To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

Earlier this week, our Summer Psalms class covered psalms of lament (Psalms 22, 74, 88), individual and communal prayers and petitions to God. These songs cry out to a God who has abandoned us and our nation, a God who might even be responsible for our misery. These psalms significantly expand our notions of a "proper" conversation with God.

In his essay "The Costly Loss of Lament," Walter Brueggemann warns what happens when we can't bring our negative feelings to God:

A community of faith that negates laments soon concludes that the hard issues of justice are improper questions to pose at the throne, because the throne seems to be only a place of praise. I believe it thus follows that if justice questions are improper questions at the throne (which is a conclusion drawn through liturgic use), they soon appear to be improper questions in public spaces, in schools, in hospitals, with the government, and eventually even in the courts. Justice questions disappear into civility and docility. The order of the day comes to seem absolute, beyond question, and we are left with only grim obedience and eventually despair.

Episcopalians are fond of saying that our questions and doubts are welcome here. We're less comfortable welcoming sadness, rage, despair, loneliness, regret, frustration, and pain. But these feelings, these psalms are just as welcome.

The Psalms not only allow us - they require us - to bring these feelings to God. Because when we don't, we've stopped bringing part of ourselves to worship. We're holding back with the very One who meets us in this world of suffering. And when we lose our ability to lament, we lose the capacity to witness to and confront injustice, violence, and cruelty in the wider world.

As we joyously light the night (in this awful heat) this 250th Fourth of July, let other feelings have their moment, too. There is much to be proud of in 250 years and much to be grateful for. There's also much to regret and much to do. Let every song - praise and lament - be a spark in the darkness.

Peace,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church, Centreville

P.S. Sunday ministers - readers, acolytes, ushers - don't forget to scroll all the way down to the usual link and sign up to serve. And if you're interested in serving on Sundays, contact Fr. Kevin.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to St. John's parishioner and Finance Committee member Andrew Wade, who was named District Rotarian of the Year earlier this week.

The Want Ads: Treasurer

After many years of ministry, Tom McDermott will step away from the office of Treasurer at the end of the year. In an earlier term as Treasurer, Tom was among those volunteers and staff who brought St. John's through some very tough times. Tom returned to the office for this most recent term, always keeping one eye on how things have gone and the other on what's ahead. We'll give thanks and honor Tom's service as his departure approaches.

We'll be looking for Tom's successor in the coming months. Treasurers take charge of church funds and disburse funds under the direction of the Vestry. They maintain church accounts in accordance with the canons and report to the Vestry. If you think you might be called to this essential ministry, please contact the Senior Warden or Fr. Kevin.

The Want Ads: Communicators

Our website is our front door to those looking for a church. Most will check us out online before they drive by Mt Gilead Road. We are forming a website team to select content and photographs for our website and to help develop our social media presence. No technical skills or website-building knowledge required; just a desire to help St. John's get noticed and share its message with Centreville and the world. The team's first job will be to select a catchier name than Website Team... If you feel called or are curious about this ministry, contact the Senior Warden and/or Fr. Kevin.

Save the Date: Anniversary of the Dedication of a Church, July 12

St. John’s was consecrated July 14, 1854. We’ll celebrate our birthday Sunday, July 12 with special readings and music, blessing of the many repairs and 

additions to our campus in recent months, and a festive coffee hour. 

Save the Date: Centreville Day, October 17

Centreville Day will be held October 17, 2026. This annual community celebration in the historic district features food trucks, local vendors, history, entertainment, and, of course, St. John's! The stage is in our parking lot!

Planning with local leaders has already begun. If you'd like to assist Fr. Kevin on that committee, or help St. John's prepare for the day, email Fr. Kevin.

Scam Alert!

Sadly, once again we need to warn all members of the church about the persistence of scammers looking to steal money. St. John's, like all churches these days, is a frequent target of those who would try to impersonate our priest or other member of the church in a text or email in order to take advantage of members' care and generosity towards each other. No one from the church will ever ask you to purchase a gift card or send money by any means other than our website (which uses Realm and Square) or via the Sunday offering. It's always prudent to verify any request in person since even telephone calls can be fake in the era of artificial intelligence.

Altar Flowers Needed

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

WORSHIP

Sunday Sermon

The Christian cannot pretend everything is OK when it is not. Following Jesus, Jeremiah, and all the prophets, we face things as they really are - and one another as we truly are.

