To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

I hope you're finding some rest this summer. God understands the importance of rest. Remembering the Sabbath and keeping it holy is a commandment not just from the top of Sinai (Exodus 20:8-11), but from the foundation of the world (Genesis 2:1-3). Even God rested, so be sure to take a break now and then.

Find some way, some moment, to reconnect with whatever's giving you hope and encouraging your faith these days. Join us for worship. Come celebrate our anniversary. Light up some sparklers. Spend time with kids, with friends. Read. Nap. Pray. Listen to some heavy metal. And not because it'll make you more productive or successful when you get back from the break, but because things like hope, faith, and, yes, rest are gifts from God. We don't have to do anything--we can't do anything--to earn God's love, so let's rest. (This sermon brought to you in part by somebody who has a lot of trouble doing that sometimes.)

Let's put this on our to-do lists: Do nothing; be loved.

Grace and peace,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

Anniversary Worship and Potluck

St. John's was first built in 1850 and consecrated July 14, 1854. Join us Sunday, July 16 for worship at 9:30 AM followed by a festive potluck on the Gilead Green (that's our backyard!). Come as you are. Bring a dish or dessert to share. RSVP here.

Independence Day Evening Prayer

We'll mark Independence Day with a service of Evening Prayer in the historic church this Monday, July 3 at 7 PM. The service will be livestreamed, but do join us in person, if you can, and stick around afterward for a few sparklers and fountains!

WORSHIP

Last Sunday's Sermon

Rev. Kevin calls for a recovery of the Church's prophetic call, for truth-telling in a divided world. The world silences truths it cannot commodify or weaponize, but the Christian knows a still more excellent way. Like the prophets, like the disciples, like Jesus, Christians don't silence, buy, or wield the truth; they tell it.

Upcoming Readings for July 2, 2023

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

First Reading: Jeremiah 28:5-9

Jeremiah speaks out about the words the false prophet, Hananiah, has been speaking.

Psalm: Psalm 89:1-4,15-18

The Psalmist praises the faithful Lord who is Israel's true ruler and king.

Second Lesson: Romans 6:12-23

Those who are baptized into Christ are free to do right rather than to sin, but most significantly we share in Jesus’ victory over sin and death, and his glory.

Gospel: Matthew 10:40-42

Jesus charges all his followers, then and now, to prize each person as beloved of God and to offer hospitality to all. In doing so, we will become like those holy ones we welcome.

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

Summer with the Psalms

"Nowhere do the Psalms have an ideal of silence. Their assumption is that one finds God not in silence but in noise." - John Goldingay, biblical scholar

Join Rev. Kevin as we explore the Psalms Thursday nights at 7 PM in August. Each week, we'll take a in-depth look at one or two of the Psalms from each of the book's five sections. How did the authors find God's song amid the noise of the world? How did they sing back? How might we do the same? No homework required. Join us in the library or online. Click here for additional info and to register.

Tree of Life Serves the Community

Thanks to everyone who served, organized, and contributed to the June dinner at the Sterling Community Center for 60 area residents. We gather again July 11.

St. John's partners with several other local churches to prepare and serve a meal every second Tuesday of the month at the Sterling Community Center. 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

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.