To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

O God, in the course of this busy life, give us times of refreshment and peace; and grant that we may so use our leisure to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds, that our spirits may be opened to the goodness of your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

--"For the Good Use of Leisure," Book of Common Prayer, p. 825

I hope this finds you well. Maybe you're preparing for summer travel. Maybe you're already on vacation. Whatever your plans, I hope you're enjoying a break, enjoying a breather, or enjoying this weather, fearfully and wonderfully made child of God that you are.

And I hope you'll join us this summer at St. John's for a few upcoming events:

• Independence Day Evening Prayer. We'll mark Independence Day with a service of Evening Prayer the night before at 7 PM on July 3. The service will be livestreamed, but do join us in person, if you can, and stick around afterward for a few sparklers and fountains.
• Our Anniversary. St. John's was first consecrated July 14, 1850. Join us Sunday, July 16 for worship followed by a festive potluck on the Gilead Green. Come as you are. Bring a dish or dessert to share.
• Vestry Retreat. Our Vestry will get away for a few hours for a brief retreat on Saturday, July 22. Please keep the Vestry in your prayers, and, if you have ideas for the fall, strike up a conversation with a vestry member.
• Summer with the Psalms. Finally, I'll be hosting a summer class and discussion group on the Psalms Thursday nights in August. We'll explore the restful rhythms and prophetic power of the Bible's hymnal. Join us in the library or online. Click here for additional info and to register.

And there's more to come, so stay tuned. I'll see you in person or virtually soon. Travel safe! Rest well!

Grace and peace,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

WORSHIP

Last Sunday's Sermon

Rev. Kevin recounts one difficult night and another better night as an Uber driver, exploring Jesus's call to go beyond graceless transactions to graceful relationship with God and one another.

Upcoming Readings for June 18, 2023

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

First Reading: Exodus 19:2-8a

God saves the Hebrew people from bondage in Egypt, leads them into the wilderness to the holy mountain, Sinai, and makes a covenant with them through Moses.

Psalm: Psalm 100

In one of the two Psalms that opens Morning Prayer in the Episcopal Church, the Psalmist calls the community to prayer and song.

Second Lesson: Romans 5:1-8

Jesus died for everyone, before we turned from our ways to his call; as brothers and sisters of Christ, we endure knowing that whatever our lives bring, God can use it to his glory.

Gospel: Matthew 9:35-10:8

As the disciples are sent out on their first missionary journeys, Jesus urges them to behave with integrity, humility, and faith.

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.

Tree of Life Serves 60

Thanks to everyone who served, organized, and contributed to last night's dinner at the Sterling Community Center. Volunteers from St. John's served 60 spaghetti, hot dog, and chili dinners to area residents.

St. John's partners with several other local churches to prepare and serve a meal every second Tuesday of the month at the Sterling Community Center. For more information and to sign up to join this powerful - and fun! - ministry, contact Val Tucker, 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

Sunday Services

Additional readers and ushers are 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.

Tree of Life

Help us feed hungry families. Sign up here.

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.