2014 Annual Report

Annual Parish Report Year 2014

Rector’s Report Warden’s Report Reports of Parish Organizations

The Reverend Dr. Luis Le贸n Rector The Reverend D. Andrew Olivo Assistant Rector El Reverendo Juan Pastor Reyes Assistant Rector for Iglesia San Juan Kaye Edwards Assistant for Church Growth Dr. Benjamin Hutto Director of Music Ministry and Organist Michael Lodico Associate Organist and Choir Director Samuel Mungu铆a Musician for Iglesia San Juan Sarah Taylor Seminarian

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Rector’s Report

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Warden’s Report

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Acolytes and Crucifers Report

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Adult Forum Committee Report

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Adult Inquirers’ Class Report

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Audit Committee Report

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Christian Education Report

14

Church Growth Committee Report

17

Education for Ministry Report

19

Flower Guild Report

20

Greeters’ Ministry Report

22

Iglesia San Juan Report

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Investment Committee Report

25

Lafayette Fellowship Report

26

Latrobe Fellowship for Young Adults Report

28

Music Ministry Report

29

Outreach Committee Report

32

Parish House Committee Report

36

Parish Lunch Report

37

Parish Register Report

38

Pastoral Care and Lay Eucharistic Ministry Report

42

Planned Giving Report

44

Properties Committee Report

45

Stewardship Committee Report

47

Theology on Tap Report

48

Tour Guides’ Report

49

Usher Guild Report

50

Vestry Nominating Committee Report

51

Washington Interfaith Network Report

52

Treasurer’s Report

55

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RECTOR’S REPORT St. John’s Church is in very good health and, by God’s grace, continues to be a center for ministry in the City of Washington, the Diocese of Washington, the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion.

This document is filled with exciting reports from our ministry together. Particularly, I urge you to review the Treasurer’s Report which contains very good news about the financial health of our congregation. Our financial health is a result of prudent management at all levels in 2014; but more importantly, it is because of your very generous response to the Every Member Canvass very ably led by Ralph Olson. As of January 27, the Every Member Canvass for 2015 has received 383 pledges for $1,027,800.

We experienced many staff changes in 2014. The Reverend Mike Angell moved in January to continue his ministry as staff person for Young Adult Ministry and College Chaplaincy in the Office of the Presiding Bishop. Our search resulted in the call to the Reverend Andy Olivo, who joined us in June 2014. Andy stepped in and helped coordinate a very active Latrobe Ministry for young adults and coordinated our Theology on Tap ministry. The Reverend Juan Pastor Reyes has led and pastored the Spanish-speaking ministry at St. John’s since January 2014 on a part-time basis. Mr. Reyes will continue in that ministry until the end of June 2015. The Reverend Gini Gerbasi accepted the call to be the Rector of St. John’s Georgetown and moved to her new position in June 2014. Our plans are to issue a call to add another full-time clergy in 2015 in the hopes of having that person join us in June 2015. Serina Freeman joined our staff in 2014 in the new positon of Communications Coordinator. Serina has brought great enthusiasm, imagination, and knowledge as we seek to improve the manner in which we communicate internally and externally.

St. John’s next major endeavor is the renovation of the historic Lord Ashburton (Parish) House. The Parish House Committee, chaired by Chase Rynd and Sharon Park, has completed the plans for the renovation. We will spend 2015 engaged in a Capital Campaign to raise sufficient funds to complete the first stage of the planned renovations. It needs to be mentioned that Hayden Bryan, Executive Director for Operations at St. John’s, has spent innumerable hours working with the Committee, architects and construction engineers to move this project forward. We are very grateful for his leadership in moving this project forward.

I am grateful for the ministry of St. John’s very able staff. We are blessed by their presence among us and for their unique gifts for ministry.

We have been blessed with exceptional leadership in the Vestry. We thank our outgoing Vestry members, Michelle Mangrum, Mike Becraft and Carrie Garland. They have exercised their ministry in an exemplary, congenial, creative, faithful and gracious spirit.

I continue to thank God for the privilege and opportunity to provide clergy leadership in this vibrant, faithful, generous and vital parish as we seek to serve our Lord. It is an honor and a delight to be among you as we grow in the knowledge and love of Christ Faithfully yours, The Reverend Dr. Luis León

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WARDEN’S REPORT Dear Parishioners: I am pleased to report that St. John’s Lafayette Square had another successful year in 2014, with solid church attendance, two large classes of enthusiastic new members, engaged participation in a myriad of programs, continued financial strength, outstanding preaching, beautiful music, and an overall vibrant congregation.

We ended 2014 with a $30,000 surplus, thanks to the careful management of expenses by the Rector and staff and, most importantly, the continued generosity of our congregants’ financial commitment to St. John’s. Pledges in 2014 were more than $23,000 in excess of our budgeted amount with 410 units pledging.

Our continued financial vitality allowed us to again make contributions to worthy causes including the Diocesan Latino Ministry, Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys, Kwasa Centre in South Africa, Downtown Cluster of Congregations, Washington Interfaith Network as well as our annual contribution to the Episcopal Diocese itself. Of special note, a $75,000 grant was awarded to the Kwasa Centre, the result of a grant proposal originated, written and shepherded by our own Lu León. This impressive grant is the largest single donation the Centre has ever received. We are indebted to Lu for having such vision and fortitude to pursue this grant that will transform the Kwasa community. We continue our work of restoring our beautiful stained glass windows, continue the exploratory efforts for our next Capital Campaign for the restoration of the Lord Ashburton (Parish) House as well as prepare to celebrate the church’s 200th anniversary in 2016.

We welcomed a new Assistant Rector in June when Andy Olivo joined us after Rev. Mike Angell’s departure for a new position with the National Church. Andy, his wife Catherine, and their newborn son are wonderful additions to our church family. In 2015, we will be looking to hire another priest following Rev. Gini Gerbasi’s call to be Rector of St. John’s Georgetown. It was our great pleasure to work and worship with Gini, and we wish her success in her new position.

The outlook for 2015 is positive. We are currently at 377 pledging units compared to 354 units at this time last year, with over $1,000,000 in pledges. The Finance Committee and Vestry have prepared a balanced budget that includes a 2.7% salary increase for the staff while still fully providing for the continuation of our ministries.

With many thanks to the efforts of Kaye Edwards, we continue to focus on our Church School classes. Correcting the trend of low class attendance continues to be a focus and key goal for St. John’s.

At this time of year, the Vestry says goodbye to those members whose terms are coming to an end. We thank Mike Becraft, Carrie Garland and Michelle Mangrum for their commitment and service to our church. We are indebted to them as a congregation for their contributions to our community.

St. John’s continues to flourish. It is a well-run institution with renowned music and inspiring preaching, thanks to the combined efforts of our Rector and his wonderful staff. It is a privilege to worship and serve with you in this vibrant and sacred community on Lafayette Square.

Hilary West Acting Senior Warden

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ACOLYTES AND CRUCIFERS REPORT Our acolytes and crucifers contribute to the dignity of our church services. Those who volunteer for this duty are essential to our worship at St. John’s; we thank the 25 acolytes and 13 crucifers who make this their special ministry.

The acolytes are church school students who carry the torches at the head of the procession, and who also carry the clergy cross, which leads the clergy as they enter the church. John Kirchenbauer left for college in May, and we thank him for his many years of service. We welcome Diamond Bryant as the newest acolyte. The acolytes for the past year were: Clark Agnew Ben Garland Jett Lyerly Hugh Agnew Ellie Garland Aidan Maher Jamie Agnew Jack Garland Kosi Onwuamaegbu

Alexander Anikeeff Margaret Hampe Natachi Onwuamaegbu Audrey Anikeeff Marian Hampe Obi Onwuamaegbu Stephanie Bode Caroline Huettner Cal Wilson

Diamond Bryant Will Huettner William Wilson Thea Crouch David Kirchenbauer Bayley Garland Robert Kirchenbauer

Our crucifer corps is made up of strong-armed men and women who carry our beautiful cross at the head of the procession. We are pleased to welcome Mike Coe and Matthew Taylor to our group, while we said goodbye to Nick Bode, Renee Branch, and Wendy Fibison to “retirement”.

The crucifers for 2014 were: Paul Barkett Matt Bode Mike Coe Becky Daugherty Anne Grambsch

Andrew Hunt Stewart Jeffries Kenny Kraft Michelle Mangrum Brandon Montgomery

Thom Sinclair Matthew Taylor Dace Vidins

As with any group, we have occasional turnover and welcome new members; training sessions are included! I’d like to thank RJ Gravina, Program Coordinator, for his weekly assistance, as well as all the acolytes and crucifers who make my job a pleasure.

Deborah H. Hailey Acolyte and Crucifer Coordinator

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ADULT FORUM COMMITTEE REPORT The Committee is pleased to have presented the following speakers for the 2014 Adult Forum. We look forward to continuing our work in the New Year.

2014 Adult Forums 

January 12: Vestry Candidates’ Presentation.

Al Qaeda 2.0. The Terror Threat Today

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January 19: John McLaughlin, former Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency and Distinguished Practitioner-in-Residence at the Philip Merrill Center for Strategic Studies at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.

The President’s Devotional Daily Spiritual Readings That Inspired a President

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January 26: Joshua DuBois discussed his book The President’s Devotional, a collection of the daily readings that inspired President Obama. DuBois was the President’s spiritual advisor who also served as the director of the White House Office of Faith-based Partnerships. DuBois, who founded Values Partnership, is now an author, teacher, and speaker.

The Presidency of James Madison

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February 9: Katherine "Kat" Imhoff, President of the Montpelier Foundation (the foundation established at the President's home).

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February 16: Dr. Hunter Rawlings, President of the Association of American Universities and a Madison scholar and member of Montpelier's board.

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February 23: J.C.A. Stagg, Professor of History, University of Virginia, and Editor-in-Chief of the Papers of James Madison.

Poetry and Faith Lectio Divina: Reading with the Heart

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March 2: Gigi Bradford is chair of the Folger Shakespeare Library Poetry Board and a member of the Emily Dickinson Museum Board of Governors. She has taught poetry at Politics & Prose bookstore for almost a decade and is the inaugural recipient of the Poets House Elizabeth Kray Award for Service to Literature. She is a former director of the National Endowment for the Arts Literature Program, Center for Arts and Culture, The Academy of American Poets, and the Folger Poetry Program.

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Terrorism 

March 9: Michael Leiter, former Director of the National Counterterrorism Center and now Senior Counselor to Palantir Technologies.

Cybersecurity

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March 23: James Lewis, Director and Senior Fellow of the Strategic Technologies Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, where he writes on technology, security, and the international economy.

Parish House Renovation

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March 30: Chase Rynd, Chair of the Parish House Renovation Committee, and Sharon Park, Chair of the Committee, made a presentation on the plans for the planned 2016 renovation, including drawings of the planned modification to the connecting link between the church and Parish House and the enclosed stairwell on the east side of the building, and the floor plans demonstrating the use of space within the building.

Invisible For All To See A Poetry Book and Documentary Film Project

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April 6: The Rev. Spencer Reece, an ordained Episcopal priest and published poet, taught poetry in Our Little Roses, the only all-girl orphanage in Honduras. As the girls created their anthology of writings, a documentary film was made. Reece, along with members of the film crew, will be at the forum to talk about the poetry and the film.

A Pakistani View of the American-Pakistani Security Relationship and Its Regional and Global Implications

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May 4: Husain Haqqani, former Pakistani Ambassador to the United States. Director of the Center of International Relations, and Professor of the Practice of International Relations at Boston University.

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May 18: The Ven. Sharron Dinnie and Visitors from the Kwasa Centre, Springs, South Africa.

