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

Yet I have been the LORD your God since the land of Egypt; and you were not to know any god except Me, for there is no savior besides Me.
Hosea 13:4
Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity. Take words with you and return to the Lord. Say to Him, “take away all iniquity and receive us graciously, that we may present the fruit of our lips. Assyria will not save us, we will not ride on horses; nor will we say again, ‘our god,’ to the work of our hands; for in You the orphan finds mercy.”
Hosea 14:1-3
The Prophet Hosea lived around 750 BC in the Northern Kingdom, Israel. The kingdom was in bad shape. Religious pluralism was rampant, with worship of the god Baal (the Canaanite god of rain and fertility in the land) flourishing. Assyria (their ISIS?) was breathing down their necks. There was a series of rebellions and multiple assassinations. They had forsaken God (Yahweh).
In those troubled times, Hosea especially believed his mission was to remind the people that God had been their Lord since he brought them out of Egypt, and there was no other savior besides Him. He called on them to repent: “… you have stumbled because of your iniquity. Take words with you and return to the Lord; say to him. ‘Take away all guilt; accept that which is good’…”
For me, Lent is the time I need to reflect on these words, reexamine my life, and endeavor to live a new, more fulfilling one. During this time of my reflection, I always recall David’s cry in Psalm 51. “Thou shalt make me hear of joy and gladness, that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Turn thy face from my sins, and put out all my misdeeds. Make me clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”

Max Hudgins

Appointed readings for today: Hosea 14:1-9, Psalm 81:8-14, Mark 12:28-34


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