To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

"In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and teach..." - Acts 1:1

Our weekly Bible study returns next week, this time with a close reading of Acts of the Apostles (scroll down for more). We just wrapped up reading the Gospel of Luke chapter-by-chapter, so it makes sense that our next steps will be with the sequel to Luke: Acts.

But there's a deeper reason for looking at Acts. We considered Romans, prophets, Psalms, and other Scriptural texts, but, for me, Acts rose to the top as a text with perhaps the most to say to the Church and to St. John's right now.

Acts is the story of the early church as the followers of Jesus take the Gospel into the world. I'm reminded of words from the Gospel of John: "Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these..." (John 14:12). So how did Jesus's disciples end up doing on that? Did they do the works that Jesus did? Did they, in fact, as Jesus said and hoped, do "greater works?" We'll read Acts to find out.

And how are we doing - here in today's Church and here at St. John's - when it comes to what Jesus did? Have we done the works of Jesus? Have we done - will we do - even greater things? What would that even mean? The disciples inhabited a world very different from our own, but their mission was the same. What does their ministry say about our vocation today?

I'll hope you'll join us for these and other questions Wednesdays at 11 AM and/or Thursdays at 7 PM. I hope our study is as much or more a discussion of our future as it must be about the past.

Faithfully,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

Theology on Tap, Tuesday, September 16

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski joins The Falls Church (Episcopal) at its Theology on Tap series to explore the Gospel of Revolution. We'll discuss how clergy wrestled with loyalty, rebellion, and their faith in the years around the American Revolution - and what that might mean for Episcopalians today. Then, we'll talk about whatever else is on our hearts and minds.

Join us at Northside Social in Falls Church (205 Park Ave., Falls Church, VA 22046) on September 16 from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM.

...and if you'd like to help St. John's bring a Theology on Tap series to Centreville, contact Fr. Kevin.

Centreville Day, October 18

The 33rd Annual Centreville Day is upon us! Centreville Day will be held Saturday, October 18 here in the Centreville Historic District from 10 AM to 4 PM. There's so much to be seen this year: the Eco Expo, the Safety Expo, Pets in the Park, the Trick or Treat Trail, the Historic Centreville Trail, food, entertainment, vendors, rides, and more! Admission is free. Entertainment is free. Children's rides are free. Invite family and friends!

And, of course, St. John's will be there!

If you'd like to assist in St. John's Centreville Day presence, contact Senior Warden Lisa Heller or Fr. Kevin. We are especially looking for someone with graphic design skills, who might be able to help us with flyers and other promotional materials. Please contact the parish office. There will be lots of other opportunities for volunteers on that day, so stay tuned.

Bishop's Visits

September 21 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Alexandria

Long-time St. John's parishioner Lee Griffith will be received into the Episcopal Church on Sunday, September 21 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church (1608 Russell Road, Alexandria, VA 22301) as part of a bishop's visit with Bishop Bourlakas. A group of St. John's parishioners will attend this important service, while the rest of St. John's worships as usual in our own historic church. Contact Fr. Kevin to RSVP.

April 19, 2026 at St. John's Episcopal Church, Centreville

And... The Right Rev. E. Mark Stevenson, Bishop of the Diocese of Virginia will visit St. John's April 19, 2026! If you're interested in being confirmed, being received, or reaffirming your faith during the April visit, or if you just want more information about what all this might mean for you in your own journey of faith, please contact Fr. Kevin. We'll begin our official preparations in the new year.

Scam Alert

Be on the lookout for strange emails and texts claiming to be from St. John's staff. Learn more here.

Evangelists Wanted

The Vestry is looking for additional volunteers to assist with evangelism and marketing, helping with a revamped website, social media, and other promotional materials. If interested, contact Fr. Kevin or Lisa Heller.

Altar Flowers Needed

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

WORSHIP

Sunday Sermon

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 Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

• Sirach 10:12-18
• Psalm 112 
• Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16
• Luke 14:1, 7-14

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: St. Jude

Jude (Judas Thaddeus) was one of Jesus’ more mysterious, lesser-known apostles, receiving token mention in the Bible. Today, he is famous as the patron saint of desperate causes and situations.

Read more about him here.

Bible Study on Acts of the Apostles Begins Next Week - September 3rd and 4th

Starting next week (September 3 and 4), join us in the library Wednesdays at 11:00 AM and/or Thursdays nights at 7:00 PM for Bible study.

We'll be reading Acts of the Apostles, using N.T. Wright's Acts: 24 Studies for Individuals and Groups. No need to RSVP for individual classes. Jump in anytime. For more information, watch our website and/or contact Father Kevin or Lisa Heller.

Education for Ministry (EfM) Begins Again Next Week, September 3rd

Are you looking to deepen your faith? Are you hoping to understand how your personal experiences and beliefs bring you closer to God and God's people? If "yes," EfM (Education for Ministry) may be for you.

Through study, prayer, worship, and reflection, EfM seminar groups journey together through scripture, church history, and theology. EfM is delivered through small seminar groups and meet for 36 weeks over a year. Participants in years 1 & 2 study the texts and context of scripture; Year 3 looks at Church History; Year 4 delves into Christian ethics and spirituality. Also built into the group is a fifth voice: Wide Angle, which offers a taste of each of the four years into one year.

Registration for this year is closed. Contact Walt Cooner for more information.

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.)

Serve at the Hanley House September 9

We had a VERY busy dinner at Hanley House this month!! We lost count at 75, so we served a lot of folks! 

Times are getting tough, and we may be serving a little larger crowds going forward. Hanley House staff told us they have converted additional space to house more people there. 

We will return to Hanley House on September 9th with Pulled BBQ Chicken and Mac and Cheese! Please check out the sign up and help out others in our community.

St. John's makes and serves a meal every second Tuesday of the month at the local family shelter. Sign up to prepare or provide food ahead of time and/or join us on September 9 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:

• Canned Meat (chicken, salmon, sardines, Vienna sausages)
• Canned Vegetables (carrots, beets, potatoes, mixed vegetables)
• Pancake Mix
• Syrup
• Cereal (low sugar preferred)
• Flavored Rice and Pasta (Rice A Roni, Knorr pasta sides)
• Canned Fruit (peaches, pears, pineapple)
• Canned beans (black and red)
• Macaroni & Cheese
• Cake Mix or Brownie Mix
• Family Sized Snacks (crackers, pretzels, nuts, etc.)
• 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)
• Baby Wipes

Note: we are not currently in need of diapers due to our partnership with Greater DC Diaper Bank. Please only donate baby wipes if you want to donate items for babies.

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.

Centreville Immigration Forum (CIF)

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.

If you're interested in volunteering with CIF's labor resource center or other work, especially accompaniment and English-language education, contact Deacon Steve for more information.

You can support Centreville Immigration Forum's work and advocacy here.

Help the Shepherd's Center of Western Fairfax

St. John's has three volunteers supporting the Shepherd's Center of Western Fairfax. They provide rides to people who are over 50 and and can no longer drive by offering driving services to:  

• the WFCM Food Pantry
• Medical & Dental Appointments
• Therapy Services

The Shepherd's Center needs additional drivers and support for local seniors. They've had to turn down a number of recent requests because of a lack of volunteers.

To assist, you must live in western Fairfax County in or around Clifton, Centreville, or Chantilly. For more information and to volunteer, visit the Shephed's Center here.

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.