To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

I've spent this week getting things together for the most important liturgies of the year. I'm joined by dozens of parishioners each contributing to their own ministries - music, altar guild, reading, the Easter egg hunt, and more. And our work, joyful as it is - it's almost Easter! - is also haunted, anticipating the suffering and death of Jesus of Nazareth. There's no resurrection without death. There's no Easter without Good Friday.

Amid final preparations, I received a phone call from a friend in the early morning. He apologized for calling so early; he was looking for a priest who happened to be awake. A friend of his was at a hospital and had made the difficult decision to remove her mother from life support. Would someone pray with her and her brother and give her mother last rites over the phone? Over a conference call, we all prayed together and, in tears, commended her mother to God.

Death haunted that first Holy Week in Jerusalem. Jesus had warned his disciples about his suffering and death, even if they couldn't or didn't want to believe it, even as Judas and the mob came to take Jesus away, even as it became clear what all this was leading to. Death haunts us, too. Death still claims our loved ones. Death and its cousins violence, cruelty, and fear haunt us, too, casting their shadow in public and private life, even as spring begins.

But they do not win. Though death haunts us, there is nonetheless life and love, joy and peace, God's justice and God's grace. Join me and the faithful of St. John's as we walk this dark and sometimes sorrowful way in the courage and hope of the Easter light.

Faithfully,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

Holy Week and Easter Worship at St. John's

• Maundy Thursday, April 17, 7:30 PM
• Good Friday, April 18, 12:00 Noon and 7:30 PM
• Easter Sunday, April 20, 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM followed by our Easter Egg Hunt!

Congratulations and Thanks!

This past Sunday marks 52 years of Katharine Lavery playing trumpet for St. John's. When I was looking into becoming priest-in-charge here at St. John's, I first watched St. John's services on YouTube. Listening to the first hymn, having only been to churches that broke out brass for special occasions, I thought, "Wait, they have a trumpet?!" Yes, every Sunday, on the landing to the choir loft, we have Katharine. Thank you for your ministry.

Volunteer for Altar Guild

The St Johns Altar Guild plays an important role in ensuring our space is ready for worship every week. Throughout the liturgical year, this hard-working group takes care of the communion vessels, altar linens, and floral displays that enrich our historic church. You can be part of this important ministry and create the kind of beauty seen every Sunday. Please be in touch with Marcia Evans or the parish office if you are interested.

Progressive Dinner, May 24

Our annual Progressive Dinner will take place May 24. Participants meet up at a parishioner's house for appetizers, proceed to one of several houses for dinner, and, finally, meet up at another parishioner's house for dessert. It's a wonderful evening with old and new friends. Sign up using the paper form in the back of the church or in the church office.

Altar Flowers Needed

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

WORSHIP

Sunday's Sermon

Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem was many things, what we might call a protest, among them. This protest is re-enacted every year as congregations process into their churches - and, indeed, every Sunday as parishes recall the day, singing the Sanctus, "Blessed is he who come in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!" The Church must continue to protest cruelty and injustice in the name of the one who was hailed as Lord.

View all our services on our YouTube channel. 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 Holy Week and Easter Day:

Maundy Thursday Readings:

First Reading: Exodus 12:1-4, 11-14

The Lord instructs Moses and Aaron in founding Passover, the ritual Jewish meal filled with symbols of God’s love for his people.

Response: Psalm 116:1, 10-17

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Jesus celebrates the first instance of Holy Communion, which reminds us time after time of his deep sacrifice for our sins.

Gospel: John 13:1-17, 31b-35

By washing the feet of his disciples, Jesus leaves a timeless example of humility and servanthood.

Good Friday Readings:

First Reading: Isaiah 52:13--53:12

Isaiah describes the suffering of God’s servant in words that Christians will apply to the suffering of Jesus during his Passion.

Response: Psalm 22

Second Reading: Hebrews 10:16-25

The author of Hebrews calls on Christians to persevere because of the sacrifice Jesus made for us.

