To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

Our Book of Common Prayer tells us something about how Episcopalians view the Bible: "We call [the Holy Scriptures] the Word of God because God inspired their human authors and because God still speaks to us through the Bible" (BCP, p. 853). Two things, then (at least), are happening, I think, when we encounter Scripture. First, we encounter human authors who've had an experience of the divine and try to communicate something of that experience to us in Scripture (God inspired the authors). Second, we meet a God who continues to communicate to us through the Bible--apart from and in addition to those human authors' intentions (God still speaks).

For instance, in our Gospel reading from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible last Sunday, a voice from heaven says to Jesus, "You are my Son, the Beloved..." (Luke 3:22). The capitalizing isn't in the Greek. That's putting a Trinitarian lens on the text and giving Jesus a particular set of titles, perhaps prematurely. It would make as much sense to translate the line "You are my beloved son" or even "You are my beloved child."

What does it matter? Well, "You are my Son, the Beloved" is something God can only say to Jesus. "You are my beloved child" is something God can say - does say - to everyone. Sometimes, the Bible doesn't say just one thing or another; it says both.

Which is a long way of saying I hope you attend our upcoming Bible study on Luke. And, when we read the Bible, we shouldn't concentrate so much on what a particular evangelist or prophet or author was trying to say that we miss what God may be saying to us.

Faithfully,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

Appreciation Sunday

Thank you! This Sunday, January 19 the vestry has organized “Appreciation Sunday.” We wish to thank all the volunteers who serve St. John’s church and the community. Make sure to join us for a festive coffee hour this Sunday after worship!

Annual Reports Due

It is time to send in your reports to the parish office for the annual meeting booklet! Those responsible for particular portions of the report have already been contacted. Please send your report to the parish administrator by January 23!!

Mid-Winter Pot Luck

On January 31, at 6:00 PM we will have a Mid-Winter Pot Luck in the Parish Lower Hall for some fun church fellowship. Please RSVP and let everyone know what you will be sharing. Paper plates, cups, napkins and utensils will be provided. For more information, please contact Sandy Jones.

Altar Flowers Needed

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

Save the Date: Annual Meeting, February 9

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

WORSHIP

Sunday's Sermon

A community baptized by water is forgiven. A community baptized in the Spirit forgives.

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 Second Sunday after the Epiphany

Let us prepare our hearts and mind for worship:

First Reading: Isaiah 62:1-5

Isaiah compares God’s love for Israel to a groom’s love for his bride.

Response: Psalm 36:5-10

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

The Holy Spirit gives many different gifts to individuals, all of which help Christians in their life together as the Church that God convenes.

Gospel: John 2:1-11

Despite Jesus’ initial response to her request, Mary trusts him and he soon transforms more than 100 gallons of water into wine.

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.

Evening Bible Study Begins Thursday, January 23

Join us in the library Thursday nights at 7 PM, beginning January 23, 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. Those who've expressed interest in the group will receive an email with more details shortly.

No need to RSVP for individual classes. For more information, contact Father Kevin or Lisa Heller.

Adult Lectionary Forum

Join us Sundays in person in the church library or online via Zoom to discuss the day's lessons. (This is the new link for meeting #826 4944 0667. Please make sure you use this new, updated link.)

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.

More than 50 Meals Served at Hanley House Last Night

Parishioners served 52 dinners last night at the Katharine K. Hanley Family Shelter: chili-mac, cornbread, mixed veggies and broccoli, with fresh fruit and cookies for dessert.

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.

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 five people are dead and 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.

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.