St. John's Episcopal Church - Centreville, VA
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Parish News - April 6, 2022
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Dear St. John's Parishioners and Friends:
What a party it was!!!! Last Sunday night, over 60 parishioners and friends gathered in the parish hall for my retirement party. It was absolutely WONDERFUL!!! It was so good to see each other in person after being apart for so long. David Weir put together an amazing video with highlights of our parish life together (the link for the video is below). From the delicious dinner, to the fellowship, to the video, to the beautiful book of St. John's pictures (including pictures of my parents, siblings, children and grandchildren, a copy of which is in the library), to the St. John's picture with the well-wishes written around it, to the kind words from many people - it was an absolutely incredible evening! My heart remains filled with the love that was shown and shared. So many people worked very hard to make this happen and I am grateful.
It is very hard for me to leave St. John's - such a loving and welcoming community of faith. But it is time for me to retire. I have enjoyed my journey with you these past eight years and it is now time for you to journey with another spiritual leader. St. John's will always be in my prayers and in my heart as you continue your journey through this time of transition and beyond. As Bishop Gulick said on Sunday, there will be a good number of priests who will want to come here. They want the small community where "everyone knows your name". The diversity of our Ministry Partners will be a draw for candidates. Don't sell yourselves short because you are a small congregation. Look at all the good things you have done, and the faithful community that you are.
How poignant it is that the last part of our journey together will be through the events of Holy Week and Easter. It is through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ that we are brought together in love to serve God and one another. Please join us for the services listed below.
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The Rev. Carol Hancock
Rector
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HOLY WEEK SERVICES
PALM SUNDAY, APRIL 10 - 9:30 AM
MAUNDY THURSDAY, APRIL 14 - 7:30 PM
GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 15 - 12 NOON & 7:30 PM EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 17 - 8 AM & 10:30 AM
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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.
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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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PARISH NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
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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
Lenten program - Our last class of our Lenten book study is tonight at 7:00 PM on Zoom. Please read chapters 6-7 . The Zoom link is below.
A Celebration of the Life of Helen Rusnak will be held this Saturday, April 9, at 1:00 PM in the historic church. Burial will be in the St. John's Cemetery after the service, followed by a reception in the parish hall.
This Sunday, Palm Sunday, we will begin the service outside (weather permitting) by the front parking lot for the blessing of the palms. Thanks to all who volunteered to be readers for the dramatic reading of the passion narrative during the service.
Following the service this Sunday, we will have a Blessing of the Bricks outside the breezeway. There are just 5 bricks this time, in thanksgiving for the ministries of Penny Parker, Tom McDermott and Carol Hancock; and in memory of Helen Rusnak.
Gluay Zimmerman's mother has died in Thailand and Gluay is traveling there to be with her family. Please remember her in your prayers. She will be gone for several weeks. If you or someone you know might be available to staff the nursery during the 10:30 AM service on Easter Sunday, please let Carol know. There will be no nursery attendant this Sunday.
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 need the following help for Holy Week and Easter:
-Lectors, ushers and crucifers for all services (sign up online)
We need candy for the Easter Egg hunt before this Friday, April 8 when volunteers will gather at 10:00 AM to make palm crosses for Palm Sunday, and fill the Easter eggs with candy. 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 Vestry discussed our policy of having everyone wear masks in church. It was decided that everyone should continue to wear masks, especially since we normally have a larger attendance on Palm Sunday and Easter.
Thanks to David Weir and John Tucker, we are continuing to livestream our Sunday services. People who attend the services are being recorded. That announcement will be put in the bulletin each week.
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.
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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] .
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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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THIS PAST SUNDAY
We Celebrated the Ministry of The Rev. Carol Hancock!
With us at St. John's 2014 - 2022
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*Wood Bundles For Sale*
The price is still nominal at $5 per bundle and the bundles are located outside the breezeway. Donations can be put in the envelopes provided and put in the secure adjacent mailbox.
Andrew Wade
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OUTREACH and VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
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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: 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.
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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, 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].
