St. John's Episcopal Church

Welcome to the E-Notes!

May 23, 2018
 
SPECIAL EVENT TOMORROW -Thursday, May 24 - 7 PM and 8:30 PM
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry to Lead a Prayer Service and Vigil in DC

Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry will join other faith leaders and elders in Washington, DC to launch the Reclaiming Jesus Declaration at a church service followed by a silent candlelight vigil to the White House on Thursday, May 24  
 
All are invited to attend the event, beginning at 7 pm Eastern at the National City Christian Church, 5 Thomas Circle NW, Washington DC. At the Church Service, Presiding Bishop Curry will join 10 other faith leaders and elders in prayer and preaching.
 
Following the church service, at 8:30 pm an estimated crowd of more than 1000 will follow Presiding Bishop Curry and the faith leaders and elders as they process from National City Christian Church to the White House.
 
"The church service, the procession to the White House, and silent candlelight vigil is planned in response to the moral and political crises at the highest levels of political leadership that are putting both the soul of the nation and the integrity of Christian faith at stake"...
For more info, and to view the complete Reclaiming Jesus Declaration to be made by the faith leaders, please:  
 
 
PRESIDING BISHOP MICHAEL CURRY PREACHES AT THE ROYAL WEDDING
The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church was invited to preach at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Megan Markle on Saturday, May 19. He preached an amazing and emotion filled sermon about the power of love, and how that power can change the world with the power of love given to us by God. Please click on the link below to view this powerful sermon or scroll down to read the text. Bishop Curry is a passionate preacher and no one who has heard him preach leaves unchanged. He is one of the best preachers of our time. The sermon is 13 minutes. Please take the time to hear his emotional plea to love one another.

COMMUNITY - NEIGHBORS IN NEED
  • Assistance for Centreville Residents Affected by the May 2 Fires
 
On May 2, 2018 our community suffered devastating losses in two separate fires. The Forest Glen senior apartments had fire, smoke, and water damage to 75 units affecting over 125 residents who were evacuated. Ten townhomes in Sully Station II have been condemned due to fire as well. Many of our neighbors have lost everything.  As we continue to assess the needs of the residents, which will guide our donation efforts moving forward, we have identified additional needs as follows:
 
1. Monetary Donations
While gift cards continue to be a great resource, cash will work best for addressing housing needs, including application costs, deposits, rent, etc. Please consider designating a cash donation to Western Fairfax Christian Ministries, the organization taking the lead to work directly with the county and the affected residents, for this immediate need.
You can mail or drop off donations to Western Fairfax Christian Ministries (WFCM), 4511 Daly Drive, Suite J, Chantilly, Va. WFCM can receive donations in person from 9 a.m.to 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday.  WFCM is also accepting online cash donations at wfcmva.org.  For additional information, call 703-988-9656 or email [email protected].

2. Housing
Long-term affordable housing options for those displaced by the fire, particularly our older adult residents, is a primary focus right now. We are looking for tax-credit affordability level and accessibility (ADA) among other criteria.  For offers or information on housing criteria, contact Elisa Johnson with the Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development at 703-279-7302, TTY 711.

3. Gift Card Donations
WFCM is receiving gift cards to benefit the residents impacted by the May 2 fires. Gift cards to Walmart, Target, and Visa in $20-$50 denominations are preferred. In addition to cash and gift card donations, WFCM will accept donations of food, toiletries/adult diapers and other personal care items. WFCM's donation hours are 9 a.m.to 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. WFCM is located at 4511 Daly Drive, Suite J, Chantilly.

4. Clothing Assistance Donations
Clothing donations can be made to Centreville Baptist Church, located at 15100 Lee Highway, Centreville, at a storage pod in the left side parking lot.  Clothing can be dropped off May 9-May 18, Monday-Friday, 7:00am - 9:00pm.

5. For Residents Affected by the Fires
People impacted by the Centreville fires may contact the county's Coordinated Services Planning
at 703-222-0880, TTY 711 for short-term or long-term needs.

PARISH 
  • Attention Graduates
If you or someone in your family is graduating from high school, college, or graduate school in the next few months, please let Carol know so we can share your good news with the parish family in the ENotes. If you know what you will be doing in the fall, send that information as well.
  • Lost and Found
Several items have been found that probably belong to St. John's parishioners:
     -a men's black/gray cap was found in the library on April 22 when Bishop Jones was here for Confirmation. The confirmands and their families as well as the Vestry used the room that day.
     -a pair of sunglasses was found this past Sunday on the floor in the narthex; maroon and black frames.
     -a cross necklace was found in the women's restroom on Easter Sunday.

