To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

There's a story in Judaism that goes like this:

Long ago, a child fell ill, and no one could do anything for her. The villagers took her to a wise rabbi, hoping for a miracle. The rabbi knew of a special spot in the forest. There, a special candle could be lit, and a special prayer could be said, and the people could expect a miracle. They went to the spot, lit the candle, and said the prayer, and the child was healed.

A generation later, another child fell ill, and no one could do anything for him. The villagers took him to a wise rabbi, remembering the tale of his forebear and hoping for a miracle. The rabbi didn't know the spot in the forest, but he had the candle and knew the prayer. So they lit the candle, and said the prayer, and the child was healed.

A generation later, another child fell ill, and no one could do anything for her. The villagers took her to a wise rabbi, remembering the tales of his forebears and hoping for a miracle. But the rabbi didn't know the spot in the forest, and the candle was lost, but he knew the prayer. So they prayed the prayer, and the child was healed.

A generation later, another child fell ill, and no one could do anything for him. The villagers took him to a wise rabbi, remembering the tales of his forebears and hoping for a miracle. The rabbi didn't know the spot in the forest, and the candle was lost, and the prayer was forgotten. But, like them, he remembered the story.

So he told the story, and it was enough.

As Christians, we can get caught up in our theology, what it is we believe, who shares that belief, and who doesn't. And as Episcopalians, we can get caught up in our liturgy and our church, that special spot with its special candles and special prayers. But before the beliefs, before the special spaces, there was a story, a story of how God intervened in your life and new, wonderful things happened. When you feel yourself getting tripped up by the faith, remember the story. Tell the stories. They are - you are - enough.

Grace and peace,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

Save the Date: July 14th Anniversary

St. John’s was consecrated July 14, 1854. We will begin a year of activities celebrating our 170th anniversary with a special anniversary liturgy Sunday, July 14, 2024 at 9:30 AM.

WORSHIP

Last Sunday's Sermon

View The Third Sunday after Pentecost on June 9 here. 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

Let us prepare our hearts and mind for worship:

First Reading: Ezekiel 17:22-24

The Lord accomplishes great things that surprise the human heart. It is often through unexpected means that God’s glory is revealed to the people.

Response: Psalm 92:1-4,11-14

Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:6-10(11-13)14-17

Paul reflects on the challenge of living in a fallen world, and the importance of obeying God.

Gospel: Mark 4:26-34

God sows his kingdom like the smallest of seeds, and works through the Church to bring them to full blossom.

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.

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.)

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.

Volunteer at the Katharine K. Hanley Family Shelter

St. John's makes and serves a meal every second Tuesday of the month at the shelter. We served 36 people last night at another successful dinner!

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.

Parishioner Sandy Jones shared the impact St. John's support has had, in the community and on those who serve:

"After a year of serving a monthly dinner at Tree of Life in Sterling, we switched to the Katherine Hanley Family Shelter. It always felt good to serve and connect with families at Tree of Life, but it was a bit far and made it difficult for more people to participate. So we switched to the Katherine Hanley shelter, just two-and-a-half miles from St. John's. For me the experience was very different. We still bought and made the food, and we still served it with a smile, but it was not the same. We are serving people in our neighborhood who are at a place in life that is hard to imagine. They are without a home, and they are trying to start over with their children. Showing love and compassion, and serving them and sharing a conversation with our neighbors is a moving experience. For me the biggest impact is seeing the families sit and eat together, knowing how important that time is for a family. Most of the children are quite young, the youngest I met was two weeks old. Showing them they are cared about and supported is a gift to us as much as it is a gift to them."

Volunteer in a New Way with the Katharine K. Hanley Family Shelter

St. John's has been supporting KKHFS for several years with donations,

funds, and, recently, one dinner every month. As the residents prepare to

move out of the shelter into long-term housing, many need help with

independent living skills. The shelter assigns a case manager to help

ensure a successful transition; however, some may need additional support,

such as household management, budgeting, organizing skills, and

childcare. Also important are skills related to securing and maintaining a job, such as resume-building, interviewing, scheduling, and discipline to keep the job and perform well. Case managers are looking to match clients' needs with volunteers interested and skilled in these areas. Please let Deacon Steve know if you would be interested in volunteering to help a KKHFS client.

Shop for Western Fairfax Christian Ministries

Please bring donations of food and more to Sunday services, or drop at the church office. Take one of the colorful slips at church as a reminder to shop. These items are especially needed:

Food:

• Red Beans (low salt preferred)
• Black Beans (low salt preferred)
• Canned Tomatoes (stewed, crushed, diced, paste)
• Canned pasta (SpaghettiOs, Chef Boyardee)
• Pasta Sauce
• Flavored Pasta (Pasta Helper)
• Flavored Rice (Rice A Roni)

​

Toiletries:

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

• Lotion
• Toilet Paper
• Large size pull ups (size 4T/5T for toddlers)
• Size 6 Diapers 
• Baby Wipes​

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.

Donating Backpacks

St. John's is partnering with Western Fairfax Christian Ministries this summer to provide backpacks for elementary school students in need this summer. Stay tuned!

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. 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.

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.