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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A Time to Recommit to the Lord

“Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord!’” Mark 11:8-9
“But the crowds shouted all the more, ‘Crucify him!’”
Mark 15:14b
Palm Sunday is honestly one of my least favorite days in the life of the Church. I don’t like what it does to my psyche. We start out triumphant, jubilant, ecstatic, and then by the end of the service we are angry, bloodthirsty, and in a very dark place. At least that is what our gospel readings for the day do to us. There is a turn that takes place in the liturgy, and if you aren’t paying attention then you just might look up and realize that things are different. And they have changed really fast.
And I think that’s why I’ve never really liked Palm Sunday very much. Because if I am being honest, that’s how I am in my own life. I can turn really fast. I can become angry very quickly. I can be unforgiving at the drop of a hat.
Palm Sunday forces me to recognize that at various points in my life I am focused, devout, and in love with Jesus, and then at other points I am distant, uninterested, and careless in my relationship with the Lord.
That’s one of the realizations I have about myself each year as the Church moves into Holy Week. And then I am given the opportunity to refocus, to recommit, and to turn again as I follow Jesus to the cross.
Following you is never easy, O Lord, but I am grateful that you are always with me as I journey. Amen.

-The Rev. Andrew Olivo


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