To St. John's Parishioners and Friends -

From the Deacon:

Today, February 22, is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. In the popular imagination, Lent can seem like a time of austerity and hardship, centered around deprivation and abstinence. But just as the flowers we are so fervently anticipating need the quiet, still days of early spring to prepare for their May abundance, our spirits draw strength from these 40 days of introspection, meditation, and prayer.  

During the season of Lent, all are invited to practice a discipline of daily worship and thoughtful contemplation.  The ashes we encounter this week, produced from the burnt fronds reserved from last year's Palm Sunday services, are representative of the cyclical nature of the Christian year. Tomorrow, we'll undergo the transformation of the year once more, turning to ponder the solemn mysteries of the season before we encounter the great joy and triumph of Easter. 

Peace,

Reverend Deacon Steve

Ash Wednesday Services Today:

12 noon - The celebrant will be The Rev. Deacon Steve Busch.



7:00 pm - Fr. Jason Lody & St. Anthony's will join St. John’s in a shared eucharistic service.

Save the date: The Progressive Dinner will be held

May 13th! Stay tuned for additional details!

St. John's has now joined several other local churches to provide a meal once per month with the Tree of Life Charity. St. John's now has two teams supporting this outreach effort.

Here's the link to view further info, and to sign up:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4EAAAB2DA6FC1-tree

 Where: Sterling Community Center (120 Enterprise St. Sterling, VA 20164)

If you have any questions, please contact Andrew Wade OR Deacon Steve.

The Fire - Wood Fundraiser for Outreach

Bigger Bundles this year! The Woodchucks have been out chopping, and there is a lot of wood in store! $10 for a large bundle, $25 for 3 large bundles! Right outside the front door. Please drop the envelopes with $$ or checks in our mailbox adjacent to the wood.

Western Fairfax Christian Ministries

CURRENT PANTRY NEEDS as of FEB. 1, 2023

Food & Beverages​

• Flour / Maseca Flour / Vegetable Oil / Hot Cereal (Oatmeal, Grits)
• Ramen Noodle Soup / Canned Stewed Tomatoes
• Jelly / Juice (shelf stable, family size, plastic bottle)
• Ketchup and Mayo (family size, not small packets)
• Canned Stewed Tomatoes (low salt preferred)
• Mixed Vegetables (low salt preferred)
• Mashed Potatoes 
• Fruit Cocktail (no sugar added preferred)
• Canned Mandarin Oranges (no sugar added preferred)
• Juice (shelf stable, family size, plastic bottle)
• Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo (family size, not small packets)

​

Toiletries NOTE: Toiletry items cannot be purchased clients with SNAP​​

• Body Wash / Shampoo / Conditioner / Lotion
• Large size pull-ups (SIZE 4T/5T for toddlers)
• Diapers size 5 & 6 
• Baby Wipes 

​

Centreville Immigration Forum & Labor Resource Center

Volunteer & Intern Opportunities



• http://centrevilleimmigrationforum.org/

The Shepherd’s Center of Western Fairfax - needs drivers and support for elderly.

The Katharine K. Hanley Family Shelter

Needs: Toothpaste / Shampoo / Conditioner / Body Wash /

Bar Soap / Hand Soap / Deodorant

The items may be dropped off at the box in the office.

VOLUNTEER SIGN - UPS

St. John's You Tube Link to view the Sunday Services

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.

https://youtube.com/@stjohnscentreville

How to help Ukrainians 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: at https://www.episcopalrelief.org/ 

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)

We welcomed The Rev. Philene Ware Dunn on April 24 to St. John's, and she is the priest celebrating the Sunday services. She is here on Sunday mornings only and will work with Deacon Steve on any pastoral concerns.

We can prepare our hearts & minds

by reading ahead for

the Sunday Service lesson.

The First Sunday in Lent

February 26, 2023

The First Reading: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 

Adam and Eve decide that God might be wrong, or might be trying to keep something good from them. They trust themselves and the serpent more than they trust God.

The Psalm: 32, p. 624, BCP

The Second Reading: Romans 5:12-21

 The apostle Paul explains the connection between Adam and Jesus, the first man who led all into death and sin, and Jesus the “new Adam” who led all into life and redemption.

The Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11

 Jesus is tempted by the devil who, as in Genesis, uses truth that has been twisted to drive a wedge between Jesus and God’s trust.

Masks are optional during the service

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 send a note to sjeccentreville@aol.com.