Immigration Crisis: Central American Children Fleeing Violence

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September 14: Ana Sol Gutiérrez, first Latina to be elected to the Maryland House of Delegates. She serves on the House Appropriations Committee and its Health and Human Resources Subcommittee. She also co-chairs the Joint Committee on Management of Public Funds and the New American Caucus, and serves on the Joint Committee for Children, Youth, and Families, and the Maryland Women’s Legislators Caucus.

Life on the Vine: Exploring the Fruits of the Holy Spirit

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September 21: The Rev. D. Andrew Olivo, St. John’s Assistant Rector. The Rev. Olivo presented what it means to be guided by the fruits of the Spirit and to be a karpos-matic Christian.

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Parish House Renovation 

September 28 (Part 1): Cal Bowie, Principal in the firm of Bowie-Gridley Architects, will present an overview of the proposed renovation of the Parish House scheduled for 2016.

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October 5 (Part 2): Chase Rynd, Chair of the Parish House Renovation Committee, and Sharon Park, Member of the Committee, continued the discussion of the renovation, including the ideas from various ministries solicited during the two-year study, and took questions from the congregation on the Committee’s work.

Privacy and Civil Liberties

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October 19: Laura Murphy, Director of the American Civil Liberties Union, Washington Legislative Office. She served as chief of staff to a California Assembly Speaker and a cabinet member for the Mayor of the District of Columbia. She has maintained strong relationships with leaders in the United States Congress and the Obama Administration to advance the ACLU’s public policy priorities including national security, criminal justice, human rights, privacy, reproductive rights, civil rights, and First Amendment issues.

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November 2: Bob Woodward is regarded as one of America’s preeminent investigative reporters for his key role in exposing Watergate. He has worked for The Washington Post since 1971 as a reporter, and is currently an associate editor of the Post. He has authored or coauthored 16 non-fiction books in the last 36 years. All 16 have been national bestsellers and 12 of them have been #1 national non-fiction bestsellers—more #1 national non-fiction bestsellers than any contemporary author. Woodward’s most recent book, The Price of Politics, was released on September 11, 2012.

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November 9: Professor Judy Fentress-Williams is Professor of Old Testament at Virginia Theological Seminary and Senior Assistant to the Pastor at Alfred Street Baptist Church. Dr. Fentress-Williams earned her A.B. in English from Princeton University, her Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School and her Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible from Yale University. Her commentary, Ruth, published in 2012 by Abingdon Press, is available in local bookstores. She is married to Kevin Williams, M.D., and they have two children, Samantha and Jacob.

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November 16: Maria Teresa Kumar, founding President and CEO of Voto Latino and an Emmy-nominated contributor with MSNBC, on Immigration. Elle named her one of the 10 most powerful women in Washington, DC. A dynamic community leader, Maria Teresa was named by Hispanic Business among the 100 most influential Latinos in America and by PODER Magazine as one of the 20 most influential Latinos under 40.

The Changing Shape of the American Religious Landscape

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November 23: Alan Cooperman is Pew Center Director of Religion Research. Before joining the Pew Research Center, he was a national reporter and editor at The Washington Post, foreign editor of U.S. News & World Report, and a foreign correspondent in Moscow and Jerusalem. He is an author of numerous Pew Research reports, including A Portrait of Jewish Americans, Mormons in America, Muslim Americans, and the U.S. Religious Knowledge Survey,

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Introduction to the Gospel of Mark 

December 7 (Part 1) and December 14 (Part 2): Professor Tony Lewis was Molly Laird Downs Professor of New Testament Languages and Literature at the Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia. He has been a commissioner for the World Council of Churches and is currently a member of the General Board of Examining Chaplains of the Episcopal Church.

Clark Ervin, Chair

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ADULT INQUIRERS’ CLASSES REPORT The Rector led two adult inquirers’ classes in 2014. Sixty newcomers participated in the classes. Each class is a two-day experience of exploring our faith, the history and tradition of the Church, and the spiritual life of the Episcopal Church and St. John’s Church in particular. The class is designed for newcomers to St. John’s; for adults seeking baptism, confirmation and reception into the Episcopal Church; and for anyone, newcomer or longtime member, interested in learning more about St. John’s and the Episcopal Church.

Spring Adult Inquirers’ Class Twenty-six newcomers attended the Rector's Spring Adult Inquirers' Class, which was held April 5 and April 26. Please welcome the following who participated in the class: Katherine and Grant Allen, Ryan Bash, Andree Bouillot, Joe Leonelli, Jessica Howard, Steuart Martens, Kathleen Huzarsky, Emily and John Lucio, Christine Namutebi, John and Jill Norris, Emily Raymond, Adelle Simmons, Lisa Stover, Anna Trudel, Brian Fleming, Blaise Warren, Emily Wilkinson, Keiko Yoshino, Matson Coxe, Ashley Rader, Claudia Cruz, Kate Russell, and Katherine Seifert.

Fall Adult Inquirers’ Class The Rector’s Fall Adult Inquirers’ Class was held November 1 and November 8. The thirtyfour newcomers attending the class were Martha Blalock, Jeff Bozman, Annie Burriss, William Burriss, Robert Carroll, Anne-Marie Cheely, Michael Coe, Ashley Coxe, Alicia Decatur, Chris Delucchi, Jeff and Linda Dienno, Lily Fardshisheh, Matt Hallett, Jeff and Katie Hantson, Karen Jeffers, Brad Kosegarten, Maggie and Troy Lyons, Paul Mandelson, Sylvia Martin-Estes, Annie McCarthy, Susan McDaid, Christopher Mufarrige, Henry Nuzum, Kip Payne, Christi Rich, Elizabeth Ritonia, Matthew Taylor, Chrishan Thuraisingham, David Trebing, Katy Vickland, and Kelly VanVoorhis.

Several members of the two classes took part either in the June or in the November 2014 Services of Confirmation at the Washington National Cathedral.

The attendance at these classes, as well as the number of new members who have transferred to St. John’s from other churches [see the Parish Register section of this report], contributes to the continued growth and vitality at St. John’s.

Kaye Edwards Assistant for Church Growth

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AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT The Canons of the Episcopal Church require that all parishes, missions, and other institutions be audited annually. The primary purpose of an audit is to ensure that financial statements for the year were prepared from the financial records and present fairly the financial position and changes in net assets and cash flows of the congregation. While the Canons permit an audit by committee where approved by a diocesan authority, audits completed by CPAs or LPAs are preferred.

An independent certified public accountant, Mr. Gerald A. Miller, P.C, of Bel Air, MD, performed an external audit of the financial statements of St. John’s Church for calendar year 2013.

Mr. Miller reported the findings of his audit in three documents: (1) Auditor’s Report with accompanying financial statements and supplemental information for St. John’s Church; (2) Auditor’s Statement and accompanying financial statements for the Elsie Howland Quinby Fund; and, (3) a letter to the Vestry and Management on internal control over financial reporting.

With respect to the financial statements and supplemental information for St. John’s Church and the financial statements for the Quinby Fund, Mr. Miller stated that, in his opinion, they “present fairly, in all material respects, the assets, liabilities, and net assets…as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and its support, revenue, and expenses for the years then ended, in accordance with the cash basis of accounting” used by St. John’s.

The letter on internal control identified those deficiencies that Mr. Miller noted while performing the audit. As he explained, deficiencies fall into two categories:  

“material weakness” (“a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies in internal control, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the entity’s financial statements will not be prevented, or detected and corrected on a timely basis.”); and, “significant deficiency” (“a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies in internal control that is less severe than a material weakness, yet important enough to merit attention by those charged with governance.”).

Importantly, no “material weaknesses” were identified during the audit. However, two “significant deficiencies” were noted: •

•

investment transactions such as interest, dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses were not recorded in the general ledger.” Accordingly, during the audit, Mr. Miller performed an analysis of the investment activity and proposed general ledger adjustments to investment accounts as an additional non-attest service. “several adjustments to the list of deposits in transit and the outstanding check list” were proposed and it was necessary for Mr. Miller to reconcile the operating checking balance as of December 31, 2013, as an additional non-attest service.”

The very same “significant deficiencies” were identified in the audit for calendar year 2012, and in previous annual audits as well. According to Mr. Miller, they are common among non-profit entities of similar size. To eliminate these deficiencies from future audit findings would require a certified public accountant to be on contract at St. John’s to perform real-time record keeping in the general ledger, which is neither necessary to maintain solid financial records and accounting practices, nor cost effective.

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The Audit Committee met with Mr. Miller on Tuesday, November 18, 2014 at St. John’s Church to review and discuss his findings. The following parish members were present: Virginia Bader, Krista Becker, Mike Becraft, Michael Jones, Frank Klotz (Audit Committee chair), and Riley Temple (senior warden). Immediately following the meeting with the Audit Committee, Mr. Miller finalized and signed all three documents for submission to the Diocese as required by the Canons of the Episcopal Church.

Frank Klotz Chair

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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION REPORT Sunday school is a place where students of all ages can explore their faith in ways that are engaging and respectful of others. Learning about the Good News ought to be enjoyable, and it ought to celebrate people in all of their diversity. Our teachers are outstanding and are dedicated to your children and teens.

Summer and the One-Room Schoolhouse In keeping with the relaxed pace of summer, St. John’s held a “one-room schoolhouse” for 10 weeks last summer, using the Holy Moly curriculum from Spark House publishers (a subsidiary of Augsburg Fortress). The Holy Moly curriculum (which you can learn about here: http://wearesparkhouse.org/kids/holymoly/) is designed for students in K-4th grade. Last summer we learned about some of the major stories of the Old Testament. The following parishioners volunteered to teach at least one class during the summer: Annie Simpson Froehlich, Tiffany Manchester, Heather Wilson, Jessica Pulsifer, TJ and Karis Parnham, Pamela Venzke, Carrie Garland, Bessie Doffermyre, Collin and Kenlyn Klamper, Jessica Pulsifer, Sara McGanity, Kristin Shaulis, Quin Woodward Pu, and Kylie Jimenez.

The New School Year – Fall 2013 With the exception of our youngest children, who use the Godly Play curriculum, our other classes have begun our third year with the Spark House curriculum. Each student in grades 2 and above now has his or her own Bible, integrated with the curriculum, to encourage a lifetime of exploring Scripture.

Kids in pre-K through 1st grade use Godly Play, a hands-on Montessori program that is respected across denominations.

Grades 2 and 3 use Spark, a lectionary-based program that uses age-appropriate games and activities to explore the lessons. Each student receives a Spark Bible to write in, put stickers in, and make their own. Learn more about Spark at http://wearesparkhouse.org/kids/spark/.

Grades 4-6 use Connect, which was developed specifically for preteens. Classes often start with a quirky, funny video that introduces the day's story and connects it with a major Biblical theme.

Then, using their Connect Bibles (and/or games and activities) the students discover how the day's story relates to other Biblical stories and to their own lives. Watch a sample video: http://wearesparkhouse.org/kids/connect/.

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Grades 7-12 started a new pattern in the fall. The students asked to attend church so they could hear the sermon. They leave at the exchange of the Peace for class to discuss the sermon and other topics they choose. They also have available for their use re:Form, a curriculum that introduces our Biblical ancestors in ways that help us to see them as real people, and that also explores important questions like, "Who wrote the Bible?" The second resource is a 12-part curriculum called Echo the Story. This series tells the whole Salvation story arc in 12 stories, using imaginative story-telling and interesting prompts to help the teens see themselves - and their lives - in the stories. The teens have developed their discussions in their own community on Sundays, and we encourage everyone in grades 7-10 to attend. The class volunteered during November to help the Outreach Committee sort clothes for the clothing drive. They also held a very successful bake sale on December 14, raising $1190.00 (a record for a bake sale at St. John’s). The students asked that the money be donated to the Bishop Walker School for Boys, a school for low-income children in Anacostia.

