To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

We celebrated our third annual Friendsgiving potluck Monday night. It's the end of the stewardship season, and the St. John's family pauses to give thanks to God and for one another.

I didn't pause myself, though; I got to work. Now that we have some new, working ranges in the kitchen (!), I figured I'd cook at the office. I went to the grocery store during lunch to pick up mac and cheese to make for my boys. While I was there, I kept wondering, "Is this going to be enough?" I threw a vegetarian lasagna in the cart, some extra drinks, and more. For some reason, I was just convinced there wouldn't be enough, that I had to do something, anything, to do and be more for the evening. Then, I raced back to work. I got so involved taking care of things so I could travel over the holiday, I didn't make it downstairs to put the lasagna in the oven, so it would be ready on time. I'd failed.

Then, as more people showed up with their dishes, I realized that all my frantic worrying didn't amount to much. I didn't need to twist myself into knots. There was always going to be more than enough for everyone.

As you prepare for what can be a frantic holiday season, pause to remember that it will be--that you are--more than enough.

Faithfully,

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

Sharing the Kingdom: Fall Stewardship Campaign Ends

Our fall stewardship campaign - Sharing the Kingdom - has come to an end, but there's

still time to voice your commitment to St. John's in 2026.

On Sunday, we reached 84% of our goal of $260,000 in total pledge dollars. Now, the tough work on our 2026 budget begins anew. The funds we can dedicate to staff salaries, to our historic campus and facility, to mission and outreach, to evangelism and growth, and to worship and formation in 2026 depend on your commitment today. Help put us over the top with your pledge today.

St. John's is a space of God's healing, hope, and hospitality, a place where the kingdom of God can be seen, felt, and lived. At our best, we not only rejoice in this glimpse into the future, but we share that kingdom with one another, with our neighbors, and with the world.

Prayerfully consider your 2026 commitment to St. John's today.

Click above to hear from Finance Committee Chair Monti Zimmerman or on this YouTube playlist to hear from all our speakers so far.

Visit our website for more information - including print pledge cards - and/or click below to make your pledge for Sharing the Kingdom.

Advent Wreath Workshop, December 2, 6:30-8:30 PM

Make your own Advent wreath! Nancy and Emori have put together wreath kits, including candles, wreath ring, and charger. Join us in room 217/218 on December 2 to turn them into something special for the season. Bring greenery and a snack to share. RSVP here.

Joy to the World with Voce Chamber Singers, December 6 & 7

Make a joyful noise this holiday season with Voce Chamber Singers! This December, we present Benjamin Britten’s jubilant Ceremony of Carols alongside Leonard Bernstein’s stirring Chichester Psalms. Sing along to your favorite carols and enjoy these timeless choral classics featuring musical guests on harp, organ, and percussion.

Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 7:30pm at Church of the Holy Comforter, Vienna, VA

Sunday, December 7, 2025 at 4:00pm at Lewinsville Presbyterian Church, McLean, VA

Tickets available online and at the doors.

Christmas at St. John's

Join us to celebrate the birth of the Savior!

• Christmas Eve Family Eucharist, 12/24/2025, 4:00 PM
• Christmas Eve Eucharist, 12/24/2025, 8:00 PM
• Christmas Day Eucharist, 12/25/2025, 9:30 AM

More events and information to come...

Scam Alert

Be on the lookout for strange emails and texts claiming to be from St. John's staff. Learn more here.

Altar Flowers Needed

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

WORSHIP

Sunday Sermon

As we mark the last Sunday after Pentecost, we reflect upon the power and majesty of Christ the King. Unfortunately, we do the same thing to God that we do to our ministries and churches: we make them big enough to meet our own demands but small enough to control.

Apologies for some technical difficulties with our YouTube streaming this Sunday. We think that our local network was overwhelmed and are working on it. Those in attendance, please turn off WiFi on your devices. Sorry for the inconvenience.

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, worship bulletin, and lectionary class are sent Saturday and also available on our website.

Upcoming Readings for the First Sunday of Advent

First Reading: Isaiah 2:1-5

Isaiah sees a day in the future when God will bring peace to reign upon the earth. All violence and isolation and oppression will cease.

