St. John's Episcopal Church - Centreville, VA
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Parish News - July 27, 2022
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PLEASE NOTE: Due to the surge in Corona Virus in FFX, St. John's is asking everyone to continue wearing masks at the Sunday service.
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Dear St. John's Parishioners and Friends:
From the Deacon:
In this week’s Gospel, someone in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.” This is a parable about greed, storing up treasure or wealth for oneself or family members. “But God said to the man, “You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be? So, it is with those “who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God.”
I can see this parable from three directions: as a son who received much from my Father who lived a frugal life but did not have a close relationship with God; as a Father, who has prepared a will to divide my “wealth” among my children; and as a Christian called to focus my life’s wealth and my love toward God. So we are presented with a sort of multiple choice question about what to do with our wealth. I must believe the answer is “yes” to each question. Obviously, I feel called to have a close relationship with God. That mean’s sharing my wealth. Not just my financial wealth but especially by spiritual and emotional wealth. So I implore each of you to pray to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit regarding your physical and spiritual wealth.
Peace,
Rev Deacon Steve
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We welcomed The Rev. Philene Ware Dunn on April 24 to St. John's, and is the priest celebrating the Sunday service. She will be here on Sunday mornings only and will work with Deacon Steve on any pastoral concerns.
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Carol's Sabbatical Ends... and Retirement Begins August 1
Dear Parishioners of St. John’s:
Since my last Sunday with you on Easter Day, I have been on my sabbatical with a grant from the Lilly Foundation. I have been traveling and exploring the theme of “Sabbath Rest”. My mantra for each day was “Be still and know that I am God.” It is hard for us to be still. It is hard to take time to be with God, to feel God’s holy presence with us wherever we are.
I have encountered God in the places where my sister and I traveled – London, Scotland, the Isle of Iona, Germany, Austria, Hawaii and the Outer Banks in North Carolina. Most memorable are the people we encountered – those who helped us in big and small ways throughout our trip. Many are nameless - giving us directions, helping us with our luggage, showing us hospitality, helping us at the laundromat, usually without being asked. Others were people on our tour and at the abbey, and my family who got together at the Outer Banks.
God was present for me at the abbey at Iona and the bed and breakfast where we stayed a few extra days, also on Iona. The peace and tranquility and rich spiritual history of Iona was incredible.
God was present for me as we watched the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany. This small village performs this 5 hour play every 10 years (only full time residents can participate) and it draws people from around the world. (The play is in German, but books with other translations are available.) The story of the passion of Jesus Christ brings hundreds of thousands of people to this small village every decade. That is worth celebrating!
God was with me to help me to “be still” and to notice things around me that I normally would have not noticed, to notice God’s presence in nature – in the beauty of the Alps and the serenity of Maui - and all of life that was around me, to see God’s presence in the words and deeds of others, to see God’s presence in the stillness. I learned it is okay to “be” and not always to “do”.
As I begin my retirement on August 1, what I have learned and experienced during this sabbatical will remain with me. I am most grateful to the Vestry and parishioners of St. John’s for allowing me to take this sabbatical. It was the trip of a lifetime! I wish I could have taken it three years ago when it was originally planned so I could have shared more of the details with you, but COVID intervened and forced me to postpone it.
I am not sure where the next stage of my life will take me (other than spending more time with my 2.5 grandchildren!), but no matter where I am, know that I will remember and pray for St. John’s. You are an amazing congregation, filled with love for God and for one another, as well as those less fortunate. Although I will miss you all, I know that retirement is the right decision for me at this time.
As I have said almost every Sunday for the past eight years at St. John’s, “God of new beginnings, meet us where we are on our journey, imperfect as we are, and use us in ways we cannot imagine to make a difference in the world for you.” As you and I start new chapters, know that God is with us always, to lead us and guide us. No matter where each of us is on our journey, may we each continue to make a difference in the world by sharing God’s love and joy.
May God bless you all.
The Rev. Carol Hancock
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35th Anniversary Celebration Honoring Founding Organizations of Western Fairfax Christian Ministry
St. Johns has been invited as a founding member of the Western Fairfax Christian Ministry to participate in an Annual Fall Fellowship Fundraiser event. It will be held on Sunday October 2 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event will be held at the Chantilly National Golf & Country Club with appetizers and desserts, presentations and entertainment. To participate as a Founding organization, we would need to make a total contribution of $1350 which would provide 10 founders tickets and recognition on banner and gift mementos. The Vestry has agreed to provide $350 towards sponsorship to help with their rent and utility costs. However, the $1000 additional contribution at $100 per ticket will be to pay for the event itself and tokens of recognition - not for outreach. We are inviting interested church members or ministry partners to make a $100 contribution for one of the 10 Founders tickets. We are attempting to determine interest in attending before August 1. If you are interested, please contact Deacon Steve ([email protected]) or 703-220-0270 or Bob Faithful ([email protected]) or 703-599-7948 with ticket request.