Sunday School for ISJ The Sunday school for the Iglesia San Juan (ISJ) congregation is energetic and full of wonder, as we continue to build Christian community throughout the whole St. John's/ISJ family. The Sunday School for ISJ meets as a one-room schoolhouse at 1:00 p.m. Diana Franco leads the class.

Teachers Our teachers are committed to being with your children and youth, and they are a blessing to the whole parish community. Please take a few moments to get to know them. We are delighted and impressed with this great group of teachers, who have embraced your children – and their ministry – with excitement and joy.

Godly Play: Nicole Crochet, Laura Doucet, Frances Hampe, and Kylie Jimenez.

Helpers: Virginia Bader, Jennifer Charney, Tiffany Manchester, Alfred Thesmar, and Jennifer Lehmann Weng.

2nd – 3rd grade: Annie Simpson Froehlich, Karis Gong Parnham, TJ Parnham, and Keiko Yoshino.

4th – 6th grade: Carrie Garland, Chrystal Martin, John Martin, and Annie McCarthy 7th – 10th grade: Austin Magnuson, Virginia Pasley, Quin Woodward Pu, and Emily Raymond.

ISJ: Diana Franco.

Art Show Thanks to Tiffany Manchester, students in all the Sunday school classes worked on an art project.

Their work was displayed in May and June. Some of the work is hanging in the entryway on the second floor of the Parish House and in the classrooms.

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Christmas Eve Pageant 2014 Church School students are the main source for the members of the cast for the pageant, and most of the volunteers are parents of Church School students. Special thanks to Pamela Venzke, our Pageant Director, and all those who contributed to the production of the Pageant.

St. John’s Christmas Pageant Cast: Narrators: Bayley Garland and Jamie Agnew Mary: Juliet Faris Joseph: Gabriel Morrison Baby Jesus: Elizabeth Sue Martin Donkey: Delia Garza Jimenez Elizabeth: Annie Garland Baby John: Hall Elizabeth Meadows Mead Angel Gabriel: Luke Morrison Angel of the Lord: Thea Crouch Star of Bethlehem: Elise Doucet Lead Angels: Sofia Hermoza, Adrianna Leckow, and Elizabeth Thesmar Angels: Bobby Barnes, Ella Barnes, Gloria Burkhardt, Katherine Charney, Samantha Hermoza, Amelie Mertins-Miller, Victoria Mertins-Miller, Matilda Rossbach, and Lily Venzke Lead Shepherds: Dean Collins, Jack Garland, and William Wilson Shepherds: Adam Charney, Benjamin Garland, John Morrison, Ugochukwu Owunwanne, Wesley Paty, Cooper Thesmar, Alexander Lehmann Weng, Oliver Lehmann Weng, and Sebastian Lehmann Weng Animals at the Stable: Ellie Paty, Nicholas Schoeneman, Bella Storm, Bentley Storm, Lulu Storm, and Caroline Lehmann Weng Back Stage and Other Pageant Volunteers: Barbara Burkhardt, Jennifer Charney, Carolyn Gardner, Sandy Graves, Susan Lewis, Araceli Ma, Chrystal Martin, Elizabeth Morrison, Felicia Owunwanne, Owen Owunwanne, Karis Gong Parnham, TJ Parnham, Margaux Polanski, Katrina Robson, Laurie Rossbach, and Patrick Venzke.

Kaye Edwards Assistant for Church Growth

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CHURCH GROWTH COMMITTEE REPORT The Church Growth Committee’s work is focused on the visibility and continued growth of St. John’s. In 2014, the Church welcomed sixty-four new members through transfer of membership from another church, by adult baptism, or by taking part in a service of confirmation, reception, and reaffirmation of baptismal vows.

The committee oversees strategy for external communications, and is pleased to welcome Serina Freeman as Communications Coordinator at St. John’s. Serina works with the committee on the design and preparation of outdoor banners, Facebook advertisements, website design and mailings. Serina attends every other meeting of the growth committee. Facebook advertising has been an effective and low cost method of highlighting events at St. John’s, such as the adult forum and music festivals.

The following chart shows age demographics at St. John’s as of the beginning of January 2015. Please note that the chart includes only the information for parishioners who submit data (such as birthdays) and those who wish to include their information on the database. The total membership number is actually higher, but the chart gives a reliable snapshot of demographics at St. John’s.

In 2014 the committee began a series of meetings with various ministries within St. John’s.

The purpose of these meetings is to encourage discussion about how specific ministries tie into church growth. In September we had meetings with representatives from the Outreach Committee to talk about the visibility of St. John’s outreach projects and programs. Outreach ministry so clearly demonstrates St. John’s commitment to the wider community in the Washington area and the world. The growth committee is designing, with Serina Freeman, a brochure on behalf of Outreach that will be available at the church entrance, illustrating outreach work at St. John’s with information on volunteer opportunities. The Rev. Andy Olivo also attended this meeting and shared valuable insights and experience on church growth.

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In November, we met with representatives from the Ushers’ Guild. The ushers are often the first point of contact for new members or inquirers, and we were pleased to share ideas of how St. John’s can extend an even warmer welcome to newcomers. On November 16 the committee hosted the Parish Lunch to recognize parishioners who had recently joined St. John’s. We were pleased to report that 100 attended.

The growth committee was sad to say goodbye to Betsy Daise who had served as chair until Betsy and her husband Thad moved to South Carolina at Easter. We would also like to extend our thanks to Collin Klamper and Kenlyn McGrew Klamper for their past service to the committee.

Active Growth Committee members include: Andrew Clarke, Chair; Kaye Edwards, Staff; Andrew Hunt, Jessica Johnson, Michael McDowell, Robin Pennington, Adelle Simmons, Peter Tchoukaleff, and Quinn Woodward Pu. Many thanks to the committee members for their creativity and hard work.

Andrew Clarke Chair

Kaye Edwards Staff Representative

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EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY REPORT Parish support of the Education for Ministry (EfM) program, in its twenty-second year at St. John’s, has a robust legacy. Fifty six people have completed the program through our parish, many others have participated for one year or more; nine students currently continue to pursue their studies and explorations one evening weekly in the Parish House throughout the school year. Four of these will graduate in May 2015. Most of these participants are parishioners, although we also have benefited from welcoming other recruits who have enriched the texture of our community with their ministries; some have been members of our weekday parish, others belong to a different branch of God’s church. At least two study groups in other parishes have spun off from this one, facilitated by trained lay leaders who are spurred by the power of study, reflection and growth within a small community of seekers where we grow in faith and love.

Learners register for one year of study at a time. The first year investigates Hebrew scriptures, the second takes up the New Testament, the third broadly covers Church History, and a fourth year focuses on issues in theology. The program forms excellent preparation for future leadership in the church by grounding our ministries in sound theological understanding and reflection.

EfM sets itself apart from other courses of bible study through its combination of stimulating graduate-level theological studies with a thorough exploration of our call to live out our baptismal covenants through the many and varied ministries we exercise on a daily basis. Prayer, study, worship, conversation, theological reflection, laughter and gathering around a common table are among the joys discovered anew along the way. In our time together we learn to put together and lead worship services; we develop a vocabulary with which to describe our faith journey; we share personal stories and discover their universal dimensions; we spend time with the big questions, reflecting theologically. This year’s study theme has been “living faithfully in a multicultural world”.

Want to be part of this journey? Want to know if there might be another EFM group closer to your place of work or home, or meeting at a better time for you? There will be openings at St. Johns in the fall of 2015, so please contact EFM mentors Joanne Hutton, 703 522-7960 or joannerhutton@gmail.com, and Lyle Elder, 703 307-1133 or D.Lyle.Elder@gmail.com, for more information, and visit the website at www.sewanee.edu/EFM/. You may read excerpts of the curriculum online.

Joanne Hutton Chair

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FLOWER GUILD REPORT The Flower Guild is a satisfying way of serving God through St. John’s Church.

Guild members are rewarded not only by the opportunity for artistic expression while enhancing the beauty of the church, but also by the bonds of friendship that are formed while working with one another. Typically a team of two members volunteer their time to arrange flowers for Sunday services, weddings, baptisms, funerals, memorial services, and other special events. Easter and Christmas are especially challenging and fun as all available hands join in to prepare the church in celebration.

The past year has seen an influx of new members who are paired with more experienced ‘mentor’ members during arranging sessions. Mentors teach both technique and the artistry of flower arranging.

This fall, floral designer and National Cathedral Flower Guild Member Louise Lynn taught a special flower arranging class to the group. Louise shared the fundamentals and introduced fresh ideas to new and veteran members of our group. A fun lunch in the Parish Hall followed the class.

After serving many years as Co-Chair, Pamela Venzke decided to resign her leadership position, but she will fortunately remain a member of the Guild. We thank Pamela for her friendship, her ever-present warm smile, and her calm organizational skills. We are very pleased that talented Pat Dalby is now working with the Guild as the new Co-Chair.

We appreciate Anne Harrington who continues to serve as our delightful Wedding Coordinator. And, we would also like to thank Wande Johnson for organizing the purchase of ‘proper aprons’ monogramed with the St. John’s logo so we can keep our clothes clean as we arrange.

Thank you to all of the members who are part of our Flower Guild team: Sarah Agnew Karolina Arias Paul Barkett Ryan Bash Krista Becker Renée Branch Della Brooks-Healey Pat Dalby Sharon DeAngelis Susan Flanigan Barbie Harper Anne Harrington Lily Happi Joanne Hutton Wande Johnson Kristin Josey

Sherill Mason Nicole Kleman Neufeld Julia Koster Katherine Kyle Elizabeth Lewis Morgan Morris Liz Morin Jonathan Nateghi-Asli Mary Raether Allie Raether Laurie Rossbach Adelle Simmons Sherry Stanley Jennifer Urquhart Pamela Farrell Venzke Erin Waddle

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If you are interested in becoming a member, please feel free to contact me at carsonkyle@gmail.com.

Katherine Kyle Chair

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GREETERS’ MINISTRY REPORT Members of St. John’s Greeters welcome visiting guests and potential new members each Sunday, providing information on the church and on the variety of Christian Formation programs offered. The Greeters are the people you see standing near the clergy as you exit the church after services.

Greeters encourage newcomers to attend the Forum after the 9:00 a.m. service and the Hospitality Hour and Parish Lunch following the 11:00 a.m. service, so that newcomers can meet parishioners and so that we can learn more about our guests’ interests and needs.

We encourage all members of the parish, as members of one body, to consider joining this enthusiastic group. Only a small amount of time is required and the service provided is invaluable.

RJ Gravina, St. John’s Programs Coordinator, makes the schedules and sends them from the Church Office.

If you are interested in joining the Greeters Committee, please contact RJ Gravina in the Church Office.

The names of St. John’s Greeters are as follows: Robin Anderson Carolyn Becraft Mike Becraft Lilibet Hagel Geraldine Hayhurst Max Hudgins Barbara Johnston Mac Johnston Patricia Leslie Susan Lewis Clayton Lewis Ed McLean Stephen O’Shields Marshall Reinsdorf Anne Stewart Peter Thompson Fred Webber Robin Webber Richard Young Catherine Zeller Kris Zeller Kaye Edwards Staff Representative

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IGLESIA SAN JUAN REPORT St. John’s 1:00 p.m. service, better known as Iglesia San Juan (St. John’s church in Spanish) is a vibrant multigenerational Hispanic community. The current community evolved from the Misión San Juan (St. John’s Mission) community hosted by St. John’s church several years ago, the first Latino Ministry in Diocese of Washington.

