To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

In the Gospel for this Sunday (Mark 10:46-52), Jesus meets a blind beggar named Bartimaeus on the Jericho road. Bartimaeus shouts for help over those trying to keep him quiet, and comes to Jesus for healing, saying, "My teacher, let me see again." The Greek word that we translate as "see again" can also mean "look up," depending on the context. In a way, Bartimaeus is not only asking to see again, but, when he sees, to look up - upward from the day-to-day to the kingdom this Jesus is creating. After all, Bartimaeus, upon being cured, follows Jesus on the way, to see what else Jesus will do.

This past weekend, I had so many opportunities to look anew at St. John's, to look up from the day-to-day to the abundance Jesus is creating. On Saturday, we celebrated Centreville Day, and I went to a parishioner's Voce concert. On Sunday, there was our weekly worship, a great meeting with the Vestry and a guest from the diocese, followed by a fundraiser with Western Fairfax Christian Ministries. I remember saying to someone, "I didn't really have a weekend," but when I looked again, when I looked up, I had an amazingly full one.

It's easy to get lost in your schedule, in your emails, in your to-do list. I know I find myself in the weeds all the time. Remember to look again, to look up, for Jesus, for God at work in your life and in the world. Shout if you need to. God will be there.

Grace and peace,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

Friendsgiving!

For some fun church fellowship we will have a Friendsgiving Pot Luck in the Parish Lower Hall on Monday night, November 25, at 6:00. Please RSVP and let everyone know what you will be sharing. Paper plates, napkins and utensils will be provided.

Altar Flowers Needed

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

WORSHIP

October 20 Sermon

Jesus tries again to get his disciples (and us) to understand his call to be servant to all. Critically important to understanding discipleship, Jesus tries to help the disciples and us understand Christos - who or what he is. 

View the entire Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost on October 20 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 Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost

Let us prepare our hearts and mind for worship:

First Reading: Jeremiah 31:7-9

God promises his care for the Israelites, a lowly and suffering people.

Response: Psalm 126

Second Reading: Hebrews 7:23-28

Jesus, our great high priest, has made the required sacrifice once for all, and he intercedes for us down through eternity.

Gospel: Mark 10:46-52

A blind beggar knows that Jesus has the authority to heal him, and he will not be silenced by the impatience of those around him. Jesus, responding to his zeal, restores his sight.

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.

WFCM Thanksgiving Food Distribution and Volunteer 

Western Fairfax Christian Ministries is seeking volunteers to help distribute food from the Thanksgiving collection on Saturday, November 23, starting at 8:00 AM until 3:00 PM. Please review the list of unfilled volunteer opportunities at this link.

Volunteers Needed at the Katharine K. Hanley Family Shelter

In October we served 62 meals! Everyone enjoyed the Pulled Chicken and Mac and Cheese! Thanks to everyone who supported this meal! Our next meal is November 12.

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 November 12 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.

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.

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.