To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

Whenever someone tries to pass along an encouraging Bible verse, it's always something like Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” 

Don't get me wrong. Jeremiah 29:11 graces the bookmark that I use in my study Bible. It’s lovely. It’s just that, if I’m going to go with Jeremiah, sometimes I need Jeremiah 1:18-19: “I for my part have made you today a fortified city, an iron pillar, and a bronze wall against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land. They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, says the Lord, to deliver you.” Those verses put me through seminary and then some. 

Sometimes, encouragement means comfort, and sometimes encouragement means motivation. Sometimes, I need verses like Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God.” Sometimes, if we have to talk about keeping still, I need Exodus 14:14: “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to keep still.” Sometimes, I need to hear Matthew 5:13 “You are salt of the earth…” and sometimes I need Mark 9:49 “For everyone will be salted with fire.” It’s not exactly clear what that means, but it lights a fire in me.

Sometimes, encouragement means comfort, and sometimes encouragement means motivation. And our Bible has both.

What verses do you turn to when times are tough? What verses give you comfort? What verses motivate you?

Grace and peace,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

Blessing of the Backpacks and Devices

We'll have a blessing of the backpacks and devices at worship August 11 at 9:30 AM. As the Spirit moves you, bring your backpacks, briefcases, purses, and bags of whatever type and your laptop, phone, or mobile device to church. We'll bless them ahead of the new school and program year, along with donated backpacks for local elementary school students (see mission and outreach below for more).

Creation Care Garden Update

Parishioner Bev Milunec reports that our Creation Care Garden has been very productive. As of July 30th, 51.2 pounds of fresh produce have been delivered to the Western Fairfax Christian Ministries:

• 61 Radishes,
• 61 Bell Peppers,
• 213 Mucho Nacho Jalapenos,
• 84 Banana Peppers,
• 196 Shishito Peppers,
• 71 Green Beans,
• 69 Small Bags of Mint, and
• 3 Small Bags of Basil

Heartfelt thanks to all who have supported this effort. The food bank volunteers who accept deliveries always seem very happy when we drop off our harvests. 

WORSHIP

Last Sunday's Sermon

In Sunday's Gospel, we see Jesus at his most miraculous, outside of the Transfiguration and Resurrection; he feeds the five thousand and walks on water. However, the crowds and the disciples resist the transformation that the miraculous introduces, trying to control it or fearing it. Rev. Kevin encourages us to tell loved ones, friends, and neighbors how much they mean to us, to live into all the transformation that love promises.

View The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost on July 28 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 Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

Let us prepare our hearts and mind for worship:

First Reading: Exodus 16:2-4,9-15

God provides food for the wandering Israelites, who have forgotten how much they suffered in Egypt.

Response: Psalm 78:23-29

Second Reading: Ephesians 4:1-16

Paul encourages Christians to fulfill their roles as part of the united body of Christ.

Gospel: John 6:24-35

In words that will ring throughout the history of Christian theology, Jesus identifies himself as the bread of life.

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.

Volunteers Needed 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

August 13 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.

Donate Backpacks!

School starts soon, and St. John's is partnering with Western Fairfax Christian Ministries this summer to provide backpacks for elementary school students in need. Our commitment is 50 backpacks:

For Lees Corner (Home of the Polar Bears!)

10 large or small backpacks with computer sleeves

For Cub Run (Home of the Cubbies!)

40 large backpacks (laptop sleeves optional)

Please bring newly purchased backpacks to Sunday services or the church office by August 11 for blessing and delivery.

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.

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!



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