This year Iglesia San Juan had the Rev. Juan Pastor as the priest supporting the service and coordinating the activities like main celebrations and sacraments.

Vision and Mission Iglesia San Juan as the oldest Episcopal Latino service in the Diocese of Washington is a referral for other communities. We are like a “small church” where most of the members have the opportunity to meet each other.

Iglesia San Juan parishioners are integrated with Saint John’s parish life in different bilingual events, hosting lunches, sharing music; the integration goes beyond with the participation of some members in different Church Committees and in the Vestry. At the same time Iglesia San Juan community is integrated with the life of the Latino Ministry of the Diocese of Washington, participating in diverse activities together with the other Latino communities.

Christian Education The most important event we had this year was our participation in “Nuevo Amanecer 2014” the national encounter and training for Latino Ministries that runs one year after another at Kanuga Conference Center in North Carolina. The theme of this year was “Tiempo de Misión” (“Mission Time”). One big milestone of this conference was the participation of Lutheran clergy and lays. “Nuevo Amanecer 2016” will be organized as a joint effort Episcopal-Lutheran; this is even one step forward.

Following our participation in Nuevo Amanecer, we replicated some of the workshops in a workshop retreat for the rest of the parishioners of San Juan.

The parishioners of the Women Ministry ‘YO SOY” (I AM) organized a retreat on June 2014 for the Hispanic women members of ISJ. We had the cooperation of Seminarian Sarah Taylor as a lecturer in the retreat which strengthens the relationship between the Latino and Anglo community of the church. The Women Ministry provides a space for counseling and Christian Education for the Latino Community.

As an additional space for meditation, we had biblical studies some Sunday mornings before the service with the participation of several members.

Two children from Iglesia San Juan between 4th grade to 9th grade went to EDOW camp (the Diocese of Washington summer camp program).

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Sunday school at the 1:00 p.m. service counted with the support of volunteers from Saint John’s following the legacy of the Rev. Virginia Gerbasi and also of mothers of ISJ. The education runs in English because many of our children are more fluent in English. Sunday school attendance varies, sometimes there were up to fourteen children. During Christmas a beautiful musical performance was organized with several kids singing in English and Spanish.

Sacraments In 2014 we had one baptism service. As in the past this event attracted several new visitors and eventually new members.

Outreach Support ISJ Members collaborated with the Outreach Committee in two events: Sundays and Clothing Drive.

Sandwich

For second consecutive year in Christmas we hosted a service to deliver Saint John´s Toy Drive presents to children with special needs as recommended by AJE (Advocates for Justice and Education).

Stewardship In November 16 we had a special pledge service to present our pledge cards to the church and to pray for the work we have and the opportunity to give. We have new members pledging this year.

Fernando Hermoza and Damaris Rivera ISJ Steering Committee Co-chairs

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INVESTMENT COMMITTEE REPORT The Investment Committee’s responsibility is to assist in the oversight and management of the church’s endowment. The members of the Committee in 2014 consisted of: Luis León, Riley Temple, Hilary West, Krista Becker, Lilibet Hagel, Virginia Bader, and Larry Redway.

Brown Advisory was retained in 2011 to handle the day-to-day management of the church’s portfolio. The Investment Committee met twice during 2014 with representatives of Brown Advisory. During these meetings, committee members and representatives of Brown Advisory discussed the performance of the church’s endowment accounts over the course of the year, developments in national and international debt and equity markets that could affect the church’s portfolio, and Brown Advisory’s assessment of likely changes in financial markets in 2015.

The church’s portfolio benefitted substantially in 2014 from the strong performance of US equity stocks. As in 2013, fixed income investments continued to pose a challenge as shortterm interest rates remained at near zero so the asset allocation continued to overweight equities while de-emphasizing bonds.

In January 2014, the Vestry reviewed and approved a Revised Investment Committee Policy Statement prepared by the Investment Committee. The changes to the original Investment Policy Statement are intended to give Brown Advisory additional flexibility in diversifying the church’s portfolio into more profitable investment areas while retaining the core focus on equity investments. The Investment committee’s expectation is that this will enhance the ability of Brown Advisory to continue to increase the value of the church’s endowment over time.

Krista Becker Chair

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LAFAYETTE FELLOWSHIP REPORT Lafayette Steering Committee: Anne Grambsch, Marilyn Jenkins, Leah Proffitt, Hilary West.

All are welcome! The Lafayette Fellowship is open to all adults–parishioners, visitors and guests–and gathers regularly at 6:45 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month at the church.

These gatherings provide attendees an opportunity to talk, eat and get to know one another outside of Sunday worship services. With our Rector as the clergy lead for Lafayette, parishioners have a chance to interact with and get to know Luis better outside of Sunday worship services as well.

In 2014, we met our goal of setting a good balance of spirituality and fellowship. We added Evening Prayer, led by a Lafayette volunteer, to the beginning of each of our evenings together followed by our planned monthly event. Our prayer time together enriched our fellowship community. We also changed the day of our events to Tuesday evenings following the monthly vestry meeting to provide a time when more parishioners could attend.

We had a banner year of events in 2014: January: MPD Chief Cathy Lanier spoke to a filled church nave about policing in our Nation’s capital while coordinating with agencies such as DHS, FBI, Secret Service, and more. She was delightful, smart, funny, and captured the audience.

February: Our own parishioner and professional chef, Neil Wilson, wowed us with a cooking show. Afterwards, we all ate the well-prepared meal.

March: The Rev. Margaret Gunther joined us for dinner and then spoke to us about prayer and praying. The Rev. Gunther is a gifted writer and author of many books to include the Episcopal Church’s new teaching series book The Practice of Prayer.

April: Lafayette Fellowship hosted the Parish’s annual Seder for Holy Week.

May: The Venerable Sharron Dinnie from the Kwasa Center, South Africa provided a talk guided by her pictures about the school and how our partnership is helping to make a difference in the lives of the children who attend the school.

September: We began Evening Prayer in September and we welcomed our new assistant Rector, Andrew Olivo, with a Rector led wine tasting event – always a favorite! Leah Proffitt gave the Evening Prayer homily.

October: Evening Prayer with homily (Anne Grambsch) followed by Oktoberfest with beer and brats and a haunted tour of Lafayette Park.

November: We joined with the Latrobe group for Holy Eucharist and then dined on pizza while listening to Mr. Pat Sergott of the Protection Institute give a presentation on techniques to improve personal safety and security while in public places.

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December: Evening Prayer and then for Advent, Virginia Theological Seminary’s New Testament Professor, John Yieh, led a discussion of the Gospel birth narratives. He was fantastic and very entertaining.

In addition to our monthly gatherings, Lafayette Fellowship hosted a number of outings including Nationals baseball and a personalized tour at the National Gallery of Art by fellow parishioner and docent Susan Lewis. We also hosted a Super Bowl themed parish lunch as well as the Seder feast held during Holy Week.

Lafayette Fellowship is excited for another active, fun year in 2015 and looks forward to welcoming new members.

Hilary West Chair

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LATROBE FELLOWSHIP FOR YOUNG ADULTS REPORT Latrobe Steering Committee: Mike Coe, Whitley Herndon, Laura Hohnsbeen, Jessica Johnson, Michael Jones, Kelly Merrifield, TJ Parnham, Anthony Pegues, Katherine Seifert, Peter Tchoukaleff, and Keiko Yoshino The Latrobe Fellowship is an active, energetic, joy-filled group of young adults at St. John’s Church. Latrobers are single and married adults in their 20s and 30s who find themselves at different places in their life and on their spiritual journeys.

Developing and deepening relationships with God and other young adults is very important to us. We gather on the First Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. for a joyful celebration of the Holy Eucharist (Communion). Following the service we gather together for dinner, fellowship, and an opportunity to learn about food, faith, wine, the Episcopal Church, and a variety of other topics throughout the year.

It’s a great joy to work with the Latrobe Steering Committee as we organize the First Wednesday gatherings and other events throughout the church year. In 2014 Latrobers have gathered for a champagne tasting, Lenten reflections, a Kentucky Derby night, two wine tastings, a German-fest, a joint evening with the Lafayette Fellowship on personal safety and security, and Advent cookie decorating.

Latrobers also actively participate in the larger life of St. John’s Church by serving on Sunday mornings at ushers, greeters, readers, chalice bearers, musicians, lunch cooks, children’s Sunday school teachers, and in many other ways. Young adults have worked on many different outreach projects, including Habitat for Humanity, the Christmas toy drive, the clothing drive, W.I.N., and Grace’s Table.

As we move into 2015 you can continue to expect to see young adults active and engaged in the good work that is being done in this church and community.

I am very grateful for the opportunity to get to work with so many dedicated, talented, and fun young adults at St. John’s Church. I give thanks to God for calling me to serve here, and I look forward to the year ahead.

The Rev. D. Andrew Olivo Assistant Rector

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MUSIC MINISTRY REPORT The Music Program at St. John’s Church has as its core ministry leading the music for worship fifty-two Sundays each year, feast days, weddings, memorial services, major parish events, festival services, and church concerts. To that end, we invite both professional and volunteer singers to join our choral program, to rehearse weekly, and to offer in worship the finest sacred and liturgical music from the ages and our own day. We are fortunate to have one of the finest pipe organs in the Washington area. In addition, through the generosity of parishioners and friends of St. John’s, we are able to engage, from time to time, skilled instrumentalists to augment our organ and choral resources.

This past year, our two adults choirs, The Parish Choir (volunteers) and the St. John’s Choir (staff singers) led the music for over 100 services in 2014: 91 regular Sunday mornings and ten special services, including five Music Festival Eucharists, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday, plus weddings, funerals and parish parties. People who sing together also enjoy opportunities for social interaction, and so we joined together for dinners, parties, and workshops. We also created several opportunities to incorporate musicians from Iglesia San Juan, including the Advent Party and bi-lingual Sunday services.

Here is the current membership of our Choirs: Parish Choir: Annette Anfinrud, Caroline Baxter, Letha Dolza, Whitley Herndon, Margy Love, Kathy Luhrman, and Christina Wilson, Sopranos; Alison Adkins, Barbara Burkhardt, Cay Buser, Wendy Fibison, Laura Hohnsbeen, Jessica Johnson, Lisa Koehler, LaFleur Paysour, Katharine McClintic, and Robin Rotman, Altos; Tyson Anderson, Philip Anfinrud, Craig Burkhardt, Matthew Hill, Jonathan Nateghi-Asli, and William Yale, Tenors; Jeffrey Bozman, Matthew Gaziano, Christopher Jones, and Ankit Saraf, Basses.

St. John’s Choir: Annette Anfinrud, Sara MacKimmie, and Joan McFarland, Sopranos; Sarah Davis, Lisa Koehler, and Barbara Van Woerkom, Altos; William Edwards, Matthew Hill, and Benjamin Pattison, Tenors; Christopher Jones, Thomas Stork, and Brandon Straub, Basses.

In 2014, we celebrated at a memorial service in St. John’s the life of long-time Parish Choir bass Larry Olsen, who died in the spring after a courageous battle with Alzeihmer’s and related illnesses. We also celebrated the birth is Vincent Matthew Gaziano, son of Parish Choir bass Matt Gaziano and Adrienne Gaziano. And we look forward to a Parish Choir wedding in the coming year.

