Obamas attend service at St. John's

(NECN: Washington, D.C.) – The first family attended Sunday services at St. John’s Church, an Episcopal church on Lafayette Square across from the White House. President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and daughter Sasha and Malia took the short drive to the service, but opted to walk back, hand-in-hand, to the White House. During the service, the Obamas shook hands with those around them as a sign of peace. Those worshipping in the church prayed for all people, including “Barack, our president, the leaders of Congress, the Supreme Court and all who are in authority.” Mr. Obama, who also worshipped at the pale yellow church on Easter Sunday and on Inauguration Day, has not settled on a new permanent congregation for the first family. A pew nine rows back from the altar carries a small brass plaque designating it as “The President’s Pew.” Former President George W. Bush often attended services, and church history claims that every president since James Madison, the nation’s fourth chief executive, has visited. Material from The Associated Press used in this report.