Parish Profile

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Parish

Profile

St. John’s Episcopal Church ~ Georgetown Parish February 2008 3240 O Street NW, Washington, DC 20007 www.stjohnsgeorgetown.org

Foreward

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t. John’s rector, The Rev. Margaret Graham, died January 30, 2006 at the age of 66, almost ten years to the day after she had become the first woman rector of the parish. Her death was a shock and great personal loss to all who knew her. On March 8, 2006, The Right Rev. John Bryson Chane designated then current Associate Rector, the Rev. Dr. Albert Scariato, as Priest-in-Charge with the proviso that the parish heal from its loss for 18 to 24 months before undertaking a Rector Search. It was explained that, under diocesan policy, Albert could not then aspire to become, and we could not hope to elect him, rector of St. John’s. In October of 2007, Senior Warden Margaret Huckaby and Junior Warden Mike Flanagan met with Bishop Chane to discuss St. John’s move toward a rector search. At that time, Bishop Chane made clear his wish that St. John’s undergo the search process for a new rector, and added that Albert could be a candidate within that search. In consultation with Canon Mary Sulerud, the vestry chose a “limited search” approach, rather than a full search, a process that has a shorter time frame and in which the diocese supplies St. John’s with the names of a few candidates to consider in our search process. Since 75 to 90 applicants usually apply for a vacancy such as ours, a limited search has obvious time-saving benefits for the parish.

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y the middle of December 2007, the Vestry had chosen a team of nine parishioners from the list of 26 whose names had been submitted for membership on the Search Committee. (See list on page 15.) The committee held its first meeting Sunday, January 6, and scheduled weekly Thursday evening meetings through completion of the search process. A consultant was hired and her guidance was invaluable, most particularly in structuring the two parish-wide visioning meetings, held January 30 and February 3. An online survey was developed by the Committee, and parishioners responded to it between February 4 and February 13. A hard copy was distributed to those who wished or needed it. Their answers were added to those from the online survey. Information gathered from these two undertakings – the visioning meetings and the online survey – has been used in producing this Parish Profile. The Search Committee thanks all members of St. John’s parish for their thoughtful, considered, and enthusiastic participation in the search process. It has made our job a joyful one.

Submitted to the Vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church of Georgetown By Carol M. Cameron and Landis Jones, Co-Chairs, Rector Search Committee

History of St. John’s

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t. John's Episcopal Church, Georgetown Parish, was established in 1796 when $1,393 was pledged by the local community, including Thomas Jefferson and Frances Scott Key. William Thornton, architect of the Capitol, drew the original plans for the church building. It was consecrated in 1809 and named St. John’s. The congregation was described as large and devout by Bishop Claggett of Maryland, who confirmed 80 persons at his pastoral visit in 1809. Through the efforts of St. John's parishioners over the years, two other Episcopal churches in Georgetown were founded: Grace Episcopal Church and Christ Episcopal Church. Of the 26 rectors who have served St. John's, two have become bishops and many of our former clergy and seminarians have gone on to serve the church in a variety of highly responsible positions. The Rev. William Sharp (1945-1967) led a renovation of the church in 1950, which included construction by the men of the congregation of the Chapel of the Carpenter. In 1961, the church and parish hall were air conditioned, a move which contributed greatly to parish growth. Around that time, the columbarium was constructed next to the Chapel.

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n the late1960s and early 1970s, the parish under the leadership of The Rev. James Fenhagen (19671973) wrestled with the impact of “hippies” and drug users on the local community and on the parish, as well as other rapid social changes taking place. When St. John’s called Ann Brewster Jones as a fulltime assistant rector in 1977, it became the first parish in Washington to engage a woman in this position following the general convention’s approval in 1976 of the ordination of women. In the 14 years leading up to our Bicentennial in 1996, the church hit a rough patch. St. John’s had three rectors, three priests-in-charge, and in some instances no clergy at all. Despite this, the parish embarked in 1992 on a capital campaign with a goal of raising $1.2 million for extensive renovations and restoration of the church property. The construction plan called for removal of the church’s offices from the second floor over the Parish Hall to the lower level of the church, allowing the

