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

Following Jesus, even in Washington?

by Laura Ballman
The Second Saturday of Lent
Jeremiah 5:20-31 Psalms 23, 27, 75, 76 Romans 3:19-31 John 7:1-13
In John 7:1-13, Jesus and his followers demonstrate critical thinking and practical prudence, both of which help maintain their spiritual callings. Specifically, security concerns following a spate of His public testimony force Jesus to postpone traveling to the feast of the tabernacles in Galilee; consequently, His followers go ahead without Him and struggle to maintain their faith. None even dare speak publicly about Jesus for fear of retribution. Yet they continue to follow Him quietly and with faith.
Clearly, following Christ was difficult when He walked the Earth⎯and I don’t think it’s any easier today for those of us who are human and, as such, are to some degree always concerned about public image, popularity, and cultural norms. But perhaps this tension and ensuing struggle to stay true to one’s Christian values in the face of unpopularity and potential derision is useful. Perhaps it is especially useful in Washington, to which so many of us flock to change the world and quickly discover that pursuing our Christian beliefs and intentions is futile without some critical thinking, smart timing, and prudent, practical attention to security, bureaucracy, and other facets of realpolitik.

Galilee today
Galilee today is a bit more tranquil. (Photo by Mike Angell)
In sum, I think John 7:1-13 reminds Christians that the real world and the spiritual world are not mutually exclusive. Ergo the practicality associated with our daily lives does not have to diminish our faith or commitment to follow Christ.
 


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