Please note that there will be tickets available for individuals to purchase and participate if we do not get 10 people at $100 to cover Sponsorship.
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We have all seen the horrors of the war in Ukraine. If you would like to help those in need, Episcopal Relief and Development is working closely with a group that is on the ground in Ukraine. You can make a contribution on their website at https://www.episcopalrelief.org/ Please continue to keep the people of Ukraine in your prayers.
A Prayer for all those involved in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
God of peace and justice, we pray for the people of Ukraine today. We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons. We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow, that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them. We pray for those with power over war or peace, for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions. Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear, that you would hold and protect them. We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen
(written by Archbishop Justin Welby and Archbishop Stephen Cottrell)
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OUTREACH and VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
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Centreville Immigration Forum and Labor Resource Center
Volunteer & Intern Opportunities
Volunteer in these areas:
- Administration / Community Outreach / Database Management / Marketing Committee / Personnel Committee / Fundraising
- Our bimonthly new volunteer orientations are a great way to meet the staff and hear more about our current volunteer needs.
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Please fill out the Intake form by going to the link below, and we will reach out to you shortly with information about the next information session. (Be sure to read our Code of Ethics before filling out the form!) Join our next orientation!
- Join us in action as we make Centreville a model of how day laborers and the community can work together!
- http://centrevilleimmigrationforum.org/
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Top Items Currently Needed by The Katharine K. Hanley Family Shelter
Toothpaste / Shampoo / Conditioner / Body Wash /
Bar Soap / Hand Soap / Deodorant
The items may be dropped off at the box in the office.
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The KKHFS is very thankful for the donations St John’s has provided to support their clients as they transition to their long-term residences. However, they are still looking for volunteers in these various roles to support their long-term success:
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The Katharine K. Hanley Family Shelter is located nearby and currently house up to 12 families onsite, 12 families in hotel sites and serve over 40 families in their prevention and rapid rehousing programs. Seeking volunteers for:
- On-call movers; Volunteer Delivery Driver; Volunteer On Call Moving Assistant;
- Volunteer Shelter Assistant
- If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please contact Rev. Deacon Steve at [email protected] who will coordinate with KKHFS Community Coordinator to get you started.
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Western Fairfax Christian Ministries updated list of the foods that they need the most. You can bring your non-perishable items to the church on Sunday mornings, or drop them off in the box outside the door by the breezeway during the week and they will be delivered to WFCM.
Most needed items in the food pantry this month, JULY 2022:
· Canned Vegetables (low salt beets. collard greens, carrots) / Canned Olives
· Rice - bagged white and brown
· Great Northern, Cannelli, Refried, Pinto, and Black Beans
· Canned Tuna and Vienna Sausages
· Canned Mandarin Oranges, peaches, pineapple, mixed fruit (no sugar added preferred)
· Spaghetti (1 lb. pckg) / Pasta Sauce / Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste, Canned Whole Tomatoes (low salt preferred)
· Oatmeal / Family Size Boxed Cereal
· Peanut Butter / Jelly
· Ramen soup / Gluten-free food items
· Family-size Snacks (chips, crackers) / Cake Mix / Brownie Mix
· Pancake Mix / Syrup / Sugar / Boxed Instant Mashed Potatoes
· Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo, and Salad Dressing (family size not miniature packs)
· Toiletries: Toilet paper, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste.
Please only donate size 6 or larger size diapers, larger size pull ups size 4T/5T for toddlers, or wipes if you want to donate items for babies.)
They accept food and toiletry donations Monday - Friday 8-10 am at 4511 Daly Drive Suite H (Back Door) and on the second Saturday monthly 9-11 am.
The Western Fairfax Shepherd Center is still accepting volunteer drivers to support clients who need help getting to appointments, shopping trips (for food), and to deliver food from WFCM to clients. Please contact the Shepherd Center at 703-246-5920 or email [email protected] and copy Deacon Steve at [email protected].
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Due to the current increase in COVID19 transmission rates in Fairfax County, the Vestry has decided to continue the masking policy during worship services. We will monitor the transmission rates and modify this policy if things in our area change. We will use the data from the Fairfax County Health Department to make these determinations. This applies to our worship service. The policy of our ministry partners may differ, so please respect them by masking while in other parts of the building. You should also mask If you need to be in close proximity to others in an enclosed space. You never know who may be unable to be vaccinated or is otherwise compromised. Thank you for your cooperation. We also continue our "safe" way of having communion by using the individual cups for the bread and the wine.
