Apologies for the late edition. We ran into some difficulties, but we'll be back on our usual Wednesday schedule next week.

To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

This Sunday, we celebrate Pentecost, which marks the Church's "birthday" with the Holy Spirit being given to the disciples (Acts 2:1-21).

Jesus had promised his disciples the Holy Spirit, an "advocate," in Greek παράκλητος paraklétos, the Paraclete (John 14:26). The word comes from two Greek words that together literally mean "summoned" or "called alongside." It refers to a legal advocate like an attorney but also a counselor and comforter. The Holy Spirit would defend, advocate for, teach, and comfort the disciples in their time of need. Jesus says the Holy Spirit wouldn't and doesn't arrive with a new set of rules or a to-do list for his disciples, but as comfort, strength, and hope.

St. John's will mark this holiday of comfort, strength, and hope with a special outdoor Eucharist (see below!). Join us!

Faithfully,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

Outdoor Eucharist, Pentecost, This Sunday, June 8

We're bringing back an old St. John's tradition for Pentecost Sunday on June 8 this year by celebrating Holy Communion outdoors. Weather permitting, we'll be setting up in the side lawn of the church just below where the playground was. 

• Bring chairs. Attendees should bring their own outdoor chairs, and they will be on the level ground in the parking lot. Additional chairs will be provided for newcomers and those who forget.
• Wear red. This is an opportunity for everyone to wear their St. Johns T-Shirts, or if yours isn't handy, just wear red!
• Bring a snack to share. Following the service, we'll share an expanded pot-luck coffee hour. Bring a snack to share and the church will provide coffee, juice, and water on the lawn.  

Please make plans to join us as we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit and kick off an eventful summer.

Volunteers Welcome!

There are many ways to be involved in the life of the congregation in addition to roles on Sunday morning. Over the next few months, we are looking for volunteers who may be willing to help members of the vestry with the organization of the following programs:

• July 4 celebration – picnic/sparklers/fireworks viewing
• Bishop’s visit - TBD

Please be in touch with the office if you are able to assist.

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

Christianity is not (only) a set of theological arguments to be debated and intellectually assented to, but (also) a vocation, a call to adventure.

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 Day of Pentecost:

• Acts 2:1-21
• Romans 8:14-17
• John 14:8-17
• Psalm 104:25-35, 37

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: Justin

Justin was a second-century theologian, apologist, and martyr, whose feast day is June 1.

Read more about him here.

Join Us for Bible Study!

We've made it more than halfway through the Gospel of Luke. But you can jump in to Bible study any time, even if you haven't attended in recent weeks, or at all.

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

There will be no lectionary forum this Sunday, June 8. Join us for our outdoor Eucharist at 9:30 AM, followed by festive coffee hour.

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. Contact Walt Cooner for more information.

Our Creation Care Garden Is Planted 

Saturday, May 31st was a wonderful day. The weather was lovely. Enthusiastic volunteers completed the planting of seeds and seedlings in St. john’s Creation Care Garden. An early crop of radishes was harvested. Volunteers then pulled weeds from the areas surrounding the garden, pruned bushes and shrubs, and washed the patio furniture. Heartfelt thanks to the generous parishioners who contributed funds and supplies to our Creation Care Garden Ministry, to our wonderful St. John’s volunteers and Girl Scout Troops 56007 and 56084 for their energetic help in planting seeds and seedlings, and especially to Len Pond and David Parker for using their expertise to repair a damaged raised bed and the church’s garden bench. A sign-up schedule for garden watering will soon be available.

May Dinner Another Success at Hanley House

A big thanks for all the help last week serving 65 people at the Hanley House! 

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 June 10 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.)

​

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.