Greetings!
PARISH NEWS for Wednesday, April 22, 2020
Dear St. John's parishioners and friends:

I hope you all are well and getting into a comfortable, though different, routine of staying at home to slow down the spread of the corona virus. We are all making a sacrifice for the good of the community, especially those who are most vulnerable to getting the disease. That is what God calls us to do - to take care of others. In this case, our taking care of others means staying at home as much as possible, and to wear masks when we need to go to the store.

Sacrifices are not easy. We are asked to give up our freedom from gathering together in groups, to isolate ourselves. Our routines of going shopping or to the movies or out to eat or to school have been changed. We can't do those things now, and for some of us, it is frustrating.

When we are called to make a sacrifice for the health and wellbeing of others, it is not easy. Some may suffer from depression or anger from having to curtail their activities, their education, their graduations and other life celebrations. But God gives us the strength and the wisdom to keep going. We can use this time at home to deepen our prayer life, to be with family, to pursue a new hobby, to watch the shows on TV that can take you to different places around the world. Concerts, museum tours, travel shows are all at our finger tips on TV.

Try to stay connected with friends and family by phone or internet. Stay connected with your parish family by praying for each other and joining the online services on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings. The link for the 6:00 PM Wednesday service of Evening Prayer is below. The link for the 9:30 AM service of Morning Prayer on Sunday is sent out on Saturday.

As Bishop Goff has said, the church should be leading the way by following the directives to stay at home and to observe safe distancing when it is necessary to go out in public. I am recording the services at home so as not to ask others to come to the church as we did in the past. We will continue to hear the lessons, say the prayers, have the sermon, and sing the hymns. Please join us.

I continue to work at home, going to the church only when necessary. David Thompson checks the security of the church regularly and is working on some long needed maintenance projects. Catherine Packard also works from home and comes in when necessary. Juliette Faulding is usually in the office on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays because, as the bookkeeper, she is not able to work from home.

I am checking my phone messages regularly. In case of an emergency, please call the emergency number - 703-201-7861. Feel free to email me anytime with any concerns you may have, or just to check in (stjohnscvpriest@gmail.com). Members of the Vestry are contacting each person in our parish directory to be sure they are okay and if there is anything folks need.

Please know that you are all in my prayers and I look forward to the time when we can worship together at St. John's. But until that time, know that by staying at home and doing the other protective measures, you are making a sacrifice for the greater good of the community to stop the spread of this disease. God is with us and will give us the strength and courage for whatever lies ahead. Take care.

The Rev. Carol Hancock
Rector


Here is the link to the Wednesday service of Evening Prayer:
https://youtu.be/XZ8zfr4M-Cc
 

St. John's is here to help you!
If you or someone you know has a need that the church can help with during this pandemic (going to the grocery store, picking up prescriptions, etc), please do not hesitate to call the church (703-803-7500). Many of us are ready and willing to help, should the need arise. The church is here to help in any way we can.

Diocesan Resources
The Diocese of Virginia has posted on its website (www.thediocese.net) many resources for individuals and clergy to use during this time when we cannot gather together for worship and Christian Education. On the opening page of the website, you will see "Covid 19 Resources" in the upper right hand corner. This page includes statements by Bishop Susan Goff, some church financial resources, tips about recording services online, and Christian Education resources to use at home. One resource is entitled "Do Faith at Home" and has ideas for adults and children www.dofaithathome.org

Click here for:
With schools being closed items are being included for breakfast and lunch food for kids (primarily single servings that do not require a stove). The bags will also include bread, fresh fruit and items already in our pantry that come daily from grocery stores.

HOW TO HELP WFCM FAMILIES DURING COVID-19

WFCM is pre-bagging food to continue to provide all clients with food.They are not accepting individual small donations from homes.  If you would like to donate food items, please order food and toiletry items online and ship them directly to WFCM's office in Chantilly or donate online .

Here is the link that takes you directly to WFCM's 'wish list' on Amazon:


Many thanks go to David Weir for editing and posting our services on YouTube. He spends a lot of time doing this so we can take part in regular worship together but physically apart. I learned this week that two of our parishioners, one in Arizona and one in Ohio, were able to watch our Easter service online and stay connected with us.