Response: Psalm 122

One of fifteen pilgrimage songs, Psalm 122 speaks of the joy of that pilgrim journey, arriving in Jerusalem, and entering the Lord's house.

Second Reading: Romans 13:11-14

There is no reason or excuse to continue in sin, evil, and darkness. We know right from wrong and have power through Jesus Christ to choose the right. Now is the moment to step into the light.

Gospel: Matthew 24:36-44

There is no reason to delay faithful living and the life to which God calls each believer. None of us knows when our end will come. Let us live today with conviction.

New Worship Customary

Bishop E. Mark Stephenson has updated liturgical guidelines for the Diocese of Virginia. Remember: "individual communicants may not dip their own hosts or bread in the wine." The minister will intinct for you, if you so desire. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact Rev. Kevin.

Saint of the Week: Clement of Rome

According to early Church tradition, Clement was a disciple of Jesus’ apostles and the third Bishop of Rome.

Read more about him here.

Bible Study on Acts of the Apostles

Join us in the library Wednesdays at 11:00 AM or Thursday nights at 7:00 PM for Bible study.

We won't be meeting November 26-27 because of Thanksgiving. We'll resume as usual December 3-4.

We're reading Acts of the Apostles, using N.T. Wright's Acts: 24 Studies for Individuals and Groups. 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

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.)

Give with the Angel Tree

In partnership with Lord of Life Lutheran Church, St. John's is once again offering an angel tree this season. Look for the tree in the breezeway by the front door. Each angel has information about a child in need and a suggested gift from a family being supported by a local social services organization. Please take a blue angel from the tree, purchase the gift, and return the wrapped gift with the angel on it.

Thanksgiving Boxes Delivered!

Thanks to all St. John's parishioners who contributed Thanksgiving boxes this holiday. George Dewey and Tom Jones delivered 30 boxes to Western Fairfax Christian Ministries on Saturday. Deacon Steve was at the church on Friday as the boxes were loaded into the cars for delivery. Thanks to all who helped neighbors in need have a happy holiday!

Support 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:

• Canned Meat (chicken, salmon, sardines, Vienna sausages)
• Mashed Potatoes (pouch or box)
• Boxed Pasta (macaroni, ziti, shells, etc.)
• Canned Fruit (peaches, pears, pineapples)
• Boxed Cereal (low sugar preferred)
• Rice (white or brown)
• Peanut Butter
• Flour (white or Maseca)
• Sugar (1 or 2 pound bag)
• Oil (vegetable, canola, olive)
• Chicken/Beef/Bone Broth
• Similac (blue label)
• Shelf Stable Juice (apple, cranberry, grape, etc.)
• Shelf Stable Almond Milk (family size)

​

Toiletries:

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

• Body Wash
• Deodorant 
• Lotion
• Toothpaste
• Mouthwash 
• Hair Shampoo and or Conditioner 
• Feminine Hygiene Products (Pads preferred)
• Baby Wipes 
• 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.

Serving at the Hanley House

This month, we served a Chicken and Broccoli Noodle Casserole to 45 people. We were told that 5 families just moved out, so we were a little lighter this month. But those spaces are expected to be filled by next month. We are going to serve the same meal next month as it was appreciated by the residents! Join us in December!

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 December 9 to serve. Contact Deacon Steve for more information.

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.

Creation Care Garden Update

Bev Milunec has a holiday message about our garden:

'Twas the week of Thanksgiving when all through the garden

Not a creature was stirring, not even our warden.

The plant cages were nestled all snug in the shed

Containers were stored underneath each raised bed.

Sincere thanks to Durinda, Tom, Jean, and Len

As well as to Jerry, Gail, Gene, Bev, and Ann.

Along with the Girl Scouts they planted each seed

Which yielded good harvests to feed those in need.

One hundred eighty pounds of produce in all

Were delivered to the food pantry by fall.

We hope to continue this fine ministry.

If you can help tell Father Kevin or me.

Supporting 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 Deacon Steve 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 Deacon Steve 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 online 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.