St. John's Episcopal Church - Centreville, VA
|
|
Parish News - April 13, 2022
|
|
Dear St. John's Parishioners and Friends:
I have a lot of mixed emotions this week. This is my last week at St. John's before my sabbatical and retirement, and there are conflicting feelings of sadness at leaving and excitement about my upcoming travels; of anticipation about what the next chapter of my life will hold, and fear of not being able to find a community of faith as welcoming and loving as this one.
And its Holy Week, the most sacred week of the Christian year. That, too, is filled with mixed emotions; joy and wonder as Jesus rides triumphantly into Jerusalem while people wave palm branches and shout "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" ; only to be followed days later by shouts of "Crucify him!". We wait with anticipation as Jesus lies in his grave for three days, as we know we will celebrate his resurrection on Easter. But it is important for us to walk with Jesus through his betrayal by Judas, his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, his trial and his crucifixion. We cannot jump from Palm Sunday to Easter like nothing happened in between.
I invite and encourage you to attend the Holy Week services listed below. It is important for our own spiritual journey to be with Jesus through the events of this week. Only then can we truly celebrate on Easter Day.
|
|
The Rev. Carol Hancock
Rector
|
|
HOLY WEEK SERVICES
MAUNDY THURSDAY, APRIL 14 - 7:30 PM
- IN PERSON & LIVE STREAMED
GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 15 - 12 NOON & 7:30 PM EASTER
- 7:30 RECORDED & POSTED TO YOU TUBE
EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 17 - 8 AM & 10:30 AM
- 10:30 AM LIVE STREAMED TO YOU TUBE
***THE LINK for all IS THE SAME AS THE SUNDAY SERVICE LINK:
|
|
JOIN US THIS SUNDAY AS WE HAVE RETURNED
TO IN-PERSON WORSHIP AT ST. JOHN'S!
We will continue to wear masks and socially distance ourselves as much as possible. We will also continue our "safe" way of having communion by using the individual cups for the bread and the wine.
|
|
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:
|
|
PARISH NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
|
|
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
The loose offering at the Good Friday services will be sent to support the ministry of the Diocese of Jerusalem. Envelopes will be available.
In lieu of making donations for Easter flowers, please use that envelope in your pledge packet to make a donation to Outreach. The Flower Fund has enough money in it to purchase flowers for Easter. Cross out "Easter Flowers" on the envelope and write Outreach on the envelope and on the check. Please email Catherine or Carol if the donation is in memory of or in honor of a loved one. We will need that information by Thursday (tomorrow).
We will be having the Easter Egg hunt after the 10:30 AM service. Please have children bring a basket or bag to hold the eggs that they find. The children from St. Anthony's will join us. Thanks to all who donated candy and to those who gathered last Friday to fill Easter eggs and to make Palm crosses.
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has recorded an Easter message. Click on this link to hear or read his message about hope and resurrection.
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. Here's a quick rundown. On April 20, I am headed to the beach for some much needed R and R. On April 29, my sister and I will fly to London and visit some of the cathedrals and other historic sites. On May 6, we will take a train through Scotland to the island of Iona, off the northern coast of Scotland. Iona is a very spiritual place (often called a "thin place") where we take part in the life of the abbey there. Following Iona, we will travel to Glasgow for a few days before flying to Munich, where we will join a tour group to see parts of Germany and Austria. The highlight of that tour is seeing the Passion Play in Obermmagau, a play that is done once every 10 years by those living in that town. People come from all over the world to see this! We will then return home for awhile before flying to Hawaii for almost three weeks. After we return home, we will have a small family reunion at the Outer Banks, NC. My retirement will then begin on August 1. Three things that I have always wanted to do have been to visit Hawaii and England, and see the Passion Play. And I will be able to do all of these during this trip, thanks to your support and the generosity of the Lilly Foundation.
The theme of my sabbatical is "Sabbath Rest". Especially in Northern Virginia, we are hurrying and "doing" all the time, with little time for rest and enjoying this world that God has given us. I have invited The Rev. Kathy Guin to do a Zoom presentation on "Sabbath Rest" on Wednesday, May 18 at 7:00 PM. The Zoom link and more information will be coming out closer to the date. On Sunday, May 22, Kirk Gibson will be joining us after the service to talk about retreats at Shrine Mont. Many parishes have yearly parish retreats, though individuals can make private retreats as well. Please join these two events to learn more about the importance of sabbath rest.