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entire second floor to become the space now housing St. John’s Episcopal Preschool. The ugly service courtyard between the church and the Parish Hall would be excavated and roofed to create what is now a magnificent three-story atrium joining the two buildings. In January, 1996, St. John’s was an odd combination of loss and plenty. Pledge income was down, and the number of members had fallen quite sharply in the prior decade. Yet by 1995, the Third Century Campaign had reached its goal of $1.2 million. The 1996 Bicentennial year was celebrated with no rector, but with special services and music commissioned for the occasion. Two important ingredients in the ability of St. John’s to persevere were its dedicated membership, which had a deep love for the church and provided many hours of volunteer work to keep the parish running, and income from the church’s endowment fund, upon which we still rely to some extent to meet current expenses.

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he resurgence of St. John’s over the past 12 years began with the arrival of Meg Graham as rector in March 1996. Her deeply spiritual nature encouraged growth in the parish, particularly among young families with children. Her very personal ministry reinvigorated parishioners and brought much needed calm and stability. She inspired a deepening of community that we still feel today. Upon Meg’s untimely death in January 2006, our Associate Rector, The Rev. Dr. Albert Scariato, was named Priest-in-Charge and invited to guide us through our mourning. Under his devoted leadership, the parish continues the work begun during Meg’s tenure: a strong emphasis on children and education, inclusive worship services, increasing parish membership, solidifying parish finances, developing outreach programs, and increasing lay involvement. His leadership has been crucial to guiding the parish into the 21st Century as a spiritually and socially vibrant community.

Our Diocese

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t. John’s Episcopal Church of Georgetown is part of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. The Diocese of Washington includes the District of Columbia and the Washington metropolitan area counties of Montgomery, Prince Georges, Charles and Saint Mary’s in Maryland. The diocese serves 45,000 people in 93 congregations, 20 Episcopal schools and eight campus ministries, and at the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul (the Washington National Cathedral). Under the leadership of the Right Reverend John Bryson Chane, the diocese is committed to these missionary endeavors: global ministry through partnerships with the Church of the Province of Southern Africa and the Diocese of Honduras; a nationally recognized youth program and academic ministry; ministries to young adults; Christian formation; Latino ministries and the revitalization of existing congregations and the development of new ones. St. John’s Georgetown is a member of Region 2, one of six geographic regions in which the diocese is divided. Regions undertake outreach and congregational development projects as well as form the basis for clergy fellowship.

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embers of our congregation are active participants in a number of diocesan committees and events. Tom Cooke is involved with the “Honduras: A Companion Diocese” ministry. Younger members Julie van Steenwyk and Georgina Warren went to Honduras as part of this outreach ministry. Joan Bristol attended the 2007 Stewardship Conference offered by the Diocese. Jean Smith is a leader in our parish and the diocese, with Episcopal Seniors Ministries (ESM). Parishioners have participated in diocesan events such as Youth Lock-In at the National Cathedral. The clergy of the parish are on the diocesan rota to offer Holy Eucharist at Collington, St. Mary’s Court, and Georgetown University. Former clergy have served on the Standing Committee of the Diocese and chair of the Washington Episcopal Clergy Association. We currently have three parishioners seeking diocesan licensing as lay preachers. This past November, St. John’s presented 17 parishioners for Confirmation or Reception at the Confirmation Service held at National Cathedral. One parishioner was invited by the diocese to participate as chalice bearer for the Holy Eucharist at this service. Based on our membership numbers, St. John’s is allowed two lay delegates to the annual diocesan Convention, held the last weekend of January.

Our Neighborhood

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t. John’s is located on O Street one block west of Wisconsin Avenue in the heart of Georgetown, a residential community in the District and home to Georgetown University. Our church and related buildings are directly across the street from Anthony Hyde Elementary School, with which we have a strong relationship. They use Blake Hall for PTA meetings and graduation ceremonies and we use their playground for parking on Sundays and in the evening. Hyde School, which celebrated its 100th birthday last year, is one of the top five schools in the District. Among its staff is the city’s 2008 Teacher of the Year. The school is embarking on an expansion of its physical plant and its student body. Georgetown University is five blocks away. Students come to St. John’s services during the school year. Several have become members during their student stay in the city and participate in our young adults group. Further, a number of long-term Georgetown residents are members.

