Apologies for this late edition. We encountered some authentication problems while Fr. Kevin was away at convention. Apologies for the inconvenience. We now return you to our regularly scheduled programming.

To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

Growing the Kingdom is, on the one hand, about numbers. Stewarding the legacy and attending to the future of this community are practical, unavoidable concerns. We are called to serve God and neighbor, and mission takes resources–wages for clergy and lay staff, bills for repairs, and a $700,000 mortgage. We must maintain a historic campus, not only for our parish but all the faithful communities who call St. John’s home. That’s Growing the Kingdom, welcoming more people to this community, and gathering more resources for this work of Jesus Christ at St. John’s, in Centreville and beyond.

But it isn’t all about numbers. Growing the Kingdom means what it says: growth, but growth isn’t only about size or amount. Growth is also about depth, intensity, and development. When we grow as humans, we get taller and bigger, sure, but we also hopefully get stronger and wiser, maybe more conscious, caring, and courageous. We change.

I’m often worried if I’m praying or studying Scripture or, since it's pledge season, giving enough. I could always be praying, studying, and giving more. So what’s enough? And the answer I’ve come up with is: Until it changes me. Pray, study, give, work, love, whatever, until it changes you. That’s how I know Jesus, who taught and healed, died and rose, is there. Pray until your eyes open. Study until you hear something new. Give until it hurts. Work until your work is done, then enjoy rest. Love until, well, don’t ever stop doing that. God is at work in the world, changing us, changing the world.

So when we talk about Growing the Kingdom, we’re also asking: in the coming year, what are we willing to commit to growth? What are we willing to give for transformation: for us in our worship, for each other in ministry, for others in service, for our neighborhood in change?

How will we be Growing the Kingdom? 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. 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.
• 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.

A Word from Diocesan Convention

Fr. Kevin and lay delegate Monti Zimmerman attended the 232nd Annual Convention of the Diocese of Virginia this week. 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.

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!

• Last Call: Countdown to Christmas Card Party, 11/14, 2 PM
• 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

Altar Flowers Needed

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

WORSHIP

Sunday Sermon

Saints are saints because, by the grace of God, they make the move beyond the fandom that is just consumerism to participation in the eternal life of God in Jesus Christ.

The wall camera that usually records the sermon went out just before things began. Our nimble team switched to the camera at the back of the church. Thanks to them! Meanwhile, Fr. Kevin apologizes for the long-windedness. Just listen to the intro. You get everything there really. He promises November 15 will be different.

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-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost (27A)

First Reading: Amos 5:18-24

The prophet warns those who place their hope of salvation in outward appearances rather than in pleasing God with righteous lives.

Response: Psalm 70

Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Unlike pagan teachings and practices surrounding those who have died, Paul’s message to the Thessalonians encourages them to understand that because of God in Christ, they too will be resurrected.

Gospel: Matthew 25:1-13

Jesus tells the parable of the wise and the foolish bridesmaids; though they all fall asleep, some have brought extra oil, and some have not come prepared.

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: Ezekiel :

There will be no session Wednesday, November 11 in honor of Veterans Day. We will meet at 11 AM and 7 PM on Thursday, November 12.

We are nearing the end of our journey, but jump in anytime!

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

Or as announced.

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.

Thanksgiving Boxes!

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.

Spooky Service at Hanley House

The St. John's team gave out flashing Halloween rings to the kids at Hanley House as we shared delicious Chicken and Broccoli Casserole! We served 55 meals, but also had leftovers. Those who come to serve get the chance to share a meal with our neighbors.

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

November 10 when we'll be serving Beef Stroganoff. 

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.

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.

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

Shepherd’s Center is in serious need of an administrative person to volunteer one day a week (M,T, or W) to check voice mails, spend an hour or two in the office at Sully Community Center, 13800 Wall Road, Herndon (near Udvar Hazy), and enter ride requests into computer program (very easy to do). Contact

Libby McCullough.

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.

Scam Alert! More Bogus Emails Are Trolling for Gift Cards

Sadly, we need to warn all church members AGAIN about scammers looking to steal money. There was another round of emails claiming to be from Fr. Kevin asking for gift cards. If you get an email like that:

Do not reply; do not click. St. John's, like all churches these days, is a frequent target of those who would try to impersonate our priest or other member of the church in a text or email in order to take advantage of members' care and generosity towards each other. No one from the church will ever ask you to purchase a gift card or send money by any means other than our website (which uses Realm and Square) or via the Sunday offering. Don't reply. Don't click any link, especially in a text.

Look at the sender's actual email address. One recent email seemed to be from Fr. Kevin. Kevin Laskowski was the name that came up in the inbox. The email's body had his title and the church's physical address, but the email was actually from a random Gmail address. Fr. Kevin only emails from his stjohnscentreville.com address.

Independently verify any request. Call the church office at 703-803-7500, or talk to Fr. Kevin to verify. When the person contacting you is trying to prevent that, tells you not to call, tries to keep it secret, or says they can't be contacted, that is a red flag. You can always talk to Fr. Kevin, and any request can wait.

Report as spam and delete.

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.