To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

Every Thursday night in August, a small group has gathered here in my office and via Zoom to Summer with the Psalms. Each night, we take a closer look at a single Psalm from each of the book's five collections. The Book of Psalms is a microcosm of the Bible, so, by renewing our relationship with them, we can reinvigorate our relationship with all of Scripture and the God they point to.

Join us for the final installment tomorrow, Thursday, August 31 at 7 PM in church or online. We'll be discussing Psalm 139. No homework required. Register to receive links. I hope to see you then, and on Sunday!

Grace and peace,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

Centreville Day: October 14, 2023

The 31st annual Centreville Day will be held October 14, 2023 from 10 AM to 4 PM right here in the Centreville Historic District. The day features a parade, safety expo, Eco Expo, cavalcade of pets, historic tours, entertainment, rides for the kids, amazing food vendors from all over, and more! Admission is free. Bring family and friends!

Some 3,000 people are expected over the course of the day, and, of course, St. John's will be here to welcome them all. If you're interested in assisting with our booth, pet blessings, tours, and Centreville Day presence, please contact Rev. Kevin.

WORSHIP

Last Sunday's Sermon

Rev. Kevin looks at Peter's confession of faith in Jesus. As theologically and politically charged as this moment is, it's also a personal one. Jesus and Peter converse as Savior and saved, teacher and disciple, but also as friends. It is on this rock, this friendship, that the Church is built. If Christians are not friends, they won't be much else.

View the entire August 27 service here, and look for new sermons here.

Upcoming Readings for September 3, 2023

Let us prepare our hearts and mind for worship with the readings for the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost:

First Reading: Jeremiah 15:15-21

Through the voice of Jeremiah, the faithful who are desperate and oppressed cry out to God for deliverance.

Psalm: Psalm 26:1-8

A faithful innocent looks to God for vindication.

Second Lesson: Romans 12:9-21

How Christians ought to treat one another in the church, and indeed treat all people, is simple but not easy.

Gospel: Matthew 16:21-28

Jesus begins to reveal to his disciples the consequences of facing evil: the coming of God’s kingdom will mean death for many who follow Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Altar Flowers Needed

Volunteers to provide or purchase altar flowers are urgently needed for upcoming Sundays. Please contact Marcia Evans or sign up 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.

Adult Lectionary Forum

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

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. St. John's EfM group is gearing up for the fall. If you've indicated interest in your first year or the next year of this amazing program, be sure to contact Walt Cooner to secure registration.

Tree of Life: September 12

Be sure to sign up to prepare and serve at Tree of Life on September 12!

St. John's partners with several other local churches to prepare and serve a meal to some 70 local residents every second Tuesday of the month at the Sterling Community Center. For more information and to sign up, contact Val Tucker, 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. Here are their current food pantry needs for this month:

Food & Beverages​​

• Flour (1-5 lb. bag)
• Boxed/Bagged Rice in Sauce (such as Rice a Roni or Knorr)
• Refried Beans
• Canned Pineapple and Canned Mixed Fruit (no sugar added is preferred) 
• Stuffing 
• Canned Pasta
• Boxed Pasta (1 lb. all types such as ziti, macaroni, penne)
• Pasta Sauce
• Snacks (such as crackers, pretzels, popcorn, & family size items)
• Cake Mix and Brownie Mi

​Toiletries

Toiletry items cannot be purchased by clients with SNAP​​

• Body Wash
• Laundry Detergent
• Bar Soap
• Lotion 
• Large size pull-ups (size 4T/5T for toddlers) 
• Size 5 and 6 Diapers 
• Baby Wipes

​Only size 5 and 6 diapers and large pull-ups are needed at this time thanks to a partnership with Greater DC Diaper Bank. 

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

The shelter is in need of volunteers to serve meals and help with dinner preparation. For more information, and to volunteer, contact Deacon Steve.

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.

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.

Hawai'i Emergency Response

The recent fire in Maui that destroyed the town of Lahaina was the deadliest wildfire in the United States in over a century. At its meeting Sunday, the Vestry of St. John's approved a $500 gift to Episcopal Relief & Development's Hawai'i Emergency Response Fund. For more information, see their statement here about their work with the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i. You can contribute personally here.

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.

Altar Flowers

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

Tree of Life

Help us feed hungry families. Sign up here.