St. John's Episcopal Church - Centreville, VA

Parish News - June 7, 2023

To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

In a world where Christians seem to be as likely to perpetrate violence against gay and transgender persons as defend them, it is important to build churches that are, and are known as, sanctuaries for all--and to defend all our neighbors from violence and hatred.


Our Scriptures tell stories of people--they were handed down to us by people--who had an experience of the divine and attempted to live and communicate that new reality. Their struggle with the word for their lives, their work of translation and proclamation, is a holy one the church celebrates.


To everyone who wrestles with the truth of themselves, may you hold on to the angels until they bless you. And may we sing with you when they do.


A blessed Pride to you and yours.


Grace and peace,


Kevin


The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

WORSHIP

Last Sunday's Sermon

Rev. Kevin tells a story and invites us in to holy community and life of the Trinity, with a window into the preaching process.

Upcoming Readings for June 11, 2023

Let us prepare our hearts and mind for worship with the readings for the Second Sunday after Pentecost:


First Reading: Hosea 5:15-6:6

Hosea warns the people that empty sacrifices without obedience are not what

God desires. Instead, the Lord expects us to respond to his abundant grace by being steadfast in our faith.


Psalm: Psalm 50:7-15

Echoing Exodus, God says, "The whole world is mine." How then can humans give God something that already belongs to God? God calls for "a sacrifice of thanksgiving," not animals.


Second Lesson: Romans 4:13-25

For Paul, the law was a system to keep him from repeating the same sins. Yet time and again, he still fell short. He knows we all face this challenge, and he reminds us not to lose heart because we have the righteousness of faith in Jesus to sustain us.


Gospel: Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26

Matthew experiences the immediate power of Jesus’ call to become a disciple. Later Jesus answers his critics by emphasizing mercy over sacrifice.

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.

Adult Lectionary Forum

Join us in-person in the church library or online via Zoom to discuss the day's lessons.

OUTREACH

LAST CALL: Sign Up for Tree of Life!

Volunteers are needed for this month's dinner with Tree of Life!


St. John's partners with several other local churches to prepare and serve a meal once per month at the Sterling Community Center. We need volunteers for this Tuesday, June 13!


For more information and to sign up to join this powerful - and fun! - ministry, contact Val Tucker, Andrew Wade, or click here.

Western Fairfax Christian Ministries

St. John's is a founding partner of Western Fairfax Christian Ministries, which provides food and financial support to families at risk of hunger and homelessness in western Fairfax County. Please bring your donations to Sunday services, or drop at the church office:


Food and Beverages


  • Maseca Flour
  • Canned Tuna and Canned Chicken
  • Vegetable Oil 
  • Peanut Butter
  • Coffee
  • Ramen Noodles 
  • Vienna Sausages 
  • Tomato Sauce 


Toiletries (Toiletry items cannot be purchased by clients with SNAP)


  • Body Wash
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Lotion
  • Feminine Pads (not tampons)
  • Large size pull-ups (size 4T/5T for toddlers) 
  • Size 5 and 6 Diapers 
  • Baby Wipes 



The Shepherd's Center of Western Fairfax

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

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 Katharine K. Hanley Family Shelter

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


  • Toothpaste
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body Wash
  • Bar Soap
  • Hand Soap
  • Deodorant

VOLUNTEER SIGN-UPS

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.


Altar Flowers

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


Tree of Life

Help us feed hungry families. Sign up here.

For the people of Ukraine

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.

--a prayer from Archbishop Justin Welby and Archbishop Stephen Cottrell


Episcopal Relief & Development provides humanitarian assistance to people fleeing the violence in Ukraine, working with ACT Alliance and its Anglican partners in Europe. You can contribute to its Ukraine Crisis Response Fund here.

Support St. John's Online

Download the Tithe.ly app on your phone or tablet, or use the buttons below to make a contribution to St. John's and God's mission here in Centreville.

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.

The Facility Campaign button may be used only for any contribution for the facility's buildings and grounds.

The Donation button may be used for any other type of donation to St. John's. To designate a special purpose (i.e. please email the parish office.

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