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St. John's Episcopal Church, Norwood Parish

6701 Wisconsin Ave.
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
301.654.7767

Office hours:

Monday – Friday
9 am – 5 pm

Emergency pastoral care for parishioners:

Call 301.654.7767   Option 1

FOR MEMBERS


OUR NEWSLETTER

Check out the latest issue of Crossroads.

 CROSSROADS

get involved

Discover the many ways to get involved at St. John's.

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support st. john's

Make an online donation to St. John's.

 donate here

frequently asked questions

Have questions? We have answers.

general information:

Where are you located?

St. John’s is located at 6701 Wisconsin Avenue in Chevy Chase, Maryland, at the corner of Wisconsin Avenue and Bradley Boulevard.

PARKING:

  • St. John's parking lot. Enter on Wisconsin Avenue (northbound) and park in our designated spaces. Do not park in spaces reserved for neighboring businesses – they will tow!
  • On-street parking. Park on West Avenue (behind the church) and on Wisconsin Avenue on Sundays.
  • Nearby public parking lots. Lots on Walsh and Leland Streets are free on Sundays. Do not park in parking lots or garages for other businesses, such as Trader Joe’s – they will tow.
  • ADA parking. Available on West Avenue with a valide ADA tag on display.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

  • By Metro: We're eight blocks south of the Bethesda Metro Station (about a 10-minute walk).
  • By bus: The Ride-On Bus #34 stops in front of the church on Wisconsin Avenue.

BIKING TO ST. JOHN'S.

Several of our parishioners ride their bikes to church. We provide a bicycle rack at the back of the church just outside the West Avenue entrance. Be sure to lock your bike!

 

What time are services?

We offer five services on Sundays to fit a variety of schedules:

8 am: Rite I Eucharist

9 am: Family Services

11:15 am: Rite II Eucharist

11:15 am: Rite II Eucharist Livestream

5 pm: Come as You Are

Do I need to get dressed up?

It's up to you! Our dress code is 'Whatever Makes You Feel Comfortable' – whether it's a comfy sweatshirt and jeans or a full-tilt Sunday best. Everyone is welcome. 

Who can take communion?

At St. John’s, we practice Open Communion, which means that we welcome everyone to Christ’s table to partake of bread and wine. You do not have to be a member of our church, or any church, or even baptized to take communion. You may join us at the altar for communion, come to the altar for a blessing, or remain in your pew.

What should I expect? 

When you step into a service at St. John’s, you're entering a space where warmth and welcome radiate. Each service is a unique blend of tradition and contemporary relevance, reflecting the vibrant spirit of our community.

Expect to Feel Welcomed: From the moment you arrive, you'll be greeted with smiles and open arms. Whether it's your first visit or your hundredth, you're family here.

Beautiful music: Our services are and intentional mix of traditional hymns that have echoed through the ages and more modern melodies that resonate with today's seekers.

Inspirational Sermons: We're known for delivering messages that are thought-provoking and deeply relevant. Each sermon is a reflection of how faith intersects with everyday life, offering insights that are both uplifting and applicable.

A Community in Prayer: Some of the most profound moments at St. John’sn are thos spent in communal prayer. It's a time when joys and concerns are shared, hearts are united, and the presence of God is felt.

Programs for All Ages: If you’re coming with family, there are engaging programs for children and youth during the service that ignite young imaginations about faith and community.

A Time for Fellowship: Post-service, the congregation often lingers for coffee, casual chats, and deeper conversations.

An Invitation to Reflect and Connect: Above all, each service at St. John’s is an invitation – to reflect, connect, and find your own place in the tapestry of this loving community.

events:

I am planning an event at St. John’s. How do I make it happen?

To request that your event be added to the St. John's calendar as well as to help us make sure you have everything you need for your event including reserving a space (i.e., Parish Hall, Lounge, etc.), getting your event on the church calendar, arranging the set-up (tables, chairs, linens, etc.) and general guidance. Simply complete the form below to get all the required forms and information.

Please note that some event services, such as clean-up and tech support, may have additional fees connected with them and you'll need to know this for your event budget.

Event request form:

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Is alcohol allowed at events at St. John’s? 

Yes, under certain conditions.  Ask the office for a copy of the Alcohol Policy at office@stjohnsnorwood.org.

getting involved:

What kinds of programs do you have for kids?

Children are welcomed at St. John’s, and can attend any of our worship services. Our communion table is open to all, including children. In our Children’s Ministry classes, we welcome little ones from six months to middle school age. Curious to learn more? Check out our Kids & Youth Page for more details. 

 FAMILY, YOUTH & CHILDREN PROGRAMS

How do I join any of the many Ministries or how do I start one?

Complete the form below to connect with Rev. Anne Derse, Deacon and Minister for Community Engagement:

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How do I get an article in Crossroads? 

