St. John's Episcopal Church - Centreville, VA | |
Parish News - August 31, 2022 | |
**Masks are now optional during the service** | |
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To St. John's Parishioners and Friends -
From the Deacon:
In this week’s Epistle, Philemon 1-21, Paul says to his brothers and sisters in Christ: “When I remember you in my prayers, I always thank my God because I hear of your love for all the saints and toward the Lord Jesus. I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective when you perceive all the good that we may do for Christ. I have indeed received much joy and encouragement from your love…”. I have to say that I feel the same about my brothers and sisters in Christ at St. John’s. Together we have taken God’s love out into the world to help the poor, the hungry and immigrant. Now that we are in post-covid we can expand that to include the sick, the shut in, and especially our children. This past Sunday, I read to the children at our service how much Jesus loves children and would not let his disciples keep them from coming to him. I don’t care how tired our worn out I am when a child comes to me with open arms, I am going to welcome them with all my heart. We are all God’s children, and he will always welcome us with wide open arms. Let us continue to share that love with each other and with those in need, whatever that need may be in our community.
Peace,
Deacon Steve
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We welcomed The Rev. Philene Ware Dunn on April 24 to St. John's, and she is the priest celebrating the Sunday services. She will be here on Sunday mornings only and will work with Deacon Steve on any pastoral concerns. | |
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St John’s Discernment Committee Notes
An email address dedicated for the St John’s Discernment Committee has been established. You can email any questions or comments on the process of selecting our next clergy to:
[email protected]
David Weir
Chair, Discernment Committee
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After the Service
"Coffee Hour" Is Back!
Please get a cup of coffee and/or a snack & join St. John's friends outside as we ease back into optional masking!
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35th Anniversary Celebration Honoring Founding Organizations of Western Fairfax Christian Ministries
The event will be held on Sunday October 2 from 4:30 to 7:30 PM,
at the Chantilly National Golf & Country Club with appetizers and desserts, presentations and entertainment. For those parishioners who indicated participation in the event, please make out your check to “St. John’s” with the memo line “WFCM fundraiser”, and turn it in by September 1.
If you have questions, please contact
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Education for Ministry at St. John’s Centreville | |
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Want to gain a deeper understanding of the Bible in a supportive small group setting? Want to discuss prominent issues in a Christian context? Then Education for Ministry (EfM) might be for you!
EfM is a program in adult Christian formation through theological education and reflection that the School of Theology at the University of the South in Sewanee, TN has offered for the past 48 years!
All that one needs is a desire to learn and grow in your faith. Initially, there is a good amount of reading involved each week. But as the course develops, that tapers off. The good news is that there are no tests! Indeed, you get out of the course what you put into it. The overarching themes by year are Old Testament (Year 1), New Testament (Year 2), Church History and Development (Year 3) and Personal Theology (Year 4). Although it takes four years to complete the curriculum and earn your certificate, each participant signs on for a year at a time.
EfM has just graduated five St John’s Centreville parishioners but has several others who joined this past fall who are entering their second year in September. It is common for the group to have participants with one or more years of experience among our team. Indeed, there is value to be gained from such multi-staged groupings.
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For the newer members, the veterans give them a glimpse of the course yet unseen; for the “old timers” it is often a great review of the journey already travelled.
The ideal group size is a mentor-facilitator and 6-11 students who meet once a week for 36 weeks-- virtually and/or in person--on a day and time that is mutually agreeable and beneficial to all.
With our “large” graduating class of 2022, St. John’s is looking to interest at least two more inquisitive souls to join us this September. This year’s tuition has been reduced to $325 Tuition which includes the printed and e-book editions of the EfM Reading and Reflection Guide.
Having said that, note that one need not be a St. John’s parishioner or even an Episcopalian to participate--Lutherans, Catholics and Methodists have even been among past groups. The discussions are often robust, and thought provoking, the readings are excellent, and the fellowship has always been great! We hope to reregister our group by early August so that we can resume the curriculum the first week in September 2022 and finish by the first week in June 2023 so that we do not impinge on your summer plans.
If you think you might be interested, do not hesitate to call Walt Cooner at (703) 472-8097 or email him at [email protected].
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We have all seen the horrors of the war in Ukraine. If you would like to help those in need, Episcopal Relief and Development is working closely with a group that is on the ground in Ukraine. You can make a contribution on their website at https://www.episcopalrelief.org/ Please continue to keep the people of Ukraine in your prayers.
A Prayer for all those involved in the Russian invasion 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
(written by Archbishop Justin Welby and Archbishop Stephen Cottrell)
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OUTREACH and VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES | |
Centreville Immigration Forum and Labor Resource Center
Volunteer & Intern Opportunities
Volunteer in these areas:
- Administration / Community Outreach / Database Management Marketing Committee / Personnel Committee / Fundraising
- Our new volunteer orientations are a great way to meet the staff and hear more about our current volunteer needs.
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Please fill out the Intake form by going to the link below, and we will reach out to you shortly with information about the next information session. (Be sure to read our Code of Ethics before filling out the form!)
- Join us in action as we make Centreville a model of how day laborers and the community can work together!
- http://centrevilleimmigrationforum.org/
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Top Items Currently Needed by
The Katharine K. Hanley Family Shelter
Toothpaste / Shampoo / Conditioner / Body Wash /
Bar Soap / Hand Soap / Deodorant
The items may be dropped off at the box in the office.