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Registering now for the
- WFCM 4th Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser to be held
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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.
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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.
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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
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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 Sunday of The Passion
Palm Sunday
April 10, 2022
The First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-9a
The Psalm: 31:9-16 p. 623, BCP
The Second Reading: Philippians 2:5-11
The Gospel: Luke 22:14 - 23:56
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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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Naming, Not Blaming
There is an 800-pound gorilla in the room. A two-ton elephant. A fire-breathing dragon. Everywhere we turn, there it is. As I name it in this Monday meditation, I ask you to hang in with me, putting blaming and judging aside for a moment. Let’s ask some healthy questions about the state of our Diocese and the wider Church, and let’s listen for what the Holy Spirit might be up to.
For the first time since 1993, a slate for bishop in the Diocese of Virginia does not include racial, ethnic or gender diversity.* This slate as currently composed has become a lightning rod for deep issues facing both the Diocese of Virginia and the entire Church. Our anxieties about diversity, race, sex, gender, Covid losses, economic uncertainty, changes in church attendance and other issues have latched on to this slate, making it the latest repository of our fears. How do we understand and respond faithfully in light of these realities?
· We avoid blaming. This is not the fault of the four men who are on the slate, and it does not call their qualifications into question. They were presented by the diverse Search Committee to our diverse Standing Committee which, in turn, presented them to our Diocese. Any complex systemic issues that are part of this outcome are broader than these groups alone, so it will not help us to lay blame at their feet. We are all on the same bus, so let’s not throw anyone under the bus.
· We notice and name our emotions about this, then we put those emotions aside so that we can act effectively and responsibly.
· We uncover, name and work to heal the brokenness that people experience because of racism, sexism, genderism, heterosexism or any other “isms.” We name what we see, and we work and pray for a Diocese, a wider Church and local congregations that fully reflect the wonder and beautiful diversity that is already present at the feasting table in God’s heaven.
· We expand our learning and growth through Sacred Ground and other circles. We spend time, honest time, with people who are different from us. We recognize the gifts of individuals, the strengths of our Church and the growing edges for our Diocese, all through eyes of love.
· We take part in next steps in this election. Engage the petition process which remains open until midnight on April 8. If you desire to see the slate expanded, this process lays out how to do it. Attend a Meet and Greet session. Read the materials on each candidate. Pray, pray and pray some more for the person God is raising up as our next bishop diocesan.
· We ask questions and live with the questions for a while:
What is the Spirit saying to the Church in this moment of our story?
What patterns and trends in the Church and in the world are being revealed?
What is our response to those patterns and trends?
What new thing might God be doing among us?
How will we be Jesus’ hands and feet, eyes and ears, mouth and voice in
our Diocese and in our world right now?
God, lead us and guide us along the way. Still our restless minds long enough so that we will see the way and let you continue to work through us.
Your sister in Christ,
Bishop Susan Goff
Bishop Suffragan and Ecclesiastical Authority
*Summary of Slates
· 1969 - An African American man was on the slate for Bishop Suffragan for the first time. A white man was elected.
· Slates between 1969 and 1993 included all white men.
· 1993 - The slate of seven nominees for the election of two Bishops Suffragan included three white men, three white women and one African American man. A white man and the African American man were elected. (The second was never consecrated, however, after accusations of sexual misconduct were thoroughly investigated by the Standing Committee.)
· 1995 - The slate of eight nominees for Bishop Suffragan included four white men, three white women and one man of color. Two of the eight were on the slate by petition. A white man who was nominated by petition was elected.
· 2007 - The slate of five nominees for Bishop Coadjutor included three white men and two white women. A white man was elected.
· 2012 - The slate of six for Bishop Suffragan included two white men and four white women. A white woman was elected.
Since 1993, bishop slates in the Diocese of Virginia have included:
· Two men of color - one was elected, though not consecrated
· Twelve white women - one was elected
· Twelve white men - three were elected
No slate for bishop in the Diocese of Virginia included persons who self-identified as LGBTQ+ at the time of the election.
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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.
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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
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