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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Doing Well

Psalm 94:2-15 Sirach 34:14-19
Romans 14:10-13 Luke 14:15-24
During the first week of Lent, we often read the story of Jonah. Our
imaginations are often captured by the tale of a man who lived after being
swallowed by a whale. But it’s easy to miss some of the deeper themes of the
story.
After Jonah is punished in a very fishy way for trying to dodge his
responsibility to God, he journeys to Nineveh and announces that it will be
overthrown. In response, the community repents—ashes, sackcloth, and all—
and God shows mercy on Nineveh.
But Jonah, like the older brother in the Prodigal Son parable, is ticked. He had
to be swallowed by a whale for his disobedience, but Nineveh got off scot-free.
Jonah stomps off in a huff, and God responds to him by saying, “Do you do
well to be angry?”
It’s a question often overlooked in the story, but it’s as important for us as it
was for Jonah. Do we do well to be angry when God shows mercy to those
we deem unworthy—especially when in our hearts we know that we have so
recently erred or run from responsibility?
In this time of Lent, let us try to be honest with ourselves when we have
dodged our responsibility to God. And then let us humbly accept God’s love
and mercy for all the unworthy—including ourselves.

–Kathryn Pharr

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