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Worship Services

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he Holy Eucharist is celebrated each Sunday at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m., except for the last Sunday of the month when Morning Prayer is at 11:00. On that Sunday, communion is administered in The Chapel of the Carpenter immediately following Morning Prayer. The 9:00 Holy Eucharist is especially child-friendly. Children are encouraged to explore the church space at will, and to provide all of us with the joyful sounds of young people. Vocalists lead the congregation in singing hymns. The Holy Communion is celebrated with the congregation forming circles standing around a free-standing altar. The 11:00 Holy Eucharist service is a formal service using both Holy Eucharist Rite I and Rite II liturgies. It is enhanced with outstanding choral music. A full choir provides classical music representing Baroque through 20th Century composers. It is a long-standing tradition at St. John’s to have at least one Seminarian in service, and they are encouraged to take part in both services each Sunday.

Contemplative Holy Eucharist and Centering Prayer On Wednesday afternoons at 5:30 throughout the year. Contemplative Eucharist followed by Centering Prayer is held in the Chapel of the Carpenter. The Contemplative Eucharist follows the basic format as outlined in the Prayer Book but allows time and space for quiet and meditation. These services are attended faithfully by up to ten parishioners each week.

& Our Neighbors

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e as a parish look to local businesses when planning events and have very close relationships with many businesses. For example, Woody, the owner of Pet Gallery on O Street, plays a key part in St. John’s Blessing of the Animals celebration every October. A florist, an antique shop, and a liquor store are neighbors and we do business with them, sharing our extra greenery with them at Christmas time. They and other local merchants donate merchandise for prizes at various church fund raising events, such as the annual Preschool/Parish Auction. They support our largest fund raiser, the Georgetown House Tour, by taking ads in the Tour booklet. The catering business on O Street, Quite A Stir, has donated food over the years for receptions and other gatherings at the church.

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Parish Action Committees (PACs)

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n 2006, the Vestry created Parish Action Committees (PACs) with the aim of involving parishioners in activities of importance to St. John’s. There are four PAC Nights a year: September, November, January, and May. Each starts with dinner in Blake Hall, followed by an “open microphone” for the expression of ideas on current questions. After dinner, committee meetings are held in Blake Hall, the church, and downstairs conference rooms. Attendance has grown as the program has captured parishioners’ interest. Sixty or more parishioners come to PAC nights, often with children. The program has the added welcome effect of merging congregants from the 9:00 and 11:00 o’clock services in the work of the parish. The evening ends with Compline in the church. The PACs and their work are listed below.

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rchives PAC Members are currently

cataloging and labeling materials accumulated over the past 210 years since the founding of the church.

hristian Youth Formation PAC & The Church School This PAC

oversees children’s programs, such as Nursery Care from 9a.m. until after the 11 o’clock service each Sunday for children of all ages. It offers Christian Youth Education (Sunday School) each Sunday from 10 to 11. The School is divided into four groups: Pre-Readers (children 21⁄2 to 5), Early Readers (children 6 to 8), Readers (aged 9 to 12), and teens. The Sunday School follows the “living the Good News” curriculum and is closely linked to the Gospel readings. Confirmation classes are held on an “as needed” basis.

Adult Education PAC

A commitment to high quality education is a hallmark of St. John’s. It is an area in which young and old eagerly participate. This PAC provides suggestions and supports educational programs undertaken by clergy and lay members, such as: Sunday Adult Forum – This ongoing program meets Sunday mornings in the Chapel between services. A wide range of speakers from within and outside the parish focus our attention upon our faith tradition and how it impacts our interpretation of world events.

Presently there is an on-staff paid Christian Youth Formation Director who also teaches, plus seven volunteer teachers. During the summer months, the classes are combined in a Vacation Bible School which is more like a summer camp with lots of activities and which is very popular with the children. From time to time, the children sing during the 9a.m. Service. Children meet together before Sunday School and are taught by a member of St. John’s choir. Our goal is eventually to have a St. John’s Children’s choir.