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
To get to know the nominees, the diocese will host several "Meet and Greet" forums around the diocese. The one closest to us is on Saturday, May 21 from 5-7 PM at St. John's Episcopal Church, 6715 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA. This event will also be live streamed. The Standing Committee strongly encourages members of the Diocese to submit questions to the Transition Committee at [email protected] using the subject line “Meet and Greet Questions". 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.
|
|
St. John's is forming a search committee to find our next priest. If you are interested in obtaining more information about being on that committee, please contact David Parker, Senior Warden, via email at [email protected] .
|
|
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)
|
|
We Celebrated the Ministry of The Rev. Carol Hancock!
with us at St. John's 2014 - 2022
All best wishes from all of us as you take your sabbatical
and begin your new chapter - retirement!
|
|
If you couldn't attend, 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. Also a sampling of the folks who attended, in the photos.
|
|
OUTREACH and VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
|
|
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.
|
|
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: 3-4 volunteers with a pick-up truck or U-Haul Rental Truck, must be able to lift and move furniture and other household items.
- Volunteer Delivery Driver (VDD): Provides essential help in getting items to community members, residents, and Shelter House Program Participants. This position requires a working vehicle, license, and personal ability to navigate to new places.
- Volunteer On Call Moving Assistant (VOCMA): Requires the ability to lift, carry, and drive. They work directly with residents who are moving out of shelter or relocating This position does not include the transportation of people. (Ages 18+)
- Volunteer Shelter Assistant (VSA): A versatile position that participates in
onsite tasks such as cleaning, organizing, and various hands-on activities depending on the needs of the shelter determined by the Building Manager and/or Community Coordinator. (Ages 16+)
- 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. Note: positions may require training from the KKHFS particularly those involving direct contact with clients.
|
|
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, APRIL 2022:
Most needed items in the food pantry this month:
· Canned Vegetables (low salt beets. collard greens)
· Juice (100% Fruit in plastic containers)
· Great Northern Beans
· Canned Mandarin Oranges
· Spaghetti (1 lb. packages)
· Oatmeal
· Boxed Stuffing
· Vienna Sausages
· Apple Sauce
· Sugar
· 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.)
As a reminder, we 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].
|
|
Registering now for the
- WFCM 4th Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser to be held
-
Monday, May 23, 2022, at the
- Chantilly National Golf and Country Club on Braddock Rd.
- This is a major fundraiser for WFCM.
Registration is now open. Join them for a great day starting with continental breakfast boxed and ready in your cart, followed by 18 holes on a beautiful course, contests, complimentary beverage and snack cart, and concluding with a boxed barbeque lunch to go or enjoy on the patio. The tee off is at 8:30 am for this scramble. Check their website for prices and additional information.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
The Adult Lectionary Forum - IN PERSON & ON ZOOM
|
|
|
|
SUNDAY WORSHIP & EDUCATION
|
|
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.
|
|
We can prepare our hearts & minds by reading ahead
for the Sunday Service lesson
The Sunday of The Resurrection
Easter Sunday
April 17, 2022
The First Reading: Acts 10:34-43
Peter boldly proclaims what God has revealed to him: the gospel will spread to Gentiles as well as to Jews.
The Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:19-26
Paul meditates on Christ’s resurrection as the life-transforming reality that Christians celebrate.
The Gospel: John 20:1-18
Mary Magdalene does not recognize the risen Christ until he speaks her name, and she rejoices that he has conquered death.
|
|
Online Contributions
to St. John's
|
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.
|
|
|
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)
|
|
The Facility Campaign button may be used only for any contribution for the facility's buildings and grounds, or special facility campaigns.
|
|
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].
|
|
Bishop's Letter:
If We Survive the Resurrection A Meditation for Holy Week
A clergy colleague and I were discussing the timeline of a project we’re working on, and he joked that we could pick up part of it up again in a couple of weeks, “if we survive the Resurrection.” It was inside-baseball church humor – he was talking, of course, of all the work it takes to prepare for Holy Week and Easter Day celebrations – but it has stuck with me.
I wonder what would Jesus have said – both before and after the actual Resurrection.
