To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

I've started saying "as the Spirit moves you..." when leading worship. After pointing out where the service begins in the prayer book, I might say, "Participate as the Spirit moves you." When leading the Prayers of the People, before the Eucharistic prayer, or, at the post-Communion prayer, I might say something like, "Standing or kneeling, as the Spirit moves you, let us pray." I thought I'd explain why...

Read "As the Spirit Moves You" on our website.

Grace and peace,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

Blessing of the Backpacks and Devices

We'll have a blessing of the backpacks and devices at worship August 11 at 9:30 AM. As the Spirit moves you, bring your backpacks, briefcases, purses, and bags of whatever type and your laptop, phone, or mobile device to church. We'll bless them ahead of the new school and program year, along with donated backpacks for local elementary school students (see mission and outreach below for more).

Women's Ordination at 50

Fifty years ago, on July 29, 1974, two years before General Convention would officially approve the ordination of women to the priesthood, Merrill Bittner, Alla Bozarth-Campbell, Alison Cheek, Emily Hewitt, Carter Heyward, Suzanne Hiatt, Marie Moorefield, Jeanette Piccard, Betty Schiess, Katrina Swanson, and Nancy Wittig were ordained as priests in the Episcopal Church. They would become known the "Philadelphia 11."

Fun facts: The first woman ordained at St. John's was The Rev. Barbara Helen Ryder in April 1998. She had been assigned to St. John's as a deacon in 1997 and was ordained the next year at St. John's. St. John's first female rector was The Rev. Carol Hancock.

WORSHIP

Last Sunday's Sermon

The language of a shepherd and sheep is significant. The maker of heaven and earth knows you by name, has always loved you, will never give up on you, and will be with you, whatever you face. We are God’s Shepherds, called to care for the sheep of this world, through action, love, and compassion for those less fortunate, the poor, the sick, and the hungry. 

View The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost on July 21 here. And look for new sermons as always here.

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.

Upcoming Readings for The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

Let us prepare our hearts and mind for worship:

First Reading: 2 Kings 4:42-44

The power of God works in Elisha, just as it does later in Jesus, to multiply a humble supply of food for hungry masses.

Response: Psalm 145:10-19

Second Reading: Ephesians 3:14-21

Paul writes that the Ephesians, through the presence of Christ, will grow in their knowledge and love of the Lord.

Gospel: John 6:1-21

Jesus uses everyday food — loaves and fishes — to show God’s deep compassion for all who hunger.

New Worship Customary

Bishop E. Mark Stephenson has updated liturgical guidelines for the Diocese of Virginia. Remember: "individual communicants may not dip their own hosts or bread in the wine." The minister will intinct for you, if you so desire. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact Rev. Kevin.

Adult Lectionary Forum

Join us Sundays in person in the church library or online via Zoom to discuss the day's lessons.(This is the new link for meeting #826 4944 0667. Please make sure you use this new, updated link.)

Education for Ministry (EfM) - Newcomers and Alumni!

Education for Ministry (EfM) is a unique four-year distance learning certificate program in theological education based upon small-group study. St. John's EfM group is taking a break for the summer but resumes in the fall on Wednesday nights.

Contact Walt Cooner for more information about the forthcoming EfM year and newly forming alumni groups for those who've already experienced this program.

Donate Backpacks!

School starts soon, and St. John's is partnering with Western Fairfax Christian Ministries this summer to provide backpacks for elementary school students in need. Our commitment is 50 backpacks:

For Lees Corner (Home of the Polar Bears!)

10 large or small backpacks with computer sleeves

For Cub Run (Home of the Cubbies!)

40 large backpacks (laptop sleeves optional)

Please bring newly purchased backpacks to Sunday services or the church office by August 11 for blessing and delivery.

Shop for Western Fairfax Christian Ministries

Please bring donations of food and more to Sunday services, or drop at the church office. Take one of the colorful slips at church as a reminder to shop. These items are especially needed:

Food:

• Flour
• Sugar (1 or 2 lb. bags)
• Vegetable Oil
• Pasta Sauce
• Pasta
• Black Beans (low sodium)

​

Toiletries:

NOTE: Toiletry items cannot be purchased by clients with SNAP​​

• Body Wash
• Bar Soap
• Toothpaste
• Size 6 Diapers 
• Large size pullups
• Baby Wipes​

St. John's is a founding partner of Western Fairfax Christian Ministries, which provides food and financial support to more than 600 local families every month.

Volunteer at the Katharine K. Hanley Family Shelter

St. John's makes and serves a meal every second Tuesday of the month at the shelter. 

Sign up to prepare or provide food ahead of time and/or join us on

August 13 to serve. Contact Deacon Steve for more information.

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

Their needs may be found on their In-Kind Donations Wish List through Amazon.

Volunteer in a New Way with the Katharine K. Hanley Family Shelter

St. John's has been supporting KKHFS for several years with donations,

funds, and, recently, one dinner every month. As the residents prepare to

move out of the shelter into long-term housing, many need help with

independent living skills. The shelter assigns a case manager to help

ensure a successful transition; however, some may need additional support,

such as household management, budgeting, organizing skills, and

childcare. Also important are skills related to securing and maintaining a job, such as resume-building, interviewing, scheduling, and discipline to keep the job and perform well. Case managers are looking to match clients' needs with volunteers interested and skilled in these areas. Please let Deacon Steve know if you would be interested in volunteering to help a KKHFS client.

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 Shepherd's Center of Western Fairfax

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

Prayer Requests

If you would like to add yourself or someone you care about to our Sunday prayer list, please contact clergy or the church office.

Prayers for the Holy Land

Many prayers have been offered in the wake of terrorist attacks by Hamas and the outbreak of war. Pray along with Archbishop Hosam Naoum of the Episcopal Diocese in Jerusalem:

O God of all justice and peace we cry out to you in the midst of the pain and trauma of violence and fear which prevails in the Holy Land. Be with those who need you in these days of suffering; we pray for people of all faiths - Jews, Muslims and Christians and for all people of the land. While we pray to you, O Lord, for an end to violence and the establishment of peace, we also call for you to bring justice and equity to the peoples. Guide us into your kingdom where all people are treated with dignity and honour as your children for, to all of us, you are our Heavenly Father. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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.

Katherine Hanley Monthly Dinner

We cook and serve every second Tuesday of the month. Sign up here.

Altar Flowers

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

Photos?!

Have any photos or short videos from St. John's events? Send them to us.

Support St. John's Episcopal Church

With your online contribution, you are part of St. John's offering of healing, hope, and hospitality to all God's people. Join us now!



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