St. John's Episcopal Church - Centreville, VA
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Parish News - October 20, 2021
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Dear St. John's Parishioners and Friends:
From Monday to Wednesday of this week, Steve and I both attended the annual Clergy Conference at Shrine Mont. We've not had an in-person Clergy Conference in two years because of the pandemic. And this one was quite different from what we have had in the past. We did not have a speaker. We did not have workshops or group discussions. This one was a true "retreat" - a retreat from the hectic pace of life and the stresses that we all encounter. In the beautiful setting of Shrine Mont in the Shenandoah Valley, with the bright blue sky, crisp fall air, and some of the leaves starting to change color, we were encouraged to take a step back, to sit with God, to do what we needed to do for ourselves to recharge our batteries. During our times of worship, we heard scripture passages about God resting on the seventh day of creation and of Jesus going off by himself to pray, to get away from the crowds and their demands, and refill his soul.
All of us, not just clergy, need to step back from the frantic pace that we set for ourselves, to breathe, to have time alone with God, to enjoy God's creation. The pandemic has taken a toll on all of us and we need to recognize the additional stress that it has caused us - disruptions of our daily routines, not gathering with family and friends as we would like, missing weddings, funerals, graduations and other significant events in the lives of those we love, realizing the fear we live with of contracting the COVID virus.
We need to set aside time to rest and renew ourselves, to sit in the presence of God and feel God's strength and love pour over us, and fill us, and renew us. God rested, Jesus rested. We should do the same.
The Rev. Carol Hancock
Rector
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PARISH NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Many thanks go to all who helped with Centreville Day, including those who provided baked goods and soft drinks to sell at our table, as well as those who helped set up, staff, and take down our tables and tent - John Tucker, Kristen Tucker, Larry Pike, Mimi Spear, Meg Crossett, Carol Hancock, Sandy Jones and her friend Cassie, and David Thompson. Due to heavy rain, the event closed at 2:00 PM. We made just under $200. Although the "Pet Parade" was cancelled, about 8 dogs were blessed throughout the day. Thanks to all who helped make this a fun event!
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We are searching for a new non-profit group to use the parish hall during the week. If you know of any group looking for space, please tell them to contact David Thompson at St. John's (703-803-7500). We need to spread the word as widely and as quickly as possible. There are flyers on the back table in the church if you know of someone to send it to or a public bulletin board to post it. We have put an ad on Craigs List. If you know other websites, social media, or other places where we could advertise (preferably for free), please let Carol know. Without this income from a group using the parish hall during the week, we will have financial difficulties down the road.
St. John's parishioners come through:
The word came to St John’s that a family was homeless due to their mobile home being unlivable due to the need for repairs. They needed an additional $300 to finish making the repairs in order to make their mobile home livable. St John’s parishioners came through for them immediately donating $350 that same day. I’m sure this will make a happy day not only for the family but for Jesus as St John’s continues to take action to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Peace, Deacon Steve
Calling all gardeners and others who like to get their hands dirty.....the weeds around the church are starting to take over. If you have some free time and would like to come to the church and pull some weeds, it would be greatly appreciated.
All Saints' Day will be celebrated on Sunday, November 7. If you have loved ones who have died who you would like to remember on All Saints' Day, please send their names to Carol and they will be prayed for on November 7.
Our Annual Pledge Campaign for 2022 - During the month of October, we are hearing from parishioners about why they give to St. John's, and David Weir is offering some reflections in the E Notes (see below). The ingathering of the pledge cards will be Sunday, November 7. Please prayerfully consider what your pledge will be in response to God's great goodness and mercy and return your pledge card as soon as possible. To date, we have received 23 pledges for a total of 129,672. Most are an increase from last year's pledge. Last year, we had 47 pledgers for a total of $215,565. Thanks go to those who have returned their pledge cards to support St. John's financially in 2022.
Speaking of pledges..... The Finance Committee has noted that the pledge money that has been received to date is behind what it should be at this point in the year. Please keep your pledges up to date as we finish what has been a difficult year financially.
Veteran's Day is November 11. We would like to remember all St. John's parishioners who have served, or continue to serve, in our armed forces, including active duty, reserves and National Guard. Please let Carol know what branch of the service you served in, your highest rank, and the years that you served. If there are former parishioners or family members who you would like to remember, send Carol their names as well. They will be remembered during the service on November 14.
