St. John's Episcopal Church - Centreville, VA

Parish News - May 10, 2023

To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

A day in the life of a clergyperson:


  • get the kids off to school before meeting a colleague for coffee
  • head into the office to meet with our music minister Amanda Hull to discuss music for the Pentecost season
  • check in with our treasurer Craig Staresinich and assistant treasurer Penny Parker about the status of our roof campaign
  • visit a parishioner at home and make some pastoral calls
  • spend too much time looking for a screwdriver to unwrap the new dry-erase board and move another
  • prepare for Sunday's sermon and edit the Sunday bulletin and e-newsletter with Andrew Wade's update on the roof
  • tune into the monthly diocesan clergy call
  • head to Sterling with other St. John's volunteers to feed more than 60 people at the community center
  • head home to serenade my eldest son with the "Peaches" song from The Super Mario Bros. Movie


That was yesterday, and it's just a fraction of all that you're doing at this amazing parish. See below for a roof update, word on the progressive dinner, last week's sermon (with Spotify list?), plans for Pentecost, and so much more. It's just a glimpse in to what God is up to here at St. John's. I'm thrilled to be part of it.


Grace and peace,


Kevin

Raise the Roof Update

Work on the third and final phase of our roof replacement begins next week. We and our ministry partners are looking forward to thirty years of peace of mind. Thank you, Tom McDermott, our "Volunteer Foreman," for handling all communications with our contractors ahead of the big day and beyond. And thank you, Andrew Wade, for your work on this campaign.


As of today, we have raised $4,340 toward Phase III. Thank you to everyone that stepped up so eagerly and faithfully!


Phase III will cost more than $40,000. This part of the roof covers classrooms, our library and offices, the hall entrance, breezeway, and rear entrance. We have found some rotted wood, and some work around the perimeter of the roof is required. That may lead to some additional costs. We are prepared with significant savings, and St. John's was awarded a $5,000 Peter James Lee Church Revitalization Grant from the diocese in April. That requires us at least that amount from the parish. Thanks to you, and the grace of God, we've almost secured that match.


The more we can raise now toward the full price tag, the less we will draw from our reserves, preserving funds for the next big project or emergency. Please prayerfully consider a donation and make your contribution by Sunday, May 28.


To donate, please write a check to St. John’s Episcopal Church (write ‘Facility’ in the memo) or use the facility donation button at the bottom of this email. If you have any questions, or would like to hear more, please contact Rev. Kevin or Andrew Wade on the Finance Committee. Help us raise the roof at Pentecost!

The Progressive Dinner is this Saturday, May 13!

The Progressive Dinner returns! Registered diners should have received their dining itineraries. Contact Penny Parker or Elise Crawford with questions. We'll see you Saturday!

WORSHIP

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.

Adult Lectionary Forum

Join us in-person in the church library or online via Zoom to discuss the day's lessons.

Last Sunday's Sermon

In the martyrdom of Stephen, Rev. Kevin hears a cover song and a metaphor for the Incarnation, the Bible, and our own Christian ministry. See the video below and check out this Spotify playlist for the covers mentioned, including "Always on My Mind" (somehow enjoyed by country fans, British club kids, and German rockers) and a favorite rendition of "Amazing Grace."

Upcoming Readings for May 14, 2023

Let us prepare our hearts and mind for worship with this Sunday's lessons:


The First Reading: Acts 17:22-31

Gods made of silver, or of technology, or of another thing are too small and limited to compare to the almighty living God. Paul teaches that idols deceive by seeming comprehensive but truly they are lacking.


The Psalm: Psalm 66:7-18

The Psalmist, though tempted and tested, offers praise to an always attentive, always loving God.


The Second Reading: 1 Peter 3:13-22

Suffering is the lot of humanity in a broken world, especially those who seek to disrupt the reign of evil. Taking Jesus’ example, may we seek righteousness in our daily lives.


The Gospel: John 14:15-21

Jesus reveals the coming of the Holy Spirit to comfort and embolden believers in Jesus’ absence.

Pentecost Volunteers Needed

Do you speak a language other than English? We need volunteers to assist with our Pentecost reading on Sunday, May 28. Contact Rev. Kevin.

OUTREACH

Tree of Life

Last night, volunteers from St. John's served 66 people at the Tree of Life dinner. St. John's partners with several other local churches to prepare and serve a meal once per month at the Sterling Community Center. They're always happy to see us on the second Tuesday of the month.


For more information and to sign up to join this powerful - and fun! - ministry, contact Andrew Wade or click here.

Western Fairfax Christian Ministries

St. John's is a founding partner of Western Fairfax Christian Ministries, which provides food and financial support to families at risk of hunger and homelessness in western Fairfax County. Please bring your donations to Sunday services, or drop at the church office:


Food and Beverages


  • Maseca Flour
  • Canned Tuna and Canned Chicken
  • Vegetable Oil 
  • Peanut Butter
  • Coffee
  • Ramen Noodles 
  • Vienna Sausages 
  • Tomato Sauce 


Toiletries (Toiletry items cannot be purchased by clients with SNAP)


  • Body Wash
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Lotion
  • Feminine Pads (not tampons)
  • Large size pull-ups (size 4T/5T for toddlers) 
  • Size 5 and 6 Diapers 
  • Baby Wipes 

The Shepherd's Center of Western Fairfax

The Shepherd's Center needs drivers and support for local seniors.

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 Katharine K. Hanley Family Shelter

Bring donations for our local family shelter to church or drop by the office:


  • Toothpaste
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body Wash
  • Bar Soap
  • Hand Soap
  • Deodorant

VOLUNTEER SIGN-UPS

Sunday Services

Additional readers and ushers needed. Sign up here.


Coffee Hour

We gather after worship for food and fellowship. Assist with snacks here.


Altar Flowers

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

For the people 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.

--a prayer from Archbishop Justin Welby and Archbishop Stephen Cottrell


Episcopal Relief & Development provides humanitarian assistance to people fleeing the violence in Ukraine, working with ACT Alliance and its Anglican partners in Europe. You can contribute to its Ukraine Crisis Response Fund here.

Odds and Ends


Bulletins and Communications. We're trying some new things with the Sunday bulletins, and working on this newsletter, too. If you have ideas or suggestions, or would like to assist, email Rev. Kevin or the parish office.


Office Hours. A few folks have asked about Rev. Kevin's office hours. Kevin tries to sabbath on Fridays. He is generally available at the St. John's office from 9 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Thursday. Please stop by when you're in the neighborhood.

Support St. John's Online

Download the Tithe.ly app on your phone or tablet, or use the buttons below to make a contribution to St. John's and God's mission here in Centreville.

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 email the parish office.

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FACILITY campaign
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