Bible Study Seminars – These very popular seminars are held throughout the year on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel. Most are four weeks in length and address a specific book or group of books of the Bible. They are led by the clergy. Monthly Book Club – This fledgling enterprise has a number of enthusiastic members who have briefly suspended their meetings in the wake of the arrival of the founder’s baby.

St. John’s has close to 60 children aged 3 to 18 who are eligible to attend Sunday School. There is sporadic attendance by 21 of these children, with anywhere from 6 to 14 children attending on any given Sunday. At this time, there are no teens in Sunday School, although one teen is teaching.

Biblical Languages – A course in Hebrew is planned for spring 2008, and one on New Testament Greek is contemplated for next year, recapping and expanding similar courses offered over the past three years. These classes are led by our Priest-in-Charge, Rev. Dr. Albert Scariato.

It is agreed that, although attendance is up over previous years, the Sunday School needs consistent and serious attention to achieve the involvement of all our young parishioners and their families.

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roperty PAC Maintains and improves the

War II. The Young Adults Group has held a wine tasting, a board game night, and ice skating.

physical plant and grounds; charged with ensuring that the physical structures are safe, comfortable, and adequate to their purposes.

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elcoming & Newcomers PAC

This group works to encourage new membership in St. John’s. Two innovations have been the Welcome Bags, which are offered to first time visitors and which contain gifts and information about the parish, and the greatly improved and quite lavish coffee hours in Blake Hall that follow the Sunday services. Tables with chairs and bright checkered tablecloths are set up around the hall, encouraging members to sit and visit, the elderly to rest, and the young to eat.

O utreach PAC

A significant portion of the Parish Budget goes to the larger Washington community to help those in need. Some of our outreach is financial, much of it is labor, all is personal. This PAC supports the parish Outreach programs. (Please see page 8 for a full description of St. John’s Outreach program).

P arish Life PAC

Plans and produces social activities for parishioners throughout the year, such as Blessing of the Animals in October, Shrove Tuesday Supper, the June Parish Picnic, 7@7 dinner parties in parishioners’ homes, and family outings that include hayrides and strawberry picking. Monthly parish outings on Saturday mornings take parishioners to such places as The National Building Museum, St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, The National Museum of the American Indian, Temple Micah for Friday Shabbat, and The Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Social gatherings occur on a regular basis, such as a recent “Issues Dinners” in Blake Hall to discuss problems of military personnel missing in action since World

S tewardship & Planned Giving PAC

This committee conducts stewardship drive each year and seeks to educate parishioners on the importance of giving. A Planned Giving seminar was held in the fall of 2007 to wide acclaim from parishioners who learned a good deal about financial planning for their own accounts as well as for St. John’s. Another is planned later in 2008.

Committee & Pastoral Worship Care Committee

These two committees are headed by the clergy and welcome participation by the members of the parish. They meet four times a year, usually on a Saturday morning.

Distinctive Features of Parish

St. John’s Episcopal Preschool

was established by the parish, thanks to years of unrelenting work by three parishioners Jean Rainey, Laura Scanlon, and Julie Cooke in getting the required certification and accreditation. Financing for the school was included as part of the church’s Third Century Campaign at the time of the church’s Bicentennial in 1996. The Preschool provides children from 21⁄2 to 5 years with a program that celebrates the natural joy and wonder of childhood, based on the philosophy of the preschools of Reggio Emilia, Italy. The school has an enrollment of 45 in three classrooms, eight teachers, and three administrative staff. The goal of St. John’s admissions is to create a school community of children and families who will work together harmoniously and who reflect the diversity of our larger metropolitan community. Our priorities include siblings of both current and past students, children of active parish members, children of faculty and

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board members, and children from families new to the St. John’s community. Given the limitation of our small size, however, we cannot guarantee admissions to all children from any priority group. We also work to balance class composition in terms of gender and temperament of children.

