X
Live    Worship    Grow    Heal    Give

Obamas Start Inauguration With Visit To St. John’s Episcopal Church

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama began inauguration day listening to a church pastor counsel him to use his power to benefit others, and the nation.

It was part of the sermon at St. John’s Episcopal Church near the White House, where Obama and his family attended services Monday morning.

The presidential motorcade arrived shortly after 8:30 a.m. under crisp, cold skies outside the sanctuary. The president and first lady Michelle Obama emerged to pose briefly for photos with their daughters Sasha and Malia before entering the church. The first family sometimes attends Sunday worship at the church, which is across Lafayette Park from the White House.

Vice President Joe Biden and his family also attended.

Inside, R&B singer Ledisi, a favorite of Mrs. Obama’s, sang a solo titled “I Feel Like Goin’ On.”

The sermon was delivered by Pastor Andy Stanley of North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, Ga., who asked what one does when they realize they’re the most powerful person in that room. “You leverage that power for the benefit of other people in the room,” Stanley said.

To the president, he said: “Mr. President, you have an awfully big room. It’s as big as our nation.”

Obama stood for a blessing from Bishop Vashti McKenzie of the Tenth Episcopal District, African Methodist Episcopal Church. She prayed for the president to be a “soothing presence in the White House when the stress and strain of leadership seeks a resting place.”

Obama exited to cheers from a waiting crowd, then headed back to the White House as time neared to take the oath of office for his second term.

 

Originally posted here

image_print

by
Category: #Uncategorized

Respond to this:

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Stories

St. Mary’s Ramona Launches Youth Collaborative
April 15, 2025

At St. Mary’s in Ramona, we are thrilled to announce the selection of Ray Swavely–the first-ever Youth Director for the Ramona Youth Collaborative. This moment marks the launch of an […]

Holy Week: What had his full attention? What mattered most to him?

I don’t know where I first saw or heard this phrase: “Happy Ash Wednesday! We’re all gonna die!” I think it was on social media. It’s funny, irreverent, and profound…the […]

Earth Month 2025
April 8, 2025

We all love celebrations! EDSD congregations have found many ways to celebrate Earth Month; some of the most popular were through Creation Care Sunday services or outdoor activities. Sacred Trails, […]

View All News
Receive the latest news.

© Episcopal Diocese of San Diego 2022. All Rights Reserved.