St. John's Episcopal Church - Centreville, VA
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Parish News - June 22, 2022
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PLEASE NOTE: Due to the surge in Corona Virus in FFX, St. John's is asking everyone to continue wearing masks at the Sunday service.
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Dear St. John's Parishioners and Friends:
Where are we in the transition process to a new rector? First we are a long way from having a new rector. Part of the transition process is letting go of where have been and looking forward to where we are heading. Here is a brief update on where we are now and the next steps. First your vestry and I had an initial session with the Dioceses’ Transition Minister, the Rev Shirley Graham-Smith. In the that session, she outlined the process and options to make some initial decisions.
The first important decision was that St John’s will seek a Priest-in-Charge vice an Interim Rector. Both would have the same duties and responsibilities as a rector except the Priest-in-Charge may, if all parties agree, continue as rector after 2 or 3 years. An Interim Rector is there to help transition to a new rector and not expected to become the rector.
As a result of the Vestry deciding on a Priest-in-Charge, the Transition Minister asked us, St. John’s, to provide information on five topics to help the Transition Office have conversations with clergy who express an interest in the position. On Sunday night June 19th, your vestry and I met to discuss and provide answers to these 5 topics:
• Strengths of the Congregation
• Challenges
• Opportunities
• Threats
• Four characteristics or skills of a clergyperson considered essential at this juncture
• Also information on the number of communicants, average Sunday Attendance and operating income were taken from the annual parochial report on file.
Your vestry and I spent a lot of time drafting responses to these topics but the answers are intended to be for the whole congregation. So we plan to introduce them to you, the members of the congregation, to review and provide your input prior to sending them to the Transition Office. The date and method for this process are still under discussion. Based on our congregation’s input the Transition Office will begin having conversations with clergy interested in our position.
Please be patient and be open to participating in the process as we continue working towards our next rector.
Peace,
Rev. Deacon Steve
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We welcomed The Rev. Philene Ware Dunn on April 24 to St. John's. She is the priest celebrating the Sunday service until July 31. She will be here on Sunday mornings only and will work with Deacon Steve on any pastoral concerns.
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If you are available to be the nursery attendant at the 9:30 AM Sunday service on July 17th, please speak with Deacon Steve.
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Aloha from Hawaii!
(Carol and her sister, Jan, evidently have "earned their wings" while there!)
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The altar and cross at the outdoor Episcopal church we have attended just two blocks from where we are staying.
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My sister Jan and I are enjoying lots of “sabbath rest” time. The sunsets are breathtaking! God’s creation is amazing!
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We went to the aquarium and we’re amazed at the all the different kinds of fish, coral and other things that live in the sea.
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We have all seen the horrors of the war in Ukraine. If you would like to help those in need, Episcopal Relief and Development is working closely with a group that is on the ground in Ukraine. You can make a contribution on their website at https://www.episcopalrelief.org/ Please continue to keep the people of Ukraine in your prayers.
A Prayer for all those involved in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
God of peace and justice, we pray for the people of Ukraine today. We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons. We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow, that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them. We pray for those with power over war or peace, for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions. Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear, that you would hold and protect them. We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen
(written by Archbishop Justin Welby and Archbishop Stephen Cottrell)
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OUTREACH and VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
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Centreville Immigration Forum and Labor Resource Center
Current Volunteer & Intern Opportunities
Here is a list of our current volunteer and internship opportunities. For more information fill out the volunteer intake form.
1. Volunteer in these areas:
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Administration / Community Outreach / Database Management / Marketing Committee / Personnel Committee / Fundraising
2. How can you get involved with the programs and projects of the Centreville Immigration Forum?
- Our bimonthly new volunteer orientations are a great way to meet the staff and hear more about our current volunteer needs.
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Please fill out the Intake form, include your resume,and we will reach out to you shortly with information about the next information session. Be sure to read our Code of Ethics before filling out the form! Join our next orientation!
- Join us in action as we make Centreville a model of how day laborers and the community can work together!
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Top Items Currently Needed by The Katharine K. Hanley Family Shelter
Toothpaste / Shampoo / Conditioner / Body Wash /
Bar Soap / Hand Soap / Deodorant
The items may be dropped off at the office.
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The KKHFS is very thankful for the donations St John’s has provided to support their clients as they transition to their long-term residences. However, they are still looking for volunteers in these various roles to support their long-term success:
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The Katharine K. Hanley Family Shelter is located nearby and currently house up to 12 families onsite, 12 families in hotel sites and serve over 40 families in their prevention and rapid rehousing programs. Seeking volunteers for:
- On-call movers:
- Volunteer Delivery Driver
- Volunteer On Call Moving Assistant
- Volunteer Shelter Assistant
- If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please contact Rev. Deacon Steve at [email protected] who will coordinate with KKHFS Community Coordinator to get you started.
