To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

More than three years ago, St. John's did something a little odd. (Yeah, St. John's hired me. Walked into that one...) Typically, though, when interviewing clergy for positions, you don't bring them in to meet everyone until they've been hired. It just isn't done. At the same time, how're people supposed to really know who will be a good fit? So it was that St. John's asked me and at least one other prospective priest-in-charge to preside and preach in February 2023.

The word I had to preach that day was about hiding: how we withhold parts or all of ourselves from each other and from God and why we shouldn't: because we don't need to. The God who loves us just as we are doesn't want us to hide. Our God wants us to be salt and light for a world in need.

I still believe that. "People do not light a lamp and put it under the bushel basket; rather, they put it on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house" (Matthew 5:15). The God we find here at St. John's, what we've built here in Christ, what we do here together in the Spirit, that shouldn't--it can't--be hidden.

What the sermon video can't show is what happened after the sermon. In the moment before standing for the Creed, I said to myself, "Well, that was fun. If I don't get this job, I hope they get somebody special."

At the Vestry meeting this Sunday, I'll step out of the room as your representatives vote on whether or not to call me as Rector. If you'd like to inform this decision, please reach out the Senior Warden, Junior Warden, or a Vestry member via email or in person at church.

For the moment, I'll just say it's been over three years of:

• Easters, Christmases, and St. John's anniversaries;
• baptisms, hospital visits, and funerals;
• Zoom, YouTube, and Constant Contact;
• pancake suppers, progressive dinners, and Friendsgiving Jeopardy! appearances;
• annual meetings, committee meetings, and Vestry meetings;
• Bible studies, presentations and Centreville Day invocations, and just under 200 sermons.

And so much more. I hope there's more to come. Walking the way of Jesus here at St. John's has its challenges, but it's been fun, too. I hope you get somebody special. I have.

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.

Blessings on our Confirmand!

Blessings upon parishioner Julie Sullivan, confirmed by Bishop Stevenson this past Sunday and pictured here with her sponsor Sandy Jones at Pohick Episcopal Church in Lorton.

Congratulations to our Education for Ministry (EfM) Graduates!

Blessings upon Meredith Carlton, Emori Moore, and Andrew Wade for all they’ve accomplished over their four-year journey with God in Christ. Congratulations to George Dewey and Craig Staresinich as they finish the inaugural Wide Angle experience. And much gratitude to Walt Cooner, mentor to St. John’s cohort #13101. 

The Want Ads: Treasurer

After many years of ministry, Tom McDermott has asked to step away as 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, thank Tom in church or via email, and/or contact Fr. Kevin.

If you'd like to assist with our online presence, Centreville Day, or serve in church (see below), contact the Senior Warden and/or Fr. Kevin.

The Want Ads: Communications

Our website is our front door to those looking for a church. Most will check us out on the web before they drive by Mt Gilead Road. We need to make our website as interesting, inviting, and informative as possible. To form this 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 Johns 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'd like to assist with our online presence or coordinate Centreville Day, contact the Senior Warden and/or Fr. Kevin.

Welcome Jeanette Nord to the St. John's Staff

Jeanette Nord is St. John's new Ministry Partner Liaison. Before joining St. John's, Jeanette worked as a state-registered Peer Recovery Specialist, helping individuals build resilience and achieve their recovery goals. She brings a diverse background in public service, executive administration, and behavioral health. In addition, Jeanette spent many years as a professional vocalist, performing throughout Northern Virginia and Maryland.

Jeanette will be working part-time here at St. John's, supporting all the 

organizations and congregations who call our campus home. Stop by the office during office hours to meet her.

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

Nothing is more surprising than the God of infinite power and ability who chooses to have a relationship with His people and who reaches out with unexpected grace and compassion.

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 Fourth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 7A)

First Lesson: Jeremiah 20:7-13

Even as he cries out to God about the difficulties of being a prophet, Jeremiah gives thanks to God for his protection and deliverance.

Response: Psalm 69: 8-11, 18-20

Second Lesson: Romans 6:1b-11

Paul asserts that through baptism we die and are buried with Christ. Our rising with Christ frees us from sin’s grasp and makes us a new creation.

Gospel: Matthew 10:24-39

Jesus gives instructions to his disciples as he prepares them for their missionary work. He offers them warnings as well as reassurance about what they will find on their journeys.

Saint of the Week: Basil of Caesarea

Basil of Caesarea was a fourth-century bishop and theologian like his brother Gregory of Nyssa and his friend Gregory of Nazianzus. A champion of the Nicene Creed, Basil also established influential rules for monastic communities and founded one of the earliest Christian hospitals for the poor.

Read more about him here.

Registration for Education for Ministry (EfM) Now Open

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 is now open for both the Classic (4-year) and Wide Angle (1-year) options. Contact Walt Cooner for more information.

Bible Study Resumes This Week

Our weekly Bible study resumes this week June 23-24 with another Summer with the Psalms. The book of Psalms is the Bible’s hymnal, and a key to understanding all of Scripture. We’ll be meeting on Tuesday nights at 7 PM and/or Wednesdays at 11 AM for the summer, unless otherwise announced. See here for the emerging syllabus.

Contact Father Kevin or Lisa Heller 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 in July 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.

How Does Your Creation Care Garden Grow?

Thanks to all who came out on Saturday, June 6 for planting day. This year's harvest will include peppers, radishes, beans, and more. And we're already seeing growth! 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:

• White or Wheat Flour (5 lb. bag or less)
• 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 Meat (tuna, salmon, Vienna sausages, sardines)
• Canned Tomatoes (crushed, whole paste)
• Canned Vegetables (spinach, potatoes, beets)
• Canned Fruit (pineapple, mandarin oranges, pears, peaches)
• Pasta Sauce (no glass jars)
• Refried, Garbanzo, and Kidney Beans
• Dried Beans (lentils, pinto, black beans)
• Mashed Potatoes 
• Boxed Macaroni and Cheese
• Pancake Mix 
• Flavored Rice (Rice-A-Roni) and Flavored Pasta (Knorr)

Toiletries:

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

• Feminine Hygiene Products (Pads preferred)
• Tissues (Family Size)
• Baby Wipes 
• Body Wash
• 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.