to our observance of Advent on Sunday morning. Complimentary valet parking will be available starting at 4:45 p.m. The service will be followed by a reception in the Togo West Parlor. Invite your friends and family to join us for this special holiday offering.
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Other Important Reminders | | |
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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, January 8, 2023, 9 a.m. (Class: Saturday, January 7, 10 a.m.)
Sunday, February 19, 11 a.m. (Class: Saturday, February 18, 10 a.m.)
Sunday, April 16, 11 a.m. (Class: Saturday, April 15, 10 a.m.)
Sunday, May 28, 11 a.m. (Class: Saturday, May 27, 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 first 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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PARISH LUNCH: SEEKING HOSTS IN THE NEW YEAR
Parish lunch, held most Sundays in the Parish House, relies on volunteers to prepare and serve the meal. We encourage individuals, families, groups, and ministries to sign up. Hosts may be reimbursed for expenses or receive a tax receipt. Contact coordinator Holly Sukenik with questions or to sign up for an open date.
DATES & HOSTS
November 27—Thanksgiving Weekend: No Parish Lunch
December 4—Stewardship Committee
December 11—Bell Tower Committee
December 18—No Parish Lunch
December 25—Christmas Day: No Parish Lunch
January 1—New Year’s Day: No Parish Lunch
January 8—Autumn Brown
January 15—
January 22—Children and Youth
January 29—“Sisters” of St. John’s
February 5—Annual Meeting and Reception
February 12—St. John’s Book Group
February 19—
February 26—
March 5—
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YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN THE ST. JOHN’S TOUR GUIDE MINISTRY
St. John’s Tour Guide Ministry is seeking new members to become part of an effort to share the history, architecture, and outreach of our church with visitors from around the United States and abroad. Leading tours is rewarding because of the people you’ll meet and the history that you will share. Training is provided by current tour guides and is done at your convenience. Tours take place following the 11 a.m. service during most of the year, and after the 10:30 a.m. service during the summer. Once trained, tour guides serve about once every six weeks. If you would like to experience what a tour is like, please consider taking a tour from one of our guides. For more information, please contact Rick Busch.
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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: Ezra Lagera George, Robert Kirchenbauer, and Richard Price.
Friends and family of our parish: Sarah Baker (Pamela Venzke), Barbara Virginia Abalos Branes (Joanne Hutton), Tom Burkart (Pamela Venzke), LaKeshia Bryant (GeeGee Bryant), Jackson Bryce (Livy More), Billy Beardsley Conderman (Margo Arnold), Charlotte Crowley Junilla (Margo Arnold), Glen Carlson (Kim Carlson), Samantha Carlson (Kim Carlson), Wendy Addiss Dellar (Joanne Hutton), Sharon Diehl (Alex Stolar), Reagan Eudy (Alfred Thesmar), Zane Elshamy (Debby Hailey), Pamela Evelyn (Rev. Shawn Evelyn), Beth Fiori (Lisa Koehler), Janet Fischer (Ann Gardner), Linda Young Gsell (Rick Young), Jackie Hanson (Brent Erstad), Margaret Harrell (Budd Harrell), Charles Jones (GeeGee Bryant), Olivia Kehoe (Kat Kehoe), Lori LaPoint (Brent Erstad), Chase Lasbury (Garrett Russo), Melanie Markiewicz and William Markiewicz (Matthew Taylor), Tammy McCleaf (Matthew Taylor), Kathryn McGraw (Mary and Carl Raether), Lynda Michaelis (Wendy J. Fibison), Britt Neff (Julie Neff-Lippman), Judy Nicola (Cynthia Walker), Carl Raether, Jr. (Allie Raether), Cawley Scott (Robyne Johnston), Scott (Marta Cook and Cal Trepagnier), Samuel S. Spaulding (Diane Spaulding), Lou Thesmar (Alfred and Hilary Thesmar), Carole Walker (Pamela Venzke), William Wilkie Thompson (Celia Thompson), and Marsha Walston (Robert Carroll).
THOSE WHO ARE IN THE HOSPITAL:
From our parish: Elizabeth Thompson.
Friends and family of our parish: Cal Bowie (Chase Rynd), Margaret Harrell (Bud Harrell), Monica Notzon (Jill Dowell), and Amy Tejral (Jill Dowell).
THOSE WHO ARE IN HOSPICE CARE:
Friends and family of our parish: Henry Farrington (Wendy J. Fibison).
THOSE WHO ARE IN ASSISTED LIVING:
From our parish: Eve Atkeson, Jack Kinsey, Barney Malloy, Marcella Odom, Becky Schergens, and John Whitmore.
THOSE WHO HAVE DIED:
Friends and family of our parish: Beth Allen (Mary Raether), October 20; and Ron Barkett (Paul Barkett), November 22.
THOSE IN OUR PARISH CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK:
Diane Bitsberger, Susan Cardwell, Julie Cellucci, Carolyn Crouch, Luciana Curtin, John Firestone, Ursula Gunzel, William Heaton, Wesley Hillis, Elizabeth Kosobucki, Magnus Lecompte, Chrystal Martin, Michael McGregor, Michele Mullins, Avo Reid, Mead Sissman, Holly Smith, Sofia Tejera, Philip Tierney, Ella-May U, and Pamela Venzke.
THOSE IN OUR PARISH CELEBRATING AN ANNIVERSARY THIS WEEK:
Elizabeth and Gregory Mays.
THOSE ON THE FRONT LINES, ESPECIALLY:
Friends and family of our parish: Janie Abernethy (Elizabeth Lewis and David Abernethy), Sandra Brown (Becca Brown), Nathan Cobb (Livy More), Philip L. Faris (Caroline and Steve Faris), Yee Houston (Quin Woodward Pu), Marta Kochanska (Livy More), Amanda and Blake Tidwell (Willy Wolter), and Bill Wolter (Willy Wolter).
Please help us keep this list updated: Contact us with corrections, additions, and updates on status.
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