To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

In the Episcopal baptismal covenant, we are asked, "Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?" Our response is: "I will, with God's help." We're not all called to be full-time preachers, but each of us is called to preach in our own ways, to proclaim by word and example the Good News. Another way to put this is we are all called to share the faith, to account for "the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15).

The fall stewardship season is coming up, and parishioners often stand in front of the congregation and tell other parishioners how much St. John's means to them, why they're here, and why they give. It's always marvelous to hear how so many have come to this special place, the hope that is in all of us for our experiences of this place and this God. But a very wise colleague of mine recently said to me, "We always tell each other these stories. How often do we tell that story to our friends and family, to people outside the church? That's what we need to do."

We have something wonderful to share with others: the hope that is in us. We cannot consume or hoard or hide this hope (Matthew 5:15). We must share it with a world that needs it. Share this wondrous faith with someone you care about. Forward this to someone, and say, "Look what we're up to." Invite a friend to church.

Grace and peace,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

Author Night! September 30th at 7 PM

Come out and listen to a reading from parishioner Lee Griffith's book The Right Thing. We will hear Lee read, have a Q&A, and you can buy a book and have it signed by Lee!

About The Right Thing: A world-class sniper teams up with a physical phenom to challenge one of the most dangerous men in the Middle East. They first must pass a selection process that involves a months-long evaluation in mountain warfare, mountain climbing, survival, and shooting.

About the Author: Besides being a member of St. John's Church, Lee is a veteran of twenty years of service with the U.S. Navy, Lee worked with Navy SEALs. As the naval air station security officer, he wrote the base counterterrorism plan and exercised it frequently. An avid climber, he summited Mount Whitney, Mount Rainier, Mount Fuji, and Mauna Kea. He has participated in sprint triathlons for twenty years, and will represent team USA at the sprint triathlon world championships in Malaga, Spain.

Please sign up to bring an item to share if you can. Plates, napkins, utensils, and glasses will be provided.

Stone Cleaning Eagle Scout Project

The stones in St. John's cemetery are being cleaned as part of an Eagle Scout project. Scouting's highest honor is awarded to those who, among other things, design, lead, and complete a community service project. The prospective Eagle Scout is a parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua American National Catholic Church, a ministry partner of St. John's, and wanted to do something for the church. A crew of Scouts and adult leaders was here last Saturday, August 17, tending to the cemetery grounds and cleaning the gravestones according to the Cemetery Conservators United Standards. They'll return Saturday, September 7, 8 AM - 11 AM. For more information and to sign up to assist, click here.

St. John's Men's Group Breakfast

When: Saturday, September 14, 2024 @ 8:00 a.m.

Where: IHOP (close to St. John’s), 13810 Braddock Rd, Centreville, VA 20121

The grounds around St. John’s are looking nice these days. However, there is always a little something to do. For whoever wants to stay, we will work from around 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. There may be projects in or out of the church. We shall see what is the most important right before the 14th!

RSVP to Andrew Wade.

Altar Flowers Needed

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

Volunteer for Stewardship Committee

The vestry is in the process of gathering a stewardship committee. If you are interested in helping with our stewardship campaign and pledge drive this fall, please contact Father Kevin or Senior Warden Susie Pike.

WORSHIP

Last Sunday's Sermon

Jesus challenges those who are tempted to think moral purity is a matter of what you consume. Consumption, however righteous, is not the whole of faith. If we are to be doers and not mere hearers of the word, evil must be named and confronted.

View the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost on September 1 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 Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Let us prepare our hearts and mind for worship:

First Reading: Isaiah 35:4-7a

Isaiah foretells a time when God will redeem his people and all creation.

Response: Psalm 146

Second Reading: James 2:1-10, [11-13], 14-17

James writes that Christian faith flips the values of the world: God chooses the poor to be rich in faith.

Gospel: Mark 7:24-37

Jesus rewards a woman’s persistence on behalf of her daughter, and he restores hearing and speech to a man.

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)

Education for Ministry (EfM) is a unique four-year distance learning certificate program in theological education based upon small-group study. Contact Walt Cooner for more information.

Volunteers Needed 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 September 10 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.

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
• Cereal (low sugar preferred)
• Pancake Mix
• Family Sized Snacks (pretzels, crackers, etc.)
• Canned Chicken

​

Toiletries:

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

• Body Wash
• Bar Soap
• Toothpaste
• Hair Shampoo
• Toilet Paper
• Size 6 Diapers 
• Large size pullups (size 4T/5T for toddlers)
• 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.

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.

For an Election

2024 is an election year, so let us pray:

Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP, p. 822)

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.

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!



• Click the button below to set up a recurring gift online, or text "STJOHNSCENTREVILLE" to 73256 to give using your mobile device.
• Pledge to give using this online form.
• Explore more about giving to St. John's on our website or by contacting Father Kevin.