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The services continue to be live streamed at 9:30 AM on Sunday morning, and they can be watched later as well. On Saturday, we will resend the link, along with a link for the bulletin and the lectionary class.
SUNDAY LIVESTREAM LINK:
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*Please* consider volunteering -
to support our Sunday Worship.
We need Lectors to read the lessons, ushers to greet and help with the service, sign up below). Consider signing up every 2 months throughout the year, that way some folks aren't leaned on. If you find you can't fill something you signed up for, just let us know. (Senior Warden or Parish Admin)
We need Lay Eucharistic Visitors to help visit our sick and shut-ins who would like communion at their home (see Deacon Steve for this),
We need Altar Guild members to help prepare for our worship service (see Marcia Evans or another A.G. member)
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Sunday service reader or usher We welcome, need, and value your help! The lector will read the 2 lessons and the psalm. The usher will hand out bulletins and bring the elements and offering to the altar.
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Altar Flowers
When you sign up, please indicate how you wish your flower donation to appear in the Sunday bulletin.
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The Adult Lectionary Forum - IN PERSON & ON ZOOM
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SUNDAY WORSHIP & EDUCATION
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We can prepare our hearts & minds by reading ahead
for the Sunday Service lesson
The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
July 31, 2022
The First Reading: Hosea 11:1-11
God laments that Israel continually abandons his love for them, knowing that their path leads to destruction.
The Psalm: 107:1-9, 43 , BCP p. 746, 749
The Second Reading: Colossians 3:1-11
Those called to live as Christians are called to an entirely transformed life; the prescription is simple, even if it is not easy.
The Gospel: Luke 12:13-21
When asked to arbitrate wealth between two brothers, Jesus instead declares that life’s worth is not found in financial security.
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Online Contributions
to St. John's
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St. John's now offers three buttons for online donations via Tithe.ly. You may use the buttons below to go directly to Tithe.ly, or you may download the Tithe.ly app on your phone or tablet.
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The Pledge payment button may be used only to make your pledge payment (after signing up to be a pledger, which may be done at any time in the year. See Carol or Vestry)
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The Facility Campaign button may be used only for any contribution for the facility's buildings and grounds, or special facility campaigns.
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The Donation button may be used for any other type of donation to St. John's. To designate a special purpose (i.e. Organ Fund, Ministry Partner payments, etc.) please send a note to [email protected].
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Statement on Lambeth Calls Regarding Marriage Equality, 7/26/2022
Dear Friends in Christ in the Diocese of Virginia,
As we closely watch the Lambeth Conference currently underway in England, and the unfolding discussions about the Lambeth Calls, I write to assure you of the unwavering support of your bishops in the Diocese of Virginia for marriage equality.
Last week, bishops from across the Anglican Communion were sent a draft document entitled “Lambeth Calls.” These are intended to be statements about our identity and our commitments as Anglicans in a challenging and changing world. The Calls offer clear, strong and helpful language about our response to the climate crisis, our care for refugees and our love for all God’s people. Tucked into the current draft is language that would reaffirm the statement of Lambeth 1998 which recognizes the dignity of LGBTQ+ persons while also saying that “it is the mind of the Anglican Communion as a whole that same-gender marriage is not permissible.”
Our House of Bishops will meet tomorrow at Lambeth to talk about our response to this language, which is contrary to decisions we have made in the past and affirmed again at General Convention last month. Bishops from other Provinces are also crafting responses, as are clergy and laity from across the Church. This situation is emerging from hour to hour. I urge your continued prayers for the worldwide Anglican Communion as this vital work continues.
Bishop Jennifer Brooke-Davidson is on the ground at Lambeth. I am in Virginia tending to the many and significant transitions in our common life. Canon Mark Stevenson who, God willing and the people consenting, will become the 14th Bishop of Virginia on December 3, is in the US, also tending to transitions. We are staying very close to the emerging situation at Lambeth and remaining in close touch with colleagues there.
Again, be assured of our unwavering support for marriage equality in Virginia and across The Episcopal Church. Do not be afraid. Do not lose hope. I hold tight to trust that God’s love always prevails.
Faithfully yours,
The Rt. Rev. Susan E. Goff
Bishop Suffragan and Ecclesiastical Authority
Episcopal Diocese of Virginia
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The Rev. Canon Mark Stevenson
The Next Bishop Diocesan
of the Diocese of Virginia
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Please note: If you choose to unsubscribe below, please be aware that you will no longer receive either St. John's sermons or E-Notes, which are sent weekly. If you do unsubscribe and later want to be added back in, that needs to be done through the provider, Constant Contact. Please email St. John's office with the request: [email protected].
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