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The Katharine K. Hanley Family Shelter is located nearby and currently house up to 12 families onsite, 12 families in hotel sites and serve over 40 families in their prevention and rapid rehousing programs. Seeking volunteers for: On-call movers , Volunteer Shelter Assistant
If you are interested in these opportunities, please contact Rev. Deacon Steve at [email protected] who will coordinate with KKHFS Community Coordinator to get you started.
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Western Fairfax Christian Ministries updated list of the foods that they need the most. You can bring your non-perishable items to the church on Sunday mornings, or drop them off in the box outside the door by the breezeway during the week and they will be delivered to WFCM.
Most needed items in the food pantry this month, August 2022:
· Canned Vegetables (low salt beets. collard greens, carrots) / Canned Olives
· Rice - bagged white and brown
· Great Northern, Cannelli, Refried, Pinto, and Black Beans
· Canned Tuna and Vienna Sausages
· Canned Mandarin Oranges, peaches, pineapple, mixed fruit (no sugar added preferred)
· Spaghetti (1 lb. pckg) / Pasta Sauce / Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste, Canned Whole Tomatoes (low salt preferred)
· Oatmeal / Family Size Boxed Cereal
· Peanut Butter / Jelly
· Ramen soup / Gluten-free food items
· Family-size Snacks (chips, crackers) / Cake Mix / Brownie Mix
· Pancake Mix / Syrup / Sugar / Boxed Instant Mashed Potatoes
· Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo, and Salad Dressing (family size not miniature packs)
· Toiletries: Toilet paper, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste.
Please only donate size 6 or larger size diapers, larger size pull ups size 4T/5T for toddlers, or wipes if you want to donate items for babies.)
They accept food and toiletry donations Monday - Friday 8-10 am at 4511 Daly Drive Suite H (Back Door) and on the second Saturday monthly 9-11 am.
The Western Fairfax Shepherd Center is still accepting volunteer drivers to support clients who need help getting to appointments, shopping trips (for food), and to deliver food from WFCM to clients. Please contact the Shepherd Center at 703-246-5920 or email [email protected] and copy Deacon Steve at [email protected].
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Because the CDC has listed Fairfax County as having Low COVID 19 transmission rates for the past 3 weeks, St. John's is relaxing our masking policy. Starting Sunday, August 28, masks will be optional. | |
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The services continue to be live streamed at 9:30 AM on Sunday morning, and they can be watched later as well. On Saturday, we will resend the link, along with a link for the bulletin and the lectionary class.
SUNDAY LIVESTREAM LINK:
https://youtube.com/channel/UCf2NAO3eBO3DHEuHFGKzlzw/Live
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SIGN UPS - Volunteers Support our Sunday Service | | |
- Lectors read the lessons, ushers greet and help with the service
- Lay Eucharistic Visitors help visit our sick and shut-ins who would like communion at their home (see Deacon Steve for this),
- Altar Guild members help prepare for our worship service (see Marcia Evans or another A.G. member)
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Sunday service reader or usher We welcome and value your help! The lector reads the 2 lessons and the psalm. The usher hands out bulletins and brings the elements and offering to the altar.
CLICK HERE.
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Altar Flowers
When you sign up, please indicate how you wish your flower donation to appear in the Sunday bulletin.
CLICK HERE
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The Adult Lectionary Forum - IN PERSON & ON ZOOM
is held after the Sunday service. All are invited to join in, following the Sunday service, in the library. Or use the link to the Lectionary Forum via Zoom, in case you cannot attend in person. Here is the current login link, which runs through December: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87899564581?pwd=djlEeWFGd1JpZUlTaUh3YmZlUld0UT09
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SUNDAY WORSHIP & EDUCATION | |
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We can prepare our hearts & minds by reading ahead
for the Sunday Service lesson.
The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
September 4, 2022
The First Reading: Deuteronomy 30:15-20
The choice is simple and the repercussions are enormous; God asks the Israelites to choose his own wisdom and path for their life as they come into the Promised Land.
The Psalm: 139: 1-5, 12-17, p. 704, BCP
The Second Reading: Philemon 1-21
In obedience, a slave returns to his master; Paul pleads on the slave’s behalf, reminding the owner of their brotherhood in Christ.
The Gospel: Luke 14:25-33
The cost of discipleship is not to be underestimated; Jesus speaks plainly that following God will demand all that one has.
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Online Contributions
to St. John's
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St. John's now offers three buttons for online donations via Tithe.ly. You may use the buttons below to go directly to Tithe.ly, or you may download the Tithe.ly app on your phone or tablet.
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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. See Carol or Vestry)
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The Facility Campaign button may be used only for any contribution for the facility's buildings and grounds, or special facility campaigns.
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The Donation button may be used for any other type of donation to St. John's. To designate a special purpose (i.e. Organ Fund, Ministry Partner payments, etc.) please send a note to [email protected].
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Please note: If you choose to unsubscribe below, please be aware that you will no longer receive either St. John's sermons or E-Notes, which are sent weekly. If you do unsubscribe and later want to be added back in, that needs to be done through the provider, Constant Please email St. John's office with the request: [email protected].
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