To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

Thanks to all who attended our Independence Day evening prayer. We stepped out afterward for a few celebratory fountains and sparklers. We hope it's even bigger next year.

I'll be on vacation beginning this Friday, July 7 and returning to the office Thursday, July 13. If there's a pastoral emergency, please contact the Rev. Deacon Steven Busch. He'll be preaching this Sunday, sharing some lessons from his sabbatical. I'm working to confirm a supply priest. I'll see you again for our anniversary!

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.

WORSHIP

Last Sunday's Sermon

Rev. Kevin says faith is not only the business of belief; it is the discipline of loyalty, of sharing a common fate, of staying together in the truth. Faith doesn't always fix or do; faith stays and loves.

An Independence Day Homily

St. John's marked Independence Day with a service of evening prayer on Monday. Christian and American, Rev. Kevin gives thanks to God for the liberty we enjoy and, when that freedom is denied, asks to be part of God's transforming of our world.

Upcoming Readings for July 9, 2023

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

First Reading: Zechariah 9:9-12

Zechariah foretells God’s eternal victory, echoed in Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

Psalm: Psalm 145:8-15

Repeating the ancient creed of a God gracious and full of compassion, the Psalmist affirms the greatness, goodness, and faithfulness of God.

Second Lesson: Romans 7:15-25a

Though we are empowered by the Holy Spirit, we struggle to do the good and the right, as God gives us power through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Gospel: Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

Following Jesus doesn’t require clever education, but it does require humility of heart and our willingness to be transformed.

Altar Flowers Needed

Volunteers to provide or purchase altar flowers are urgently needed for upcoming Sundays. Please contact Marcia Evans or sign up 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.

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.

Sign up for Tree of Life on July 11

We're in need of additional cooks and servers for this powerful - and fun! - ministry this Tuesday, July 11.

St. John's partners with several other local churches to prepare and serve a meal to some 70 local residents every second Tuesday of the month at the Sterling Community Center. For more information and to sign up, 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.