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Western Fairfax Christian Ministries updated list of the foods that they need the most. You can bring your non-perishable items to the church on Sunday mornings, or drop them off in the box outside the door by the breezeway during the week and they will be delivered to WFCM.
Most needed items in the food pantry this month, JUNE 2022:
· Canned Vegetables (low salt beets. collard greens, carrots)
· Rice - bagged white and brown
· Great Northern, Cannelli, and Black Beans
· Canned Mandarin Oranges
· Spaghetti (1 lb. packages)
· Pasta Sauce - canned or jars
· Oatmeal
· Cereal
· Boxed Stuffing
· Jelly
· Ramen soup
· Olives
· Gluten-free food items
· Family-size Snacks (chips, crackers)
· Cake Mix/Brownie Mix
· Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo, and Salad Dressing (family size not miniature packs)
· Toiletries: Toilet paper, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste (NOTE: we are not currently in need of diapers size 0-5 due to our partnership with Greater DC Diaper Bank. Please only donate size 6 or larger size diapers, larger size pull ups size 4T/5T for toddlers, or wipes if you want to donate items for babies.)
They accept food and toiletry donations Monday - Friday 8-10 am at 4511 Daly Drive Suite H (Back Door) and on the second Saturday monthly 9-11 am.
The Western Fairfax Shepherd Center is still accepting volunteer drivers to support clients who need help getting to appointments, shopping trips (for food), and to deliver food from WFCM to clients. Please contact the Shepherd Center at 703-246-5920 or email [email protected] and copy Deacon Steve at [email protected].
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Due to the current increase in COVID19 transmission rates in Fairfax County, the Vestry has decided to continue the masking policy during worship services. We will monitor the transmission rates and modify this policy if things in our area change. We will use the data from the Fairfax County Health Department to make these determinations. This applies to our worship service. The policy of our ministry partners may differ, so please respect them by masking while in other parts of the building. You should also mask If you need to be in close proximity to others in an enclosed space. You never know who may be unable to be vaccinated or is otherwise compromised. Thank you for your cooperation. We also continue our "safe" way of having communion by using the individual cups for the bread and the wine.
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The services continue to be live streamed at 9:30 AM on Sunday morning, and they can be watched later as well. On Saturday, we will resend the link, along with a link for the bulletin and the lectionary class.
SUNDAY LIVESTREAM LINK:
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*Please* consider volunteering -
to support our Sunday Worship.
We need Lectors to read the lessons, ushers to greet and help with the service, sign up below). Consider signing up every 2 months throughout the year, that way some folks aren't leaned on. If you find you can't fill something you signed up for, just let us know. (Senior Warden or Parish Admin)
We need Lay Eucharistic Visitors to help visit our sick and shut-ins who would like communion at their home (see Deacon Steve for this),
We need Altar Guild members to help prepare for our worship service (see Marcia Evans or another A.G. member)
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Sunday service reader or usher We welcome, need, and value your help! The lector will read the 2 lessons and the psalm. The usher will hand out bulletins and bring the elements and offering to the altar.
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Altar Flowers
When you sign up, please indicate how you wish your flower donation to appear in the Sunday bulletin.
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The Adult Lectionary Forum - IN PERSON & ON ZOOM
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SUNDAY WORSHIP & EDUCATION
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We can prepare our hearts & minds by reading ahead
for the Sunday Service lesson
The Third Sunday after Pentecost
June 26, 2022
The First Reading: 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14
The prophet Elisha asks for the presence of the Lord that his mentor, Elijah had enjoyed. He stubbornly and faithfully travels to secure it as Elijah is taken up into heaven.
The Psalms:77:1-2, 11-20, BCP p. 693
The Second Reading: Galatians 5:1,13-25
Jesus’ sacrifice sets us free to obey God, and the law is a joy to follow rather than an obstacle to condemn us. Life in the Holy Spirit brings the most fulfilling existence.
The Gospel: Luke 9:51-62
Throughout the second half of Luke’s Gospel, Jesus is focused on moving toward his death in Jerusalem. It is not easy to follow a leader whose mission is to suffer a sacrificial death. It is uncomfortable and many turn back.
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Online Contributions
to St. John's
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St. John's now offers three buttons for online donations via Tithe.ly. You may use the buttons below to go directly to Tithe.ly, or you may download the Tithe.ly app on your phone or tablet.
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The Pledge payment button may be used only to make your pledge payment (after signing up to be a pledger, which may be done at any time in the year. See Carol or Vestry)
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The Facility Campaign button may be used only for any contribution for the facility's buildings and grounds, or special facility campaigns.
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The Donation button may be used for any other type of donation to St. John's. To designate a special purpose (i.e. Organ Fund, Ministry Partner payments, etc.) please send a note to [email protected].
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The Rev. Canon Mark Stevenson
Elected 14th Bishop Diocesan
of the Diocese of Virginia
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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: [email protected].
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