Gospel: John 18:1–19:42

Jesus’ entire ministry comes down to this pivotal moment: his sacrificial death on the cross for a sinful humanity.

Easter Day Readings:

First Reading: Isaiah 65:17-25

Isaiah describes a new Jerusalem that foretells the new earth that God’s people will inhabit for eternity.

Response: Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:19-26

Paul meditates on Christ’s resurrection as the life-transforming reality that Christians celebrate.

Gospel: Luke 24:1-12

The words of two angels to the disciples of Jesus are just as true for us today: “He is not here, but has risen.”

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.

Saints of the Week: Zenaida, Philonella, and Hermione

Zenaida, Philonella, and Hermione were physicians of the early church.

Read more about them here.

Bible Study on Break for Holy Week

There will be no Bible study April 16 and 17. We'll be back as usual April 23 and 24.

Join us in the library Wednesdays at 11:00 AM or Thursday nights at 7:00 PM, for a weekly Bible study on the Gospel of Luke. We'll be using N.T. Wright's Luke: 26 Studies for Individuals and Groups (2011) to explore the third gospel. No need to RSVP for individual classes. For more information, contact Father Kevin or Lisa Heller.

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)

Education for Ministry (EfM) is a unique four-year distance learning certificate program in theological education based upon small-group study. Contact Walt Cooner for more information.

Lent Madness

Nicolaus Zinzendorf faces off against Zechariah today for the Golden Halo! Who will win?

Lent Madness is an offering of Forward Movement that pits 32 saints of the church against each other in an alternative March Madness bracket for the ages. Participants vote for their favorite saint in daily matchups over the course of Lent until one is awarded the "Golden Halo." Visit Lent Madness to learn more about these saints and to vote for your favorites. Follow the action online, or in the St. John's breezeway, where our bracket poster will be updated. Thanks to Lisa Heller for bringing Lent Madness to St. John's.

April Dinner Another Success at Hanley House

A big thanks for all the help in April's dinner, serving 62 people! And we served all our veggies and salad this time! The baked ziti was delicious, and we were able to leave a tray for lunch the next day.

Next month our dinner is May 13th and we will be serving pulled BBQ chicken and mac and cheese!

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 May 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.

Shop for Western Fairfax Christian Ministries

Please bring donations of food and more to Sunday services, or drop at the church office. These items are especially needed:

Food:

• Flour
• Sugar (1 or 2 lb. bags)
• Vegetable Oil
• Dried Beans
• Cereal (low sugar preferred)
• Hot Cereal
• Pasta Sauce (no glass containers please)
• Pasta
• Diced tomatoes, Tomato sauce, Tomato Paste
• Canned Fruit (peaches, pears, pineapple)
• Family sized snacks (pretzels, crackers, nuts, seeds, etc.)
• Jam/Jelly
• Hot beverages (ground coffee, tea bags, etc.)

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Toiletries:

NOTE: Toiletry items cannot be purchased by clients with SNAP​​

• Body Wash
• Toothpaste
• Hair Shampoo
• Hair Conditioner
• Feminine Hygiene Products (Pads preferred)
• Toilet Paper
• 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.

Creation Care Garden Gearing Up!

St. John's Creation Care Garden committee is making preparations for the 2025 growing season. Last year, this ministry grew over 216 pounds of vegetables for Western Fairfax Christian Ministries. Monetary donations are requested to purchase seedlings and needed garden supplies. 

There are several ways to make a donation: 

• by check made out to St. John's Episcopal Church with the words "Creation Care Garden" in the memo field,
• by cash accompanied by a note with your name and address, or
• online here and donating to "Creation Care Garden."

Donations can be placed in the alms bag during a church service or dropped off at the church. Thank you in advance for your generous support of this worthy ministry.

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.

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!



• Click the button below to set up a recurring gift online, or text "STJOHNSCENTREVILLE" to 73256 to give using your mobile device.
• Pledge to give using this online form.
• Explore more about giving to St. John's on our website or by contacting Father Kevin.