To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

I'm excited to serve as a youth chaplain next week at Shrine Mont. I'll be helping with All Saints Camp, one of the newest offerings on the mountain where campers choose their own adventure: Art Camp, Sports Camp, and Music & Theater Camp.

One of the things I always do at the end of the day's chaplain's time (like Sunday School but with more running around) is a sort of Ask-Me-Anything Q&A. Campers get to ask me anything about God, faith, what's going on in the world, my favorite Disney princess, whatever it is, and I'll do my best to answer. It's an opportunity to ask questions campers may not get to ask others and talk about what's going on in their own spiritual journey.

And one of the questions that always comes up - and one I'm dreading this year - is some version of the question: why do bad things happen?

And my answer is always some version of the following.

Some people think that bad things happen because it serves a purpose, or it's part of some greater plan. God works in mysterious ways. Maybe God's trying to teach us something or test us in some way to make us stronger, more caring people. It's true that, sometimes, good can seem to come out of the bad. And it's a good thing when, in the face of tragedy, loss, or cruelty, we manage to learn something and emerge better, stronger, kinder than before.

But we have to be careful. There's a difference saying between good came after bad - and good came because of the bad. There's a difference between saying something awful happened and we learned something - and saying God did something so that we would learn something. Though life can be cruel to us, I don't believe that God is.

It's possible - and I certainly hope - that there's a plan, that it all makes sense somehow, some day. But, sometimes, some things just don't seem to make any sense at all. And when that happens, I believe in and look to a God who suffers with us when we do. When we lose a loved one, when we endure or witness injustice, when we are the victims of disaster, God who took on flesh for us suffers, too. God is there for us, not as a teacher but a friend. When your heart breaks, so does the heart of God.

So, whatever happens, don't be afraid. Be brave - not because you think you know God's plan - but because, whatever happens, you are never alone.

At least, that's what I say, what I will say. Sometimes, it can be hard to believe.

Faithfully,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

Evangelists Wanted

The Vestry is looking for additional volunteers to assist with evangelism and marketing, helping with a revamped website, social media, and other promotional materials. If interested, contact Fr. Kevin or Lisa Heller.

Save the Date: Centreville Day, October 18

The 33rd Annual Centreville Day celebration is October 18, 2025 from 10 am to 4 pm. The festival is located in Historic Centreville Park, right in St. John's front yard (!), in the heart of the Centreville Historic District. Stay tuned for more details on the day's events, and how you can represent St. John's.

Altar Flowers Needed

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

WORSHIP

Sunday Sermon

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 Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

• Genesis 18:1-10a
• Psalm 15 
• Colossians 1:15-28
• Luke 10:38-42

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.

Saint of the Week: Conrad Weiser

Johann Conrad Weiser was a German pioneer, interpreter and de facto diplomat between early Pennsylvania colonists and Native Americans. 

Read more about him here.

Register for Education for Ministry (EfM)

Are you looking to deepen your faith? Are you hoping to understand how your personal experiences and beliefs bring you closer to God and God's people? If "yes," EfM (Education for Ministry) may be for you.

Through study, prayer, worship, and reflection, EfM seminar groups journey together through scripture, church history, and theology. EfM is delivered through small seminar groups and meet for 36 weeks over a year. Participants in years 1 & 2 study the texts and context of scripture; Year 3 looks at Church History; Year 4 delves into Christian ethics and spirituality. Also built into the group is a fifth voice: Wide Angle, which offers a taste of each of the four years into one year.

Registration is open. Contact Walt Cooner to inquire about the upcoming EfM year at St. John's - where we have deep conversations about things that matter – always looking for ways God is active in our lives.

Join Us for Bible Study!

We will meet July 16-17, take a break July 23-24, and pick up again July 30-31.

Join us in the library Wednesdays at 11:00 AM or Thursday nights at 7:00 PM, 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.

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.)

Backpacks and School Supplies for Local Students

St John’s has offered to collect 32 backpacks for underprivileged children at two local elementary schools. Look for sign-up sheets in the breezeway this Sunday where you can sign up to donate. Each will have the due date and type of backpack requested.

We are also collecting school supplies for children at Katherine Hanley House. Thanks to parishioner Shelley Cox for taking the initiative. Shelley obtained a list of needed supplies and has already collected many of them. Help us get everything on the Hanley House wish list and see the signup list in the breezeway this Sunday.

Pizza at the Hanley House

The folks at Hanley House were very happy with pizza month!! And we are doing it again next month!!

We served about 50 folks last week. We get pizza delivered in July and August, so we just need to provide the side items. Please take a look at the sign up and see if you can help out.

St. John's makes and serves a meal every second Tuesday of the month at the local family shelter. Sign up to prepare or provide food ahead of time and/or join us on August 12 to serve. 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. These items are especially needed:

Food:

• Canned Meat (chicken, salmon, sardines, Vienna sausages)
• Canned Vegetables (carrots, beets, potatoes, mixed vegetables)
• Pancake Mix
• Syrup
• Cereal (low sugar preferred)
• Flavored Rice and Pasta (Rice A Roni, Knorr pasta sides)
• Canned Fruit (peaches, pears, pineapple)
• Canned beans (black and red)
• Macaroni & Cheese
• Cake Mix or Brownie Mix
• Family Sized Snacks (crackers, pretzels, nuts, etc.)
• Hot Beverages (ground coffee, tea bags, etc.)

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Toiletries:

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

• Body Wash
• Toothpaste
• Hair Shampoo
• Hair Conditioner
• Feminine Hygiene Products (Pads preferred)
• Baby Wipes

Note: we are not currently in need of diapers due to our partnership with Greater DC Diaper Bank. Please only donate baby wipes if you want to donate items for babies.

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.

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.