Outreach

is a key part of St. John’s mission. A significant portion of our budget supports work in the larger Washington community for those in need of assistance. Opportunities abound for those interested in living out the Gospel in this way. We have a long association with the following programs: Care for the homeless by providing shelter in Blake Hall three weeks in the winter, in conjunction with Georgetown Ministry Center. Feeding the homeless on Grate Patrol, where parishioners prepare and take food twice a month to those living outdoors, in partnership with the Salvation Army. Building low-income housing in association with Manna Inc., a D.C. builder. SOME (So Others Might Eat), which provides food, shelter, and counseling to the homeless. Episcopal Senior Ministries, which provides services to help seniors of all faiths maintain their independence throughout the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. St. John’s parishioners prepare and serve three lunches a week in our Parish Hall to Georgetown Senior Center, an organization which brings 10 to 17 local seniors to our facility by bus. In addition, we support Columbia Road Health Services, Martha’s Table, and Bright Beginnings, among others. By tradition, charities supported by the parish financially are supported by volunteer work of one or more parishioners.

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hree Fundraising Programs are important events in St. John’s year, bringing together members

from the two worship services while raising funds.

The Georgetown House Tour is by far the largest, involving the St. John’s parish community and the community of local homeowners who donate their homes for viewing on the day of the Tour. Every year, more than 1,000 guests come to our church grounds from around the country to take this well known springtime house tour, which is reputed to be the oldest in the country. A lavish tea at Blake Hall is a highly regarded part of the Tour experience. The House Tour committee holds a Patron’s Party in a large home donated for the occasion by a Georgetown resident on the Thursday prior to the Tour, to thank the area’s home donors and to raise further funds. Further, a reception to honor a leader in the architectural and design world, sponsored by a local corporation, has taken place in Blake Hall on the Monday evening following the Tour. This year, the reception will feature the work of interior design luminary Mario Buatta, with proceeds from the evening going to Georgetown Ministry Center. St. John’s Episcopal Preschool / Parish Auction, held annually since shortly after the Preschool’s founding and a descendant of the St. John’s Auction Dinner/Dance held for many years prior, is a festive evening of food, fun, and fellowship in Blake Hall, during which a live auction is held. The funds raised are divided equally between the Preschool Scholarship Fund and the missions of St. John’s Church. St. John’s Greens Sale, held a few weeks before Christmas, invites the community to choose between a variety of fresh wreaths, centerpieces, dog bone wreaths and swags, and other holiday decorations made by parishioners. There are also handcrafted items, a book sale, and a table of gourmet treats. A chili lunch provides a way to refresh and socialize.

Other Distinctive Features

St. John’s has a reputation as a welcoming, accepting, and familyfriendly community. It has a number of U.S. diplomats and foreign-service officers among its parishioners. Students from nearby Georgetown University become members during their years in college. The congregation has a high regard for traditional music, well sung, a fact that is enhanced by the remarkably fine acoustics of the church building. The choir has been superior in recent years as the choirmaster has relied heavily on paid singers. Auditioning parishioners for the choir was recently reinstituted, which should

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lead to an even stronger bond between the church and its music ministry. The parish is in the process of replacing its old pipe organ. This will involve some close thinking about where we would like to place the new instrument, whether we want a pipe or digital organ, and how much we can or want to pay for it.

Finances & Stewardship

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he parishioners of St. John’s are grateful to have an endowment of approximately $2.6 million. The endowment fund was initiated in 1963. This fund is expertly managed by an outside brokerage firm. Use of these funds is strictly regulated by the Vestry. Our parish will operate on a budget of approximately $750,000 for 2008. Pledging income has risen steadily in the last three years from $305,546 in 2005 to $435,414 in 2007. We currently have pledges of more than $400,000 for 2008. Other sources of income include large fundraisers such as the Georgetown House Tour, income from weddings and building rental, plate offerings and a modest 4% contribution from our endowment.

Where our money comes from...

1%

13%

Plate offerings

2% 5%

Pledges

6%

This contribution is being reduced every year, from 6% in 2004, to 5% in 2005, 41⁄2% in 2006, and 4% in 2007 and 2008. Our aim is to support the entire operating budget from pledges received from parishioners and to use all endowment income for its intended purpose of major capital expenditures and innovative new programs.

