Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. | |
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"He taught them as one who had authority" - that is the description of Jesus as He teaches in the synagogue at Capernaum from the Gospel lesson, Mark 1:21-28, from this past Sunday. Jesus' authority doesn't come from what others have said or written, it comes from his own divine authority as the Son of God.
All things must submit to him - even demonic powers as that Gospel lesson revealed. The unclean spirit's confession of Jesus as the Holy One of God was not made in faith, but in fear. Our confession of Jesus as the Holy One of God, our Savior, is most certainly made in faith. Trusting in all that Jesus has done for us - his life and ministry, his death and resurrection - we cry out to Jesus for mercy, forgiveness, strength and help. He graciously hears and answers our cries as He knows best.
As the sermon pointed out, how blessed we are to be able to say in faith of Jesus: "I know who you are, the Holy One of God."
In Christ,
Pastor Meehan
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2023 Giving Statements
The 2023 Giving Statements will be sent out by email this week! The email address used will be the one listed in your CCB account. This is a different process than in years past. If you do not receive your 2023 giving statement by the end of this week, please let us know! It may have gone to a junk or spam file, but if you alert the church office, we will be sure to get a copy to you. Should you have any questions, or if you find any errors, please reach out to our Financial Administrator, Jennifer Smith or 703-971-2211.
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Be On the Lookout for SCAM Emails
As a friendly reminder, scam emails are a part of our digital lives. Please be on the lookout for scam emails that are not from a staff member or a church leadership email address. The above pictures show an example of an email that you may receive that is NOT from Pastor Meehan even though it looks like it is.
Keep in mind these few things...
- No staff or church leadership member will ask for money through an email
- All contributions to SJLC will go through our giving platform
- Make sure to check the actual email address – look for the sjlc.com domain
- If in doubt call the church office at (703)971-2210 to verify
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Share Sunday for Koinonia - February 4
The first Sunday of each month is Share Sunday at St. John’s, in which we gather items to bless those in need in the community around us. These items are given to Koinonia, the local Franconia/Kingstowne community service agency, and they are then disbursed to people who need them.
Please consider picking up something from Koinonia's most recent "needs list" when you are at the store. Your donations can be left in the shopping cart at the church (only non-perishable items, please) on Sunday, February 4, or you may drop them off at Koinonia. Please share the blessings God has bestowed on you by helping those in need through Koinonia. Thank you!
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SJLC Men's Breakfast - CALLING ALL MEN
SJLC Men's Ministry invites the men at St. John's and area congregations and community to attend our next "Calling All Men" breakfast event on Saturday, February 3, 2024, in the Fellowship Hall. Join in fellowship as we outline our planned studies and activities for the upcoming year.
Breakfast will be ready by 8:00AM and the program will conclude by 10:00AM. Jay Sonstroem will be our guest speaker. Jay's topic will be "How Real Science Reveals a Creator." Please check your St. John's mailbox for more information, or contact Greg Miller, Rodney Smith, Joe Godwin, or Eric Klanderman.
RSVP by TODAY, Wednesday, January 31, 2024 by returning the RSVP Card to the St. John's Welcome Center or send an email to SJLCMen@sjlc.com if you plan to attend.
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Shrove Tuesday - Pancake Supper
Please plan on attending St. John’s Pancake Supper on February 13 from 5 to 7 PM. This is the last day of Epiphany and carnival season.
Shrove (derived from the word shrive) Tuesday in years past, was a time when Christians confessed their sins preparing themselves for the austerity of the Lenten season. Food such as bacon, sugar, eggs, and fats were forbidden during the 40 days and were used up so not to be wasted. Come for some fellowship and food!!
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The Resolution for Men Bible Study
On Wednesday, February 21, 2023, the SJLC Men's Group will begin The Resolution for Men Bible Study. The men's study group will meet on Zoom once a month on the 3rd Wednesday, from 8:00-9:00PM for eight sessions from February to September in 2024.
This study was inspired by the resolution challenge featured in the movie COURAGEOUS. The resolution contains 12 commitments related to characteristics that all men of God want to pursue, such as responsibility, faithfulness, honor, justice, forgiveness, integrity, and courage. In early October we will hold a Resolution Ceremony on the St. John's lawn by the three crosses with family and friends. The men and their families will be presented with resolution certificates.
If you are interested in joining this study or have questions, please email SJLCMen@sjlc.com or contact Greg Miller or Joe Godwin to sign up and get a copy of The Resolution for Men book and study guide.
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ESL Volunteers Needed
Want to make a big difference in someone’s life? Join us teaching English to our immigrant neighbors. Volunteers must commit to teach one class per week, from Feb. 13-May 2, 2024. Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10-11:30AM, or 7:30-9PM. (Our adult students attend both days, but volunteers teach once a week.)
We need morning and evening teachers for either Zoom classes or in-person classes at St. John's, Alexandria, VA. No experience necessary—just a smile and desire to help people from other countries! Teacher training is Feb. 3.
For more information, click here or contact ESL Coordinator Dori McCormick.
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ESL Book Sale
Give a warm welcome to our ESL students. Volunteer to help with the ESL book sale on one of these dates and times at St. John's.
Tuesday, February 6 (10-11:30AM or 7:30-9PM)
or
Thursday, February 8 (7:30-9PM)
For more information, contact ESL Coordinator Dori McCormick.
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Join Creative Fellowship on a Mission to be a Blessing to Bethany House
We are collecting the following items for the women and children who seek help and support from Bethany House here in northern Virginia.
- Laundry detergent
- Disinfecting wipes
- All purpose cleaner
- Hand sanitizer
- Paper towels
- New twin sheets and comforters
- New bath towels and wash cloths
- 13 and 30 gallon trash bags
Additional items can be found on the website for Bethany House.
We will be collecting items until Ash Wednesday, February 14.
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Looking Ahead
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Friday, February 2 - Groundhog Day
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Monday, February 5 - Executive Team Meeting
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Sunday, February 11 - Transfiguration Sunday, Super Bowl, Council Meeting
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Wednesday, February 14 - Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the 40-day Lenten season. Worship services will take place at 12 noon and 7:30PM.
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Important Links
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Facebook Live for viewing live services or educational opportunities as well as those previously recorded.
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YouTube for viewing church services
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Click here for the bulletins
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