To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

The family and I took advantage of the end of the school quarter to take a brief cruise. We don't really get a Spring Break per se because Spring Break is usually Holy Week, and Dad works. Our long weekend was lovely Sabbath time to reconnect and recharge, and now we're back home to our Lenten preparations for Holy Week and Easter.

Be sure to read the whole of the newsletter to tap into all that God is doing here at St. John's.

Faithfully,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

Holy Week and Easter Worship at St. John's

• Palm Sunday, April 13, 9:30 AM
• 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!

Funeral for Harriet Ritchie, April 8, 10:00 AM

Harriet Ritchie, a long-time parishioner among the founding families of St. John's, who in the 1950s and 60s made St. John's a parish, will be laid to rest April 8 at 10:00 AM. A brief service in the historic church will be followed by her committal in the churchyard.

Preparing for Easter!

Easter week will soon be upon us. Please save Saturday, April 12 at 10:00 AM for the annual combined Palm Sunday palm cross/Easter egg stuffing event. We’re also still looking for volunteers to assist with the egg hunt on Easter morning; this is an easy and fun way to be involved in the festivities and make memories for the children who attend. Please see a member of the vestry if you can help. Thank you.

Save-the-Date: Progressive Dinner, May 24

Our annual Progressive Dinner will take place May 24. Save the date for this special occasion.

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.

Altar Flowers Needed

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

WORSHIP

Sunday's Sermon

In response to the Pharisees accusing Jesus of eating with tax collectors and sinners, Jesus told them the parable of a lost son, a prodigal son. Just as the father's arms remained open to his lost son's return, God’s arms remain open to embrace us when we sin and return. These arms never push us away.

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 The Fifth Sunday in Lent:

First Reading: Isaiah 43:16-21

Isaiah proclaims that God will transform the very wilderness.

Response: Psalm 126

Second Reading: Philippians 3:4b-14

Paul declares that the greatest riches of this world are so much rubbish compared to life in Christ.

Gospel: John 12:1-8

Jesus praises Mary for her devotion after Judas tries to demean her.

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.

Saint of the Week: Mary of Egypt

This week's saint is Mary of Egypt, whose feast day is March 30.

Read more about Mary of Egypt here.

Bible Studies!

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

Lent Madness is upon us! 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.

Volunteering at Hanley House

In March we served 50 dinners at Katherine Hanley house! We had a fun crowd of servers and are grateful to everyone who dropped off the delicious food! The residents were very appreciative!

Our April dinner is set for the 8th. We will be providing Baked Ziti with meat.

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 April 8 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:

• Sugar (1 or 2 lb. bags)
• Vegetable Oil
• Pasta Sauce
• Pasta
• Brown Rice
• Pancake Mix
• Family Sized Snacks (pretzels, crackers, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, etc.)
• Canned Chicken
• Hot Beverages (ground coffee, tea bags, etc.)

​

Toiletries:

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

• Body Wash
• Bar Soap
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrushes
• Hair Shampoo
• Hair Conditioner
• Toilet Paper
• Feminine Hygiene Products
• Size 6 Diapers 
• Large size pullups (size 4T/5T for toddlers)
• 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.