St. John's Episcopal Church - Centreville, VA | |
Parish News - January 22, 2025 | |
To St. John's Parishioners and Friends: | |
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The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, preached at the traditional Service of Prayer for the Nation (video of the whole service) at the National Cathedral yesterday, January 21, 2025. The newly inaugurated President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance were naturally there. Bishop Budde's closing plea for "mercy" came amid similar calls from our own Bishop E. Mark Stevenson and from Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe and President of the House of Deputies Julia Ayala Harris. The sermon provoked a strong reaction.
Her sermon has me reflecting on my own preaching. I mean, what do you say, what does a preacher do, in and with that moment after the Gospel is read? Scripture provides some guidance. Speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) is the Christian way, but that Way is a difficult one (Luke 14:25-33). In Sunday's Gospel (Luke 4:14-21), Jesus stands in the synagogue and reads from the prophet Isaiah, daring to say that the Scripture he reads is being fulfilled before their eyes. What is the truth for this day, this age, this moment? What does love look like for us? What is, and what is not, being fulfilled before our eyes and in our hearts?
I first felt called to the priesthood as a teenager. I dreamt of one day standing in the pulpit to speak the Truth with a capital T, as far as I could see it anyway. Someone recently asked me how that vision was going lately, what with everything going on in the world. I confessed that I was struggling. How do I say what God has given me to say? (Has God given me anything to say?) And how would I say it in some edifying way, in a way that at least some people would actually hear it? How do I care in my words for the Word itself and for the people given to my care? I told them, "Most of the time, I'm just trying to keep my head above water and most people happy." And I wonder about that.
So, this Sunday, I'll be trying something a little different.
Faithfully,
Kevin
The Rev. Kevin Laskowski
Priest-in-Charge
St. John's Episcopal Church
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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 tomorrow, Thursday, January 23!
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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.
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Altar Flowers Needed
Dedicate the altar flowers in thanksgiving or in memory of a loved one here.
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Giving Statements on the Way
Be on the lookout--check your email inbox or your mailbox--for your 2024 giving statements. If you do not receive a giving statement for the year, contact the church office.
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Save the Date: Annual Meeting, February 9
St. John's annual meeting will take place Sunday, February 9 after worship in the historic church.
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Sunday's Sermon
Why would Jesus turn water into wine as his first miracle? Perhaps this is a sign that God is a Father who wants his children to enjoy a festival day, a party just as we want to do for our own children. When we sing a song, say a prayer, take communion, let it be a celebration of our relationship with God, each other, and the gifts God has provided for us to enjoy.
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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 Third Sunday after the Epiphany
Let us prepare our hearts and mind for worship:
First Reading: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Hearing God’s law read aloud moves the Israelites to tears, but Nehemiah reassures them of God’s love and care.
Response: Psalm 19
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
Paul compares the church, the body of Christ, to our human bodies. Paul encourages Christians to imitate God in giving special honor to the weak and those the world treats as inferior.
Gospel: Luke 4:14-21
Jesus reads from the prophet Isaiah to explain the purpose of his life as the Messiah.
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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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Saint of the Week: Vincent of Saragossa
A new feature of our newsletter, this week's Saint of the Week is Vincent of Saragossa, whose feast day is today, January 22. St. Vincent was born in today’s Spain and carries the title of “protomartyr,” indicating he was the first man to die for Christ on the Iberian Peninsula.
Read more on our website.
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Evening Bible Study Begins Thursday, January 23
Join us in the library Thursday nights at 7 PM, beginning tomorrow, 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. No need to RSVP for individual classes. For more information, contact Father Kevin or Lisa Heller.
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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. (This is the new link for meeting #826 4944 0667. Please make sure you use this new, updated link.)
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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. Contact Walt Cooner for more information.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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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