Music for Festival Services Thanks to the generosity of parishioners and friends of St. John’s and our Ushers Guild, we are able to augment our music on Music Festival Sundays and Christmas Eve with instruments including strings, brass, and percussion instruments. Festival Services in 2014 included:

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          

March 2, Music Festival Service: St. John’s Choir with Dan Dufford Jazz Trio April 20, Easter Day, sung by St. John’s and Parish Choirs with brass quintet and timpani May 12, Guest Choir: Episcopal High School, Alexandria VA, Brandon Straub, Director June 16, Music Festival Service: St. John’s Choir with Choir of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, London June 16, Choral Concert: Choir of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, London, Andrew Earis, director June 19, Music Festival Service: Closing Eucharist for Association of Anglican Musicians Conference October 8, Choral Workshop with composer Will Todd October 13, Music Festival Service: “Sing a New Song”: Choral Music from the Centuries November 24, A Service of Readings and Music in Celebration of the Church Year, sung by the St. John’s Choir December , Sunday, 11:00 a.m., Annual Festival of Lessons and Carols, sung by the St. John’s Choir December 24, Music for Christmas Eve, with Chamber Orchestra (Charpentier, Messe de Minuit pour Noel)

The Music Festival Services are funded entirely by the gifts of benefactors, and these gifts are always gratefully received. Please consider sponsoring a Festival Service as a meaningful way to mark a special occasion in the life of the church or in your own life. Contact Director of Music Ben Hutto (bhutto@cathedral.org) or Parish Financial Secretary Betsy Heine (Betsy.Heine@stjohnsdc.org).

First Wednesday Concert Series and Visiting Choirs Our Associate Organist and Choir Director, Michael Lodico, once again organized nine superb First Wednesday midday concerts in 2014, using not only talent from our music staff but also outstanding artists from the Washington area and the mid-Atlantic region. This past year completed the fourth seasons of these concerts and the beginning of the fifth season, which attract not only parishioners and friends of the parish, but also workers from neighborhood offices, retired persons and a loyal group of senior adults from local retirement communities.        

January 9, Richard Fitzgerald, Organist: Improvisations on St. John’s Stained Glass Windows February 6, Soloists from St. John’s Choir, with Michael Lodico, Organist March 6, Dongho Lee, Concert Organist April 3, United States Air Force Strings, with Michael Lodico, Organ May 7, Easter Praise: Benjamin Hutto, Organ; Scott Wood, Trumpet June 4, Alan Morrison, Organ Virtuoso October 1, United States Army Chorus November 5, Greg Morris, Organist, The Temple Church, London

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

December 3, St. Albans and National Cathedral School Madrigal Singers, Benjamin Hutto, Director

I give thanks that I continually enjoy the leadership, support, inspiration and camaraderie of our Clergy, Vestry, and parishioners, and, of course, of our wonderful volunteer and staff singers. I am grateful particularly grateful for the help and support of our Associate Organist and Choir Director, Michael Lodico, our choir personnel manager, Lisa Koehler, and our choir librarian, Barbara Van Woerkom. All of us who lead music at St. John’s feel most fortunate to have a part each week in continuing two centuries of worship and witness on Lafayette Square.

Dr. Benjamin Hutto Director of Music Ministry and Organist

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OUTREACH COMMITTEE REPORT As Christians, we are called at Baptism to “seek and serve Christ in all persons.” At St. John’s, our Outreach ministries are focused on partnerships to serve others, both here and abroad. In 2014, the Outreach Committee continued to build many of our long-standing partnerships, and renewed or initiated other important partnerships. Hundreds of parishioners and friends were involved in Outreach during 2014, and we supported and served a variety of communities in Washington, DC, South Africa, and Jerusalem. The Outreach budget was increased from $110,000 to $114,000 in 2014, and the Committee is grateful to the Vestry for this generous allotment. Our resources were allocated as follows: EDUCATION: $23,000

   

Communities in Schools of the Nation’s Capital Garfield Elementary School Bishop Walker School Iglesia San Juan College Fund

$10,000 5,000 3,000 5,000

St. John’s provided significant support to Communities in Schools of the Nation’s Capital (CISNCAP) through funding for the general operations of the organization and through the time and talent of its parishioners both as volunteers in schools and on the Board of Directors. CISNCAP’s mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. To do that, CISNCAP places a Site Coordinator in each of its partner schools whose responsibilities are focused on case management, targeted interventions, whole school prevention services, and parent engagement. Our parishioners work with the Site Coordinator at Garfield Elementary School (Ward 8) to provide a tutoring program. St. John’s volunteers arrive at the school at 1 pm on Wednesdays and review the material that has been prepared for each student. Tutoring occurs in half hour increments until 4 pm, followed by a debrief facilitated by a faculty member.

Bishop Walker School, born of the Diocese of Washington, is a tuition-free institution for children in kindergarten through fourth grade. St. John’s provides a variety of support for the school, including financial support and books to students as part of our annual Christmas toy drive.

In 2014, St. John’s continued our Iglesia San Juan (ISJ) College Fund to help students from the parish afford a college education. This year we split the scholarship funds between two students. Each student submitted an application detailing their educational plans and their goals in seeking a college diploma.

PARTNERSHIPS: $47,200  Grace’s Table South Africa:  Kwasa Centre, South Africa  Diocese of the Highveld, for clergy education  Travel from South Africa

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$7,200 $15,000 5,000 5,000

Diocese of Jerusalem  St. Paul’s Shafr’Amr  American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (AFEDJ)  St. Paul’s School  Travel to the Holy Land

4,379 3,380 3,380 3,861

This year the Outreach Committee continued to build our partnership with Grace’s Table, an outreach ministry of Grace Episcopal Church in Georgetown. This fellowship prepares and shares a meal at 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays for persons who are homeless or on the margins of being homeless. Starting in September 2013, we have committed to providing volunteers to host Grace’s Table on the third Saturday of each month. Teams of 3–5 volunteers purchased and prepared the food, and then gathered with guests to eat and socialize together. The number of guests has varied from about 40 to 50, in addition to volunteers. This wonderful local partnership enables St. John’s parishioners to make an impact close to home and build relationships within our community. This year we provided a $5,000 donation to support the operating costs for Grace’s Table, and allocated the remainder of the funds to reimburse volunteers for the cost of the food they prepared and served.

The South African Companion Group partners with the Kwasa Centre and the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in the Diocese of the Highveld to provide education and other services to children living in an informal settlement near Johannesburg. A group from the Kwasa Centre visited St. John’s in May. Our budget was allocated to donations to Kwasa Centre and the Diocese of Highveld, and to offset some travel costs for the trip.

St. John’s continues to partner with the Diocese of Jerusalem. In 2014, parishioners from St. John’s planned to travel to the Holy Land, but were forced to cancel the trip due to the security situation in the region. While some travel costs were not recoverable, unused funds were reallocated as donations to our partners at St. Paul’s Shafr’Amr, the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (AFEDJ), and St. Paul’s School. We look forward to reinvigorating the partnership and continuing our in-person visits in the future.

HOUSING: $15,300   

Rebuilding Together Pathways to Housing Habitat for Humanity

$9,000 1,000 5,300

April saw the return of our parish’s Rebuilding Together home repair project. This year we worked on the home of Mrs. Hopkins in Northeast DC. Long-time captains John Welsh and George Bowker led an enthusiastic group of parishioners of all ages in making various improvements to the home, including structural repairs to the back porch, dry wall and plaster repair, hanging doors, painting, caulking windows, and installing stair railings. Through more than 20 years of partnership with Rebuilding Together, we have brought warmth, joy, and much-needed repairs to many Washington homes.

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In addition to receiving financial support from St. John’s, Pathways to Housing is the beneficiary of items donated by parishioners to our semi-annual clothing drives. This year, we grew our partnership with Pathways as they took a greater role in helping to distribute the donations to appropriate community organizations throughout Washington DC. In 2014, the Outreach Committee renewed our partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Washington DC. On September 20, 2014, a group of approximately 20 volunteers from St. John’s came together to work with a community family to build an affordable, energy- and resource-efficient home. This year’s project was in the Ivy City neighborhood in Northeast Washington. Budget funds included a $5,000 donation, which goes towards construction supplies, and $300 to provide lunch and refreshments to the volunteers.

IMMIGRATION: $5,000 This year Outreach supported ISJ in sending three children to attend the Episcopal Diocese of Washington summer camp at Lions Camp in Merrick, MD. The goal of the camp is to promote the spiritual and emotional development of children, youth, and young adults through fostering a safe and positive environment. The week-long residential camp was attended by children from 18 congregations, enabling the ISJ attendees to meet and build relationships with other young members of the Christian community.

EVENTS: $1,500    

Sandwich Sunday ($600 x 2) Food Drive Clothing Drive Toy Drive

$1,200 300

In 2014, St. John’s parishioners again gathered after the 11:00 a.m. service on two separate occasions (once in April and once in October) for Sandwich Sunday, an outreach ministry that provides sandwiches to Martha’s Table. Materials for each Sandwich Sunday were purchased at Costco for approximately $600. With an output of about 1,000 sandwiches each time, that means that each sandwich was made at a cost of less than 60 cents, making it one of our most cost effective ministries. Approximately 50 people participated each time, enabling us to assemble the sandwiches in less than 30 minutes.

The Outreach Committee held a Food Drive for the Capital Area Food Bank during the Lenten season. Parishioners donated nonperishable food items and paper products to church.

This year, were collected a total of 309 pounds of items to support feeding programs in the Washington DC area.

St. John’s continued our tradition of hosting twice-annual Clothing Drives, again to great success. This year, we built our relationship with Pathways to Housing, and developed a new relationship with Keys for the Homeless to help distribute the generous donations to needy populations. In the Spring drive alone, St. John’s donating more than 140 bags of clothing.

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The annual Christmas Toy Drive collected books, clothing, and other gifts for more than 150 children. We worked with four organizations to collect children’s Christmas wishes and distribute gifts: Bishop Walker School (BWS), Southeast White House, St. John’s Community Services, and Advocates for Justice and Education. The toy drive budget was used to purchase gifts for the few children for whom parishioners did not return gifts; to purchase wrapping supplies; and to provide lunch for the volunteer “elves” who participated in the wrapping party on December 13.

DONATIONS: $19,500      

Downtown Cluster of Congregations IONA Senior Services Samaritan Ministries Washington Interfaith Network Seabury Resources on Aging Epiphany Mission Center

$7,000 1,500 2,000 3,000 1,000 5,000

EMERGENCY REQUESTS: $2,500 

American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem / Al Ahi Hospital

$2,500

In July, the Outreach Committee received a request through the Diocese of Washington to help the Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza. Al Ahli Arab Hospital is a small, highly respected hospital operated by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. Following air strikes, the hospital appealed for aid as it struggled to provide critical healthcare services to those in need. The Outreach Committee provided a $2,500 donation to support the hospital.

In addition to the ministries outlined above, St. John’s continued our partnership with So Others Might Eat (SOME). Parishioners pick up an empty casserole pan in the Parish House, fill it with a casserole, and drop it off in the basement freezer. The casseroles feed homeless and low-income persons in DC. Kelly Merrifield and Lisa Beury-Russo Outreach Committee Co-chairs

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PARISH HOUSE COMMITTEE REPORT During 2014 the Parish House Committee: 1. Advanced the elements in the proposed design of the Parish House.

2. Received concept approval from the DC SHPO and Commission of Fine Arts staff for the new exterior elements of the connector and stair tower design.

3. Presented the design to the Vestry on March 22 and received approval to move forward with plans for a phased construction schedule beginning in July 2016 for Phase I. 4. Received estimates for a two phase project for $9.5 million; Phase I (7 months) for $5.7 million and Phase II (6 months) for $3.8 million. Second phase schedule dependent on funding flow.

