To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

Liturgy literally means "work of the people." I am filled with Easter gratitude and hope thanks to all who helped make Holy Week and Easter a true work of the people:

• Thomas Brumett, who was baptized on Easter Sunday;
• Mandy Hull and the St. John’s choir for the beautiful music; 
• Katharine Lavery, our trumpet player now for 52 years; 
• Marcia Evans and the Altar Guild for the gorgeous flowers and their faithful ministry;
• Terri Katon, our parish administrator, for the bulletins; 
• David Weir and John Tucker for recording and livestreaming the services; 
• our Passion reading participants on Palm Sunday;
• our ushers, acolytes, and readers; and 
• all our many volunteers who made palm crosses, stuffed and hid Easter eggs, set up and staffed our Easter egg hunt, and gave God glory in ways large and small this blessed Holy Week.

Faithfully,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

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 by printing and turning in this paper form, also available 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

Easter Sermon

If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, St. Paul says, we are of all people most to be pitied. But it's also true that, if for the next life only we have hoped in Christ, we are to be pitied as well. Easter life, resurrected life, baptized life is not only a guarantee of a future life for the faithful, but a call to eternal life here and now. 

Good Friday Sermon

Jesus's crucifixion was an extrajudicial murder, a lynching. There are two justice systems in this world: one for the powerful and deserving, and then there's the cross.

Maundy Thursday Sermon

By washing each other's feet, we are setting an example of servanthood and that we, as followers of Jesus Christ, are servants of God caring for our neighbors and those in need.

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 Second Sunday of Easter:

First Reading: Acts 5:27-32

Jealous authorities threaten the apostles, who cannot be dissuaded from sharing the good news of Jesus’ resurrection.

Response: Psalm 118:14-29

Second Reading: Revelation 1:4-8

John writes to the faithful in Asia, sharing the vision God has given him of Jesus’ coming reign as ruler of all creation for all time.

Gospel: John 20:19-31

Jesus appears to the frightened disciples in his resurrected body; his flesh bolsters the faith of his followers, especially Thomas. Blessed are those disciples who have not touched Jesus but still believe in the resurrection.

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: Peter Williams Casey and Anna Besant Cassey

Peter Williams Cassey was ordained as a deacon in 1866, the first person of color ordained in the Episcopal Church west of the Mississippi River. He ministered alongside his wife Anna Besant Cassey, establishing schools and more. Read more about them here.

Join Us for Bible Study!

Jump in to Bible study any time, even if you haven't attended in recent weeks, or at all.

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

Zechariah claimed the Golden Halo last week! 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 for the recap of this year's competition.

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.