The Interchange
The Interchange features articles of interest submitted by parishioners along with messages from the priest and senior warden. It also includes critical information about what is happening in the parish, diocese and The Episcopal Church (TEC) generally. To submit content to be featured in The Interchange visit the Parish Communications page.
Intercessory Prayer: What is it?
You are welcome to join in Intercessory Prayer in the Chapel immediately after you have had your Communion. Here, you may ask for specific prayers by sharing the name of a loved one in need or for a general cause.
Prayers for the Repose of the Soul of the Rt. Rev. James "Jim" Waggoner
With deep sadness, we share that the Rt. Rev. James "Jim" Waggoner, Jr., VIII Bishop of Spokane and former priest of the Diocese of West Virginia, died on Friday, February 27.
Padre’s Ponderings for March 2026
St. John’s ministries already offer abundant opportunities for formation, fellowship, and service, and this Lent invites everyone to deepen their practice of love and faith while stepping into ministry roles that support Christ’s community both inside and beyond the church.
A Pastoral Letter from Bishop Cowden
Ash Wednesday begins Lent, a season of repentance and renewed commitment to justice, calling Episcopalians to reject violence and prejudice and to live out Christ’s presence through prayer and care for others.
Collaboration Among Charleston’s Episcopal Churches
The Rev. Clayton Harrington of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Nathan Self of St. Christopher Episcopal Church, and the Rev. Eric L. Miller of St. John’s Episcopal Church, all new to their congregations, are fostering collaboration in Charleston by jointly hosting this year’s Good Friday Solemn Liturgy at St. Matthew’s, reflecting a spirit of mutual support and shared witness to Christ’s love.
From the Senior Warden…
At St. John’s, ministries bring our worship space to life by channeling our talents into service, fostering community, and living out faith in Christ, and everyone is encouraged to get involved beyond Sunday worship.
Taizé Prayer on Sunday, March 8
Taizé is a brief ecumenical service on March 8, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Charleston; all are welcome.
Thoughts on Contemplative Prayer
Contemplative prayer, as taught by Thomas Keating, is a silent, heart-centered form of meditation that seeks deeper awareness of God’s “Divine Indwelling,” and at St. John’s it is practiced each Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. with a candlelit gathering, twenty minutes of silence, and closing prayer, open to all.
A Petition: Demanding Cessation of State and Local Assistance in Immigration Operations
This petition calls on Patrick Morrisey to prohibit the use of West Virginia state and local resources to support federal immigration enforcement by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, arguing that such involvement undermines community trust, strains public safety resources, and exceeds state responsibility.
Women’s Retreat is Walking the Wilderness!
A women’s retreat at Peterkin will explore themes from An Altar in the World by Barbara Brown Taylor through discussion, worship, nature activities, and rest in the mountains of West Virginia, with optional two- or three-night stays and registration due April 2.
Memories: Matt Shepard’s Portrait
Matt, a lifelong Episcopalian murdered in a hate crime because he was gay, was later memorialized at Washington National Cathedral, where his remains are interred, and is honored locally through a portrait displayed by the St. Ambrose Choir.
Who Does That? Altar Guild
This introduction to St. John’s ministries spotlights the Altar Guild, which prayerfully prepares the altar and communion elements behind the scenes for all services and warmly invites new members to consider joining this vital ministry.
Padre’s Ponderings for February 2026
“Our prayers matter greatly. God wants to hear our hearts. And, action is paramount.”
From Your New Senior Warden
“…the greatest surprise in my return to West Virginia was finding a second family at St. John’s. From the moment I first stepped into the church, the warmth was immediate.”
Author Rev. Brandan Robertson Coming to St. John’s
By hosting Rev. Robertson, St. John’s continues its commitment to open dialogue and to creating a church community where all are welcomed and all belong.
What’s All the Buzz? St. John’s to Open New Ministry
Living in a state with an abortion ban, diminishing options for maternity care and limited sexual health resources, we are seizing an opportunity to embrace our values as Saints of John and offer compassionate support.
Lector & Eucharistic Minister Training
All current Eucharistic ministers, lectors, and those interested in joining these ministries are asked to attend a training session on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
Concerts @ St. John’s Spring Season Begins
Concerts @ St. John's Spring 2026 season opens on Sunday, February 15, at 4:00 PM, with a celebration of Valentine's and Mardi Gras.