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.

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.

Clergy, Staff, & Vestry

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

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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Get Involved

Acolytes

Young people serve by carrying the cross and candles in the procession. The acolytes add to the dignity and ceremony of our services, and provide an important vehicle for youth involvement in the religious life of the Parish.

Crucifers

Adults lead the procession with the processional cross. They also hold the Bible for reading of the Gospel lesson.

Chalice Bearers

The chalice bearers assist the clergy during the communion service by administering the chalice.

Flower Guild

Members of the Flower Guild enhance the beauty of the Church and enrich our worship with flowers for the Sunday services, festivals, weddings, funerals and other parish activities throughout the year. A team of two individuals from the committee prepare flower arrangements for the altar, chapel, and narthex. The Committee also prepares small bouquets of flowers each week for delivery to parishioners unable to attend church.

Floral decorations prepared by the committee provide a way to remember or give thanks for loved ones on significant occasions. Click here to view the guild’s 2015 Christmas decorations. Click here to view the guild’s 2016 Easter Day decorations. Contact Sharlynne Griffin if you would like to sponsor a flower memorial at (202) 347-8766, ext. 305.

Lay Readers

St. John’s corps of lay readers performs the important liturgy of reading the Old Testament and New Testament lessons and leading the prayers of the people during the Sunday services.

Ushers

Ushers welcome parishioners, newcomers and visitors alike to the Church. They are a source of information and assistance. They also help maintain the decorum of the service. At the beginning of the service, they welcome everyone, providing a hand, the bulletin for the service and directions to available seats. During the Communion they assist in directing worshipers to the altar.

Greeters

As ambassadors of the church, St. John’s Greeters welcome visiting guests and potential new members each Sunday, providing information on the church and on the variety of Christian Formation programs offered. Greeters encourage newcomers to attend the Forum after the 9:00 a.m. service and the Hospitality Hour and Parish Lunch following the 11:00 a.m. service so that newcomers can meet current parishioners and learn more about our guests’ interests and needs.

Livestream Specialists

Livestream Specialists operate the cameras and streaming equipment to broadcast our services to those who are unable to attend in person. A Livestream Specialist arrives about half an hour before service begins to set up the streaming equipment, starts the streams when the service begins, operates the cameras, and ends the streams when the service ends. Training and shadowing is provided until a new Livestream Specialist feels fully comfortable with the role; a detailed step-by-step guide is also provided.

Tour Guides

Tour Guides lead guided tours of the Church and Parish House. The tours cover the history and architecture of St. John’s. The tours take place following 11:00 a.m. Sunday Service of Holy Eucharist (10:30 a.m. during the summer). Special tours for groups of visitors can be arranged.

If you are interested in any of the above opportunities at St. John’s, please contact the Parish House office at (202) 347-8766 for additional information.

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