St. John's Episcopal Church - Centreville, VA
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Parish News - June 1, 2022
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PLEASE NOTE: Due to the surge in Corona Virus in FFX, St. John's is taking the step of asking everyone to continue wearing masks at the Sunday service.
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Dear St. John's Parishioners and Friends:
This Sunday is Pentecost. “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.” At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit filled the upper room with the roar of a great wind, landed on the disciples in tongues of fire, and sent them out into the world to proclaim the good news. The Holy Spirit came to the disciples, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit and each could speak different tongues in order to spread the Gospel throughout their known world and beyond. We are also called by the Holy Spirit to take the Lord’s love out into the world by loving our neighbors and caring for those in need. Your Outreach Committee, Garden Ministry, donations and volunteer hours to the Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter, Centreville Immigration Forum, Western Fairfax Christian Ministries, and the Shepherds Center are the ways St. John’s responds to the Holy Spirit in sharing God’s love for our neighbors. God’s love is a powerful force! To celebrate this powerful event, please wear red to the service this Sunday, June 5th.
We hold The Rev. Carol Hancock in our prayers as she has completed the overseas portion of her Sabbatical and begins her well-deserved retirement. We also pray for all the delegates to Diocesan Convention meeting this Saturday to elect the next Bishop of Virginia, that we listen deeply for God’s guidance and select the best nominee to guide our Diocese in the years to come. As mentioned in last week’s e-notes announcements please provide Walt Cooner, our Lay Delegate, with your choice for the next Bishop of Virginia. E-mail Walt at [email protected]. Here is the link to the nominees bio’s, resumes, and response to questions posed by the diocese - the nominees.
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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PARISH NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
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St. John’s Wood Splitting Event:
Saturday Morning, June 4, 2022, 8:00 a.m. until...
“Chop your own wood and it will warm you twice.”
~Proverb
Okay, we probably don’t need to work in order to get warm since it is June! We are having a scaled down log splitting event on Mt Gilead Green behind the church as we get ready for Winter 2023. No chainsaws! We have just one splitter for this day. We only need a crew of about 6 -8 people, as we just split and stack. Even if you can spare an hour or two, it will make for a fun morning!
Please bring:
· Gloves & goggles/glasses
· dollys/handtrucks/wheelbarrows
We will have ‘Krispy Kreme’ Donuts as well as Water/Gatorade available.
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Due to the current increase in COVID19 transmission rates in Fairfax County, the Vestry has decided to make masking mandatory during worship services. We will monitor the transmission rates and modify this policy if things in our area worsen. 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 will 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. The link to the online service is found below and will be the same link every Sunday. 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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OUTREACH PROGRAM: GIRL SCOUTS & GARDENING
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On Sunday, April 24, the St. John's Garden Committee & Senior Girl Scout Troops 5647 & 6687 (Greenbriar & Chantilly) gathered on the patio at the church to begin the project of the vegetable garden. The girls are fulfilling requirements
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for their Gold Award project (equal to Eagle in Boy Scouts). They are currently working on the Journey Badge (Sow What) by assisting with the church’s community garden that will fulfill the badge’s requirements. They will assemble the vegetable beds, mix in the soils, plant, water, weed and harvest throughout the summer and fall. There were 9 girls, and 5 Mom helpers. If you would like to make a donation to the Garden Committee you may do that also and the committee can purchase the items needed.
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The garden committee members and other interested parishioners met with the girl scout volunteers on St. John's patio Sunday, May 22, 2022 to plant the seeds and seedlings. We have been busy planning and organizing supplies and are ready to start planting and tending our garden.
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The Garden Committee was formed in 2021 as an outreach to provide fresh vegetables for our food pantry partners and the local community. We are starting small and hope to expand the garden each year. Members of the committee are Susan Davis, Dick Griffith, Bev Milunec, Mimi Spear, Jean Makurat and Gail Weirich. We would very much like to have more members join the committee – especially those who are experienced at gardening….and those who would like to become more experienced!
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Carol's sabbatical and retirement
"Many of you have asked about my plans for my sabbatical. As you know, I received a grant from the Lilly Foundation for a three month sabbatical, including visiting several destinations, thanks to your support and the generosity of the Foundation. My retirement will then begin on August 1."
(This photo of Carol & her sister as they attend the Passion Play.)
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We Celebrated the Ministry of The Rev. Carol Hancock and here is the link to the video tribute put together by David Weir to click on, showing lots of photos of our years with Carol at St. John's. https://youtu.be/uRd125LhBkU
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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
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine escalates, please continue to pray for all those involved in this conflict.
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:
· 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?
3. There are many ways! We’d be happy to hear from you so we can work together to find a match for your interests, skills and talents. Our bimonthly new volunteer orientations are a great way to meet the staff and hear more about our current volunteer needs.
4. 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!
5. 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, MAY 2022:
Most needed items in the food pantry this month:
· 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 0-4 due to our partnership with Greater DC Diaper Bank. Please only donate 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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Please consider volunteering to support our Sunday Worship.
We need Lectors to read the lessons, ushers to greet and help with the service, Lay Eucharistic Visitors to help visit our sick and shut-ins who would like communion at their home, and Altar Guild members to help prepare for our worship service.
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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. CLICK HERE
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The Adult Lectionary Forum - IN PERSON & ON ZOOM
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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 Day of Pentecost
June 5, 2022
The First Reading: Genesis 11:1-9
Nations gather together to build a monument to their own power and might. Their plans are thwarted, as they did not count on God’s sovereignty.