Endowment

1%

Pre-school

2%

Other Flower Fund

3%

50%

Auction Greens Sale

17%

House Tour Space Use

Stewardship efforts at St. John’s are coordinated by the Vestry, members of which work tirelessly throughout the year to be watchful stewards of the church’s finances. Our parishioners have worked diligently to reduce our reliance on the endowment during the past six years. Four years ago, we satisfied the remaining Third Century Campaign debt from the reconstruction of the church building. Since that time we have ended the last two years with surplus budgets.

How our money is invested...

2%

16%

26% 5%

Activities Buildings & Grounds Human Services Ministries Outreach

51%

These charts illustrate the sources of our income and the investment of that income in our community.

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Key Statistics

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he area around St. John’s Georgetown, while fairly stable in terms of population numbers, experienced a rapid change in age demographics over the past decade. Older home owners left and young couples with families poured in. This unexpected turnover proved beneficial to our church thanks to the foresight of the parish members who founded St. John’s Preschool in 1996, and to our clergy, who welcome children and young families to the parish with ministry and care that meet their needs. Our clergy has been very effective in attracting new members. For example, the number of active members increased 32% over the past two years, rising from 323 on December 31, 2005, to 428 on December 31, 2007.

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orship attendance on an average Sunday has shown equally impressive growth, rising from 145 in 2005 to 198 in 2007. Attendance went up by more than one-third in two years. Interestingly, pledge income from parishioners has shown an even larger increase, up 42% in that time period. St. John’s Episcopal is in an urban environment amid residential homes, educational institutions, and retail establishments in Georgetown, a section on the west side of the District of Columbia. It is a block from Wisconsin Avenue, the main shopping street for that section of the city. The inhabitants of Georgetown are a mix of old time residents, who have lived in the area for many years, and, increasingly, newcomers, either professionals or attached in some way to a Federal Administration who move in and out of the area depending on the political situation. The population is affluent and highly educated with a higher than average household income and a higher percentage of college graduates than the U.S. average.

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Vision The parish was invited on Wednesday evening, January 30, and Sunday, February 3, between services to attend a Visioning Meeting, writing their thoughts on flip charts posted around Blake Hall in response to four questions:

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What does God call St. John’s to be?

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What characteristics will our rector need, given God’s calling?

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What does the congregation call St. John’s to be in the next decade?

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What characteristics will our rector need, given that vision?

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B

Fifty-two members came to the first visioning meeting, 58 to the second. The character of these sessions was best expressed by an older parishioner who felt the excitement in the room and noted that “The parish is all fired up!” Parishioners were attracted to all four charts equally, writing thoughtful answers. For purposes of the Parish Profile, answers to 1A and 2A are pertinent in presenting to the candidates our description of what we believe we are now, and what we believe God expects us to become over the next decade. A summary of the answers is listed below. Answers to questions 1B and 2B will be used to prepare interview questions for prospective candidates for rector of St. John’s and will not be covered in this document. Once the Search Committee has completed its work, full results of the Parish Visioning Meetings will be made available to the parish.

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f the 25 parishioners who wrote answers to 1A , most felt God calling St. John’s to be a place of spiritual endeavor. “Grounded in prayer, open to the leading of the spirit.” “Haven for all people who are interested in spiritual service.” “Bridge to spiritual fulfillment within each of us.” “Develop, support and inspire a younger generation of churchgoers – young children, teens and 20 somethings.” “Heal differences.” “Help us to see Christ in every person.” “Spread Christ’s/ Disciple’s message.” “Inclusive to all people.” “A place that responds to people’s spiritual hunger.”

f the 36 parishioners who wrote answers to 2A, the desire to get a new organ and continue to support a fine music program led the pack. “Appreciate a fine music program and encourage participation even from the ‘singing impaired.’” “Committed to music as a ministry of the church.” “Organ that is affordable and doesn’t require restructuring the altar.” “Make music (in the service, concerts) a larger part of Parish life.” “Place where different styles of musical traditions are explored.” “Where music and song are more lively and fun and the community participates (e.g., guitar, piano, drums, spiritual songs).”