5. Presented the plans to the congregation at the September 28th and October 5th Adult Forums.

As a recap, in 2014, the Parish House Committee and Bowie Gridley Architects met with reviewing agencies to refine the exterior elements of the connector link and exterior fire stair.

The floor plans were developed on the basis of initial surveys of the users of the building and the church staff. The overall cost estimate for the construction and affiliated soft costs was deemed by the Vestry too difficult to raise all at once, so a phased plan was considered and is currently in development. The first phase, estimated at $5.7 million, will focus on the new link connector, new elevator, new emergency service stair, exterior refurbishment, lower level kitchen, lower level bathrooms, integration of the parlors, and some relocation of staff. The second phase, estimated at $3.8 million, will focus on interior changes, mechanical, electrical and fire suppression, interior finishes and temporary relocation of staff.

The firm of E&G was selected as a Project Management firm and a negotiated contract is currently being developed with Monarc Construction to assist with cost estimating and cost controls. Bowie Gridley Architects, Monarc Construction and E&G were all part of the successful team for the sanctuary renovation in 2006. Several specialty firms have been engaged to assist with preliminary construction documents, including examination of existing structural foundations and ground bearing capacity, kitchen consultants, security advisors, etc.

Bowie Gridley will continue to discuss program needs with users of the building and will develop construction documents during 2015. At this time, there is not a developed staging plan for continuing programs within the Parish House. The staff will be evaluating how best to accommodate programs during construction and looking for space nearby if/when needed.

Plans are on the St. John’s website (http://stjohns-dc.org/proposed-parish-house-renovation/).

Members of the Parish House Committee are: Chase W. Rynd and Sharon Park CoChairs; Michael Andrews; Paul Barkett; Matt Gaziano; Richard Grimmett; John Peters Irelan; Lisa Kirchenbauer; Cindi Malinick; Nancy Mathis; Robert Pahnke; Damaris Rivera; and Christina Wilson. Hayden Bryan is providing staff support. All are to be commended for their time commitment, their expert advice and their willingness to serve.

Chase W. Rynd and Sharon Park Co-chairs

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PARISH LUNCH REPORT The Sunday Parish Lunch is a wonderful and important fellowship opportunity at St. John’s. It is a way to meet new friends, catch up with old friends and to welcome visitors to our church. It is also good food at a good price. Parish lunch is only possible because of volunteers – individual members, family and friend groups and church committees and groups – who host approximately 20 lunches a year. More volunteers are always needed, so please keep this opportunity in mind.

Special thanks are due to the following individuals and groups who hosted lunches during 2014.

[Names are listed in hosting date sequence.)                    

ISJ Leslie Blakey, Marion Blakey, Lu León, Joe Wohlmuth Lafayette Fellowship coordinated by Marilyn Jenkins Crouch Family & Betty Van Iersel Joanne & Powell Hutton, Jennifer & Mike Urquhart Bode and Harrington Families Stephen O’Shields, Miller Winecoff, Karen Zachary Leila Taaffe, Arthur Kellerman, Sandy & Ted Graves Robin Webber, Julia Koster Spencer Reese, Our Little Roses Pasley and Lewis Families South Africa Mission Group Merrell & Preston Cherouny, Larry Redway Martha Jenkins and Anne Grambsch Education for Ministry Karis Gong & TJ Parnham Church Growth Committee Nicole Crochet, Laurie Rossbach and Pamela Venzke Communities in Schools Tutors, Livy More and Ann Gardner Lyerly Family

Holly Sukenik Parish Lunch Coordinator

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PARISH REGISTER REPORT Transfers into the Parish in 2014: Theodore and Sandy Graves – from St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Arlington, VA William Benjamin Hutto III – from Christ Episcopal Church, Charlotte, NC Keiko Lynn Yoshino – from St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church, Hamilton, NY Jill Hutchens Norris – from St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Richmond, VA John Franklin Norris II – from Saint James Parish, Wilmington, NC Marilyn Hamilton Jenkins – from Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Omaha, NE James Steuart Martens – from All Saints Church, Chevy Chase, MD Ashley Atwater – from Christ Church, Detroit, MI Jeffrey Todd Bozman – from First Lutheran Church, Norfolk, VA Katherine Bowen – from St. Stephen’s Church, Eldersburg, MD Sherill G. Mason – from St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, Washington, DC Joan Louise Moyer – from The Church of the Holy Spirit, Lake Forest, IL Jeffrey and Linda Dienno – from Christ Episcopal Church, Alexandria, VA David M. Trebing – from Cathedral Church of Washington National Cathedral, Washington, DC Christine Delucchi – from Trinity Episcopal Church, Fort Worth, TX The Stover Family (Lisa, John, Alexander, and Andrew) – from All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Roanoke Rapids, NC Sylvia Martin-Estes, Douglas J. Estes, Philip D. Estes, and David J. Estes – from St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Atlanta, GA Brad Anson Kosegarten – from Christ Episcopal Church, Norwich, CT Annie Hunt Burriss and Jerald Wood Burriss, Jr. – from All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Atlanta, GA William Wood Burriss – from All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Atlanta, GA Margaret McQueen Cantrell – from Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Columbia, SC Transfers out of the Parish in 2014: Julia Edwards Davis Mead – to Trinity Episcopal Church, New Orleans, LA Morton and Marguerite Kondracke – to St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Bainbridge Island, WA Alison McIntire – to St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Arlington, VA Rafael Garcia – to St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Arlington, VA Isabel Garcia-McIntire and Louisa Elizabeth Garcia-McIntire (children) – to St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Arlington, VA The Yehl Family (Timothy, Katherine, Shannon, Collette, and Michael) – to Church of the Redeemer, Bethesda, MD John Lincoln Wszalek (child) – to Grace Episcopal Church, Alexandria, VA Alicia Karin Jennings – to the Church of the Redeemer, Bethesda, MD John Jennings Mershon and Anna Jennings Mershon (children) – to the Church of the Redeemer, Bethesda, MD The Herzog Family (Laura, John, and Jack) – to St. George’s Episcopal Church, Nashville, TN Roger Kirk – to St. Alban’s Parish, Washington, DC Emily Darnall Vinyard (inactive) – to the Church of the Resurrection, Alexandria, VA Paul Estavillo – to The Memorial Church of the Prince of Peace, Gettysburg, PA Daisy P. Crowley – to Trinity Episcopal Church, Clarksville, TN

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Colin Fitch Crowley – to Trinity Episcopal Church, Clarksville, TN Elizabeth and Thaddeus Daise – to The Episcopal Church on Edisto, Edisto Island, SC Amy Beightol – to Foundry United Methodist Church, Washington, DC Eugene Phillip Stutts, Ann Glanville Stutts, and Parker Fleming Stutts – to Christ the King Episcopal Church, Santa Rosa, FL Riley Temple Confirmations, Reaffirmations, Receptions, Baptisms in 2014: Confirmations Alexander Dong-Xin Wu Hotchkiss Anikeeff Jonathan Carter Bledsoe William Stephen Huettner Lansing Burrows Lee IV Natachi Uzoaku Nene Onwuamaegbu Obidike Obumneme Nnamdi Onwuamaegbu Jessica Lynn Howard Kari Nicole Grant Robert Darren Grant Lisa Northcott Stover Martha Jane Blalock Paul Winslow Mandelson Elizabeth Anne McCarthy Christi Renee Rich Matthew David Taylor Receptions Grant Rosser Allen Katherine Kennedy Allen Adelle G. Simmons James Robert Carroll Matthew Thomas Hallett Christopher George Mufarrige Elizabeth Marie Ritonia Peter Michael Tchoukaleff Kelly Ann Van Voorhis Kathleen Dannehl Vickland

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Reaffirmations Linda Dienno Jeffrey B. Dienno Chrishan Thuraisingham Scott Richard Payne Karen Indira Jeffers Christine LeAnn Delucchi Baptisms Anna Ritchie Demarest Grant William Rothar Lucio Anna Carter Taylor William Sullivan Taylor Emily Valeria Wilkinson Ryan Benjamin Bash Annalise Azalia Harris Kathleen Moore Huzarsky Hugh Bedingfield Kieve Florence Asha Lodico William Lauchlin Powers James Joseph Burns Evelyn Margaret Yi Eriana Marcielle Cruz-Franco Elizabeth Sue Martin Elizabeth Carter Warren Gracen Kennedy Allen Jeffrey Benjamin Miranda Lovelace Charles Edward Wagnon Weddings in 2014: Alyssa Brennan D’Ambra and William Rodgers Ackerly Stephen H. O’Shields and James Miller Winecoff Alison Gaus Corle and Stephen Cawood South Meredith Anne Gillespie and Stephen Francis Coppinger Anna Grace Trudel and Brian Christopher Fleming Elizabeth Weyant McNamara and Sean Porter Quinn Ashley Anne Rader and Henry Matson Coxe IV Andrée Maureen Bouillot and Joseph Michael Leonelli John Michael Staples and Raymond Scott Raspa Jessica Lynn Howard and James Steuart Martens Sarah Carsten Hailey and Hugh Fraser Yeomans

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Burials Anne Elizabeth Atkeson Robert James Best Betty J. Johnson Emily Alice MacCormack Patricia Appel Malloy Josephine Perry McGowan Michele Rakes-Owens Spencer Morgan Rice Donald Houston Stewart Virginia Summerlin Wilcox

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PASTORAL CARE AND LAY EUCHARISTIC MINISTRY REPORT Pastoral Care Each week at St. John’s Church there are many individuals who are involved in the work of pastoral care and support to the members of this parish. In our Baptismal Covenant we promise that we will seek and serve Christ in all persons, and that we will love our neighbors as ourselves. The work of pastoral care is just that. The clergy and countless members of the parish reach out each week to homebound and other ill parishioners; they make phone calls, say prayers, deliver flowers, prepare meals, and visit with those who are in the hospital or no longer able to join us on Sunday mornings. St. John’s is blessed with many pastoral care ministers, and they are a reminder that God is with us in the ups and downs of life.

Card Ministry Every week, the clergy work with the pastoral care team to identify people to receive cards or notes. Sometimes the notes are for happy events, like a confirmation, graduation, or the birth of a baby. And sometimes the pastoral care committee sends notes or cards to people who are sick or grieving. Members of the committee volunteer to send cards for one month, and to help wrap and distribute the 40 poinsettias and 50 lilies that go out at Christmas and Easter. It is a very important hands-on, beyond the scenes ministry that makes a difference! Members of the Card Ministry in 2014 included Allison Clark Ambrose, Anne Harrington, Joanne Hutton, Robyne Johnston, Ralph and Lydia Olson, Gay Pasley, Erin Waddle, Susan Welch, and Sandra Hackworth.

Parish Prayer Email List Each Friday the church sends out our parish prayer list to members who have requested to be on that list. In that email is a brief meditation on scripture and/or prayer as well as a list of parishioners who are celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, new babies, marriages, and other life events, as well as those parishioners who are struggling with illnesses or who are in the hospital. If you are interested in receiving the weekly parish prayer list, please notify Serina Freeman at serina.freeman@stjohns-dc.org and ask to have your email address added.

Lay Eucharistic Ministry (LEMs) In addition to the pastoral visits that the clergy make throughout the week, almost every Sunday of the year the church sends out LEMs to visit, pray, and share communion with members of the congregation who are homebound or recovering from some other acute illness.

This ministry is an important way to remind our parishioners that they are loved by God and by their church family, and the LEMs who go out each week are ambassadors of that love. Our LEMs for the past year included: Kristie Hansen, Joanne Hutton, Richard Price, Thom Sinclair, Jeff Dienno, Susan Flanigan, Martha Jenkins, Kathy Luhrman, Amy Stulman, and Betty van Iersel.