It's easy. Simply complete this form to connect with Sharon Lapilato and Chris Martin from the St. John's Communications team:

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I have a particular expertise that may be of value to a particular St. John’s committee and/or I have a particular interest in serving on a specific committee at St. John’s. How do I get involved?

We welcome your interest and participation! To learn more, complette this form to connect with Rev. Anne Derse, Deacon and Minister for Community Engagement.

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leadership opportunities:

How do I become a member of the Vestry?

Elections for the Vestry are governed by St. John’s by-laws. Vestry members are elected at the Annual Parish Meeting (APM), which must occur within 15 days after Easter. Interested parishioners may be nominated by the Leadership Development Committee or by petition, as follows:

The Leadership Development Committee (LDC) seeks to identify and work with parishioners interested in serving on any of our committees and/or the Vestry throughout the program year at St. John’s. The LDC is required by our by-laws to publish a slate of candidates five weeks before the APM, the date of which is set by the Vestry. Individuals may stand for the Vestry independently of the LDC by submitting a petition signed by at least five qualified voting members of the Parish (as defined in our by-laws) to a member of the LDC. Petitions must be received by the LDC no less than three weeks before the APM. Contact the Rector or any Vestry member for additional information.

When does the Vestry meet and who can attend meetings?

The Vestry meets on the third Tuesday of each month and can be attended either in person in the Lounge or via Zoom. Meetings are open to parishioners unless held in Executive Session. Contact the Senior or Junior Wardens for additional information.

What are the Standing Committees at St. John’s?

Property
Finance
Stewardship
Governance
Personnel
Justice & Outreach Coordinating Committee
Leadership Development
Investments Committee
Norwood Parish Fund Board

I have a particular expertise that may be of value to a particular St. John’s committee and/or I have a particular interest in serving on a specific committee at St. John’s. How do I get involved?

We welcome your interest and participation! To learn more, complette this form to connect with Rev. Anne Derse, Deacon and Minister for Community Engagement.

Name*
Email*
HOW MAY WE HELP?* 
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pledges & donations:

What is a pledge?

A pledge is a financial commitment to the church for the upcoming year. The Vestry depends on pledge commitments in order to accurately prepare an operating budget that supports the church’s ministries and day-to-day operations.

Why is it important to make a pledge commitment at St. John’s Norwood Parish?

Those who pledge to the work of God through St. John’s typically consider St. John’s to be their spiritual home. Your pledge, therefore, is an investment that brings greater health and wellbeing to your church home by supporting the necessary day-to day operations of the church and strengthening its mission and ministry.

How do I make an annual pledge?

There are three options for submitting a pledge.

  1. Via the St. John’s website at this link: https://bit.ly/48VdLGN to fill out a Pledge Form
  2. Send a confidential email to pledge@stjohnsnorwood.org
  3. Fill out a Pledge Card (typically found in the West Avenue Lobby and the Hallway leading to the Nave) and drop it in the Pledge Box near the cards.

How do I pay my pledge?

  • Pledge via e-check your bank. Set up a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly auto payment from your bank to St. John’s. There is no fee to St. John's for these kinds of pledges, making this our preferred method.
  • Pledge via e-check on Breeze.com. Set up an auto payment from your checking account in Breeze. There is a 1% processing fee for St. John's to accept donations through Breeze (which you can cover when making your pledge). Click here to set up an ACH pledge in Breeze.
  • Pledge by debit or credit card on Breeze.com: Set up an automatic credit card payment in Breeze. There is a 3% processing fee for St. John's to accept donations through Breeze (which you can cover when making your pledge). Click here to set up a credit card pledge in Breeze.
  • QR Code. Scan the QR code on our Streaming Service or from the weekly Notes & News to make a pledge via debit or credit card.
  • The collection plate. You may make a pledge via check during our services. Write “Pledge” on the memo line, and put it in the plate.
  • Regular mail. You may make a pledge via check and pop it into the mail to us. Write “Pledge” on the memo line and send to St. John's Norwood 6701 Wisconsin Ave, Chevy Chase, MD 20815.

How do I set up an account on Breeze (our online donation portal)?

If you have not set up an account in Breeze (St. John’s Membership Database), please contact the parish office: office@stjohnsnorwood.org and you will be emailed a link to create your account.

Once you’ve set up your account, you can view and edit your information, view contact information for fellow parishioners, and view and manage your contributions including pledges, outreach, special events, etc.

Questions about Breeze can be directed to Beth Campbell, Finance Director via email at finance@stjohnsnorwood.org or by phone at 301.654.7767, extension 301.

How do I make a Check Request or request a Reimbursement?

Please direct any questions about the budget, check requests or reimbursements to Beth Campbell via email at finance@stjohnsnorwood.org or by phone at 301.654.7767, extension 301.