I just got my COVID booster shot and flu shot. Have you? Let's do everything we can to stay healthy and keep everyone safe. Together we can stop this deadly disease from spreading. Carol
St. John's is doing everything we can to keep people who come to the Sunday services safe. Everyone must wear a mask. We have "touch-less" communion. You pick up your own cup with a consecrated wafer, and a small cup with consecrated wine. We do not pass the offering plate, but have it in the back for people to put in their offerings. We are averaging about 25 people in person on Sundays so people can easily distance themselves from others. If you feel comfortable being inside with these safety practices in place, please join us in church on Sunday morning. Being together in community is important. If you still don't feel safe, please watch our services online. Don't get "out of the habit" of coming to church!
The Society of St. John the Evangelist is offering several free online classes this fall. Check out what they are offering and see what you might like to sign up for to deepen your spiritual walk with God. The link is ssje.org/programs
Washington National Cathedral offers free spirituality classes online. These classes are offered on Sunday afternoons from 4:00 - 5:30 starting on October 3. You can sign up just for one class or the whole series. Click below for more information.
Treasurer and Assistant to the Treasurer set to retire. After serving faithfully for 6 years, our Treasurer, Tom McDermott, and our Assistant to the Treasurer, Penny Parker, will be retiring at the end of the year. We need to find a new Treasurer and Assistant as soon as possible so they can "shadow" Tom and Penny and learn the ropes. If you have some financial skills and a little time to commit, please consider volunteering. If you have questions about what is involved, talk with Tom or Penny. Please let me, Tom or Penny know as soon as possible if you are interested. and willing to serve in either of these capacities.
Calling all lectors, crucifers and ushers! We need you to sign up to assist with the Sunday services in the coming weeks. We are also in need of others to be trained to be lectors, crucifers and ushers. Please let Carol know if you are interested and willing to be trained to serve on Sundays.
Diocesan Bishop Search Committee Announces Listening Sessions - The Search Committee is conducting virtual listening sessions to give all members of the Diocese an opportunity to share their hopes for our new bishop. All listening sessions will be held via Zoom. Registration is required and there are only two sessions left. PLEASE NOTE: Registration closes 2 days prior to each session. The schedule for the remaining listening sessions are:
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Wednesday, October 20 at 7:30 p.m. Register
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Friday, October 22 at 7:30 p.m. Register
If you receive the E Communique from the diocese, you should have received a survey to fill out online. The diocese wants to hear from YOU as we begin the search for our next diocesan bishop.
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A reflection, by David Weir
Do You Believe in Miracles?
Have you ever witnessed a miracle? The term miracle has been used in many different circumstances. The depleted and vastly outnumbered U.S. forces’ victory at the Battle of Midway has been termed a military miracle. The American Gold Medal Olympic win over the Soviet Union’s hockey team is called a sports miracle.
The bible is full of miraculous stories. The recorded miracles are often used as object lessons about God. The parting of the sea for the ancient Hebrews to walk across demonstrated God’s promises are kept no matter what obstacles are in our path. Ezekiel ‘s vision of God’s glory returning to a restored temple shows God’s willingness to be there for us whenever we turn towards Him. The biblical stories may seem inspirational but logically improbable because divine interventions are at odds with our current understanding of reality. You may be surprised to learn of a miracle millions of people believe happens every year, at the same place, and at the same time. It is called the ceremony of the Holy Fire.
The Holy Fire ceremony takes place in Jerusalem inside the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. The event happens on Holy Saturday of the Greek Orthodox calendar. The Patriarch of Jerusalem enters the tomb of Christ and prays. After a certain amount of time a bright white light fills the tomb, and a bluish light appears throughout the church. The Patriarch emerges with two lit candles. Thousands of believers in the building receive the Holy Fire to their candles. Some witnesses report the fire does not burn them, even when held next to their face and hands.
Skeptics point out the ceremony may be an elaborate hoax, although no comprehensive explanations have been put forth. For millions in the Eastern Church the miracle is real and harkens back to the first light of the resurrection of Jesus.
If you are part of the St John’s Parish community, you are part of a miracle of sorts. The dedication of the original St John’s in 1850 took place only after Reverend Lockwood persuaded a few dedicated residents to raise $1,000 dollars to build the church. The maelstrom of the Civil War destroyed the building, but in the 1870s St John’s was rebuilt, only to fall on increasingly hard times. By 1950, on the 100th anniversary of St John’s founding, the church sat empty, abandoned. Yet the 1950’s saw another small group of people began once again to bring St John’s back to life. Their efforts resulted St John’s first becoming a mission church and then the fully functioning Parish it is today.