The next most obvious calling revealed by the answers was parishioners’ desire to see St. John’s become a leader in the community. Members are quite ambitious for St. John’s: “Leader in the Georgetown and neighborhood outreach community and in the Washington broader community.” “Place that challenges us to relate to the wider community/world in a loving/responsive way.” “Place where we are led to challenge ourselves.” “Center of community.” “Presence in the community.” “A place that reaches out to the greater community.”

The second vision for St. John’s to attain in the next 10 years is to bring all together, most particularly bridging the age gap. “Welcoming to all ages, toddlers to seniors, and encourage different ages and groups to mix and get to know each other.” “Build and strengthen community across age groups, particularly teenagers and young adults.” “A place with a thriving/welcoming young adult community.” “Unifying 9 and 11 o’clock services (on occasion) and sharing different approaches and also preserving unique characteristics; building bridges between the two services.”

The third call to St. John’s was in the area of providing help to others. “Generous to the community of those who have less.” “To actively wrestle every day with what it means to be willing to give a place at God’s table to all. While we may not do that every day, we are called. St. John’s has always entertained that call.” “Community of outreach to those in need through our ministries.”

Emphasis on education and learning was marked: “Continual adult theological education; we do not individually have the answers.” “Continue to provide a parish experience for seminarians.” “Encouraging Bible Study and open discussion.” “Robust church school program for all ages.” “A community of faith that is always inquiring and learning.”

The concern for children ran through all the answers. God calls St. John’s to be a “Lover and nurturer of children.” “Place where our children love to learn God through knowledge and not obligation.” “Younger and older generations to become more accepting, interested and supportive of each other, not just during the services.”

Outreach remains a dominant theme: “Continue to be a leading charitable community.” “Inclusive, warm, enriching environment that constantly asks itself ‘how can we outreach to make our world a better place?’ ” “Known for outreach, community service and welcoming to young families.”

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Facilities

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e are blessed with an historic corner property in Georgetown. Some of the original church structure, dating from 1796, is still in use and most of the current church building predates the Civil War. Our church underwent an extensive renovation in the early to middle 1990s as we prepared to celebrate our Bicentennial. As a result of that renovation, we now enjoy a beautiful atrium, well-appointed office spaces, and a larger chapel and columbarium. Our parish hall was renovated in 2005 and renamed Blake Hall. It is a sought after space for wedding receptions and community events. The upper floor of Blake Hall houses St. John’s Preschool. This internationally renowned school consists of three levels of education for preschool children ages 21⁄2 to 5. (Please see page 7 for information on the Preschool.) Next door to the church is our rectory. This Victorian mansion served as home for many of our rectors, including our most recent, the Rev. Margaret Graham and her husband, Bill. Currently its first floor is used for parish meetings and social gatherings and the second floor for Sunday school and rental opportunities. This gracious mansion has been under renovation for the past six months and is available for our use once again. It has yet to be determined how the rectory will be used over the longer term. Facility projects yet to be completed include a new heating and air conditioning system for the church building. We have a facility-use committee working to identify plans for future use of both buildings on our property.

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Desired Characteristics of our Rector

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total of 110 parishioners attended the two visioning meetings held by the Search Committee in late January and early February. We attempted at those meetings to describe what characteristics our future rector will need to help us become what God is calling St. John’s to be. In addition, an online survey February 4 to 13 offered parishioners a further opportunity to describe the qualities that we want in a rector. Ninety-two parishioners took part in it, with 88 answering the final question: “What qualities do you look for in a rector of St. John’s?” `These parish-wide exercises led to some clear conclusions. First, St. John’s parishioners are looking for a teacher, a person who is “intellectual, well read, a liturgist.” We would like this person to be “deeply versed in the old and new testament,” whose “sermons focus on social justice and inclusiveness.” The hope is that he/she “can relate the Bible to current day events,” and will “focus on the problems and ways to live a Christian life.” Second, parishioners seek a person of deep spirituality, “a faithful person of prayer and openness to the Holy Spirit,” who welcomes all to St. John’s and is “able to relate to a lot of different kinds of people in the congregation and community” with “no inhibitions toward any of God’s children.” The members of St. John’s ask that our new rector challenge us intellectually and spiritually. This person should be “able to challenge and attract well educated people and, simultaneously, to be compassionate and welcoming to all.” The hope is that our new rector will take the “initiative to introduce new ideas,” will be “a facilitator of change, open to new ideas,” will be someone who “makes things happen.” Mention was made of the desirability for a rector who is a “good business manager.” This point is also made by the Diocese in a note to search committees called A Note About Administration. It points out that, in addition to preaching and pastoral skills, the ministry of administration is among the least recognized gifts needed by a parish priest. We seek someone with good business skills.