Congratulations go to Steve Busch , our deacon-in-training, who was just approved by Bishop Goff to become a Candidate for the Diaconate. Becoming ordained, either as a deacon or a priest, is a long process. Steve was first approved by the Committee on the Diaconate to start his training, then approved by the Standing Committee and the bishop to become a Candidate for the Diaconate. As that part of the journey is behind him, he will now finish his course work in the Deacon's School in December and continue his internship at St. John's. His ordination should be in early 2021.

Just so you're aware... the prayers of the sick, and those who have died, are read during the services we are posting on YouTube. So they are now "viral".

Is someone in your family graduating this year? If so, please send Carol their name, where they are graduating from, with what degree, and what they hope to do next. It's a hard time from those graduating from high school or college this year as graduations, proms and other senior activities have been cancelled. Let's lift up our graduates and celebrate their accomplishments!

We encourage you to please stay current with your pledge and contributions to St. John's. Our bills continue to come in and need to be paid. You can mail your contributions to St. John's at 5649 Mt. Gilead Road, Centreville, VA 20120. If you would rather give online, please use the Tithe.ly button below.

Blood supplies are getting low. If you are able to give blood, please consider doing so. Y ou can go to the Inova Blood Services website to find donation sites and you can sign up online.

Every Monday morning , Presiding Bishop Michael Curry broadcasts a short reflection entitled, "Habits of Grace". He has encouraging words of hope and love for all of us during this difficult time. You can watch the videos at https://episcopalchurch.org/habits-of-grace

If you have a prayer or a reflection , either one you have read or one you have written and you would like to share it in the E-Notes, please send it to Carol. If its one that someone else has written, be sure to include their name.

UPDATE - The mulch will not be arriving until June 13 so we will not have our mulch-spreading-party until after that date.

ZOOM upgrade - Many businesses and organizations are using "Zoom" for online meetings. The church now has a Zoom account, updated from the free version which only allow for meetings of 30 minutes. If you want to have a church meeting on Zoom, please let Carol know. Carol is registered as the "host" so meetings will have to be scheduled by her.


Tom McDermott wrote the following reflection and agreed to share it with us:

“COVID-19 ”
           
In America, the year 2020 is when human nature changed. All human nature shifted between management and labor, husbands and wives, parents and children. The power of the virus appeared to have no boundary but in all the turmoil there was God performing a transformation.
 
As the virus took hold, we became one color. As we carried each other to the hospitals, we became one class. As we lit candles of waiting and hope, we became one generation. As the doctors, nurses, store clerks, delivery drivers, postal workers and the faceless servants continued to support us, we became one gender.

           As we fell to our knees in prayer for strength, we became one faith. As we whispered or shouted words of encouragement, we spoke one language. As we practice social-distancing, we became one body. As we mourned together the great loss, we became one family. As we cried tears of grief and loss, we became one soul. As we retell with pride of the sacrifice of every day heroes, we become one people.
           In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me. (Psalm 56:11) this virus may attempt to strip us – to make us in a sense naked. In a world that revolves around the singularity – “me” power – full of entitlements and rights rather than responsibility and privilege, God responded: And Adam said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked ; and I hid myself .   And He said, Who told thee that thou wast naked ? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat ?  (Genesis 3:10-3:11)
Who told thee that thou wast naked? What power in those words, with God we are never naked. He covers us in grace. God works when we need him most. "He restores my soul," wrote the shepherd (Psalm 23:3). He doesn't reform; he restores. He doesn't camouflage the old; he restores the new. The Master Builder will pull out the original plan and restore it. He will restore the vigor. He will restore the energy. He will restore the hope. He will restore the soul
Let us remember together in prayer all those un-named everyday heroes who serve:
 
             Who better than you, dear soldiers and members of the medical field, Care givers, silent servants, support staff that go unnoticed? You all, can testify to the violence and to the disruptive forces of evil present in the world? You fight against them every day: indeed, you are called to defend the weak, to protect the honest, to foster the peaceful coexistence of peoples. The role of the sentinel, who scans the horizon to avert danger and promote justice and peace everywhere, befits each of you....
               To each one of you, we express our heartfelt appreciation for your dedication and generous commitment. Thank you, dear friends, for your courageous work of healing, hope, and hospitality. Thank you for the help you offer, heedless of risks, to people struck by the pandemic. How numerous are the humanitarian missions in which you have been involved in recent years! In carrying out your difficult duty, you frequently find yourselves exposed to dangers and demanding sacrifices. Ensure that all your interventions always cast light on your authentic vocation as "custodians of your fellow-countrymen".
.
AMEN.