During the 2022 pledge drive you may wonder if miracles still exist or how your individual pledge of time, talent, or treasure could make a difference. Keep in mind, God does not need anything from us, but we need everything from God. This is because:
There is nothing we can offer God but our sins
There is nothing we can impress God with but our gratitude
There is nothing God requires of us but our surrender
There is nothing God wants from us but our love
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Online Service Videos
As we return to in-person worship, it will be important for us to continue our ministry of having our services online for those who cannot or choose not to come to church. Our videos are also sent out by parishioners to friends and family in other states. We need several people to take turns recording the service on Sunday mornings. Instructions will be given. Please join us if you can help with this ministry. We need several people so it doesn't fall on the shoulders of one person every week. Please let Carol know.
You may be on YouTube. As we are now recording our services in the church and posting them on YouTube, you might be recorded in the service, particularly when you are going up to communion or returning to your seat. If this is a problem for anyone, please let Carol know.
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Donations on their way to the military
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Updated Needs for Afghan Refugees
Many thanks to parishioners that continue to bring supplies to the church all during the week and on Sundays.
Here is the latest update as of 10/13/2021 (ENOTES) and as of 10/17/2021 (Church Bulletin):
Items Needed:
Women’s:
· New Shoes: Adult Size 7 - 9
· Socks
· Undergarments – Nothing above Large
Men’s:
· New Shoes: Adult Size 7 – 9
· Socks
· Belts. Size 34 or smaller
· Undergarments – Nothing above Large
Please leave in the office at the church. If you need someone to pick up any supplies or would like to give funds for someone else to make the purchases, please contact the church office @ 703-803-7500. If you have any other questions, please contact Andrew Wade: [email protected]
The Outreach Committee
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Western Fairfax Christian Ministries has put out their 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.
· Canned garbanzo beans (low salt preferred)
· Canned kidney beans, red beans, and black beans (low salt preferred)
· Canned pasta
· Pasta Sauce (low salt preferred)
· Canned Tuna and Canned Chicken
· Flavored pasta/rice
· Mashed Potatoes
· Oatmeal (Quaker Oats Healthy Old Fashioned Oatmeal)
· Canned vegetables (corn, carrots, spinach, beets) (low salt preferred)
· Canned Pineapple (no sugar added preferred)
· Tomato Paste (low salt preferred)
· Toiletries: Toilet paper, shampoo, conditioner, feminine pads, deodorant, baby wipes, shaving cream, mouth wash (NOTE: we are not currently in need of diapers due to our partnership with Greater DC Diaper Bank. Please only donate larger size pull ups or wipes if you want to donate items for babies.)
Outreach Opportunity to Help Our “Neighbors”
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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Sign Up: 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. If you would like to do either of these, CLICK HERE.
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Sign Up: Altar Flowers
Please indicate how you wish your flower donation to appear in the Sunday bulletin.(Wedding anniversary, in memory of someone - something special you want to remember by providing flowers.) CLICK HERE
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Service of Evening Prayer - Virtually
Every Wednesday, St. John's has a Service of Evening Prayer. It is a peaceful way to end the day, and it's now being held virtually. Here is the link to this evening's service:
Wednesday, October 20 - Due to technical difficulties, the Wednesday service is not available this week. We will try to get the problems worked out before next week.
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THE ADULT LECTIONARY FORUM - IN PERSON & ON ZOOM
All are invited to join in, following the Sunday service. Here is the link to the Lectionary Forum via Zoom, in case you cannot attend in person:
PLEASE NOTE LINK updated
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Last Sunday's recorded service: The Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost, October 17, 2021
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SUNDAY WORSHIP & EDUCATION
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THE ADULT LECTIONARY FORUM - HELD EACH SUNDAY
All are invited to join in, following the Sunday service, in the library. Or use the link to the Lectionary Forum via Zoom, in case you cannot attend in person, found above.
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We can prepare our hearts & minds by reading ahead
for the Sunday Service lesson
The Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost
October 24, 2021
The First Reading: Job 42:1-6, 10-17
Job responds to God’s rebuke with the same loyalty that marked the beginning of his story. Job repents of his despair, and God showers him with new blessings.