I am immensely grateful to God for the good work that they do each week, and I invite you to keep them, as well as homebound and sick parishioners, in your prayers.

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If you are interested in assisting with any of the pastoral care work that is mentioned above, please contact me for more information. Also, when you have your own pastoral needs that will inevitably arise, please let the clergy know as soon as possible so that we can pray for you and offer you our care and support.

The Rev. D. Andrew Olivo Assistant Rector

Sandy Hackworth Co-chair

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PLANNED GIVING REPORT The Planned Giving Committee continues to focus its efforts on building the fellowship of the 1816 Society. Additional members of the St. John’s community have made the commitment to support St. John’s through their estate planning and beneficiary designations.

We are building a diverse group of members, young and more mature, who have found a way to commit part of their legacy to our church’s future. As of the end of 2014, we have added 4 Members, bringing our total members of the Society to 58. As we enter 2015, our committee is focusing on the Capital Campaign for our Parish House and how that legacy can be supported.

The Planned Giving Committee is grateful for the growing support of our parish.

Lisa A.K. Kirchenbauer Chair

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PROPERTIES COMMITTEE REPORT The Properties Committee is responsible for issues involving the condition and operations of the Church’s buildings and grounds. It provides oversight and support to the administrative staff in the area of property management, working directly with Hayden Bryan, Executive Director for Operations. The Committee’s members are Rick Busch, Barbie Harper, Joanne Hutton, Patricia Leslie, Richard Metzger, Tom Stork, Sam Watson, and Richard Grimmett, Chair of the Committee.

The principal actions taken by the Committee in 2014 involving the properties of St. John’s Church, and implemented under the direction of Hayden, were: 1. The removal, restoration, and reinstallation of the J.C. Bancroft Davis memorial Stained Glass Window, the large demi-lune window, located in the south gallery was completed. This original, historic, Lorin window, designed in Chartres, France in 1883, is a very large Stained Glass window that needed significant restoration and protection, given its complex design, size, and location on the H Street side of the church, which receives the greatest degree of heat in Washington summers. The Committee authorized Hayden to hire the Shenandoah Glass firm of Front Royal, Virginia to do the restoration. This company had already demonstrated its skill in restoring the smaller John Alsop King window in 2013. Minor restoration work was also needed on the two Saints (George and Patrick) windows in the south gallery, and this work was also done by Shenandoah Glass in conjunction with its restoration of the Davis window. This firm also installed custom-built, state-of-theart, protective covers, formally termed an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU), on several of the other Stained Glass Windows, as well as on the three that were restored. These IGUs will protect these windows from damage that results from expansion and contraction of the stained glass caused by excessive heat or cold outside when the temperature inside the church is the opposite, whether during Washington’s hot summers or its cold winters. If you examine it, you will find that the Shenandoah Glass firm’s artisans did a superb job of restoring the Davis window, first installed in 1884-1885, to its original beauty.

Most of the historic Lorin Stained Glass Windows throughout the church continue to be in need of significant restoration treatment, and there are three major Lorin windows that, in addition to needing restoration, still do not have proper, state-of-the art, external protective covers (IGUs) to preserve them. These three windows cannot receive protective covers, pending their restoration, due to their locations and their metal framing. When these three windows are removed and restored, each will receive custom protective cover IGUs. Since the other Stained Glass Windows in the church now have protective IGUs, their restoration can be deferred. Thus, the focus of the Committee in 2015 in this area will be on securing the funding necessary to restore and add protective cover IGU’s for, hopefully, two of the three remaining historic Lorin windows that need this attention. Of the three, one is the window over the organ bay in the chancel; the other is located over the doorway leading to the H Street entrance to the church.

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The third window is the very large, demi-lune, Lorin Stained Glass Window located in the north gallery—directly opposite the Davis window, in the south gallery, that was restored this year.

2. For some time the plantings and the ground cover in the Columbarium, located on the north exterior wall of the church, have been in urgent need of attention. Through the diligent and unflagging efforts of Joanne Hutton and Barbie Harper, their vision of a dignified memorial area, their selection of specific plantings for the Columbarium and by ensuring they were properly installed, the entire area surrounding the niches have been restored to the status this sacred place deserves.

We all owe Joanne and Barbie our deepest thanks for their willingness to take on this task and see it through to a most successful conclusion.

3. The Committee also authorized the awarding of a contract to rehabilitate and restore a number of the kneelers that bear the Presidential seals and names of Presidents. This work has been completed and the restored kneelers are back in the pews. The Committee was fortunate to have found a firm in Alexandria, Virginia that engages in this specialized work for a very reasonable price.

Responsibility for other complex planning questions relating to the prospective upgrading of the Parish House to meet the needs of St. John’s congregation, staff, and its constituencies, has been placed in a separate Parish House Committee, appointed by the Rector.

The Chair of the Properties Committee is a member of that Committee. Issues associated with that undertaking are discussed in the Parish House Committee section of this Annual Report.

Richard F. Grimmett Chair

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STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT The Stewardship Committee’s main focus will always be on annual giving. Receipts from pledges account for about 47% of the total budget income at St. John’s. Here is the pledge record for the past few years: 2009 ($893,551 from 396 units); 2010 ($880,312 from 371 units); 2011 ($986,998 from 392 units); 2012 ($982,770 from 375 units); 2013 ($1,061,313 from 419 units); 2014 ($1,042,630 from 410 units) and, as of January 29, 2015 ($1,027,818 from 383 units). 2013 and 2014 were record years for pledges to St. John’s as these was the first years that pledge amounts exceeded $1,000,000 from a record high number of pledge units! To those members of our parish family who have not yet pledged for 2015, we ask you to carefully and prayerfully consider making a pledge. Any pledge, no matter how small, makes a difference!

Stewardship Committee members carry out the annual canvass in November and make follow-up phone calls/send letters to parishioners. Committee members in 2014 included Claudette Cox, TJ Parnham and Karis Gong, Thad Daise, Sarah and Blaise Warren, David Wham, Fernando Hermoza, Karen Zachary, Chip Sherrill, Natalie Popovic, Robyne Johnston and Sara McGanity. New members are always welcome! The Committee is also very grateful for the assistance of several members of the Vestry, who volunteered their time to making phone calls.

Every year three people are given special recognition as a result of their dedication to the annual stewardship effort. Evangeline Gravina creates the call sheets for the fall canvas, Hayden Bryan organizes them into notebooks for canvassers, and Betsy Heine maintains records and makes the necessary financial reports to the appropriate church committees and the Vestry. We continue to be blessed as a result of their hard work.

Ralph Olson Chair

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THEOLOGY ON TAP REPORT Theology on Tap provides an opportunity to explore issues and topics that relate to faith and life in a casual, low-pressure environment. Speakers from churches, universities, and institutions in the DC-area share their thoughts and experiences on a variety of topics to get the conversations started each month. And we do this while enjoying a good beer and a burger. We meet the Third Wednesday of (almost) every month at the Bier Baron Tavern from 6:30 p.m.8:30 p.m.

Some of the topics that were discussed in 2014 include: Living out the Christian Faith in the 21st Century with Bishop Jim Jelenik, Being in Relationships with Bishop Mariann Budde, Immigration and Welcoming the Stranger with Jason Evans, Social Media and Faith with Seminarian Broderick Greer, and Desiring God with the Rev. Martin Smith.

I am grateful to Mr. Jason Evans, the Diocesan Young Adults Missioner, as well as Jessica Johnson, Steven Chlapecka, and many others who offer ideas for topics as well help to ensure that these gatherings are such a success each month.

In 2014 we have been working on how we advertise and promote Theology on Tap, and one of our ideas was to create a short podcast preview of the month’s topic. When the speakers are able, I sit down with them for a brief interview and ask them to give a teaser of what they will be talking about, and these have been not only helpful but fun.

I invite you to join us in 2015 as we have many excellent speakers lined up to share thoughts on political advocacy, food, art, and many other interesting topics. The topics are broad, the speakers are engaging, the beer and burgers are delicious (and cheap!), and the conversations are always great. All are welcome!

The Rev. D. Andrew Olivo Assistant Rector

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TOUR GUIDES’ REPORT We are pleased to say that attendance at St John’s tours increased 40% over 2013.

Participants were from 20 states, including the District, and several foreign countries with Bulgaria winning the prize for furthest away. Mac Johnson had the largest tour group-26.

Several current and future members of St. John’s took tours and we want to emphasize that the tours are not just for visitors. St. John’s has been part of the history of Washington and our Country for 200 years. It is the Church of the Presidents, but also the Church of all who attend.

As St John’s enters the 200th anniversary of its founding it is our hope that many local groups and visitors will be interested in a tour of St. John’s. Special tours for groups may be scheduled during weekdays when the Church is open.

It is no surprise that we had many compliments on the music at the at the 11:00 a.m. service. And much prized were the sermons from the Rev. Dr. Luis León.

We wish to thank all of the Tour Guides and our historical advisor, Richard Grimmett, for their help and dedication to the Tour Guides Ministry.

Valerie Crotty and Rick Busch Tour Guides co-chairs

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USHER GUILD REPORT For approximately 130 years, Ushers have had an integral role at St. John’s Church, Lafayette Square. Almost 70 years after services began in 1816, the Vestry approved the hiring of Ushers from the local community to seat growing numbers of visitors and parishioners. In 1894, volunteer male members of the congregation were given the opportunity to serve as Ushers as a way for them to offer service to the church. In 1941, to bring further order to the seating of worshippers, a formal structure of an Usher Guild was instituted. In the mid-1970s, over 30 years later, female parishioners began to serve as Ushers, and assumed roles as Assistant Head Ushers in 2003.* Ushers continue to be structured as an members of that Usher Guild, and warmly greet and assist parishioners and visitors as they attend St. John’s Church. They help with seating so as not to disrupt the worship of others, and participate in the Offertory and during administration of the Holy Eucharist. Ushers serve in small teams at each of the three Sunday morning services (7:45 a.m., 9:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m.), January through May and early September through December, and the two Sunday morning services (7:45 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.) in June, July, and August. They also serve at memorial services, funerals, and other special events. Each year, the Usher Guild sponsors the splendid festival music programs featured at the Easter Sunday services.

Ushers strive to ensure that appropriate decorum and the integrity of personal security of worshipers are maintained. They also assist in the event of emergency situations that may occur during church services. As first responders, the Assistant Head Ushers and many Ushers are certified in the use of emergency Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) techniques and automated external defibrillator (AED) equipment.

For 2014, over 60 parishioners served as Ushers. The teams of Ushers were led by Assistant Head Ushers: Jeff Agnew, Robin Anderson, Bud Harrell, Robyne Johnston, Richard Metzger, John More, Jane Morris, Ellen Parke, Carl Raether, and Samuel Watson. Church growth continued to increase during the year, with total attendance of over 28,500 parishioners and visitors. The Christmas Eve Pageant and Easter Sunday services were again the most highlyattended services at St. John’s Church.

Our volunteer Ushers appreciate the opportunity to serve the St. John’s Church, Lafayette Square, parish and members of the surrounding community. All parishioners are always welcome to become members of the Usher Guild and participate as trained Ushers. If you would like to consider being part of this exciting ministry, I invite you to contact me at jczerwonky@verizon.net for additional information.

James H. Czerwonky Head Usher * Information was sourced, in part, from Green, The Church on Lafayette Square; Harper, Years of Change; and Grimmett, St. John’s Church, Lafayette Square.

