St. John's Episcopal Church - Centreville, VA | |
Parish News - February 7, 2024 | |
To St. John's Parishioners and Friends: | |
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Congratulations to - and blessings upon - our new vestry members and officers, elected at our annual meeting on Sunday. The St. John's Vestry:
- Susie Pike, Senior Warden (2025)
- Val Tucker, Junior Warden (2026)
- Elise Crawford (2025)
- Sandy Jones (2025)
- Emori Moore (2026)
- George Dewey (2027)
- Ann Goldberg (2027)
- Jim Heller (2027)
And thank you to the Vestry class of 2024 for their service:
- Dick Griffith
- Tom Jones
- Tom McDermott
- Dave Parker
- Durinda Smith
Thanks especially to Dave Parker, who went above and beyond as senior warden during our clergy transition in ministry to God and St. John's.
Be sure to encourage our newest vestry members and officers, and thank those rotating off the vestry when you see them Sunday and at the pancake supper.
Grace and peace,
Kevin
The Rev. Kevin Laskowski
Priest-in-Charge
St. John's Episcopal Church
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Ash Wednesday, February 14, services at noon and 7 PM. Hear the invitation to a holy Lent, and receive the imposition of ashes.
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Last Sunday's Sermon
We speak of giving time, talent, and treasure, but giving our testimony - telling our story - is invaluable. On the occasion of St. John's annual meeting, Rev. Kevin says each of us has a bit of the story of God's intervention in human life, the story of Jesus, locked up within us. If we don't tell that story, the Church not only doesn't grow, it isn't the Church.
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View Fifth Sunday after Epiphany on February 4 here, and look for new sermons as always here.
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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.
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Upcoming Readings for the Last Sunday after the Epiphany
Let us prepare our hearts and mind for worship:
First Reading: 2 Kings 2:1-12
Elijah ascends to heaven in a whirlwind and his spirit is passed to Elisha, his successor.
Response: Psalm 50:1-6
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:3-6
The truth of the gospel is clear to all who are destined for salvation. It is only those whose minds are closed to Christ who cannot comprehend the good news.
Gospel: Mark 9:2-9
In the presence of his loyal friends, Jesus’ appearance is transfigured to reflect God’s glory. God’s voice declares that Jesus is his beloved Son.
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Upcoming Readings for Ash Wednesday, February 14
Let us prepare our hearts and mind for worship:
First Reading: Isaiah 58:1-12
Isaiah warns that atoning for sins requires more than performing rituals correctly. God requires that his people turn away from sin and show mercy to the needy.
Response: Psalm 103
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10
Paul tells the faithful that he has overcome many hardships for the sake of Jesus. He rejoices that he, and they, are now being restored to union with God.
Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
Jesus denounces piety that is intended to impress others. Acts of charity and self-discipline are only valuable if they deepen our relationship with God.
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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.
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Interested in Confirmation, Reception, or Reaffirmation? Save the Date for Bishop's Visitation
The Rt. Rev. James J. "Bud" Shand will visit St. John's on Pentecost, May 19, 2024. Bishop Shand is the retired Bishop Diocesan of the Diocese of Easton (Maryland), served as Chairman of the Board of the Virginia Theological Seminary, and is now Visiting Bishop here in the Diocese of Virginia.
If you're interested in Baptism, Confirmation, Reception, or Reaffirmation on Pentecost with the Bishop, or what these things might mean for you, please contact Rev. Kevin.
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The Philadelphia Eleven
Screening and Panel Discussion
Sunday, February 25, 4 PM
The Falls Church Episcopal
The Falls Church Episcopal invites you to a screening of the documentary The Philadelphia Eleven, the compelling story of the first women ordained in the Episcopal Church. Afterward, five former female clergy of The Falls Church will discuss the film and their experience and reflections as ordained women in the church. The event is free and open to all. For more information, click here.
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Adult Lectionary Forum
Join us Sundays in-person in the church library or online via Zoom to discuss the day's lessons.
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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 underway on Wednesday nights. Contact Walt Cooner for more information.
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Volunteer at the Katharine K. Hanley Family Shelter
A successful first night serving dinner last night at the Katharine K. Hanley Family Shelter! St. John's will make and serve a meal every second Tuesday of the month at the shelter in 2024. 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.
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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.
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The Shepherd's Center of Western Fairfax
The Shepherd's Center needs drivers and support for local seniors.
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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.
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Prayers for the Holy Land
Many prayers have been offered in the wake of terrorist attacks by Hamas and the outbreak of war. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry called for prayer again as an Anglican hospital in Gaza was destroyed. The Presiding Bishop and Pope Francis have both called for ceasefire, return of hostages, and humanitarian aid as the conflict continues. Pray along with Archbishop Hosam Naoum of the Episcopal Diocese in Jerusalem:
O God of all justice and peace we cry out to you in the midst of the pain and trauma of violence and fear which prevails in the Holy Land. Be with those who need you in these days of suffering; we pray for people of all faiths - Jews, Muslims and Christians and for all people of the land. While we pray to you, O Lord, for an end to violence and the establishment of peace, we also call for you to bring justice and equity to the peoples. Guide us into your kingdom where all people are treated with dignity and honour as your children for, to all of us, you are our Heavenly Father. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
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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.
Photos?!
Have any photos or short videos from St. John's events? Send them to us.
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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.
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