Make an Online Donation!
You can make your donation here electronically.
The Tithe.ly App
‌
Use this button to make your donation.
‌
‌
THE SUNDAY SERVICES ARE CURRENTLY SUSPENDED DUE TO THE VIRUS
We can prepare our hearts & minds by reading ahead
for the Sunday Service lesson

The Third Sunday of Easter - April 26

 The First Reading: Acts 2:14a, 36-47
Peter urges the convicted crowd to repent.

The Psalm: 116:1-3, 10-17, page 59, BCP

The Second Lesson: 1 Peter 1:1-23
Sons and daughters of God have both privilege and responsibility.

The Gospel: Luke 24:13-35
Jesus joins his disciples on a journey and remains with them to break bread.
____________________________
CURRENTLY THESE ACTIVITIES ARE NOT TAKING PLACE*
CHILD CARE IS PROVIDED IN THE NURSERY  
(Rm. 205) 
During the Service
____________

JOINT SUNDAY SCHOOL: 10:30 - 11:30 AM
 Each week, St. John's children join with our Ministry Partners: 
Wellspring UCC & Grace Baptist Church
Room 215 (207/208 the first Sunday of the month)
_________________________

St. John's Sunday School class for ages 2-4, Room 215
Meets the first Sunday of each month from 9:50 - 10:40 AM 

_________________________

THE ADULT LECTIONARY FORUM
*Now being held online
MEETS EACH SUNDAY IN THE LIBRARY, FOLLOWING THE SERVICE 
  FROM 10:50 - 11:50 AM

(The Saint of the Week:)

Coronavirus Updates and Information - April 2020
From the Fairfax County Interfaith Office
Common Grounds Newsletter - Newsletter for the Interfaith Community, h er e are a few of the topics:

  • COVID-19 Supports and Services Stay Connected Text FFXCOVID to 888777 To Receive Updates
 
  • Basic Needs: If you have congregants in Fairfax County who are in need of support please have them call Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) 703-222-0880 (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays). Residents can also visit the Human Services Resource Guide (HSRG) at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hsrg/, an online, searchable guide to available health and human services resources in Fairfax County.
 
  • Community Food Locations: The county has developed a searchable map that includes all food distribution sites, including Fairfax County Public Schools, community meal distribution sites, food pantries and other related services.
 
  • Safe at Home: For some people, staying home doesn’t always feel safe because someone there may threaten or hurt you. If this is you, know that you can call the Fairfax County Domestic and Sexual Violence hotline for help 24 hours a day at 703-360-7273. If it is not safe to talk, text or chat (text LOVEIS to 22522 for the national domestic violence hotline, chat at rainn.org for the national sexual violence hotline). If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.For additional information visit Safe at Home.
 
  • Child Abuse Prevention: In the midst of this outbreak of COVID-19, many families find themselves facing many of the risk factors for child abuse and neglect. If you have questions or concerns about a child’s safety, call the Child Protective Services’ 24-hour hotline at 703-324-7400. Fairfax County's CPS hotline workers can also provide families with help, guidance, and referrals to supportive services. For additional information visit Department of Family Services - Children and Families.
 
  • Adult Protective Services: To report Abuse, Exploitation, or Neglect of an adult who is 60 years or older or is 18 years and older and incapacitated. Reports can be filed for people who live alone or with relatives or who are residents in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, or group homes. The Adult Protective Hotline: 703-324-7450. For more information on Adult Services please visit Fairfax County Services for Older Adults.
 
  • INOVA Respiratory Illness Clinics Inova Urgent Care (UCC) locations at Dulles South, North Arlington and Tysons will staff Respiratory Illness Clinics to evaluate all patients with respiratory illness symptoms. The three clinics will also be able to collect COVID-19 vehicle-side samples that have been ordered by physicians. To learn more visit INOVA.

Most of the bundles will be ash wood. If you would like to fill up your car or truck, please leave a message with the church office and we will make arrangements.

St. John’s Men’s Group / Lumberjacks SELLING WOOD!
Replenish your firewood, as we are all sequestered at home! And help benefit St. John's at the same time!

The Lumberjacks are selling bundles of wood outside the front entrance to the Historic Church for the great price of $5 per bundle. (or $20 for 5 bundles).

