To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

"May God who created and preserves you bless, defend, heal, and keep you, this day and always. Amen."

Book of Occasional Services, p. 132

It's one of the fun parts of this vocation: pet blessings!

Earlier this week, parishioner and Vestry member Emori Moore stopped by the church office with Vilma, a retired military working dog and the latest addition to the St. John's family. Vilma won't be making helicopter jumps anymore but enjoying the easy life, sporting a new St. Francis medal on her collar. Welcome and blessings, Vilma!

You don't have to wait until St. Francis Day (October 4) to have your beloved pets blessed. God's blessings - for you, for all your loved ones - are always available.

Grace and peace,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

Happy Birthday, St. John's!

St. John’s was consecrated July 14, 1854. We will begin a year of activities celebrating our 170th anniversary with a special anniversary liturgy Sunday, July 14, 2024 at 9:30 AM.

Consider contributing a special gift to celebrate St. John’s 170th Birthday. Special envelopes will be found in Sunday's bulletins for the next few weeks. Or you can give online.

A Collect for the Nation for the Fourth of July

"Lord God Almighty, you have made all the peoples of the earth for your glory, to serve you in freedom and in peace: Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."

Collect for the Nation, Book of Common Prayer, p. 258

WORSHIP

Last Sunday's Sermon

When we die having faith in Jesus Christ’s promise of eternal life, we know we will be resurrected with him in the end times.

View The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost on June 30 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 Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

Let us prepare our hearts and mind for worship:

First Reading: Ezekiel 2:1-5

Ezekiel stands in God’s presence and receives a decisive charge to speak the truth.

Response: Psalm 123

Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:2-10

Paul tells the Corinthians that he could boast but he refrains because he knows that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness.

Gospel: Mark 6:1-13

Jesus has divine power to heal afflictions but the people of Nazareth turn him away by their disbelief.

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.

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 July 9 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.

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.

Donating Backpacks

St. John's is partnering with Western Fairfax Christian Ministries this summer to provide backpacks for elementary school students in need this summer. Stay tuned!

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!



• 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.