unique services
Join St. John’s, Georgetown on a Theme Sunday
Churches have theme Sundays all the time, like “Good Shepherd Sunday,” when the music, prayers, and readings all incorporate the shepherd metaphor. Some are beloved mostly because of the playful activities associated with them, like the first Sunday in Advent (Advent wreathmaking) or St. Francis Sunday (blessing of the animals). So the idea of a theme Sunday – even a playful one – is not new or unique to St. John’s.
Storytelling & the Good News
The idea of using someone’s favorite stories to teach them about God is an ancient practice. The writers of the Old Testament did it. Jesus did it. The earliest Christians did it. In modern times, Mr. Rogers was a beloved example of someone who used play, make-believe, and non-biblical stories to teach kids (and adults) about God. Usually we require kids to adapt to grow-up ways of doing things. But two Sundays a year, we turn it upside down, and let their songs and stories and playfulness be the rule of the day. Turning things upside-down in favor of the little guy is a very Jesus-like practice. And if dressing up and playing make-believe is good enough for Christmas pageants, why not do it more often to have a good time and to hear the Good News?

Something for Everyone
Theme Sundays are regular Eucharist services, straight out of the Prayer Book. We’ll have readings from the Bible and all the usual elements of the service. What will be different is that the Service of the Word (the first half, up until the Peace) will have a film/pop culture theme, instead of a Good Shepherd, St. Francis, or other theme. We think everyone will get something out of the day, and we urge you to give it a try!