St. John's Episcopal Church

Welcome to the E-Notes!

April 18 , 2018



SPECIAL EVENT:  'Save the Date' and make a reservation!  
 
St. John's Celebration Luncheon for our permanent Rector Carol Hancock; Sunday April 29th, @ 12:30 p.m.
 
Andrew & Lori Wade and Elise Crawford will be hosting parishioners at the Ciao Osteria restaurant here in Centreville.  We reserved a private room that will be perfect for this special occasion.
 
Event: Luncheon Celebrating St. John's And our permanent Rector
Honoree: The Reverend Carol Hancock
When: Sunday, April 29th @ 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Where: 14115 St Germain Dr, Centreville @ Ciao Osteria
RSVP: [email protected]  or C: 703-626-5472 
 
There is no question that St. John's is going through a transformation of growth and new energy.  It is time to celebrate this important turnaround.  Much of our recent success can be attributed to Rev. Hancock and her leadership.  This is a casual and fun event!    
 
Logistics; there is a max capacity of 44 people.  Please RSVP to Elise to reserve a spot.   There will be no cost to St. John's or the parishioners for this event.  We look forward to seeing you at this important celebration.
 

  • Bishop Jones' Visitation and Reception
Bishop David Jones, retired Bishop Suffragan of the Diocese of Virginia, will be at St. John's this Sunday, April 22 for the 9:30 service. Sam Cameron, Gray Jones and Peter Heller will be confirmed by Bishop Jones. We will have a reception for Bishop Jones following the service and Lisa Heller will organize the event. The reception will be in room 207/208 (the room by the breezeway) and food can be dropped off there on Sunday morning.

It is customary when a bishop visits a congregation that the loose plate offering (cash or checks that are not designated for something else, such as your pledge) that is collected during the service, is given to that bishop's discretionary fund. Bishop Jones sends much of his discretionary fund money to a missionary, Greg Lowden who is from this diocese, who has set up a program in Guatemala City to help at risk children. Many of these children live near the garbage dump, where they work to find scrap metal and other things to sell. Greg's program provides education and a coordinated effort to work with other social service agencies to help these children and their families. Bishop Jones will provide more information about this ministry. Please give generously.
  • African Team Ministries
Many thanks go to all who purchased items from the African Team Ministries. We were able to send $456 to help those affected by the drought in Kenya.
  • St. John's Grounds Cleanup Day: Saturday, April 28th, starting @ 8:00 a.m. until ?
The Men's Group is organizing a 'campus' cleanup day and all parishioners are encouraged to come and help. We will have some simple breakfast food to get everyone started and some lunch for those that can also work the afternoon shift. We will also have beverages.
 
The grounds of St. John's are really starting to look good. However, with some of the recent storm damage etc. we have much debris to clear out and take to West Ox. We will also be spreading fresh mulch to various trees and flower beds. We will be working around the historic church, the cemetery, as well as the Mt. Gilead Green.
 
What to bring:
  • Gloves
  • Rakes
  • Trimmers (hedge and string)
  • Wheel Barrows
  • Pick up trucks
The Men's group will have all other supplies to get the various tasks done. In order for us to have the right amount of materials and food/beverage for the day, please RSVP to Jim Elliott     [email protected]
 
  •  Special Documentary Screening of "Angst"
This Sunday evening, April 22, 5-7 pm, St. Peter's in the Woods Episcopal Church, 5911 Fairview Woods Drive, Fairfax Station
 
"Angst: Raising Awareness Around Anxiety in Young People"
Angst is a documentary designed to raise awareness around anxiety with an emphasis on youth and families. The film includes interviews with kids and young adults who have experienced anxiety, and what they've learned, including Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps. It also includes experts who help people identify and understand the symptoms of anxiety and encourage them to reach out for help. After the film, two local mental health counselors will be available for breakout Q&A sessions for youth and parents Recommended for ages 12 and up. Sponsored by the South Fairfax Region of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia. (Carol is planning to go and can provide a ride if someone needs it.)
 