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VESTRY NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT The Vestry is the elected body that establishes policies and controls relating to, among other things, facilities and funding in the parish. It plans and conducts parish elections, held annually in February, through which members of the church select new Vestry members. The Vestry, in collaboration with the Rector, also helps set future direction for the parish. We have a 12-member Vestry, elected on a four-year cycle.

Members of the 2014 Nominating Committee were Mike Becraft, Matt Bode, Carolyn Crouch, Ann Gardner, Laura Hohnsbeen, Luis Le贸n, Ellen Parke and Karis Gong Parnham. Based upon the recommendation of the members of the Committee, the Vestry has approved the following parishioners as nominees for terms on the Vestry beginning in 2015: For Senior Warden: Hilary West For Junior Warden: Richard Metzger For the Vestry (three to be elected) Lisa Beury Carrie Garland Nancy Mathis Bob Pasley Thom Sinclair Anne Stewart Mike Becraft Chair

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WASHINGTON INTERFAITH NETWORK REPORT In 2014, Washington Interfaith Network, Inc. (WIN) focused its organizing on its two major long-term issues in the District – “green” jobs and homelessness and conducted a get out the vote effort for the November elections to raise awareness of WIN and these primary WIN issues.

St. John’s has been a member of WIN since its founding in 1996. Parishioner John More and Erin Waddle serve as liaisons with WIN for St. John’s. In addition, John More serves as a Director and Treasurer of WIN and WIN’s affiliates, UrbanMatters Development Partners, a its for-profit real estate development arm, and Community Purchasing Alliance Cooperative, as newly formed cooperative for religious, educational and neighborhood organizations. Erin Waddle has been active participant in WIN actions.

ENDING HOMELESSNESS, ESPECIALLY YOUTH HOMELESSNESS WIN organized 30+ member congregations to stand with homeless families and residents at DC General for accountability about the conditions there. WIN leaders and DC General residents developed an advocacy agenda, testified in support of it at hearings of the DC Council on homelessness and DC General, and met with Councilmembers and Mayoral candidates to gain support for change. WIN leaders continue to assist DC Generals to improve conditions there, including working with PEPCO to put in a playground.

WIN leaders worked closely with partners, Sasha Bruce, Latin American Youth Center (LAYC), Covenant House and the DC Alliance of Youth Advocates to pass the “End Youth Homelessness Amendment Act” in the Spring. The Act provided funding for additional emergency beds for under-24 youth that can serve 150+ homeless youth, 10 additional longerterm transitional placements. Other benefits included were a hyperthermia shelter for youth, coordinated intake, enhanced street outreach, and an enhanced homeless youth counting system to make certain fewer homeless youth slip through the cracks.

JOBS WIN conducted several actions in support its jobs initiative for increased local hiring in living wage jobs, creation of “green” jobs, and assisting residents returning from incarceration obtaining jobs: 

Jobs’ Action at First Rock Baptist Church (Feb. 6, 2014) – Five hundred and fifty WIN leaders met with all Mayoral candidates and DC Water General Manager Hawkins. The Mayoral candidates all pledged to support “ban the box” legislation (outlawing the prior record check box on preliminary job applications), to pressure DC Water for local hiring, and to include local hiring and wage accountability in PEPCO’s project to place electric lines underground in DC. GM Hawkins committed to increasing local hiring on major projects and to a jobs-creating “green” infrastructure pilot project for storm water management.

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Job’s Fair – Worked with WIN member organization, LiUNA, to hold a local job fair with DC Water and contractor Skanska for 65 positions on the First Street Tunnel stormwater management project.

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Passing “Ban-the-Box” Legislation – A team of young leaders from Sasha Bruce led political organizing that lead to successful passage of the bill. Conducting phone-banks of voters, meeting with politicians, and attending Council meetings were part of the effort.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING On December 22, 2014, WIN celebrated the ribbon-cutting of the $23 million House of Lebanon – 82 units of low-income senior housing with 12,000 sq. feet of community space in Ward 5, for which UrbanMatters Development Partners was a co-developer.

UrbanMatters or WIN member congregations also made progress on development of and/or secured funding for a pipeline of 600+ units of affordable homes:       

Working in conjunction with tenants fighting to renovate their buildings and preserve them as affordable in the Brightwood neighborhood of Ward 4.

100+ units largely on member congregation land at Emory UMC in Ward 4.

80 units of affordable senior housing in the Truxton Circle/Shaw Neighborhood in Ward 5.

100+ units permanent supportive housing and affordable housing on North Capitol Street in Ward 6, where WIN did the initial community organizing for the land.

30+ units of apartments to revitalize in the Deanwood Community in Ward 7.

39 units of affordable rental housing in a new apartment building in the Deanwood Community in Ward 7.

184 units at the Parkway Overlook apartments in Ward 8.

COMMUNITY COOPERATIVE WIN, with the support of other East Coast sister IAF organizations, has put together a purchasing cooperative, Community Purchasing Alliance. The project has successfully put together 103 congregations, charter schools, affordable housing developments, and non-profits to make a collective purchase of energy that saved participants between $600-$28,500 a year.

The intention is to extend the savings of cooperative purchasing of energy to the areas of trash hauling, office supplies, cleaning and landscaping services, etc.

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What is WIN? WIN is a broad-based, multi-racial, multi-faith, strictly non-partisan, District-wide citizens’ power organization, rooted in local congregations and associations. WIN is committed to training and developing neighborhood leaders, to addressing community issues, and to holding elected and corporate officials accountable in Washington, DC. WIN’s 48 dues-paying members, including St. John’s, represent 25,000 families in every section of the District and reflect its theological, racial, geographic, and economic diversity. WIN is an affiliate of the Industrial Areas Foundation. For further information, contact John More (202-2918783).

John H. More Chair

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TREASURER’S REPORT 2014 Income and Disbursements 2014 was marked by continued growth in the church finances. Nearly 50% of income comes from pledges, holiday gifts and plate offerings. Pledge income in particular has been the strongest area of growth. In 2014 we collected $1,023,732 in pledges which was $23,000 over the budgeted amount (and 98% of the amounts pledged by parishioners for the calendar year).

Plate income and Holiday offerings were also higher than amounts collected in the prior years.

In terms of expenditures, there was $110,000 in expenses (primarily architect fees) associated with the upcoming Parish House Renovation. The majority of these expenses were covered by funds that had been accumulated from the sale of excess furniture and artwork in the Parish House and had been held in the Reserve account. Approximately $15,000 of the expenses was covered by general operating expenses. In 2015, all expenses associated with the Parish House renovation will be paid separately from a separate capital campaign account using funds earmarked for that purpose.

As planned we have continued to use Capital Campaign funds for the refurbishment of the stained glass windows in the church. This year $35,781 was spent on repairs and refurbishment. As authorized by the Vestry last year, $20,000 was taken from the Capital Campaign account, $2,167 was used from 2013 surplus funds, and the remainder was covered by general operating income.

This year, $407,910 was disbursed for various outreach initiatives. The disbursements were as follows:       

Program Pledge to the Diocese: $125,000 (increased $5,000 over the prior year) Parish Outreach Committee: $114,000 (numerous grants, programs and donations) Kwasa Centre: $84,178 (the includes the $75,000 grant and funds from Outreach committee) Samaritan Ministries: $25,000 (one time gift) Latino Ministry: $10,000 (from 2013 budget surplus) Bishop Walker Fund: $30,000 (from 2013 budget surplus) Seminary Support, Washington Interfaith Network and Downtown Cluster of Churches: $ 19,800

St. John’s is fortunate to end this year with a surplus of $30,000. The Vestry voted to use these funds to support local outreach and diocesan programs. $10,000 of the surplus will be given to the Diocese of Washington to use in support of the Latino Ministry and $20,000 will be given to the Bishop Walker School.

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2015 Budget The Vestry has approved a balanced budget for 2015. Due to an increase in our primary income sources (investment income, pledges, and plate collections) we were able to increase several budgeted expenditures. In particular, staff and clergy salaries have been increased by 2.7 %, and the Diocesan pledge has been increased from $125,000 to $130,000.

Based on current pledges and prior year collections the 2015 budget anticipates increased pledge income of $1,025,000 ($25,000 higher than the 2014 budget). In both 2013 and 2014, 98% of all pledged amounts were received within the pledged year. Additionally, in the past years, the income in relation to pledges has increased in proportion to the income received from the church’s endowed funds. The church finances have been further strengthened by the continued growth of endowment account investment income and capital appreciation of its assets.

Each year, income is taken from the endowment accounts equal to 5% of the average December 31st endowment accounts balances from the prior three years. It is transferred monthly in equal installments to the operating account and is used for church expenses. In recognition of increased pledging and efforts to conserve our Endowment funds the endowment income will be decreased from 5.0% to 4.9% this year. It is the intent, if financially feasible, to continue to decrease reliance on endowment funds for operating expenses in future years.

Capital Campaign Account (Church Renovation) At the end of the year, there was a remaining balance in the Capital Campaign account of $86,300. The funds in the account had been pledged by individuals for the renovation of the church sanctuary and the Vestry has authorized that these remaining funds be used for the continued repair and refurbishment of the stained glass windows in the church in 2015. This money will be transferred to the operating account as needed to cover these ongoing expenses.

A new Capital Campaign account for the Parish House renovations will be established this year.

Krista Becker Parish Treasurer

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Welcome!

AT ST. JOHN’S CHURCH, we believe Christ is calling us to be a renewed church in a changing world. Empowered by the Spirit of God, we respond to Jesus’ call as we deepen our bond with Christ through worship, become a community where all are accepted, and work together as laity and clergy to do God’s work in the world.

ST JOHN’S WAS ORGANIZED IN 1815 to serve as a parish church for Episcopalians residing in neighborhoods in the west end of the District of Columbia. It was consecrated on December 27, 1816. Beginning with James Madison, every person who has served as President of the United States has attended regular or occasional services. Several Presidents have been communicants. Thus, St. John’s is often referred to as the “Church of the Presidents.” Pew 54 is the President’s Pew. The architect of the church was Benjamin Henry Latrobe, who also restored the Capitol and the White House after the War of 1812. A number of the stained glass windows in St. John’s were designed and executed by artisans at Chartres Cathedral in France.

BROCHURES DESCRIBING PARISH LIFE, the history of St. John’s, and the Episcopal denomination can be found in the church entrance. If you are visiting, please fill out the visitor information card found at the end of each pew to enable us to welcome you personally into the life of our parish.

ST JOHN’S WEBSITE WWW.STJOHNS-DC.ORG has up-to-date information about the Church including the weekly calendar, the Sunday service schedule, Adult Forum speakers and topics, the music calendar and newsworthy events. If you’ve lost your copy of the weekly leaflet or monthly The Word, you can find them on the website.

Vestry

Staff

Hilary West, Junior Warden

Hayden G. Bryan Executive Director for Operations

Mike Becraft, Carrie Garland, Fernando Hermoza, Marilyn Jenkins, Wande Johnson, Frank Klotz, Michelle Mangrum, Richard Metzger, John More, Avo Reid, Brian Schoeneman, and Holly Sukenik.

Evangeline Gravina Operations Assistant Betsy Heine Financial Secretary

Krista Becker, Treasurer

Serina Freeman Communications Coordinator

Michael Jones, Secretary Virginia Bader, Assistant Treasurer

R. J. Gravina Program Coordinator

Christopher R. Wall, Parish Counsel

Victor Obregon, Sexton

Head Usher James H. Czerwonky

Glynnis Bryant and Prosper Daziorlor Assistant Sextons Dora Genovez, Housekeeper

Parish House 1525 H Street N.W. Washington, D.C. 20005-1005 Telephone 202 347-8766 fax 202 347-3446 Website www.stjohns-dc.org

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