To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

"How did you come to St. John's?" I've spoken with more than a dozen parishioners and families in my getting-to-know-St. John's quest so far. And that's not counting the many impromptu chats at the office, or the nice-to-meet-yous that turned into something more after church or a meeting. And when I ask, "So how did you come to St. John's?" I hear variations on the same story.

Someone--or something--invited us. Sometimes, a friend went to St. John's and invited us to a church event. Maybe our spouse grew up in different denomination or tradition, and the local Episcopal church was the right fit. Perhaps, St. John's was just the closest church to us, but, even then, when life took us elsewhere for a time, a song, a sermon, a leader, a friend--something--called them back.

Episcopal churches are often the best kept secret in their neighborhoods. That's a little strange. Sure, Christianity began at Pentecost, and, yes, the world was transformed at Easter. But before those miracles? It was just some fishermen by the sea. They asked Jesus what he was up to, and he replied, "Come and see" (John 1:39). And the rest is history.

Someone invited us. Invite others. Share the sermon or service. Forward this email. Tell a friend or colleague about the Easter egg hunt. Invite a friend to worship. Or just tell people you care about what you're up to when you're serving meals in Sterling, picking up supplies for the family shelter, or attending worship. Let the Spirit do the rest. Something--someone--called you to this community. Let's be that invitation for others.

Grace and peace,

Kevin

P.S. If you haven't already, please sign up for a time to meet the new guy! I've got no agenda, other than to getting to know you. Where we meet and for how long in our time is up to you. You can contact me via email or click here to book a time directly.

Help Our Easter Bunnies!

Thanks so much for your Easter donations! Please continue to bring donations of candy (no peanuts, please) or small Easter-themed party favors (stickers, toys, etc.) to the church office, so our Easter bunnies and volunteers can be sure to have our eggs ready.

Save the Date: April 1: Palm Crosses and Easter Eggs!

Come join the fun and fellowship on Saturday, April 1 at 9:30 AM to make Palm Sunday crosses and fill eggs for the Easter Egg Hunt!

Save the Date: May 13: The Progressive Dinner

Our progressive dinner will be held May 13! Diners gather in one place for appetizers, move on to another home for main courses, and on to another for dessert. Stay tuned for additional details!

St. John's has now joined several other local churches to provide a meal once per month with the Tree of Life Charity. St. John's now has two teams supporting this outreach effort.

Here's the link to view further info, and to sign up:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4EAAAB2DA6FC1-tree

 Where: Sterling Community Center (120 Enterprise St. Sterling, VA 20164)

If you have any questions, please contact Andrew Wade OR Deacon Steve.

The Fire - Wood Fundraiser for Outreach

Bigger Bundles this year! The Woodchucks have been out chopping, and there is a lot of wood in store! $10 for a large bundle, $25 for 3 large bundles! Right outside the front door. Please drop the envelopes with $$ or checks in our mailbox adjacent to the wood.

Western Fairfax Christian Ministries

CURRENT PANTRY NEEDS as of MAR. 1, 2023

Food & Beverages​

• Flour / Maseca Flour / Vegetable Oil / Hot Cereal (Oatmeal, Grits)
• Ramen Noodle Soup / Canned Stewed Tomatoes
• Jelly / Juice (shelf stable, family size, plastic bottle)
• Ketchup and Mayo (family size, not small packets)
• Canned Stewed Tomatoes (low salt preferred)
• Mixed Vegetables (low salt preferred)
• Mashed Potatoes 
• Fruit Cocktail (no sugar added preferred)
• Canned Mandarin Oranges (no sugar added preferred)
• Juice (shelf stable, family size, plastic bottle)
• Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo (family size, not small packets)

​

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

• Body Wash / Shampoo / Conditioner / Lotion
• Large size pull-ups (SIZE 4T/5T for toddlers)
• Diapers size 5 & 6 
• Baby Wipes 

​

Centreville Immigration Forum & Labor Resource Center

Volunteer & Intern Opportunities



• http://centrevilleimmigrationforum.org/

The Shepherd’s Center of Western Fairfax - needs drivers and support for elderly.

The Katharine K. Hanley Family Shelter

Needs: Toothpaste / Shampoo / Conditioner / Body Wash /

Bar Soap / Hand Soap / Deodorant

The items may be dropped off at the box in the office.

VOLUNTEER SIGN - UPS

ATTN: EFM Alumni: Class on March 29, 6:30-8:30 PM

On Wednesday, March 29, Education for Ministry (EFM) Class 13101 is inviting St. John's EFM alumni to join them from 6:30-8:30 PM as they discuss the Mission of the Church within our Multicultural World. If you are interested, contact Walt Cooner to reserve a spot and receive the common reading assignment for the evening. Space for in-person attendance is limited. You can also join virtually via Zoom.

St. John's You Tube Link to view the Sunday Services

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.

https://youtube.com/@stjohnscentreville

How to help Ukrainians 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: at https://www.episcopalrelief.org/ 

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)

We can prepare our hearts & minds

by reading ahead for

the Sunday Service lesson.

The Fifth Sunday in Lent

March 26, 2023

The First Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-14

God instructs the prophet Ezekiel to preach to the most unlikely of

audiences, with the most miraculous of results.

The Psalm: 130 page 784, BCP

The Second Reading: Romans 8:6-11

Paul explains that it is the Spirit of God living in humans that animates and emboldens us to the delight of God and for his service, just as we were made to be.

The Gospel: John 11:1-45

Jesus’ good friend, Lazarus is ill and dies; Jesus joins fellow loved ones in mourning, and then brings hope and resurrection.

Masks are optional during the service

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.

The Facility Campaign button may be used only for any contribution for the facility's buildings and grounds.

The Donation button may be used for any other type of donation to St. John's. To designate a special purpose (i.e. please send a note to sjeccentreville@aol.com.