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.
Padre’s Ponderings for May 2026
This reflection encourages members of St. John’s to embrace active, shared participation in the church’s life—living out their baptismal promises by receiving and sharing Christ’s love as part of a growing, hopeful community.
St. John’s and Practicing Resurrection
Easter isn’t just a day—it’s a call to live as a community of hope, justice, and belonging. As we celebrate resurrection, we’re invited to practice radical welcome, show up for one another, and embody Christ’s love in our daily lives.
Thoughts from the Senior Warden for April 2025
Many in our community delay needed care due to rising costs—but help is available. The Edmund Caskie Harrison Fund offers financial assistance for health-related needs to Charleston and Kanawha County residents, continuing a legacy of care and compassion for over a century.
Attention all Garden Gurus!
Love gardening? Join us at St. John’s to help plant, trim, and beautify our grounds—on a schedule or at your own pace. Come dig in and be part of creating something beautiful together!
Race to End Racism
The 10th Annual Race to End Racism brings our community together to promote unity, inclusion, and justice. Whether you run, walk, or simply come to cheer, join us in showing support and standing against racism.
Open Door Ministry at St. Mark’s Methodist Church
We’re exploring a partnership with St. Mark’s United Methodist Church’s Open Door Ministry, which provides breakfast and to-go meals throughout the week. Volunteers and donations are welcome as they serve our community with care and hospitality—join us in supporting this meaningful outreach!
Prayer for Healthy Habits
Inspired by prayer beads and recent reflection, I’m exploring how daily prayer can reshape how I care for my physical and mental health—rooted in God’s love for me. This practice is a step toward seeing myself as wonderfully made and learning to love my body as a temple.
Braveheart’s St. Patrick’s Day Party
BraveHeart’s St. Patrick’s party was a joyful night of music, dancing, and community—made even more special by the amazing support of the Charleston Police. One of our best celebrations yet!
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.