To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

Grant, we pray, Almighty God, that as we believe your only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to have ascended into heaven, so we may also in heart and mind there ascend, and with him continually dwell; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Church celebrates the Ascension tomorrow, May 18. After spending 40 days with his disciples after Easter, Jesus ascends bodily into heaven (Acts 1:3, 6-11). Easter, the triumph of Jesus Christ over sin and death, should shatter our typical notions of what's real and important forever. Still, by the sixth Sunday of Easter, we've settled back into our earthly, materialist routines. At least, I have. And then along comes Ascension, which reminds us that Jesus was not only a teacher, a martyr, a prophet, a social critic. Our lives are not only consumption and production, the constant supply of urgent demand. There is a justice, a beauty, a peace, and a grace at work in the world, if we could look up from all that holds us down. There is another world greater than this one. May we "also in heart and mind there ascend."

Grace and peace,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

Raise the Roof Update

Work on the third and final phase of our roof replacement has begun! It is loud here at the office! 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 and, along with Penny Parker, these updates.

As of today, we have raised $6,705 toward Phase III. Thank you to everyone who stepped up so eagerly and faithfully!

The Work: Phase III will cost more than $40,000. This part of the roof covers our classrooms, 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, which will add to that cost. Still, once completed, we can count on a 30-year warranty for materials and another 10-year warranty for labor, a huge sigh of relief for those that have run around with buckets over the last few years.

Fundraising: 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 grant requires us at least that amount from the parish. Thanks to your generosity, and the grace of God, we have secured that match, bringing total funds raised to $11,705.

Contribute: 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!

Pictures from the Progressive Dinner?

Thank you to Penny Parker and Elise Crawford for masterminding the return of this beloved tradition on Saturday. Thank you to our host families for sharing your homes - and thank you to all who attended because everyone contributed something to a wonderful evening. If you remembered to snagg pictures of the day, reply to this email with them. We'd like to share! We can't wait for the next one!

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

Rev. Kevin draws a line between fans and disciples, encouraging honest, authentic relationship with a God who loves us fiercely and has been expecting us.

Upcoming Readings for May 21, 2023

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

The First Reading: Acts 1:6-14

Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to his followers and they see him ascend into heaven.

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

The Psalmist praises a powerful God, master of nature and history.

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

The Christian life will not be free of suffering, but God equips each believer to meet temptation and trouble through his mercy and grace.

The Gospel: John 17:1-11

Jesus prays to the Father on behalf of the disciples, both those with him then and us today, that God would be glorified in our lives and that we would know him.

Memorial Day Observance May 28, 9:00 AM

A brief observance of Memorial Day will be held Sunday, March 28 at 9 AM before our morning service. Join us in the churchyard as we give God thanks and praise, honor those who ventured much in heroic service, and pray for our nation.

Pentecost Volunteers Needed, May 28, 9:30 AM

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

Tree of Life

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

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.

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.