To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

At our annual meeting this Sunday after worship, we will, among other things, elect new Vestry members. The word vestry comes from the room where clergy vested, or put on their liturgical garb. Parishioners would gather there to elect churchwardens, and the word came to mean not only the room but the people, too.

The vestry functions as the chief lay leadership of the congregation, much like a board of directors for a nonprofit organization. The vestry helps define and articulate the mission of the parish; support the church’s mission by word and deed, ensure effective organization and planning, and manage resources and finances. Our St. John's Vestry meets on the third Sunday of the month.

In the past few weeks, a nominating committee of current and former Vestry members has reached out to a number of parishioners to see about their interest in joining the Vestry. We want to make sure we leave room for the Spirit's work, so, if you're discerning a call to this kind of leadership in our church, just curious about Vestry - and you're a confirmed (or received) Episcopalian - please contact me. I look forward to hearing from you.

Faithfully,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

Mid-Winter Pot Luck and Watch Party!

Thanks to all who attended our potluck on Friday night. The food and fellowship were fantastic. And thank you to all who tuned in to watch Fr. Kevin compete in the Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions. He won't be moving on, but he's grateful to share his Jeopardy! moment with St. John's.

Altar Flowers Needed

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

Annual Meeting, This Sunday, February 9

St. John's annual meeting will take place this Sunday, February 9 after worship in the historic church.

Lent, Holy Week, and Easter at St. John's (Times TBD)

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, March 4

Ash Wednesday, March 5

Palm Sunday, April 13

Maundy Thursday, April 17

Good Friday, April 18

Easter Sunday, April 20

Save-the-Date: Progressive Dinner, May 24

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

WORSHIP

Homily from Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe

Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe preached the sermon during a Feb. 2 Eucharist at Washington National Cathedral celebrating the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, a service which also included Bishop Rowe’s ceremonial seating.

Sunday's Sermon

Something compels the Holy Family to present Jesus in the Temple. Something gave them the strength to endure and prepared them for transformation. Something similarly compels us to worship, strengthens, and transforms us, and that something - that someone - is Jesus Christ.

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 The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

Let us prepare our hearts and mind for worship:

First Reading: Isaiah 6:1-8, [9-13]

Isaiah receives a vision of God enthroned in glory. He feels unworthy to be in God’s presence, but is purified so that he can speak God’s word to the people.

Response: Psalm 138

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Paul reminds the Corinthians of the gospel that he has preached to them. The Lord who has been offered as a sacrifice for sin has been raised, and God’s Holy Spirit is even now active in the Church.

Gospel: Luke 5:1-11

Simon, James and John marvel when Jesus shows them where to catch many fish. But Jesus wants them to be his disciples, and they respond to his call immediately, leaving their boats to follow 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: Brigid

St. Brigid, whose feast day is February 1, is one of Ireland's patron saints, along with St. Patrick and St. Columba.

Read more about her on our website.

Bible Studies!

Join us in the library Wednesdays at 11 AM or Thursday nights at 7 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.

No Adult Lectionary Forum This Sunday

There will be no Adult Lectionary Forum this Sunday, February 9 because of the annual meeting immediately after worship. We'll continue as usual the next Sunday, February 16.

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.

Supporting Wildfire Response

According to Episcopal Relief and Development, emergency responders are still working to contain the 100-mph wind-fueled fires that are consuming land, homes, places of worship, parks and businesses all across Southern California. Already 28 people are dead and more than 130,000 had to evacuate their homes – many of whom no longer have a home to which they can return.

For more information and to donate to relief efforts, visit Episcopal Relief and Development's Wildfire Response Fund and the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles' Fire Response.

Volunteer at Hanley House in February

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 February 11 to serve. We'll be making pulled chicken BBQ. 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. Take one of the colorful slips at church as a reminder to shop. These items are especially needed:

Food:

• Flour (Maseca preferred)
• Sugar (1 or 2 lb. bags)
• Vegetable Oil
• Pasta Sauce
• Pasta
• Brown Rice
• Pancake Mix
• Family Sized Snacks (pretzels, crackers, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, etc.)
• Canned Chicken
• Hot Beverages (ground coffee, tea bags, etc.)

​

Toiletries:

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

• Body Wash
• Bar Soap
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrushes
• Hair Shampoo
• Hair Conditioner
• Toilet Paper
• Feminine Hygiene Products
• Size 6 Diapers 
• Large size pullups (size 4T/5T for toddlers)
• 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.

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.