To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

It is Ascension Day. Forty days after Easter, we celebrate the resurrected Jesus rising into heaven (Acts 1:6-11, see also Luke 24:50-53). Ascension isn't new to the Bible. The prophet Elijah was taken up in a whirlwind with flaming chariots and horses (2 Kings 2:1-12). But as a child fascinated by the planets and stars, I always wondered, "If he's ascending, where exactly does Jesus go?" I understand rising into the air and then disappearing from sight, but we all know what's up there: thinning atmosphere and then outer space. So what gives? What's up? Assurances from angels aside, where does Jesus go?

These days, I imagine the Ascension as more of a going forward than a going up. Jesus speaks in another gospel of going and preparing a place for us (John 14:2-3). Hebrews 12:2 speaks of Jesus as a "pioneer." Jesus doesn't move so much in space as time. Jesus goes ahead to the future to prepare a place for us. From there, he calls us to follow him to higher, better ground, to justice, peace, and love. He ascends to a new future for us, to the promised land, that heavenly country, and our true home.

At least, that's what I imagine. I don't have angels explaining things to me.

Peace,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

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, join one of our upcoming ministry meetings (see below) or contact Fr. Kevin.

Speak in Tongues at Pentecost!

Pentecost is the "birthday" of the church. It marks the Holy Spirit inspiring the disciples in wind and fire to declare the Gospel. We celebrate on May 24 this year, and we need your help with a Pentecost tradition!

My sending parish (the one that sponsored me for ordination) celebrated the holiday with a special reading of Acts 2:1-21. The lector would begin the reading as usual until they got to verse 4: "All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability."

Hearing this, members of the congregation would stand in succession and proclaim the verse in a language other than English, as the Spirit gave them ability. Over the years, parishioners stood to speak Spanish, French, Tagalog, Chinese, Polish, Arabic, Hebrew, Greek, Latin, Gothic, and more. They spoke the languages their families spoke at home, the ones they'd left behind, the ones they'd studied for years, the ones from high school they'd half forgotten, and the ones they had just learned to pronounce out of a spirit of adventure for the occasion. The lector then continued on. It was Pentecost in the pews!

So... if you're fluent, conversational, or just dabble in a language other than English, we need you! Contact Fr. Kevin by May 20 if you'd like to participate.

And don't forget to wear red on May 24! Inquire at the church office for your official red St. John's t-shirt!

More Ministry Meetings!

Liturgy is a "work of the people," and we need you to make worship everything it can be at St. John's.

• Are you interested in serving at the altar?
• Curious about reading the word?
• Would you like to help prepare the church for worship?
• What about welcoming newcomers and parishioners alike?

Now's your chance! If you're interested in serving in some way, or you're already serving, join us after worship on upcoming Sundays to check in, renew, and expand our ministry teams:

• May 24: Choir
• June 7: Ushers (this is a change, due to some scheduling conflicts)

Acolytes, lectors (readers), and Altar Guild already met. If you couldn't or can't make a certain meeting but would still like to be involved, email Fr. Kevin.

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.

Altar Flowers Needed

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

WORSHIP

Sunday Sermon

Jesus said, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." So what were those commandments? Fr. Kevin takes a quick look at the times Jesus used the imperative in the Gospel of John. (Kathy is a saint!)

View our services on our YouTube channel and look for new sermons here.

Readings for the Seventh Sunday of Easter

First Reading: Acts 1:6-14

Jesus continues to teach the disciples until he ascends to heaven. He leaves them with the promise that they will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Response: Psalm 68:1-10, 33-36

Second Reading: 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11

Peter tells believers not to be surprised by the world’s hostility toward their faith. In fact, they should see suffering for Jesus’ sake as a privilege because it is a promise that they will share in his glory.

Gospel: John 17:1-11

Jesus’ prayer for his disciples on the night before he died recounts his life’s work, and looks ahead to the work in which his followers have been called to join him.

Join Us In Person or Online

Join us in the historic church at 9:30 AM Sunday or watch live via YouTube. The worship bulletin is published on our website when ready.

Saint of the Week: Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf

Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf was a German religious and social reformer, bishop of the Moravian Church, Christian mission pioneer, and a major figure of 18th-century Protestantism.

Read more about him here.

Join Our Bible Study on 1 Corinthians

Bible study will not meet tonight, Thursday, May 14. The Thursday class met on Tuesday this week as Fr. Kevin is out of town. Our regular schedule resumes on May 20-21.

Join us in the library Wednesdays at 11:00 AM or Thursday nights at 7:00 PM for Bible study on St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians. No need to RSVP for individual classes. Jump in anytime.

For more information, read a series overview with syllabus, watch our website, and/or contact Father Kevin or Lisa Heller.

Education for Ministry (EfM)

Through study, prayer, worship, and reflection, EfM seminar groups journey together through scripture, church history, and theology.

St. John's EfM cohort meets Wednesday nights in the St. John's library, unless otherwise announced. Registration for this year is closed. Contact Walt Cooner for more information.

Adult Lectionary Forum This Week - and Special Session on Trinity Sunday

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.)

And be sure to join us Sunday, May 31 for a special Trinity Sunday session on this central doctrine of the Church.

A Delicious May at the Hanley Shelter - Join Us in June!

St. John's provided 35 meals at Hanley House in the month of May. We served up a delicious Beef Stroganoff!

Our next date is Tuesday, June 9th. We are serving Pulled Chicken with Mac and Cheese. Please support us in the tasty ministry!

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 9 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.

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.

If you're interested in supporting or volunteering with CIF's labor resource center and other work:

• Donate men’s work clothes and boots (they do not need to be new). Bring them to worship or to the St. John's office, or deliver them directly to CIF at 5944 Centreville Crest Ln, Centreville, VA 20121. Be sure to let the parish office know if you deliver directly to CIF. We like to keep track of St. John's impact!
• Volunteer to provide rides to CIF clients to medical appointments. Sign up on the CIF website.
• Volunteer to accompany immigrants to court hearings. CIF's Volunteer Coordinator will provide training to interested individuals. Contact the parish office for more.

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. They've had to turn down a number of recent requests because of a lack of volunteers.

Volunteers do not have to commit ahead to a specific day of the week or time of day. As a driver, you check the Shepherd Center website for the client list, and select the ride you'd like to provide. All pickups are local, and all appointments are in northern Virginia (no DC or Maryland). You don't stay with the client in the doctor's office, if you don't want to. You can volunteer as much or as little as your schedule permits.

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.