To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

I keep thinking about Sunday's Gospel reading, how Jesus was known to the disciples in the breaking of bread (Luke 24:13-35).

I was at a retreat once, and the priest leading it decided to have an impromptu Eucharist to close the morning's programming. He was looking around for bread to bless, break, and share when he saw the leftover croissants from breakfast. Since Communion was either going to be them or stale bagels, he went with the oh-so-flaky croissants. Crumbs ended up everywhere, but it was a lovely service.

Worship can be like that sometimes: improvised, free, a little messy, you wonder if you're doing the right thing - but it's still inspiring. Our individual prayer lives can be like that, too: awkward, difficult, crumbs everywhere, you wonder if this is how other people pray - but it's still transformative.

Jesus was known to his disciples in the breaking of bread. The next time you're worried about "the right thing," whatever that is, try breaking the croissant, whatever that may be. When you follow the One who broke whatever bread was available with people looking for real food, crumbs will end up everywhere. And it will be fantastic.

Grace and peace,

Kevin

Email or book an appointment

Join us for the Progressive Dinner on May 13!

Sign up for an evening of fun and socialization at the progressive dinner which will be held on May 13! Diners gather in one place for appetizers, move on to another home for main courses, and on to another for dessert. Use the form below to sign up! Forms also available at the church. Sign up by this Sunday, April 30!

WORSHIP

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.

Adult Lectionary Forum

Join us in-person in the church library or online via Zoom to discuss the day's lessons.

Last Sunday's Sermon

Rev. Kevin looks at how Jesus was known to the disciples in the breaking of bread. Eucharist is not a magic trick or a consumerist act, but a meal that invites spiritual and material transformation. (Remember to plug in your laptop, folks!)

Upcoming Readings for April 30, 2023

Let us prepare our hearts and mind for worship with this Sunday's lessons:

The First Reading: Acts 2:42-47

Our baptismal covenant is inspired by the generosity and sincerity found in believers during the first days of the church.

The Psalm: Psalm 23

In perhaps the most famous of the psalms, we are reminded of the divine shepherd who provides and protects.

The Second Reading: 1 Peter 2:19-25

We see how Jesus responded to pain and suffering. His example serves as a guide to us in our daily life. (Note: Read these verses in light of verse 18. How does that change how we ought to read this text?)

The Gospel: John 10:1-10

Jesus, our shepherd, tells us how to identify false leaders; as God's sheep, we know his voice and we are made to follow him.

Tree of Life

St. John's partners with several other local churches to prepare and serve a meal once per month with the Tree of Life at the Sterling Community Center. On April 11, we served 68 individuals. Our next dinner is on May 9. For more information and to sign up to join us, contact Andrew Wade or click here.

Western Fairfax Christian Ministries

St. John's is a founding partner of Western Fairfax Christian Ministries, which provides food and financial support to families at risk of hunger and homelessness in western Fairfax County. Please bring your donations to Sunday services, or drop at the church office:

Food and Beverages

• Maseca Flour
• Canned Tuna and Canned Chicken
• Vegetable Oil 
• Peanut Butter
• Coffee
• Ramen Noodles 
• Vienna Sausages 
• Tomato Sauce 

Toiletries (Toiletry items cannot be purchased by clients with SNAP)

• Body Wash
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Lotion
• Feminine Pads (not tampons)
• Large size pull-ups (size 4T/5T for toddlers) 
• Size 5 and 6 Diapers 
• Baby Wipes 

The Shepherd's Center of Western Fairfax

The Shepherd's Center needs drivers and support for local seniors.

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 Katharine K. Hanley Family Shelter

Bring donations for our local family shelter to church or drop by the office:

• Toothpaste
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Body Wash
• Bar Soap
• Hand Soap
• Deodorant

Sunday Services

Additional readers and ushers needed. Sign up here.

Coffee Hour

We gather after worship for food and fellowship. Assist with snacks here.

Altar Flowers

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

For the people of Ukraine

God of peace and justice, we pray for the people of Ukraine today. We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons. We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow, that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them. We pray for those with power over war or peace, for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions. Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear, that you would hold and protect them. We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen.

--a prayer from Archbishop Justin Welby and Archbishop Stephen Cottrell

Episcopal Relief & Development provides humanitarian assistance to people fleeing the violence in Ukraine, working with ACT Alliance and its Anglican partners in Europe. You can contribute to its Ukraine Crisis Response Fund here.

Odds and Ends

Bulletins and Communications. We're trying some new things with the Sunday bulletins, and working on this newsletter, too. If you have ideas or suggestions, or would like to assist, email Rev. Kevin or the parish office.

Office Hours. A few folks have asked about Rev. Kevin's office hours. Kevin tries to sabbath on Fridays. He is generally available at the St. John's office from 9 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Thursday. Please stop by when you're in the neighborhood.

Clergy Retreat. Speaking of office hours, Rev. Kevin will be attending the diocesan Spring clergy retreat at Shrine Mont Monday, May 1 through Wednesday, May 3. He returns Thursday, May 4. If you need anything, you can email or contact the church office. He won't be too far away.

The Pledge payment button may be used only to make your pledge payment (after signing up to be a pledger, which may be done at any time in the year.

The Facility Campaign button may be used only for any contribution for the facility's buildings and grounds.

The Donation button may be used for any other type of donation to St. John's. To designate a special purpose (i.e. please email the parish office.