On April 27, 28 and 29, 2025, the MSIA community in Washington, DC joyfully welcomed John Morton and Leigh Taylor-Young Morton to our city. To say that we planned a few activities for their visit might be an understatement. Our planning team—Susan Valaskovic, Chip Conley, Jan Rovecamp, Kerry Mounts and myself (with assistance from Linda Mathieu for MSIA service appointments)—went all out to line up special events for each day. We presented our ideas to John and Leigh and they graciously agreed to participate in all that we had proposed.

The planning for these events did involve a lot of meetings, emailing, and list making over several months but it all magically lined up. Even the weather cooperated with beautiful skies and pleasant temperatures. Several participants commented on how there seemed to be an ease and grace present during each event. There was a sense of fellowship as we traveled around town with our special focus of placing blessings and Light. And we had fun along the way! Where did we go and what did we do?

Sunday, April 27: The events started on April 27 as we met in a hotel just a few blocks from the White House to participate in the LA Global Ministers Meeting at noon. We then returned for the Peace is Present Workshop at 4 pm. A sense of community filled the meeting room for both events as we greeted one another with hugs and smiles. We not only greeted old friends but also met some new ones, as participants also attended from California, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and North Carolina.

The meeting room was cozy and the ministers meeting was uplifting as always. It was even more special because John and Leigh were present and we were able to experience their loving energy when they each shared during the meeting. After lunch, we then settled in for The Peace is Present Workshop where we learned practical information for how to maintain our inner peace. My favorite tips: Accept, Forgive and Let Go.

Monday, April 28:  This was our day to visit the U.S. Capitol Building, where Congress meets to make our laws. Twenty-seven members of our MSIA community participated in this event. We had arranged for a private tour of the building with staff from U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse’s office. MSIA minister Donna Nesselbush had connected us with the senator’s staff, who were all so kind and gracious both before and during the tour. The tour included the building’s central space called the Rotunda, located underneath the Capitol Dome, where the presidential inauguration took place in January. We gathered around John near the center of the room as he placed a blessing and we followed with some soft chanting. I’m always touched by how the energy of the room seems to shift as we do this.

Replica of the Statue of Freedom on top of the U.S. Capitol building where we visited the House of Representatives Chamber and original Supreme Court.

We then went to the chamber where the House of Representatives meets. There are currently 435 voting members in the House. This room is where the President delivers the annual State of the Union address, and where foreign leaders come to address our Congress. After silently placing Light there and listening to a few speeches, we walked across the street to visit the U.S. Supreme Court. The Court was in session that day so we could not enter the courtroom. But John was able to do a blessing on the floor directly below the courtroom and our group followed with some soft chanting. Just as in the Rotunda, a peaceful flow of energy seemed to fill the space.

It was time for lunch and some members of our group headed to the nearby Capitol Hill Club, a national social club that had its beginnings in 1951. Its members have included some of the nation’s most influential people. Susan Valaskovic was able to arrange for a buffet lunch in a private room at the club for John, Leigh and 10 others from our group. Those who participated said it was a memorable experience. Not only was the food delicious, but several in our group mentioned that, as they sat around the table in this private room, they experienced a sense of oneness and the presence of Spirit.

Group for lunch at the Capitol Hill Club (photo by Kate Ferrick)

Tuesday, April 29: Our final day of events began early as we met at 8:30 am at St. John’s Church/Lafayette Square, which is directly across from the White House. This historic church is called the Church of the Presidents and it is where President Lincoln would often pray during the Civil War.

John Morton in Lincoln's pew at St. John's Church

It opened in 1816 and every US President since then has visited the church. On this day, John was invited to speak to us and do a Moment of Peace in front of the altar before the church opened to the public at 9 am. This was truly a sacred experience as we quietly listened to John’s words and blessings while viewing the beautiful stained glass window of the Last Supper illuminated behind him.

After breakfast, our next stop was the White House. Members of our planning team were able to arrange for five of us to visit on a self-guided tour. This meant that John, Leigh and three members of our group were able to walk through the public rooms of the White House at our own pace and silently place Light along the way. We visited the most well-known rooms: the East Room, the Green Room, the Blue Room, the Red Room and the State Dining Room. Because of restrictions, there was no formal Moment of Peace but we did have many opportunities for silent ministry.

John Morton and Leigh Taylor-Young in front of Lafayette Park with White House and Washington Monument in the background

This brings us to the last event on our schedule: a visit Tuesday afternoon to Arlington National Cemetery. This is the final resting place for military veterans and their family members. Over 400,000 are buried here starting with Civil War veterans in the 1860s. It is a deeply moving experience. After meeting at the Welcome Center, our group walked up the hill to the highest place in the cemetery, Arlington House, where Robert E. Lee once lived and which offers a panoramic view of Washington, DC. Blessings were placed here and a Moment of Peace with John was recorded. On the way up the hill, our group had paused to place Light at the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy which is located below Arlington House. These blessings at Arlington National Cemetery concluded all the events that had been planned for our group.

At JFK Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery with flag at half mast honoring Pope Francis with the Arlington (Robert E. Lee) Mansion in the background.

We are so grateful for these three beautiful days when our MSIA community came together with the Traveler to bless and be blessed. To give and receive. To experience a quiet oneness and sacredness along with the joy, laughter and fun that seem to show up when we’re together.

Heartfelt thanks to all who assisted us in any way and to those who participated in the events. And special thanks to John and Leigh for being such wonderful friends, teachers and companions on this journey. We look forward to welcoming you back to the Nation’s Capital!