View our services on our YouTube channel and look for new sermons 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.

Readings for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

(Proper 9A)

First Lesson: Zechariah 9:9-12

Hundreds of years before Jesus’ birth, the prophet Zechariah looked forward in hope to the triumphant coming of a humble king, a messiah who will bring peace to the ends of the earth.

Response: Psalm 145:8-15

Second Lesson: Romans 7:15-25a

Paul is critical of our condition as sinners. We fall short on our own and can only accomplish the good that we intend with God’s help.

Gospel: Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

Jesus praises God for revealing wisdom understood by children even as it confuses the wise. He promises refreshment for those who are anxious and troubled.

Saint of the Week: Moses of Ethiopia

Moses of Ethiopia, commonly called Moses the Black in early Christian literature, was a fourth-century monk. He was a fearsome raider and thief until a dramatic change of heart. While fleeing prosecution, he took shelter at a monastery. Converted by their kindness, he joined them, becoming a legendary ascetic.

Read more about Moses of Ethiopia here.

Summer with the Psalms on Break

Our weekly Bible study has resumed with another Summer with the Psalms. The book of Psalms is the Bible’s hymnal, and a key to understanding all of Scripture. Each week, we read and discuss several of these vital songs. We’ve examined wisdom and lament psalms so far. We won’t be meeting this week but will resume 

July 14-15 with penitential psalms.

See here for the complete syllabus.

Contact Father Kevin or Lisa Heller for more information.

Registration for Education for Ministry (EfM) Opening Soon

Through study, prayer, worship, and reflection, EfM seminar groups journey together through scripture, church history, and theology. St. John's EfM cohort currently meets Wednesday nights in the St. John's library and online.

Registration for the 2026-2027 EfM year opens soon for both the Classic (4-year) and Wide Angle (1-year) options. Contact Walt Cooner for more information.

Adult Lectionary Forum on Summer Break

Our weekly discussion of the Sunday readings is on hiatus for the summer. We'll resume August 23.

Chicken and Mac and Cheese at Hanley House

June was a good month of service for the Hanley House. We spent time talking with several new residents and shared God's love. We served pulled chicken and mac and cheese to 38 people. The next two months are our pizza months! We still need sides - and volunteers! - but the entree will be pizza for July and August!

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 14 to serve.

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.

First Harvest with Creation Care Garden!

Earlier this week, four pounds of produce were harvested and taken to Western Fairfax Christian Ministries. The banana peppers are in the lead, with jalapenos in a close second. Basil and mint were also harvested.

Sign up here to assist the watering team.

About the Garden

St. John's Creation Care Garden raises fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs for Western Fairfax Christian Ministries' free food markets. Last year, St. John’s Creation Care Garden Committee grew, harvested, and delivered more than 180 pounds of produce, totaling 667 pounds over the past four years. Contact Jean Makurat or the parish office for more information.

Donate to 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 bring donations of food and more to Sunday services, or drop at the church office. These items are especially needed:

Food:

• Sugar (1 lb. or 2 lb. bag)
• Oil (canola, vegetable, olive)
• Oatmeal (Quaker Oats)
• Cereal (low sugar preferred)
• Shelf Stable Juice (apple, cranberry, grape)
• Canned Fish (tuna, salmon)
• Canned Tomatoes (crushed, whole paste)
• Canned Fruit (pineapple, mandarin oranges)
• Pasta Sauce (no glass jars)
• Mashed Potatoes 
• Pancake Mix 

Toiletries:

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

• Toilet Paper
• Baby Wipes 
• Body Wash
• Bar Soap
• Toothpaste
• Lotion
• Shaving Cream and Disposable Razors
• Pull-Ups Size 4T/5

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.

Support the Centreville Immigration Forum (CIF)

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. You can support Centreville Immigration Forum's work and advocacy here.

Helping the Shepherd's Center of Western Fairfax

St. John's has several volunteers supporting the Shepherd's Center of Western Fairfax. They provide rides to medical and therapy appointments and other important errands for people who are over 50 and can no longer drive. The Shepherd's Center needs additional drivers and support for local seniors. To assist, you must live in western Fairfax County in or around Clifton, Centreville, or Chantilly. For more information and to volunteer, visit the Shepherd's Center here.

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 contribution, you are part of St. John's offering of healing, hope, and hospitality to all God's people. Click the button below to give online or visit our website for more.