To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

Growing the Kingdom continues. You've heard enough from me for now. I'll have more on Sunday. Hear what other parishioners and friends have to say about this community in Jesus Christ:

• "I give to St. John's because St. John's has always been here for me. I have felt the ability to reach out to our priest and members of the church... I cannot think of a single place beyond St. John's that has meant so much to me."
• "I reflect on the unique gifts embraced by the St. John's parishioners I have gotten to know: the beautiful service & sermons, the prayers, the time, the talent & treasures that unite this welcoming community. As a newer member of St. John's, I was drawn to its simplicity which felt like home. I understand the generosity of making a pledge unites our ministries and outreach, as evidenced by the seasonal event of Centreville Day, and also helps us care for our buildings and grounds. St. John's is one of Centreville's best kept secrets and I am committed to maintaining this self-sustaining parish. It is my hope that this pledge will be part of leading the growth and vibrancy that is happening here and strengthen the ministry we share in Christ's name."
• "We love the community here at St. Johns! The parishioners are some of the most faithful and strongest people we know.  We feel like this small but very able congregation is such a resource for Outreach within the Centreville Community. Plus, we really enjoy Father K on Sunday mornings whether in person or on Zoom."
• "Why do I give to St. John’s? Healing, Hope, and Hospitality resonates. Our giving shows us how far we can reach together.”
• “I have pledged to St. John’s for 37 years… I find the fellowship and mutual support here to be wonderful, and I find the philosophy of St. John’s to be consistent with my beliefs. I love the fact that Father Kevin says every week, ‘No matter where you are on your journey of faith, you are welcome here.’”

Thank you for being part of St. John’s, this historic and much beloved part of God’s vineyard--for tending it, nurturing it, and helping it flourish. How will you share your God-given treasure - and your time, talent, and your testimony with St. John's, Centreville, and beyond in the coming year?

Prayerfully consider your financial commitment to St. John’s for 2027, and make your pledge today. Your gifts ensure that St. John’s continues to grow in Christian faith, service, and community. 

• Read this year's stewardship letter from Fr. Kevin and Senior Warden Lisa Heller.
• Pledge online today.
• Share your story. Tell us why you support St. John's. Just a few sentences will do. Share more if you like, so we can share it with others. Your words will be kept anonymous unless you indicate otherwise.
• If you have any questions, would like to discuss your pledge, or learn more about the many ways you can give to St. John’s, visit our website, contact me or hit reply on this email to talk to the church office.

Grace and peace,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Rector

St. John's Episcopal Church, Centreville

P.S. Keep scrolling! Help our neighbors this month through mission and outreach below. And scammers are trolling for gift cards again - even our Bishop's email was used this week. Protect yourself and friends and family. Keep reading!

P.P.S. Sunday ministers - readers, acolytes, ushers - don't forget to scroll all the way down to the usual link - or just sign up here to serve. And if you're interested in serving on Sundays, contact Fr. Kevin.

Upcoming Events!

Friendsgiving isn't the only holiday on the horizon. Watch the calendar for more details, save the date, RSVP, and join in with us!

• Advent Wreath-Making, 11/22, 10:30 AM
• Friendsgiving, 11/23, 6 PM 
• Football Watch Party, 11/29, 4:25 PM
• Blue Christmas Service, 12/21, 7 PM
• Christmas Eve Family Eucharist, 12/24, 4 PM
• Christmas Eve Eucharist, 12/24, 8 PM
• No Christmas Day Service This Year

A Word from Diocesan Convention

Fr. Kevin and lay delegate Monti Zimmerman attended the 232nd Annual Convention of the Diocese of Virginia November 5-7, 2026. A full report from Monti is coming later this month, but check out our website for a brief rundown and links to more from convention.

Altar Flowers Needed

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

WORSHIP

Sunday Sermon

We are all waiting for something, but it doesn’t mean we are passive or without hope. We can choose to live expectantly and fully engaged in our work as Christians. We know that ultimately what we are waiting for will be fulfilled. In the meantime, we stay faithful and live with courage.

View our services on our YouTube channel and look for new sermons 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 and worship bulletin are also available on our website.

Readings for The Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost (28A)

First Reading: Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18

Zephaniah prophesies that there will be consequences to the people’s sin. Persistent disobedience will not be disregarded.

Response: Psalm 90:1-8, 12

Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

The Thessalonians, and we ourselves, are called to live according to God’s perspective of creation rather than the temptation to the sleepiness of this world.

Gospel: Matthew 25:14-30

Jesus tells the parable of the talents, of those whom much has been given, much will be expected.

See the bulletin for Sunday.

What's Your Calling?

We all have gifts for ministry. What are yours? St. John’s needs your faith and your talent. We are welcoming new counters and ushers; acolytes, readers, preachers; and more. Maybe even think about Vestry in the new year…

If you feel called to serve in some way, are curious about these ministries (wait, what’s Vestry?), or just wondering where God may be calling you, contact Fr. Kevin.

If you're already serving - readers, acolytes, ushers - don't forget to scroll all the way down to the usual link - or just sign up here - to serve.

Bible Study on Ezekiel Wraps This Week

Our journey has come to an end, but you can still join us for the exciting conclusion!

• Wednesday at 11:00 AM, followed by Noonday Prayer, or
• Thursday at 7:00 PM, followed by Compline.

