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.
2020 Update.jpg

March 23, 2023, Thursday in the Fourth Week of Lent

Have you noticed that the first reading each Sunday in Lent is part of another pattern? The lessons constitute a review of Redemptive History

  • 1stSunday: Early Genesis—this year: The Fall of Adam & Eve
  • 2nd: The Patriarchs—the Call of Abraham
  • 3rd: Exodus—Water from the Rock in the Wilderness
  • 4th: Kingdom of David & Solomon—Samuel anoints David
  • 5th: The Prophets—the Valley of the Dry Bones
  • 6th: Palm Sunday & Holy Week—Servant Songs from Isaiah
    • Sunday & Wednesday: “I gave my back to the smiters…I know I shall not be put to shame.”
    • Monday: “…to open the eyes of the blind, to bring…from prison those who sit in darkness”
    • Tuesday: “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant…I will give you as a light to the nations…”
    • Good Friday: “He was despised and rejected…he was wounded for our transgressions…he bore the sin of many”

The hymns of the church often embody these images as part of our Holy Week and Easter celebrations. Notice how the Exodus from Egypt and the Return from the Babylonian Captivity find their echoes in the death and resurrection of Christ and in the Church’s celebration of Baptism and Eucharist.

This Sunday it will be Ezekiel. “Dry bones, now hear the word of the Lord.” For Ezekiel’s audience it was the remarkable news that God would put back together the scattered remnant of Israel and make them alive again in the Promised Land. The New Testament Church hears it and rejoices that when God raised Jesus from the dead, we also were raised up and given new life.

Jack Reiffer

Links to the appointed readings and prayer for today:


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