This Sunday, May 20, is Pentecost, which is 50 days after Easter when the disciples were empowered to spread the gospel to all nations. We will have part of the lesson from the Acts of the Apostles read in different languages, as many languages were spoken on that first Pentecost. The usual color for Pentecost is red. So please try to wear red if you can. As Carol is away celebrating with family and friends the marriage of her daughter Kimberly, The Rev. Dr. Laurence Packard will be taking the service on Sunday. He is retired and is the former rector of Good Shepherd in Burke. Please welcome him.
- 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].
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
at 703-222-0880, TTY 711 for short-term or long-term needs.
- Presiding Bishop Michael Curry to Preach at the Royal Wedding
The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church has been invited to preach at the royal weddin
g of Prince Harry and Megan Markle this Saturday, May 20. The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby will officiate at the wedding. The wedding will be televised on Channel 4 starting at 5:00 AM.
If you have never heard Bishop Curry preach, you need to. He is amazing and inspiring and humorous! He will make a big impact on those at the wedding and those who are watching at home. The Episcopal Church is part of the Anglican Communion which is headed by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
- 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.
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:
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.
Our prayers and sympathy go the Tim and Robyn Ramsey on the death of Tim's father, Bill Ramsey, on May 2 in Pensecola, Florida. The funeral was last week at Christ Episcopal Church in Pensacola.
Congratulations go to David Daniel Weir who is graduating from Northern Virginia Community College and will be attending George Mason University in the honors program in the fall.
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. There are also several umbrellas left in the narthex as well.
Because of the generosity of many St. John's parishioners, we were able to collect $1140 through the "debt reduction" envelopes in your pledge envelope book. This is above and beyond our monthly mortgage payment and will go directly toward reducing the principle of our mortgage. Many thanks to all who have contributed.