We'll take a Thanksgiving break and take on selections from Isaiah in Advent. For more information, check out the syllabus or contact Father Kevin or Lisa Heller.

EfM Underway!

St. John's Education for Ministry (EfM) cohort is underway. Thank you all for your commitment, and blessings in the journey ahead.

What is EfM?

Education for Ministry (EfM) is a unique small-group formation program from the School of Theology of the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. Through study, prayer, worship, and reflection, EfM seminar groups journey together through Scripture, church history, and theology. There's the traditional Classic four-year program and a new, one-year Wide Angle option. Contact Walt Cooner or the parish office for more information.

Adult Lectionary Forum This Sunday

Join us after Sunday worship in the library or online via Zoom to discuss the day's readings in greater depth.

Get Those Thanksgiving Boxes In!

St. John’s has committed to provide 35 boxes of groceries to Western Fairfax Christian Ministries (WFCM) for Thanksgiving. Please pick up a box in church or in the church office, shop for and fill the box with the listed items, and return it during worship or to the parish office by Thursday, November 19. Help our neighbors celebrate the holiday and rejoice in thanksgiving.

Help St. John's Deliver!

We will be gathering at the church on Saturday, November 21 at 7:30 AM to load our Thanksgiving boxes and deliver them to WFCM in Chantilly at 8:00 AM. Whether you make it to the delivery or not, we will be gathering at IHOP across Rt 29 from the church at 8:30 AM for breakfast. Feel free to come for the delivery and/or the breakfast.

For the number of people to reserve for breakfast, please RSVP to Andrew Wade.

If you have any questions about the Thanksgiving boxes, please contact Sandy Jones.

Join our Mission and Outreach Committee

Our team meets quarterly to review an activity and plan future ones. Our next meeting is Thursday, November 19th at 6:00-7:00 PM in the Church Library. These meetings are open to anyone interested! If you have some ideas as we are planning our 2027 goals, or if you're just curious, feel free to come by! (and stick around for Bible study...)

Another Terrific Dinner

In the month of November, we served 40 meals at Hanley House! Our next dinner is Tuesday, December 8th! We will be serving Baked Ziti and hopefully having a festive time! Please join us!

Sign up to prepare or provide food ahead of time and/or join us on

December 8 when we'll be serving Baked Ziti. 

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 NOW to Western Fairfax Christian Ministries

Food donations have slowed at WFCM. Things typically pick up for food banks when many folks' charitable instincts kick in around the holidays, but it's fall. Keep those donations coming to worship and the church office for delivery.

One St. John's parishioner takes the WFCM “Current Food Market Needs” list from their website (also below) and does a weekly shopping run for WFCM and delivers it directly. Shop for WFCM on your next grocery trip. Take it to WFCM, bring it to worship, or to St. John's office.

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:

• Sugar (1 lb. or 2 lb. bag)
• White All-Purpose Flour
• Maseca Flour
• Oil (canola, vegetable, olive)
• Oatmeal (Quaker Oats)
• Cereal (Low Sugar Preferred)
• Flavored Rice and Pasta (Rice A Roni/Pasta Roni)
• Boxed Pasta (ziti, spaghetti, macaroni)
• Canned Salmon
• Broth (beef, chicken, vegetable)
• Canned Pineapple
• Canned Mandarin Oranges 
• Canned Vegetables (carrots, potatoes, beets, spinach, collard greens, corn)
• Canned Beans (garbanzo, pinto, black, kidney, baked, refried)
• Pasta Sauce (no glass jars)
• Mashed Potatoes 
• Pancake Mix 

Note: We have an abundant amount of canned green beans, stuffing, and condensed chicken noodle and tomato soup. If purchasing/donating for our markets, we kindly request you do not purchase/donate these items. Thank you. 

Toiletries:

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

• Deodorant 
• Body Wash
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Toothpaste
• Lotion
• Shaving Cream and Disposable Razors
• Pull-Ups Size 4T/5T

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.

The Harvest Season is Coming to an End at St. John's Creation Care Garden

We've harvested nearly 100 pounds of produce this year for Western Fairfax Christian Ministries. Sign up here to assist the watering team.

About the Garden

St. John's Creation Care Garden raises fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs for Western Fairfax Christian Ministries' free food markets. Last year, St. John’s Creation Care Garden Committee grew, harvested, and delivered more than 180 pounds of produce, totaling 667 pounds over the past four years. Contact Jean Makurat or the parish office for more information.

Support the Centreville Immigration Forum (CIF)

Local groups report that detentions are increasing, and more court hearings are ending with cases denied or not even considered. Cases are being moved up and/or processed in bulk with more and more people per hearing. Appointments are being changed. Sites already aren't easily accessible via public transportation and are expensive and time-consuming to travel to. It's a fearful, anxious, confusing time for many. If you'd like to support our neighbors in need, contact the 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. 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. Contact the parish office for more information.

Angel Tree Returns!

This year, we are providing gifts to children at Katherine Hanley House. We are working with Katherine Hanley and Lord of Life Lutheran for this outreach.

All the gifts need to be back by December 9th. Gifts need to be new and wrapped with the Angel tag attached. They are asking that all of the gifts are in a $35 range, including the gift cards. They don’t want the kids to be getting one kid get something less than the others, so it’s just to keep things consistent.

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.