 Please give the money to someone in the office, a vestry member, or Carol.
THE DIOCESE OF VIRGINIA
A Message from Bishop Susan Goff on the Second Sunday of Easter

As we continue to live with all of the emotions that are our constant companions in these days of physical distancing, I offer this meditation for healing. It weaves together phrases from notes I have received since my cancer diagnosis. I pray that these words, written to me and now returned to you, will give you healing grace.
 
The Peace of All Peace Be Yours
 The peace of all peace be yours this day.
Overflowing peace.
Living water to parched souls.
Peace and more peace.
Prayers and more prayers.
Hope beyond hope.
 "Hope is the thing with feathers
that perches in the soul." [ii]
God pour down genuine love and hopefulness
So the next few months go by easily.
 
The peace of all peace be yours this day.
Overflowing peace.
Living water to parched souls.
God's Spirit is binding us together
And sustaining us.
We pray for you.
I pray for you.
God heard our prayers.
God hears our prayers.
Let the healing begin!
The peace of all peace be yours this day.
Overflowing peace.
Living water to parched souls.
 
You've joined the club that no one wanted to join.
It seems like more than any one person
should have to deal with.
I admit to being more than a little angry.

 
The peace of all peace be yours this day.
Overflowing peace.
Living water to parched souls.
 
There are sweet,
sweet moments
when we are aware
that there is only God.
 
Be gentle with yourself.
You are the only you we have.
Relax like a goofy dog asleep on his back
Until you are all better.
 
"In this body, no fear.
In this body, safety.
In this body, great happiness.
In this body, deep peace." [iii]
 
The peace of all peace be yours this day.
Overflowing peace.
Living water to parched souls.

I can sort of see
The Holy Spirit right there
Hovering and blanketing you
With love and courage.
 
I woke this morning
with you on my heart
and a gentle mystic whispering,
"All shall be well." [iv]
 
Hugs to you.
Virtual hugs
Holding you tight in love.
Waves of healing love.
 
The peace of all peace be yours this day.
Overflowing peace.
Living water to parched souls.
[i]  Spanish translation of "The unfathomable peace of God."
[ii] Emily Dickinson, (254)
[iii] "In this Circle," by Joan McMillan. Music that Makes Community
[iv] Dame Julian of Norwich
   
‌
Habits of Grace: An invitation for you, from Presiding Bishop Curry
Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs
As we learn how to adjust our lives given the reality of the coronavirus and the request to do our part to slow its spread by practicing social distancing, I invite you to join me each week to take a moment to cultivate a ‘habit of grace.’ A new video meditation will be posted on Mondays  through May. Click below:
I encourage all of you to watch his videos on Monday mornings. They are less than five minutes and are very uplifting.
VOLUNTEERING AT ST. JOHN'S
Sign Up Here to be an altar server , or to donate flowers for a Sunday service. ( if you're not an altar server, and would like to be a Lay Eucharistic Minister (LEM), a Lector, or a Crucifer, please see Carol).
COMMUNITY
WESTERN FAIRFAX
CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES

"We know that food can be one of the most expensive items on a household budget list. Our hope is that in allowing our clients to visit once per month they will save enough money to pay for other expenses such as rent or utility bills."
I tems are collected weekly in the baskets at the front door of St. John's Church. For food list:
Reflections
Shepherd
We are rescued and provided for by the shepherd. We will need that help almost continually. But there is more. The shepherd loves us. Sooner or later we will be convinced.
-Br. Curtis Almquist


May we who are merely inconvenienced (by this virus)
Remember those whose lives are at stake.
May we who have no risk factors
Remember those most vulnerable.
May we who have the luxury of working from home
Remember those who must choose between preserving their health or making their rent.
May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close
Remember those who have no options.
May we who have to cancel our trips
Remember those who have no safe place to go.
May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market
Remember those who have no margin at all.
May we who settle in for a quarantine at home
Remember those who have no home.
As fear grips our country, let us choose love.
During this time when we cannot physically wrap our arms around each other,
Let us find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbors. Amen.
-Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX
My email address is stjohnscvpriest@gmail.com,
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
ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH | 5649 MT. GILEAD RD. , CENTREVILLE, VA | 703-803-7500
Please note: If you choose to unsubscribe below, please be aware that you will no longer receive either St. John's sermons or E-Notes, which are sent weekly. If you do unsubscribe and later want to be added back in, that needs to be done through the provider, Constant Contact. Please email St. John's office with the request: SJECCentreville@aol.com.