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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Friday in the Third Week of Lent: The Feast of the Annunciation

“But how can this be?”

These words, spoken by Mary at the Annunciation have likely been spoken by every one of us at some time in our lives. Spoken when news, good or bad, comes to us that makes everything else stop. A job gained or lost. A sickness detected or cured. A death or a birth. Suddenly our world is not as we thought it was, and our life will not be as we thought it would. We might stop and wonder “but how can this be,” sometimes followed by a denial: “How can God let this be?”

The lesson we’re told of the annunciation to Mary is the twin of the trials of Job or the demands of Jonah. If Mary reminds us that even the most blessed gift might demand a sacrifice, her story can also remind us that God is there, even in the most difficult trials. 

For Lent we might have chosen to sacrifice something as inspiration to reflect on our lives and values. This act of denial could also prepare us for times when we are forced to make a change and do not have a choice. The story of Mary reminds us that, though change is hard, we can accept it with faith. We can face our challenges knowing that God is with us.

Jeremy Skog

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