All of these item are in Carol's office. Please call Carol to claim them. 
  • April Vestry Meeting Highlights
  • Mortgage Re-finance Discussions and Bank Selection
  • Fairfax County ARB approved St. John's Building Use Application
  • By-laws are under review.  They were last revised in 2004.
  • Memorial Day Service
This year, we will again have a short outdoor service of readings and prayers on  Monday, May 28 at 12:00  noon to remember all who have died in service to our country. We will gather at the bell, weather permitting. Please join us. (If the weather is bad, we will have the service in the historic church.)
 
DIOCESE
  • Update from the Search and Nominating Committee for a second Bishop Suffragan
The committee has posted the Diocesan Profile on the diocesan website. To read the profile, go to the diocesan website at www.thediocese.net     Under "Bishop's" click on the link to the Bishop Suffragan Search. Nominations are now closed. Any questions or comments for the committee can be sent to the email on the website.
 OPPORTUNITIES 
  • Update on 'Footsteps of Jesus' Program; Trip to the Holy Land Jan. 29 - Feb. 7 2019
Last Chance!!
 
We have 27 parishioners registered with St. George's College in Jerusalem.  We are allowed a maximum of 40.  St. George's is now back-filling the extra 13 slots.  If you would like to go on this trip, you may still be able to secure a spot with our group; please let us know quickly and by registering and paying the $500 deposit. 
 
June 2018 - Joint Parish Educational Meeting at St. John's in Centreville
Fall 2018 - Joint Parish Educational Meeting at Emmanuel in Delaplane
November 2018 - 50% payment due to St. Georges
December 2018/January 2019  - Joint Parish / Send off Dinner (and final information)
January 29 - February 7, 2019 - Pilgrimage
 
Walt Cooner  [email protected]
Lee Johnson  lee.johnson1973@gmail.com
Barbara Tourtelot  [email protected]
Andrew Wade  [email protected]
 

SIGN UP HERE TO
SERVE
as LEM, Crucifer, Lector, Usher, Verger, Torch Bearer at a Sunday Service.
   

click here: 
 
You will receive an automatic reminder a few days in advance. ( If you would like to become an altar server, please see the Rev. Carol Hancock.)

SIGN UP HERE TO
BRING SNACKS
for coffee hour after the Sunday Service in the Breezeway.

 click here: 
 
You will receive an automatic reminder a few days in advance. Coffee hour is an important part of fellowship - staying connected with each other and welcoming newcomers.


SIGN UP HERE TO
SUPPLY FLOWERS 
for a Sunday service throughout 2018.


click here:
You may sign up here to donate the flowers to be used on the altar for each of the Sundays in 2018. Click to read additional info before signing up.
 

 
  
 
We can prepare our hearts and minds by
reading ahead for the Sunday Service lessons.  
        
The First Sunday after Pentecost
Trinity Sunday 
 
May 27, 2018
9:30 AM 
 
The First Reading: Isaiah 6:1-8 
Isaiah is called to ministry as a prophet. Isaiah has a vision of the throne room of God, with angels praising his holiness. Through God's righteousness, we are all made worthy to serve him. 
 
The Psalm:   29
   
The Epistle: Romans 8:12-17 
As children of God, we are adopted and freed to be of service to God. We are not left without a choice, helpless to fall into sin. 
 
The Gospel: John 3:1-17
Being born into the world is only the second-biggest transformation and a journey that a person can undergo. Being born into the Christian family is even more disruptive and identity-forming than our first birth.
 
 

 
THE ADULT
LECTIONARY FORUM

MEETS EACH SUNDAY IN THE LIBRARY,  
FOLLOWING THE SERVICE 
  
FROM 10:50 - 11:50 am
___________________

CHILD CARE IS 
PROVIDED IN THE NURSERY   
(Rm. 205) 
During the Service
____________________
 
JOINT SUNDAY SCHOOL

  Each week, St. John's children
join with three of our Ministry Partners: 
Fairfax Chinese Christian Church, 
Wellspring UCC
& Grace Baptist Church

 for Sunday School
10:30  - 11:30 A
M
 
We  offer 3 classes:
 
PreK: Rm. 205;  
K - 6th grade: Rm. 207/208;
 7th - 12th grade: Rm 206
    
Reminder
Every Wednesday evening, we have a service of Holy Eucharist and healing at 6:00 PM. The service is about 30 minutes. It is a perfect alternative for those who cannot come to church on Sunday mornings, as well as a good spiritual boost in the middle of the week. Come join us!
 ***

Disciples
 
When Jesus told his disciples not to be troubled or afraid he spoke of his coming again. But he also left his disciples in the care of each other. We are Jesus' disciples now.  We are the community of mutual love and service; we are the Body to cling to, the Body to take refuge in, should our hearts be troubled or afraid or bitter.  We are the community to mediate his boundless love: first, to one another.  Then to those who do not yet know him.


 
 
My email address is [email protected],
and the office number is 703-803-7500.  
May our ministry together spread God's love to all whom we encounter.

       - Carol
       The Rev. Carol Hancock
       Rector

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