To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

I do not have a green thumb, or, rather, I'm all thumbs when it comes to plants. I once got a bonsai tree and was told, when properly cared for, it could live for decades. I guess I didn't properly care for it because I managed to destroy it in less than two weeks. This is among the many reasons why I'm so impressed by the Creation Care Garden here at St. John's.

Creation Care Garden chairperson Bev Milunec informs me that St. John’s parishioners harvested and delivered to Western Fairfax Christian Ministries an additional 56 pounds of fresh foods in September. It's just an amazing gift to see our garden flourish, and to know people in need will be fed with fresh vegetables and herbs.

You don't need a green thumb to be part of this amazing ministry. Our garden needs additional volunteers to assist with watering and harvesting tasks through October. And we'll soon need help with end-of-the-growing season chores. Last year, parishioners cleaned and organized the garden shed, stored the plant containers and supplies, and winterized the raised garden beds. If you'd like to be part of this wondrous harvest, contact Bev Milunec for more.

Grace and peace,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

Save the Date! Centreville Day!

Centreville Day will be held Saturday, October 19, 2024. Be sure to save the date for an amazing day in the Centreville Historic District. Contact Susie Pike to be part of St. John's Centreville Day presence.

Altar Flowers Needed

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

WORSHIP

Last Sunday's Service

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski is on vacation. Last Sunday's sermon will appear next week.

View the entire Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost on September 29 here. 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 Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

Let us prepare our hearts and mind for worship:

First Reading: Genesis 2:18-24

After Adam completes his task of naming the animals that God creates for the Garden of Eden, God creates the masterpiece of Adam’s spouse, Eve.

Response: Psalm 8

Second Reading: Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12

The author of Hebrews reflects on the wonder of Christ’s incarnation, our word for the fully divine second person of the Trinity becoming fully human.

Gospel: Mark 10:2-16

Jesus draws on Genesis to teach a bedrock principle of marriage: God intends it as a permanent covenant.

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.

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.)

Education for Ministry (EfM)

Education for Ministry (EfM) is a unique four-year distance learning certificate program in theological education based upon small-group study. Contact Walt Cooner for more information.

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 Shepherd's Center of Western Fairfax

The Shepherd's Center needs drivers and support for local seniors.

Volunteers Needed at the Katharine K. Hanley Family Shelter

St. John's makes and serves a meal every second Tuesday of the month at the shelter. Sign up to prepare or provide food ahead of time and/or join us on October 8 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.

Shop for Western Fairfax Christian Ministries

Please bring donations of food and more to Sunday services, or drop at the church office. Take one of the colorful slips at church as a reminder to shop. These items are especially needed:

Food:

• Flour
• Sugar (1 or 2 lb. bags)
• Vegetable Oil
• Pasta Sauce
• Pasta
• Cereal (low sugar preferred)
• Pancake Mix
• Family Sized Snacks (pretzels, crackers, etc.)
• Canned Chicken

​

Toiletries:

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

• Body Wash
• Bar Soap
• Toothpaste
• Hair Shampoo
• Toilet Paper
• Size 6 Diapers 
• Large size pullups (size 4T/5T for toddlers)
• Baby Wipes​

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.

For an Election

2024 is an election year, so let us pray:

Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP, p. 822)

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.