WELCOME TO SAINT JOHN’S CHURCH

Welcome to St. John's Church, Lafayette Square—a vibrant historic Episcopal church located across from the White House. We invite you to join with us for worship, Christian fellowship and outreach.

History

From our organization as a parish in 1815 to today, St. John's Church has provided a powerful symbol of faith in the heart of our nation's capital.
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Mission

At St. John's, we believe Christ is calling us to be a renewed church in a changing world. In worship, education, parish life, and social action, we seek to expand our horizons by serving God by loving one another.
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Clergy, Staff, & Vestry

Meet St. John’s diverse and engaging clergy, vestry and staff.
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Directions & Parking

Located at the corner of 16th and H Streets in Northwest Washington, St. John's is near the McPherson Square and Farragut North Metro stations. Limited street parking is available; free valet parking is offered for certain hours.
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Dispatch from General Convention

Greetings from Austin!

It’s been a whirlwind the first two days I’ve been at General Convention; I feel like I’ve been here for a month. I’m not sure if any of these pictures will be particularly useful–I’ll try to get better ones as the convention progressed. I also apologize if this isn’t entirely coherent, my brain is fried.
On the first morning, I first reported to the registration test to get my badge.

My first event was the initial legislative session of the House of Deputies. As an alternate, I’m not allowed on the floor, but got relegated to an area on the side.

Many people thought the resolution on providing compensation to the President of the House of Deputies (PHOD Gay Clark Jennings pictured above) would be controversial, but it has been passed by both houses!

The Diocese of Washington favors being back-row-Episcopalians during our daily eucharistic services. On the first day, PB Curry introduced our new evangelism plan called The Way of Love, which are practices for a Jesus-centered Life: Turn, Learn, Pray, Worship, Bless, Go, and Rest. I’ll be bringing some of these cards for people interested in the program.

The Presiding Bishop presiding over his flock.

You’ve got to have a lot of wine to administer communion to 10,000 Episcopalians (note: this was my first meal of the day).

I’ve been assigned as a legislative aide to the Committee on Structure and Governance. Of interest, we’ve looked at legislation dealing with name changes in the Church Archives, the relationship of the Pension Fund and DFMS, an amendment to the Constitution to allow the absorption of Extra-Provincial Anglican Dioceses as required* for the admission of the Diocese of Cuba back into the Episcopal Church.

*food interlude*

After our hearing calendar was over for the day, I ventured to the exhibit hall. Thistle Farms, affiliated with the Episcopal Church in Nashville and Rev. Becca Stevens, produced these welcome mats, which are made by refugees from recycled life vests.

It’s been said that the 8th Sacrament for Episcopalians is coffee, and the Starbucks at one of the hotels where we were having meetings had an Episcopal discount for coffee!

We had the first of three TEConversations today on racial reconciliation. Here’s a photo of the EDOW deputation to General Convention. Bishop Mariann and the deputies joined the alternates off the HOD floor because the alternates had been denied access.

More to come soon!

Matthew Taylor


  • EVENTS

    Upcoming Events

    View Calendar

  • SERMONS/FORUMS
    Fiona Hill, Senior Fellow in the Center on the United States and Europe on November 19, 2023
    11.21.23

    Thomas B.F. Cummins, Dumbarton Oaks Professor of the History of Pre-Columbian and Colonial Art on November 12, 2023
    11.21.23

    Be Ready or Else: Oil Reserves of a Different Sort – The Rev. Sarah Akes-Cardwell on November 12, 2023
    11.15.23

    More
16th and H Streets, NW, Washington, DC 20005 • (202) 347-8766