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inally, when asked to choose among qualities desired in our new rector, a majority of those taking the online survey picked these four as “absolutely essential”: An inspiring spiritual leader, who gives intellectually challenging sermons, energetic pastoral care, and is genuinely responsive to parishioners needs. More than half those responding felt it desirable for our new rector to be a leader in the wider community of Washington, D.C. They believe also that it is important for the new rector to like children and seniors, to be open to different faith perspectives, and to be motivating but democratic in leadership style.

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Parish Staff The Rev. Dr. Albert Scariato Priest-in-Charge Jane Volkema Parish Administrator & Liturgical Associate Dr. W. Dudley Oakes Organist & Choirmaster Kimberly Durham Bates Parish Secretary Sarah Duggin Seminarian Wesley Theological Seminary

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urrently we are operating well with a Priest-in-Charge, a liturgical associate, and two seminarians to lead us in worship. Our office staff includes a full-time parish administrator and a three-quarter time parish receptionist. Our music director works on a half-time basis and we employ a number of choristers. We also employ an accountant on a part-time basis to maintain our financial statements and payroll. We are supported by a sexton and others who work on an as-needed basis. Our Sunday School program is run by our Christian Youth Formation chairperson, who is a part-time employee. She coordinates many volunteers who teach Sunday School each week. On Sunday, we have a part-time employee for the nursery. The St. John’s Preschool employs a Head of School, eight teachers, and three administrative staff. Parish communication is a vital component in the operation of our church. Our award-winning newsletter The Sentinel is published monthly by lay members of our parish. This newsletter, our web page, and weekly “blast” e-mails are used constantly by our Priestin-Charge, his staff, and the Vestry to keep each parishioner up to date with the news of our church.

Brian Palmer Seminarian Virginia Theological Seminary Christine Deeley-Wood Christian Youth Formation Marley Joyce St. John’s Episcopal Preschool Director Don Rubis Accountant Lorenzo Aliaga Sexton

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In Conclusion

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arishioners of St. John’s Georgetown entered into the search process with great enthusiasm. We have responded to all opportunities offered by this event to express delight in our worship and our lives together. We have particularly welcomed the opportunity to exchange views about the visions we hold for our future. And in reviewing our 210-year history, with its high moments and low, we are humbly grateful once again for the blessings of the ministries of Meg Graham and Albert Scariato during the past 12 years. We give thanks for their unstinting dedication to us and to St. John’s Georgetown. Much of the information in this profile comes from responses made by parishioners to questions posed at two Visioning Sessions and in the online Parish Survey. More than half of the adult congregation took part in this process, giving us a reasonable picture and one that supports the descriptions in the Profile of our liturgy, outreach, youth education, music, and community spirit.

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e are a thriving, welcoming, healthy parish, which looks forward to calling a new rector who will help us continue to move confidently into the future.

Vestry Members

Search Committee Members

Margaret Huckaby – Senior Warden Michael Flanagan – Junior Warden Joan Bristol Allen Cameron Ron Ivey Al LaPorta Patricia Parson Laura Scanlon Jean Smith Patrick Supanc Tierney Viteri

Carol Cameron – Co-Chair Landis Jones – Co-Chair Wally Babington Christine Deeley-Wood Anna Fleming Vincent Griski Tom Hill Greg Mocek Julie van Steenwyk

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St. John’s Episcopal Church ~ Georgetown Parish ~ 3240 O Street, NW Washington, DC 20007 202-338-1796 www.stjohnsgeorgetown.org