Jesus made it clear, over and over, to his closest companions and trainees, that he did not expect to survive the trip into Jerusalem. In raising Lazarus from the dead, he had signed his own death warrant. Those who held earthly religious and political power correctly perceived that his way of love was a threat to their way of control. He knew the price he would pay for revealing that God’s kingdom, not Caesar’s empire, was the way of abundant life, justice, peace, and beloved community. He would not survive their violent response.
Still, he taught, by word and example. Still, he organized the “triumphal” ride into the city, his donkey mocking the battle horses of Rome. Still, he came into the Temple courts, arguing, challenging, teaching, tossing over tables. Still, he dug deep into the tradition and reinterpreted the bread and wine of the symbolic meals: this is my body, given for you; this is my blood, poured out for you; I will not survive. And in a matter of hours, betrayed and beaten, mocked and murdered, he was gone.
Hanging from nails driven through his body into boards, at the dump below the city, he spoke the words that summarized so much of his life’s work: Father, forgive them; they have no clue what they are doing.
Father, forgive us: we have no clue what we are doing.
None of what people think about, when we think about survival, made it through that awful week. Jesus died. The band of Twelve disintegrated; Judas betrayed Jesus for money; Peter denied knowing him for safety. The cheering crowds of Palm Sunday became the murderous mob of Good Friday; “Hosanna!” became “Crucify him!” The whiplash we feel on Palm Sunday is just a taste of what transpired. The joy, the gatherings, the feasts, the inclusion, the relief of redemption, the hope of the prophets – all gone. It had been beautiful, but it could not survive contact with what we sometimes call “the real world” (Father, forgive us; we have no clue what we are saying).
It did not survive. Something entirely different happened.
There was the Resurrection.
Jesus was raised from the dead, imperishable and sovereign. The motley crew that he had been forming and training to live in the new Way began to regroup – and more power was on the way. The seeds that he had planted over those years began to spring up in unexpected ways. The teachings were remembered, repeated, and eventually written so that we, too, might believe. The healings continued. More people began to see, to hear, to speak; more were unbound, more were revived. The presence of Christ was real as people broke open Scripture and broke bread together. Bands of people spread outward from Jerusalem, showing the imperial structures of the world what it looks like to love your neighbor as yourself. And still it goes on; if you are reading this, you are part of the ongoing Resurrection.
We are not here, as people who call ourselves Christians, because Jesus survived – because that’s not what happened. We are here because Jesus was resurrected. The terrible events of Holy Week are rehearsed again, year after year, as we remember that the worst that the world can do to us – betrayal, pain, abandonment, death – none of it can separate us from the love of God. None of it can separate us from eternal life, that Life that is under and over and before and after and around all that we know of this mortal life. None of our work done in the Lord is done in vain, but can surely look that way. It can look that way in our lives, and it can look that way in the life of a congregation, and even in the life of the Church. It looked that way to Jesus himself, from time to time with the crowds and with the Twelve, but most surely in that last intense week, when he cried out to God in his sense of abandonment and failure.
And yet, here we are. Telling the stories. Teaching and healing. Loving our neighbors. Loving God. Going out into all the world, baptizing and teaching all that Jesus commanded. Seeking the image of God in everyone, even ourselves, in creating, forgiving, reconciling, loving. Walking alongside the risen Christ. We aren’t always great at it; a lot of the time, we still don’t have a clue. But, all the time, we have Resurrection.
We can do a lot better than survive. The Church can do a lot better than survive. Come what may, we live in the sure and certain hope of the Resurrection.
See you on the other side.
Until then: Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this your family, for whom our our Savior Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed and tormented and to suffer death on a cross; who now lives and reigns, forever and eternally. Amen.
With love in Jesus the Christ,
Bishop Jennifer Brooke-Davidson
|
|
Longing
What is your longing? That longing is but the smallest drop of God’s unfathomable longing for us. Through time, through distance, through denial, betrayal, doubt and suspicion, the love of God has brought Jesus on his knees to our road-weary feet. And he asks us to turn our longing into love like his. We love, and we long, because he first longed for us.
- Br. Todd Blackham, SSJE
A prayer for your day:
God, you longed for me from before the beginning of the world. You have given absolutely everything for me, in love, and have shown the power of such love. My heart aches and breaks every day. Turn my longing into love like yours.
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
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].
|
|
|
|
|
|
|