St. John, San Juan Episcopal Church, Olympia

09/14/2026

Morning Blessing
May this morning remind you
that you are allowed to want something new.
May you give yourself permission
to follow a spark before you understand it.
May your work have meaning
even when its results take time to show.
May you keep company with people
who make your spirit feel larger.
May you remember that
some of life’s best directions
begin as whispers of curiosity.
And may you have the courage
to follow one today.

✍️ Rivers in the Ocean

09/12/2026

Join us tomorrow for back-to-school blessings

This Sunday, September 13, is Homecoming Sunday at St. John | San Juan, and we will celebrate, share and prepare!

At the 8 and 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. worship services, SJSJ will celebrate and bless children, parents, grandparents, teachers, professors and all those who serve in supporting roles in schools.

We'll have fun snacks and some special gifts to share.

And we'll prepare providing family spiritual support for the school year, including a Children’s Moment each Sunday led by Rev. Janet at the beginning of 10:30 a.m. worship, new activities during Sunday School and a take-home sheet of prayers, questions for reflection, and activity suggestions.

Welcome back to all children and families!

09/11/2026

09/10/2026

Bells ring for freedom, remembrance and hope

On Friday, September 11 at noon, St. John | San Juan Episcopal Church will ring the church bell for a full minute. Religious communities throughout Olympia, Tumwater and Lacey, including Olympia First Baptist; United Churches, Olympia; and St. Benedict Episcopal, Lacey, also will ring their bells at this time.

On the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the bells will ring to declare an ongoing commitment to freedom and justice for all.

They also ring in memory of those who were killed on 9/11 and of the first responders who sacrificed their lives seeking to save others.

Finally, the bells ring as a sign of hope and healing for all those who were injured in the attacks or recovery efforts and for those who continue to grieve for loved ones who died in the attacks.

For information about support and prayers for grief, illness, and other needs, please contact St. John | San Juan at (360) 352-8527.

09/08/2026

One of two events on September 24 featuring Combatants for Peace, an organization that brings Israelis and Palestinians together to co-resist the occupation and build a future of peace, equality, and freedom for all.

Afternoon event: September 24th 12-1pm. Please join us and the founding members of Combatants for Peace (CfP). We will gather to listen, reflect, connect, and imagine our pathways forward together.

CfP is a grassroots movement of Israelis and Palestinians working together to end the occupation and bring peace, freedom and safety for all people between the Jordan river and the Mediterranean sea.

Committed to joint nonviolence since their inception in 2006, CfP uses civil resistance, education, and other creative means of activism to transform systems of oppression and build a free and just future based on collective liberation.

This is one of two public events on this day. Stay tuned to learn about the evening event!

09/07/2026

A prayer on Labor Day

Almighty God, you have so linked our lives one with another that all we do affects, for good or ill, all other lives: So guide us in the work we do, that we may do it not for self alone, but for the common good; and, as we seek a proper return for our own labor, make us mindful of the rightful aspirations of other workers, and arouse our concern for those who are out of work; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

09/05/2026

Beginning this Sunday, September 6, through Sunday, September 20, St. John | San Juan will have detailed information for you about how to prepare, including what you need to do if you have pets.

Visit the display table in the Parish Hall after the 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services to pick up printed information and to talk to some preparedness experts!

Is your household ready if an emergency happens? Preparedness starts at home. Take time today to create and practice an emergency plan so everyone knows what to do.