The Second Reading: Hebrews 7:23-28
Jesus, our great high priest, has made the required sacrifice once for all, and he intercedes for us down through eternity.
The Gospel: Mark 10:46-52
A blind beggar knows that Jesus has the authority to heal him, and he will not be silenced by the impatience of those around him. Jesus, responding to his zeal, restores his sight.
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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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An Evening Meditation for the Feast of St. Luke, the Physician
Dear Friends in Christ,
I share this meditation this evening with those gathered at Shrine Mont for our first in-person clergy gathering here since the fall of 2019. Although the words are written and directed toward the clergy, I share them also with the wider community of the Diocese of Virginia, praying that they might connect with all who are engaged in ministry of any kind in this season of continued disruption and dramatic change.
Luke 4:16-21
When Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.’
And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’
Today this scripture is fulfilled in our hearing. Whenever people go out in Jesus’ name to do the things he did, to continue the work of justice-making and peace-building or the ministry of proclamation and evangelism, the scripture is fulfilled. Today this scripture is lived out in our sight by people in this very room.
That truth is wonderful. And in this time of multiple pandemics and continuing disruption, this truth and this call can feel a little overwhelming. We have done so much in the past eighteen months. We’ve learned new skills. We’ve pivoted over and over again -- sometimes so fast that we are dizzy now. In the midst of all we’ve done, there is so much we haven’t been able to do, so many things left undone. For some of us, the “left undone” list weighs heavily. Guilt kicks in. Sometimes we feel like we’re letting people down. Sometimes other people tell us that we’ve let them down, occasionally in terms that are less than kind. Often in this pandemic we haven’t been able to use our best gifts, the ones that were part of our calling to ordained ministry in the first place. In these many long months, we’ve done more than ever before -- and less than ever before. The reality of too much and the feeling of not enough are a debilitating mix.
How do we live in that stew?
We start, as we always do, with Jesus. Remember how the crowds would press in upon him, seeking healing, seeking his touch. As word about him spread, hopes, expectations, even demands for his presence and for his healing actions increased. We recognize how, in that press, Jesus healed many people and restored them to wholeness of body, soundness of mind, and fulness of relationship with God and others.
We also recognize that Jesus did not do every good thing he could have done. He didn’t heal every person in every crowd. He didn’t attend to every need. He was, after all, as human as we are, encumbered by the physical limitations we all share. Jesus did not do every good thing that people hoped for and demanded of him. Time and again, at regular intervals, he chose to take care of himself, to go to places apart for prayer and restoration. He knew that he could not do anything for anyone if the well of God’s goodness, power and love within him ran dry. Of course Jesus did far more for us and for all humanity than we could ever ask for or imagine, but he did not do every good thing that people asked.
In that, as in so many things, he is a model for us. We cannot do every good thing that people desire from us, not even every good thing we desire to do. Like Jesus, the incarnate one, we are incarnate, in the flesh, living our mortality. Everything is not ours to fix. Jesus does not ask us to save the institution of the Church at the cost of our own souls. Jesus does not ask us to sacrifice the Spirit of God that resides within us for the sake of the work he calls us to do.
All of this throws us back onto reliance on God. It throws us back onto reliance on what Jesus does in us and in the world. The ministry we live in Jesus’ name, after all, is not ours but his. It is not about us, but about Jesus working in and through us.
So I offer a few questions to ponder. If any one of them is helpful to you, wonderful. If not, let yourself go where the Spirit leads you.
· What is real and true underneath the needs that come at you in loud and urgent ways?
· How does tending to those needs help you tend to the heart, to what really matters?
· How does not tending to those needs help you tend to the heart, to what really matters?
· What hurt needs healing so that you can hold the things left undone with gentleness and without self-reproach?
· What do you need to let go of so that you can love yourself as tenderly as God loves you?
May God bless you with grace and peace as you lift the things undone to the very heart of God, who loves you fiercely.
Bishop Susan Goff
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Generosity
It is very easy to give from on top of a white horse. It is more uncomfortable to dismount, to stand in the mud at eye-level with need, hunger, flagrant inequality, and let it pierce our hearts in a humble conversation between two children of God: without an agenda, without a presupposition that we know what the person before us really needs, but with an open heart and a listening ear.
-Br. Keith Nelson
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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
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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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