To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

There are days when I feel overwhelmed and pulled in so many directions I don't know where to start or which way would be forward. In such moments, I find myself turning more and more to Bible verses. If I need a calming word, I draw on Psalm 139:14: "I am fearfully and wonderfully made." When I need a pep talk, I turn to Jeremiah 1:18-19: "I for my part have made you today a fortified city, an iron pillar, and a bronze wall against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land. They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, says the Lord, to deliver you.” These words remind me that, no matter how overwhelmed I might feel, I am beloved and, in that love, more powerful than I might feel. I met with a parishioner this morning whose daily devotion includes a notebook of favorite prayers and quotes. It reminded me that the Bible itself is such a scrapbook, the stories, songs, poems, and thoughts that formed the people of God and gave them strength when they needed it. When Jesus himself was tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 4:1-13, see also Mark 1:12-13), he drew on the Scriptures. His every response to Satan is a line from Scripture. The Word is a powerful thing.

What Scriptures, what texts or quotes, do you turn to when you need them? Shoot me an email with your favorites.

Save the dates!

• Annual Meeting, February 4, 10:30 AM. We gather after morning Eucharist to attend to the annual business of the church, including the election of new Vestry members.
• Pancake Supper, February 13, 5 PM-7 PM. Let there be pancakes! For dinner! Our annual Shrove Tuesday celebration happens February 13. Invite family and friends, and RSVP here.
• Ash Wednesday, February 14, services at noon and 7 PM. Hear the invitation to a holy Lent, and receive the imposition of ashes.

Grace and peace,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

St. John's Episcopal Church is Rooted in Abundance, our theme for our 2024 pledge campaign.

A special Vestry meeting will balance the final budget this week. St. John's is only sustainable when all who believe in its mission are involved.

Thank you to all those who've already made their commitment. If you haven't already, please prayerfully consider your own financial contribution now. With your pledge, you'll become part of our offering of healing, hope, and hospitality to all God's people:

• Healing: worship God and proclaim the Good News of God in prayer (worship and liturgy), sermon (proclamation online and off), and song (music ministry).
• Hope: form disciples of Jesus Christ, of all ages, in word (Christian education) and deed (mission and outreach)
• Hospitality: steward our historic building and grounds for our parishioners, ministry partners, and beyond

Join us now!

• Pledge to give by using this online form.
• Set up a recurring gift online, or text "STJOHNSCENTREVILLE" to 73256 to give using your mobile device.
• Explore more about giving to St. John's on our website or by contacting Father Kevin.

Why We Give

Parishioner Jean Makurat writes:

St. John’s welcomed me in a little over 20 years ago. I was struggling spiritually and needed healing and direction. 'Healing, hope, and hospitality' isn’t just a catchy phrase – that really is what St. John’s is all about, and I’ve been blessed to call it my church home ever since...

Caroline Machen wrote to her husband in 1850, when the church was built:

...I believe, my dear Husband, that our crops would be more abundant & everything we undertake will succeed better by paying $50 to the Church than by the application of any amount of guano to the soil - we owe a large debt to our Maker; can we expect to prosper till it is paid? "Give unto the Lord the first fruits of all thine increase so shall they arms be filled with plenty and thy presses burst forth with new wine." Have we been sufficiently careful to perform this duty? We believe, let us hereafter endeavor more faithfully to show our faith by our works...

Read more from parishioners here.

Envelopes

Pledgers who've requested giving envelopes in the past, those envelopes are available at the church. Please pick them up.

WORSHIP

Last Sunday's Sermon

Jesus calls his disciples to greater things, to "fish for people." Would we accept Jesus's radical call to repent of our sins? to abandon our comfortable lives? to use our God-given talents for others? to live dangerously in following him? How are we answering God's call to us?

View Third Sunday after Epiphany on January 21 here, and look for new sermons as always here.

Upcoming Readings for the Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

Let us prepare our hearts and mind for worship:

First Reading: Deuteronomy 18:15-20

God assures the Israelites that a prophetic leader will come after Moses. God also warns that a prophet must faithfully relay God’s message. The consequences of inaccuracy are fatal.

Response: Psalm 111

Wisdom and virtue begin in awe and praise before the great, eternal works of God.

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Though there are not fastidious rules about eating which God requires the faithful to obey, Paul advises the Corinthians to have mercy for confused and convicted brethren who might find dietary freedom to be an obstacle.

Gospel: Mark 1:21-28

Jesus performs a miraculous healing while the crowds witness his authority with amazement. The demons reveal Jesus’ identity.

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.

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.

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 the newest 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.

Adult Lectionary Forum

Join us Sundays in-person in the church library or online via Zoom to discuss the day's lessons.

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.

Serve Meals at the Katharine K. Hanley Family Shelter

St. John's will be serving meals at the Katharine K. Hanley Family Shelter every second Tuesday of the month. Sign up to join us February 6 or 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.

Western Fairfax Christian Ministries

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. Please continue to bring donations of food and more to Sunday services, or drop at the church office.

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.

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.

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.

Support St. John's

With your online contribution, you are part of St. John's offering of healing, hope, and hospitality to all God's people. Click the GIVE button below or text STJOHNSCENTREVILLE to 73256 to make a one-time or recurring donation to St. John's Episcopal Church.