The Psalm: 104:25-35, 37, p. 735, BCP
The Second Reading:Acts 2:1-21
When the Holy Spirit comes upon the faithful gathered in Jerusalem, people from everywhere around the world hear and understand the gospel. The miracle’s message is that Jesus Christ is Savior of all.
The Gospel: John 14:8-17, 25-27
Jesus explains the intimate relationship between God the Father and himself, God the Son, as well as with God the Holy Spirit whom Jesus promises as a companion for his disciples.
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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 Executive Board of the Diocese of Virginia
The Board continues its progress on implementing R-1a, The Virginia Plan for Covenantal Giving, as approved by the diocesan Annual Convention in November 2021. As a result of that resolution, gatherings will be held on Saturday, June 18 at four locations around the Diocese. At these gatherings, all churches can learn more about our shared diocesan ministries and how R-1 will affect financial pledges to the Diocese for the years 2023 and beyond. All churches have been asked to submit information about their finances and their diocesan involvement by Wednesday, June 1. Details about these gatherings and the forms for submitting information to the Diocese can be found here.
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An Update on the Nominees and Petition Process for the 14th Bishop
Dear Diocesan Family,
A Prayer for the Search for a New Bishop
Almighty God, Shepherd and Bishop of our souls, who calls, guides and empowers us as your Church: Create in us discerning minds as we seek to elect a bishop in this diocese. So many issues are open before us; so many wounds that need healing; so many gifts that need celebrating. Bless and continue the good work begun in your name and open our ears to the hurts and hopes around us; broaden our vision to see what we do not want to see; and enliven our hearts with honesty and compassion to do the hard work that lies before us. Guide us as we seek an inspirational leader and willing advocate to help us meet the challenges and lead us to become the people you have equipped us to be in your service. All this we pray through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.
The final candidates for Bishop of Virginia have been named. They are:
- The Rev. Joseph Hensley, Rector, St. George’s, Fredericksburg, VA
- The Rev. Canon Alan James, Interim Canon Missioner, Diocese of Western Michigan
- The Very Rev. Gideon Pollach, Rector, St. John’s Church, Cold Spring Harbor, NY
- The Rev. Canon Mark Stevenson, Canon to the Presiding Bishop for Ministry within The Episcopal Church
Our lay delegate is Walt Cooner and he will be voting for the bishop-elect on June 4. Let him know what you think of the candidates.
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WEEKLY LETTER FROM THE BISHOP
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Thanks and Suggestions
This fall I turn 72. Those years have been filled with blessings – more than I can count – but also with goodbyes. Goodbye to dogs, houses, cities, friends, parents, jobs, manual typewriters, stick shift cars, monochrome television, Walter Cronkite, Weejuns, English Leather, and now the Diocese of Virginia.
I am grateful for the past two years even though they have not been as expected. Of course, with Covid 19, no one’s life has been as expected. I regret all the people I never met in person as well as the restrictions on what we all could do. Most of all, I regret and mourn the souls who died.
However, grace always abounds. On my good day, I remember that this is the day the Lord has made, and we are called to rejoice and be glad in it because it’s the only day we have. Like the Israelites, it’s tempting to spend our time in the wilderness complaining about how much we miss the food in Egypt, but doing so means we will never get to the Promised Land, and we will waste the only life we have to live.
So, thank you. Thank you for reminding me that Church is all about God in Christ through the Holy Spirit however that manifests. Covid has forced us into a giant garage sale that we may resent but it has also been a learning experience. We’ve learned to connect via Zoom which has greatly extended our bandwidth. Think of how many people experienced the Meet and Greet sessions virtually that could not have attended otherwise.
As I think about this transition, I find myself wondering, “What is it we have to have and do for the Church to be the Church?”
So. Here are my wishes and hopes for you.
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May you embrace the blessing of being the largest diocese in The Episcopal Church as well as recognizing its challenges. Yes, we are always called to speak our truth, but given the variety in the Diocese, we must also realize that, because our context shapes our vision, we must be open to other voices from very different situations. Our goal is always a reenactment of Pentecost – despite the many languages, there is a common understanding.
- The Diocese has worked on the priority of Racial Reconciliation with intention and thoughtfulness. The work of reparations is in progress. Reverend Dr. J. Lee Hill is a tremendous asset. Of course, the Diocese is not yet where it needs to be, but the work is going on. It’s important to affirm what is being done as well as to keep one’s vision on the goal and keep moving forward together.
- The new bishop cannot please everyone. I have been a bishop for eighteen years, and I keep relearning this. What matters is that we express our hopes and our fears and our reservations with the aim to find the third way that is beyond right and wrong. Whatever reservations you might have about the nomination process, the new bishop had nothing to do with it and deserves the fresh start I know you will give him.
- There are three movements in the Christian Life: to go out, to go deep, to go together. My prayer for you in this time of transition is to ensure that you attend to each of these. Our nation and this world need examples of people with different ideas and priorities who come together to work for the common good. After all, our mission is, “to restore all people to unity with God and one another in Christ.” Our country could use models of what it means to work together for the common good amid diversity. As we all mourn the shooting of the children and teachers in Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, we also remember our Baptismal vow to “strive for justice and peace among all people.” That peace must mean to find a way to stop these murders.
- Finally, to play. This is the one life we have to live, so let us live for God by remembering that God does all the heavy lifting. My hope is that you laugh together and play together and be honest with one another as you experiment together to find what the Church needs to be in this time and in this place.
I wish you all my blessings. There will always be a place in my heart for the Diocese of Virginia.
Bishop Porter Taylor
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