To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

I had this Lenten discipline of reading the entire Bible cover-to-cover before Easter. I'm constantly reading the Bible to pray, prepare sermons, teach, etc., but I wanted to read it as a whole, not in pieces. It was ambitious to begin with for me, even without anticipating this amazing new call. It didn't work out the way I'd hoped. I only got as far as Chronicles before my pilgrimage through the text ended. That was maybe the fourth or fifth week of Lent. This week, I picked up where I left off. I had to retrace my steps, re-read a few chapters to get my bearings, but we're on our way again.

I would have been okay to walk away from something that wasn't working for me. God is forgiving like that. But it's also never too late to turn around and pick up where you left off. God's forgiving like that, too.

Grace and peace,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

WORSHIP

Last Sunday's Sermon

Rev. Kevin talks about how the Bible--and the Church with it--is a collaborative work. There is one Author, and we all have a role to play.

Upcoming Readings for June 25, 2023

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

First Reading: Jeremiah 20:7-13

The prophet praises God for his faithfulness and his ability to transform the willing follower.

Psalm: Psalm 69: 8-11, 18-20

Believers may find themselves at odds with the world, but God does not abandon them to the world.

Second Lesson: Romans 6:1b-11

In Jesus’ death the cords of sin and evil that entangle humanity were broken — these powers have no sway over us.

Gospel: Matthew 10:24-39

Following the God revealed in Jesus is a fearsome thing, but God notices and remembers each one who loves him.

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.

Independence Day Evening Prayer

We'll mark Independence Day with a service of Evening Prayer in the historic church on July 3 at 7 PM. That's the night before. The service will be livestreamed, but do join us in person, if you can, and stick around afterward for a few sparklers and fountains!

Anniversary Worship and Potluck

St. John's was first consecrated July 14, 1850. Join us Sunday, July 16 for worship at 9:30 AM followed by a festive potluck on the Gilead Green. Come as you are. Bring a dish or dessert to share.

Adult Lectionary Forum

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

Summer with the Psalms

"Nowhere do the Psalms have an ideal of silence. Their assumption is that one finds God not in silence but in noise." - John Goldingay, biblical scholar

Join Rev. Kevin as we explore the Psalms Thursday nights at 7 PM in August. Each week, we'll take a in-depth look at one or two of the Psalms from each of the book's five sections. How did the authors find God's song amid the noise of the world? How did they sing back? How might we do the same? No homework required. Join us in the library or online. Click here for additional info and to register.

Creation Care Garden Harvest

This week marked the first harvest of the season from our Creation Care Garden! Beverly Milunec washed and packaged seven pounds of fresh veggies and herbs for Western Fairfax Christian Ministries and their food pantry. Radishes, mint, and chives were delivered, with more to come!

For more information, join Beverly this Saturday, June 24 at 9 AM for a presentation and orientation at the St. John's garden.

Tree of Life Serves 60

Thanks to everyone who served, organized, and contributed to the June dinner at the Sterling Community Center for 60 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.