To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

As the Fourth of July approaches, and Congress contemplates a cruel and controversial budget, I wrestle with how to pray for the President, Congress, and all those in authority. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 encourages us to pray for all, including government officials: "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity." What does one pray for and hope for when it comes to the government?

In the days before the American Revolution, the Church of England in the British colonies prayed "A Prayer for the King’s Majesty" as part of the daily office, according to the prayer book of 1662:

O Lord, our heavenly Father, high and mighty, King of kings, Lord of lords, the only Ruler of princes, who dost from thy throne behold all the dwellers upon earth; Most heartily we beseech thee, with thy favor to behold our most gracious Sovereign Lord, King GEORGE; and so replenish him with the grace of thy Holy Spirit, that he may alway incline to thy will, and walk in thy way: Endue him plenteously with heavenly gifts; grant him in health and wealth long to live; Strengthen him that he may vanquish and overcome all his enemies, and finally, after this life he may attain everlasting joy and felicity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Such a prayer was controversial as the movement for independence grew and war broke out. How could you continue to pray for the king to "vanquish and overcome all his enemies," which might have included you and your patriot neighbors?

When the Episcopal Church emerged in the newly created United States of America, its 1789 prayer book largely kept this prayer but changed it to "A Prayer for the President of the United States, and all in civil Authority." What was once prayed over the king was now prayed over the President, and, democratically, all in authority - minus that part about vanquishing and overcoming enemies:

O Lord, our heavenly Father, the high and mighty Ruler of the universe, who dost from thy throne behold ail the dwellers upon earth; most heartily we beseech thee, with thy favour, to behold and bless thy servant, The President of the United States, and all others in authority; and so replenish them with the grace of thy holy Spirit, that they may always incline to thy will, and walk in thy way: Endue them, plenteously with heavenly gifts; grant them in health and prosperity long to live; and finally, after this life, to attain everlasting joy and felicity, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

By the time of the 1979 prayer book, the current prayer book, a prayer for the President was no longer included in the Daily Office, but offered as part of a number of prayers for many different civil authorities:

For the President of the United States and all in Civil Authority

O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world: We commend this nation to thy merciful care, that, being guided by thy Providence, we may dwell secure in thy peace. Grant to the President of the United States, the Governor of this State (or Commonwealth), and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do thy will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in thy fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

And so, perhaps, in a cruel and vicious world, we are still praying for victory--but a victory of God's merciful care and peace, of wisdom and strength, of truth and righteousness. As we strive and work for justice, peace, and dignity for all, we also pray that authorities will be "mindful of their calling to serve this people."

Faithfully,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

Fun at Paradise Springs with St. John's

Thanks to all who joined us at Paradise Springs Winery on Saturday, June 28.

Eight of us met early for a 2+ mile hike at Hemlock Overlook Park. Then, a total of 23 folks showed up at Paradise Springs! It was a bit warm, but the company was cool!

The Gospel of Revolution: Preaching, Politics, and the Episcopal Church

When: Thursday, July 3, 2025 @ 7:00 PM

Where: St. John's Historic Church

Social upheaval. Political polarization. Religious division. Sound familiar? That's the world of the American Revolution. We take independence for granted, but the very idea of an independent United States was a difficult and deadly debate in these former British colonies--and in what would become the Episcopal Church.

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski will present on the history and theology of American independence, looking at sermons of Anglican clergy and others. We'll then worship according the prayer book then in use at the time--with the congregation voting whether or not to say the prayers for the king... Join us for The Gospel of Revolution!

Independence Day Sparkling Social

When: Sunday, July 6, 2025 @ 8:00 PM

Where: St. John's churchyard

Join us to celebrate Independence Day with sparkling wines - and sparklers! - in the front churchyard.

St. John's Anniversary Outdoor Eucharist

St. John's was consecrated July 14, 1854. Join us Sunday, July 13 at 9:30 AM to celebrate our anniversary with a special outdoor Eucharist.

Evangelists Wanted

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

Candles

If you make candles or know someone who does, there are 10 pounds of candle stubs from the altar candles available. They are white or ivory, and most are 51% beeswax. If interested, contact Libby McCullough.

Altar Flowers Needed

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

WORSHIP

Sunday Sermon

It may be necessary to let go of what is familiar to and comfortable for us. The path is faith, full face on. The promise, the end of the journey, is salvation, resurrection, life eternal with the Holy One. Elisha, the followers of Jesus in Luke's gospel, Paul, all are disciples on the road, on the journey of faith.

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 Fourth Sunday after Pentecost:

• Isaiah 66:10-14
• Psalm 66:1-8
• Galatians 6:1-16
• Luke 10:1-11, 16-20

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: Irenaeus

Irenaeus of Lyons, an early and pivotal 2nd century theologian, is best known for his condemnation of heresies and work establishing traditions and doctrine of early Christianity. 

Read more about him here.

Education for Ministry (EfM) Graduation

Congratulations to parishioner George Dewey for completing his four-year journey through Education for Ministry! Best wishes to all of the participants in St. John's cohort as they break for the summer, and thanks to the cohort's mentor Walt Cooner for his ministry.

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.

Contact Walt Cooner to inquire about EfM 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!

Our Bible Study will not meet June 25-26 or July 2-3.

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.)

Another Delicious Dinner at Hanley House

June was a delicious month at the Katherine Hanley Shelter. We served 50 people a Chicken and Broccoli Noodle Casserole. As we enter the summer months, we simplify and serve pizza with salad and chips. We have other items that we serve, so please check the sign up and join us!

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 July 9 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.