St. John's Episcopal Church - Centreville, VA

Parish News - May 31, 2023

To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

Our word "liturgy" comes from Greek words meaning "work of the people." Bishops, priests, and deacons certainly have their responsibilities, but true worship is a work of the entire Body of Christ.


On Saturday, we laid our friend Bob Faithful to rest here at St. John's. I want to thank all those who contributed to the holiness of the day:


  • All of the family members and friends who spoke (see the livestream below);
  • Mandy, our music director, and our choir;
  • Walt, our lector and crucifer;
  • David, Daniel, and John for making the livestream, overflow seating downstairs, and reception reflections possible;
  • Dick and Durinda, who served as ushers and more;
  • David, Penny, Susan, and Larry, who transformed downstairs for the reception;
  • Katharine, our trumpeter for five decades now, who played "Taps" for Bob, amid his military honors;
  • George, who provided the rose petals for the committal;
  • Marcia and our altar guild for their guidance and usual wondrous work; and
  • All those who cooked, sent flowers and gifts, and contributed in ways large and small to celebrate Bob, comfort family and friends, and glorify God.


Your work did not go unnoticed. I continue to hear about the beauty of the day, and I tell everyone it was a true work of the people. Thank you!


Thank you and praise God for the work of the people that is St. John's.


Grace and peace,


Kevin


The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

Raise the Roof Thanks!

Phase III of our roof is complete! As you know by now, Phase III literally covers our classrooms, library and offices, the hall entrance, breezeway, and rear entrance.


Thank you to all our amazing parishioners near and far who stepped up so eagerly and faithfully to raise $14,798!


That total includes a $5,000 Peter James Lee Church Revitalization Grant from the diocese. Thanks to you--and God's grace--we succeeded in securing that match and then some, covering a full third of the expenses.


If you haven't yet contributed, we are still accepting donations. Please write a check to St. John’s Episcopal Church (write ‘Facility’ in the memo) or use the facility donation button at the bottom of this email. If you have any questions, or would like to hear more, please contact Rev. Kevin or Andrew Wade on the Finance Committee.

WORSHIP

Funeral and Celebration of Life for Bob Faithful

Family and friends gathered to remember Bob and sing him to the nearer presence of God.

A Memorial Day Office

We gathered outside for a brief observance of Memorial Day before our Sunday service to remember those who gave so much.

Pentecost

On Sunday, we celebrated the birthday of the church.

Upcoming Readings for June 4, 2023

Let us prepare our hearts and mind for worship with the readings for the first Sunday after Pentecost, Trinity Sunday:


  • Genesis 1:1-2:4a
  • Psalm 8
  • 2 Corinthians 13:11-13
  • Matthew 28:16-20

Join Us In Person or Online

Join us in the historic church at 9:30 AM Sunday or watch live via YouTube. Additional links to the livestream, worship bulletin, and lectionary class are sent Saturday and also available on our website.

Adult Lectionary Forum

Join us in-person in the church library or online via Zoom to discuss the day's lessons.

OUTREACH

Sign Up for Tree of Life!

Volunteers are needed for this month's dinner with Tree of Life!


St. John's partners with several other local churches to prepare and serve a meal once per month at the Sterling Community Center. They're always happy to see us on the second Tuesday of the month. We need volunteers for June 13!


For more information and to sign up to join this powerful - and fun! - ministry, contact Andrew Wade or click here.

Western Fairfax Christian Ministries

St. John's is a founding partner of Western Fairfax Christian Ministries, which provides food and financial support to families at risk of hunger and homelessness in western Fairfax County. Please bring your donations to Sunday services, or drop at the church office:


Food and Beverages


  • Maseca Flour
  • Canned Tuna and Canned Chicken
  • Vegetable Oil 
  • Peanut Butter
  • Coffee
  • Ramen Noodles 
  • Vienna Sausages 
  • Tomato Sauce 


Toiletries (Toiletry items cannot be purchased by clients with SNAP)


  • Body Wash
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Lotion
  • Feminine Pads (not tampons)
  • Large size pull-ups (size 4T/5T for toddlers) 
  • Size 5 and 6 Diapers 
  • Baby Wipes 



The Shepherd's Center of Western Fairfax

The Shepherd's Center needs drivers and support for local seniors.

Centreville Immigration Forum

CIF provides immigrants in need with the means to improve their lives and become more integrated into the community, improve communication and cooperation among all groups serving immigrants, and build community recognition of our strength in diversity.

The Katharine K. Hanley Family Shelter

Bring donations for our local family shelter to church or drop by the office:


  • Toothpaste
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body Wash
  • Bar Soap
  • Hand Soap
  • Deodorant

VOLUNTEER SIGN-UPS

Tree of Life

Help us feed hungry families. Sign up here.


Sunday Services

Additional readers and ushers needed. Sign up here.


Coffee Hour

We gather after worship for food and fellowship. Assist with snacks here.


Altar Flowers

Dedicate the altar flowers in thanksgiving or in memory of a loved one here.


For more informatio

For the people 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.

--a prayer from Archbishop Justin Welby and Archbishop Stephen Cottrell


Episcopal Relief & Development provides humanitarian assistance to people fleeing the violence in Ukraine, working with ACT Alliance and its Anglican partners in Europe. You can contribute to its Ukraine Crisis Response Fund here.

Support St. John's Online

Download the Tithe.ly app on your phone or tablet, or use the buttons below to make a contribution to St. John's and God's mission here in Centreville.

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.

The Facility Campaign button may be used only for any contribution for the facility's buildings and grounds.

The Donation button may be used for any other type of donation to St. John's. To designate a special purpose (i.e. please email the parish office.

PLEDGE payment
FACILITY campaign
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