To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

"When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem." - Luke 9:51

Lent concludes next week with Holy Week. The day draws near, and we, with Jesus, set our faces to go to Jerusalem. We will mark Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem, his last night with his disciples, his brutal crucifixion, and, finally, his miraculous resurrection. Join us in worship as we walk with Jesus through pain and suffering to joy and salvation.

Faithfully,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

P.S. The Episcopal Church recently released a series of videos about the services of Holy Week: Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, the Great Vigil of Easter, and Easter Day. I encourage you to check them out and share with friends as we walk with Jesus this coming Holy Week.

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!

Preparing for Easter!

Easter is almost here. Help us prepare:.

• Please donate candy. Please bring donations to worship or the church office.
• Please join us this 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 for 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!

Congratulations and Thanks!

This coming 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.

Save-the-Date: Progressive Dinner, May 24

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

Altar Flowers Needed

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

WORSHIP

Sunday's Sermon

Doing nothing is apathy. Doing everything is impossible. In between, Jesus praises an extravagant act of love. Some might say love doesn't mean much, but it may mean everything.

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 Palm Sunday:

First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-9a

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

Response: Psalm 31:9-16

Second Reading: Philippians 2:5-11

Jesus expresses ultimate humility by declining to exploit his role as God incarnate.

Gospel: Luke 22:14–23:56

The crowd in Jerusalem speaks for all sinful human beings throughout history as it shouts, “Crucify, crucify him.”

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: Pandita Mary Ramabai Sarasvati

Pandita Mary Ramabai was an eminent Indian Christian social reformer and activist. She was a poet, a scholar, and championed improving the plight of Indian women. 

Read more about her here.

Bible Study on Break for Holy Week

There will be Bible study tomorrow night, April 10, at 7 PM, but we'll be taking a break in 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

We're down to the Elate 8 as Lent draws to a close. Zechariah narrowly defeated Irenaeus 52% to 48% to snag the first spot in the Faithful Four.

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 diner 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.)

​

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.