To St. John's Parishioners and Friends -

From the Deacon:

As you are already aware, we have a new Bishop of Virginia, Mark Stevenson. Now that he has got his feet on the ground in his new position, he has started creating new positions or refocusing current ones, as well reassigning people and bringing in new. So the diocese staff is undergoing significant changes. St. John’s is still undergoing change as we come closer to selecting our new priest in charge. I suspect that person will - like Bishop Stevenson - take some time to get grounded and then may begin working with the vestry on possible changes. I make this point as a former change management business consultant. Change can be hard but also helpful in finding renewed vision, objectives, and supporting processes. Let us be open to God’s call to review who and what we are as we proceed into this year and new time at St. John’s. 

Reverend Deacon Steve

Other Information:

Please consider volunteering to support one of our outreach partners in this new year:

o The Shepherd’s Center of Western Fairfax (drivers and support for elderly)

o Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter (support for homeless to transition into sustainable lifestyles) - Donations of pillow, toiletries, shaving cream, size 5-6 diapers and size 4 and 5 pullups would also be appreciated

o Western Fairfax Christian Ministries 

- We are also still seeking volunteers to support our Sunday children’s program – if you are interested, please contact Nancy Brannegan or myself

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

A Cautionary Tale from The Sully District Police Station, which should be of interest to our members residing in the Sully Police District of Fairfax County Police. (A shortened form of last week's E-Notes post. If you wish to read the complete article, please see January 4 E-Notes.)

Please use caution when buying or selling products online from people you do not know. Over the last month we have taken reports from community members who were selling their iPhone and had it stolen by the potential buyer. The meeting was in a public setting and the buyer asked to look at the phone prior to the transaction taking place. After obtaining the phone the buyer ran off with it. There are detectives from the Sully District following up on these incidents.

The Sully District Station has an exchange zone in the parking lot located at 4900 Stonecroft Boulevard in Chantilly. The parking spaces are painted with blue stripes and are directly in front of the building. The parking lot is monitored by video camera 24 hours a day. If an issue arises in the parking lot that requires law enforcement attention you can contact police at the number listed on the sign, either 703-691-2131, or 9-1-1 for an emergency. You may also come directly into the station to speak with an officer.

Trust your instincts, if it sounds like a scam, it probably is! If something does not feel right, don’t go, or make the exchange.

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 12/28/2022

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)

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

• Body Wash / Shampoo / Conditioner / Lotion
• Large size pull-ups and diapers size 6 & larger  / Baby Wipes 

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Centreville Immigration Forum & Labor Resource Center

Volunteer & Intern Opportunities

• Sign up for an orientation.
• Fill out the Intake form on website
• Join us in action as we make Centreville a model of how day laborers and the community can work together!
• 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.

The Katharine K. Hanley Family Shelter is nearby and houses up to 12 families onsite, 12 families in hotel sites and serves over 40 families in their prevention and rapid rehousing programs. Seeking volunteers for: On-call movers , Volunteer Shelter Assistant

Please contact Rev. Deacon Steve at [email protected] who will coordinate with KKHFS Community Coordinator to get you started.

VOLUNTEER SIGN - UPS

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 Second Sunday after the Epiphany

January 15, 2023

The First Reading: Isaiah 49:1-7

The prophet Isaiah foretells a Messiah whose life would summarize the history of his people, and thus, in time, expand the New Covenant. The Lord’s servant will be a light to the nations.

The Psalm: 40:1-12, page 640, BCP

The Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Paul begins his letter to the Corinthians with praise for their faith and discipleship, orienting them toward the God revealed in Jesus Christ as the author and perfecter of their faith.

The Gospel: John 1:29-42

John the Baptist witnesses to Jesus’ messiahship and disciples begin to gather and follow Jesus as their teacher and Lord.

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 [email protected].