5 - 6:00 screening
6:00 pizza break
6:15 - 7 Breakout sessions

  • "An Honest Conversation With the Community About the Opioid Crisis"
The opioid crisis isn't just a phase or a rite of passage. It is a real danger. Epiphany Episcopal Church will host this community conversation on Saturday, April 28 from 1:00 - 5:00 PM at their church at 3301 Hidden Meadow Drive in Herndon (located at the corner of Fairfax County Parkway and Franklin Farm Road). Facilitated conversations will be held with representatives from the Fairfax County Police, fire and rescue, the public schools and community services. This is especially designed for students is grades 7-12 and adults. There is no cost to attend but registration is required.   https://epiphanyec.org/occc/ 
  • Centreville International Showcase
Saturday, April 21, 5:30 - 9:00 PM at the Korean Central Presbyterian Church, 5451 Lee Highway, Centreville. Come and celebrate the many different cultures we have in Centreville with wonderful performances and good food. Free admission. Dinner tickets purchased in advance are $15 for adults and $5 for children. For more information and for u pdates, go to:
  • Because of your generosity....
We were recently able to pay an additional $880 toward the principal of our building loan. If  others would like to help "pay down the loan", you can use the Debt Reduction envelopes that are in your pledge envelope packets. 
 
  • Did you know......
-Lindsay Jones is planning to join a week long mission trip to Haiti this summer with youth and adults from Church of the Epiphany, Herndon. All youth receive a $200 voucher from the diocese when they are confirmed to help with the expenses of going on a mission trip. Lindsay was confirmed in 2016. 

- Craig Staresinich has been letting his beard grow for a reason.  He and his wife, Nita Amar, are registered to attend the Charles W.  Howard Santa Claus School in October 2018 to learn about the "Heart of Santa". Craig's goal is for him and Nita (Ms. Claus) to distribute gifts to children in homeless shelters in the area.  He hopes to coordinate with the shelter management to get lists of children's first names with some idea of their "Christmas List" wishes for the big day.
So, if you see him lectoring at a service, he's not trying to look biblical, just trying to "look like" Santa in a small way.  He does admit he's much thinner than Santa but say's he plans to purchase a padded suit to go under the Santa suit.
 
DIOCESE
  • Update from the Search and Nominating Committee for a second Bishop Suffragan
The committee has been working on the Diocesan Profile and it will be posted to the diocesan website on April 1. They will begin receiving names on April 2. 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 will be received until April 27.
 OPPORTUNITIES 
  • Update on 'Footsteps of Jesus' Program; Trip to the Holy Land Jan. 29 - Feb. 7 2019
We now have 27 parishioners registered with St. Georges College in Jerusalem.  We are excited that so many have decided to make this voyage.  Here is an updated schedule for planning / budgeting purposes:
 
April 2018 - Group Flight Information
May 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]

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SERVE
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SUPPLY FLOWERS 
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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 Fourth Sunday of Easter:
 
April 22, 2018
 
  9:30 AM

The Good Shepherd. Painted by a Christian community in Cameroon, Africa. 
  
The First Reading:
A cts 4:5-12   
The apostle Peter gives witness to God's power in the name of Jesus Christ, given to heal the sick and set the captives free. Religious rulers question this assertion, but cannot deny the power of the healing miracle. 

The Psalm:
  23
   
The Epistle: 
1 John 3:16-24
It is simple to follow Jesus:  obey and enact his commands. In his ministry, Jesus sought out people who are easily ignored, and showed them dignity, honor, and love. 

The Gospel:
John 10:11-18   
Even when the wolf comes to tear up his flesh, Jesus does not abandon us. Indeed, he places his body and his life between the evil one, the wolf, and our lives.


  
 


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!
 ***
Awaken
When we finally awaken and are able to recall who we are and to whom we belong, when we stand up and dust ourselves off and begin the journey home, God comes running to meet us.


 
 
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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