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Who we are

We are a community of faith grounded in the Episcopal tradition and dedicated to sharing God’s unconditional and transformative love with the world. 

WHAT WE BELIEVE

Love God. Love Neighbor.

At the heart of our faith is the central biblical commandment to love God and love our neighbor as ourselves.  Following Jesus’ teachings, we believe that God invites each of us to be a conduit of God’s redeeming love to the world.  We do this by infusing the world with love in action.  This means practicing loving not only our neighbors, but our enemies as well.  It also means that we seek and pursue justice for all people in accordance with our baptismal covenant.  

Read our parish Statement on the Legacy of Slavery and Racism.
Read our Native Land Acknowledgement.


OUR MISSION

Building community at the crossroads of faith and life

Our mission is simple yet profound: forge deep connections – with God, with each other, with ourselves. Whether we are worshiping, learning, or serving – we do it together as we create a tapestry of experiences that draw us closer, building a community that’s compassionate, kind, and courageous.

OUR vision

Illuminate the path for kindness, connection, and community

Our vision is for a more kind and compassionate world that values connection and community over power and economic interest.  Starting with ourselves, and extending to our local community and beyond, we seek to follow Christ’s example of fostering the kind of authentic relationships that bridge generational, social and economic divides and promises liberation for all -  especially the most marginalized among us.

We value diversity reflecting God's love and gracious hospitality

At the heart of our church family is a desire to reflect God’s love and gracious hospitality. Our members represent a variety of racial and economic backgrounds, nationalities, family configurations, political affiliations, sexual orientations, abilities, and religious traditions.      

OUR pillars OF PURPOSE

Guiding our journey in faith and action

If you’re looking for a faith that doesn’t operate in a constructed world of black and white expectations – where you can explore the truth personallyand in community – you'll find that at St. John’s. We find answers through Episcopal tradition and in dialogue, centering community over uniformity or obedience.Together we will discern the truth.

Community engagement ministries

Be part of meaningful change with our community impact initiatives; we seek to improve lives and promote social justice, in order to reflect and enact the love and compassion at the heart of our faith.

Our Children,
youth & family programs

Designed to engage, educate, and inspire, our programs for kids and youth offer a nurturing environment for the youngest members of our church family from 6 months to teens.

Spirtual
education &
growth

Go deeper in your faith with our Bible study and spiritual education sessions. These gatherings are a space for insightful learning and spiritual growth in community, where questions are welcome.

frequently asked questions

Have questions? We have answers.

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 an 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’s are those 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.

What happens at a service?

Services last for about an hour and all include Scripture readings, a sermon (about 15 minutes), and Holy Communion (also known as Holy Eucharist).  All services include music except our 8:00 am service. Learn more about our Worship Services.

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

In the summer, our schedule is:

9 am: Rite I Eucharist

10 am: Rite II Eucharist

10 am: Rite II Eucharist Livestream

5 pm: Come as You Are

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!

 

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. 

How many people attend St. John's?

On Sundays during the school year, about 300 people total attend our four worship services. Our largest service is our mid-morning service, and our smallest services are early Sunday morning and Sunday evening.  We also livestream our 11:15 AM Sunday worship on our YouTube channel . Whichever option you prefer, we always have plenty of room for you and your family!

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. 

Do you have programs 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 Children in Worship page for more details.

What can I do while my kids are in Church School?

Many parents attend our Adult Education sessions in the Parish Hall during the church school hour, from 10:00 – 11:00 am. Others visit our Library for some peace and quiet or hang out with old friends and new in our Lounge.

Are there other ways to get involved with St. John's?

The answer is a resounding yes! 

Our church is a family, and we love spending time together throughout the week. Our small groups are ministries that connect us with others in a similar stage of life so that we can serve and grow together.

Visit our Get Involved Page to learn more about our bible studies, small group ministries, Community Impact Committees, and more.

How many people attend St. John's?

On Sundays during the school year, about 300 people total attend our four worship services. Our largest services is are our mid-morning services, and our smallest services are early Sunday morning and Sunday evening. We also livestream our 11:15 AM Sunday worship (10 am during the summer) on our YouTube channel. Whichever option you prefer, we always have plenty of room for you and your family!

Do you have coffee? 

Yes!  On Sunday mornings, we have free coffee, tea, and snacks available in the West Avenue lobby, Parish Hall, and Lounge.