To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom."

--Luke 12:32

The Gospel of Matthew prefers the language "kingdom of heaven." Some call it the "reign of God." But it all points to the "kingdom of God" that Jesus preached. In the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the longed-for redemption of God's people, that hoped-for time of God's forgiveness, justice, peace, and love, had finally come near. That time, that place, that space, that way of being you're hoping to find? Jesus tells us it has already arrived, and it can be seen, felt, and lived into in the faithful church.

A lot will be happening at St. John's over the course of the next few months: Centreville Day, a new website, our November stewardship and annual giving campaign, the 2026 budget, renewing our relationships with our ministry partner congregations, welcoming a newly-signed organization to our space, Thanksgiving, Christmas, parish events, Christian formation, a new fire panel, and more. Guiding all of it - our annual giving campaign and beyond - will be this notion of Sharing the Kingdom.

St. John's is a space of God's healing, hope, and hospitality, a place where the kingdom of God can be see, felt, and lived into. 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.

With God’s help, we will be Sharing the Kingdom in all we do: When we worship together and praise God. When we reach out to the community with the news of the Gospel through our new website and activities like Centreville Day. When we study the Acts of the Apostles in bible study, rediscover our ministries in EfM, and find greater meaning the challenge of evangelism that is our heritage. When we welcome a new ministry of an organization that cares for the elderly and find common ground with our many ministry partners.

When we fully live into the vision we have set for ourselves of healing, hope, and hospitality, we share this amazing new world that God is bringing into being at St. John's, in Centreville and beyond.

St. John's has endured for 170 years because it has a mission greater than itself. As its community has changed, so has the shape of that mission. But the work of the kingdom still calls. This is an exciting time for our community. Please join us and share in this new creation.

Faithfully,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

St. Francis Day Pet Blessings, October 4

St. Francis Day (October 4) celebrates St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals! Join us in front of the historic church for a brief, outdoor, pet-friendly service of thanks Saturday, October 4 at 1 PM. Bring your furry, feathered, or scaly friends for blessings, treats, and a free gift until 2:30 PM.

Piedmont Regional Art Show & Sale at Grace

Please join us at Grace Episcopal Church in The Plains to enjoy an exhibition of original art in a variety of media created by local artists for the annual Piedmont Regional Art Show & Sale and silent auction. Proceeds help support our community outreach ministries. The Show runs October 3-5. Admission is free on Saturday (10am-6pm) including live music and food options, and on Sunday (Noon to 4pm). There is a $30 charge to attend the Friday opening gala. All artwork is for sale at a variety of price points. Our church hall is located at 6507 Main Street, The Plains, VA. Our website is www.piedmontartshow.org Find us also at: www.facebook.com/artshowatgrace

Centreville Day, October 18

The 33rd Annual Centreville Day is upon us! Centreville Day will be held Saturday, October 18 here in the Centreville Historic District from 10 AM to 4 PM. There's so much to be seen this year: the Eco Expo, the Safety Expo, Pets in the Park, the Trick or Treat Trail, the Historic Centreville Trail, food, entertainment, vendors, rides, and more! Admission is free. Entertainment is free. Children's rides are free. Invite family and friends!

And, of course, St. John's will be there!

If you'd like to assist in St. John's Centreville Day presence, sign up HERE or contact Senior Warden Lisa Heller or Fr. Kevin. Leading up to Centreville Day, we need your help with promotional materials, baked goods, and more. On October 18, we'll need volunteers to set up, staff, and clean up our booths as well as tour guides and photographers. Sign up now!

Scam Alert

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

Evangelists Wanted

The Vestry is looking for additional volunteers to assist with evangelism and marketing, helping with a revamped website, social media, and other promotional materials. If interested, contact Fr. Kevin or Lisa Heller.

Altar Flowers Needed

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

WORSHIP

Sunday Sermon

View all our services on our YouTube channel. And look for new sermons as always 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 Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

First Reading: Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4

Seeing the rampant violence and injustice in the world, the prophet cries out on behalf of the people. God assures his servant that surely one day all will be set right.

Response: Psalm 37:1-10

The Psalmist encourages patience in adversity. The Lord's justice will come.

Second Reading: 2 Timothy 1:1-14

Paul encourages his brother in faith, Timothy, in their mutual ministry of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, acknowledging both the difficulties and the joys of this call.

Gospel: Luke 17:5-10

The duty of Christian disciples is to practice faith in our Lord, Jesus Christ. Our call is to cultivate and hone our faith through our daily lives.

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: Anna Alexander

Our featured saint for the week is Anna Ellison Butler Alexander, daughter of emancipated enslaved parents who became the first woman of color to be consecrated as a deaconess in The Episcopal Church. Despite racial prejudice even within the church and her own diocese, she persevered and flourished, serving the Diocese of Georgia all but two years of her adult life.

Read more about her 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'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.)

Serve at the Hanley House

Our September meal at the Hanley house was very well received! We served 73 meals of delicious pulled chicken BBQ and mac and cheese! The shelter is still very full, and residents were very appreciative of the food and support we provided.

Next month we are serving Chili Mac and Corn Bread! Please help us if you can and sign up to feed our neighbors. 

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 October 14 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.

Grow with the Creation Care Garden

More fresh produce - including peppers, tomatoes, green beans, and herbs - was harvested this month, bringing us up to more than 118 pounds of produce grown, harvested, and delivered for 2025 so far. Our garden plants continue to do well and have many small veggies and blossoms on them.

Several of our garden volunteers will be away this month. If you are able to help with watering the garden or harvesting, please contact Ann Goldberg. 

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:

• Canned Meat (chicken, salmon, sardines, Vienna sausages)
• Canned Vegetables (beets, potatoes, spinach, peas, yams)
• Canned Pasta (ravioli, spaghettios, etc)
• Mashed Potatoes (pouch or box)
• Boxed Pasta (macaroni, ziti, shells, etc.)
• Flavored Rice and Pasta (Rice A Roni, Knorr pasta sides)
• Peanut Butter
• Jelly
• Sugar
• Macaroni and Cheese
• Chicken/Beef/Bone Broth
• Canned Fruit (peaches, pears, pineapples)
• Canned Beans (kidney, black, garbanzo)
• Boxed Cereal 
• Hot Cereal (oatmeal, grits)
• Cake Mix or Brownie Mix 
• Family Sized Snacks (pretzels, crackers, nuts, etc.)
• 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
• 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.

Support 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.

Help the Shepherd's Center of Western Fairfax

St. John's has three volunteers supporting the Shepherd's Center of Western Fairfax. They provide rides to people who are over 50 and and can no longer drive by offering driving services to:  

• the WFCM Food Pantry
• Medical & Dental Appointments
• Therapy Services

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.

To assist, you must live in western Fairfax County in or around Clifton, Centreville, or Chantilly. For more information and to volunteer, visit the Shephed'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. Join us now!



• Click the button below to set up a recurring gift online, or text "STJOHNSCENTREVILLE" to 73256 to give using your mobile device.
• Pledge to give using this online form.
• Explore more about giving to St. John's on our website or by contacting Father Kevin.