To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

In the Gospel of John, Jesus encouraged his disciples by telling them that they would see and do even greater things than they’d

experienced with him (John 1:50, 14:12).

On my first Sunday at St. John’s earlier this year, as the parish was still contemplating its next steps, I remember thinking, “This is amazing. Sure, I hope they choose me, but, whatever happens, I really hope they get someone special.” It was a wonderful moment, but I heard another voice, too, an echo of the Gospel: “Do you believe because of one Sunday service? You’ll see greater things than these.”

My first Sunday as priest-in-charge was March 5, 2023, and I have indeed seen greater things. I look forward to telling you more about them as part of Rooted In Abundance, our pledge campaign for the year.

Please read letters from John Tucker and Susan Pike, our Stewardship Co-Chairs, and me, that went out this week, and prayerfully consider your contribution to the mission of God here at St. John's. Our budget planning for 2024 has already begun, and your generous and thoughtful pledges are essential to those decisions.

For the next few weeks, we will give thanks and celebrate the abundance of God at St. John’s, how wonderful it is to be so Rooted in Abundance:

• Each of the Eucharists will be annotated, or “instructed,” Eucharists. We’ll pause from time to time to consider what we’re doing and why. It’ll be part history, part theology, and, hopefully, all joy.
• I’ll also be holding an online evening series on the Book of Common Prayer, its rich tradition and wisdom, and how it organizes time, worship, the body, and the soul. (Registration required.)
• We’ll mark All Saints Sunday, honoring the saints of the past and blessing the ministers of today.
• We’ll hear the testimony of generous parishioners both in worship and in our e-newsletter.
• Finally, we will close this season with our Ingathering–and several baptisms!–on November 19, and--save the date--a Friendsgiving potluck on November 20!

See below for more details on these events and more.

Pledge now! Print and fill out a pledge card to bring to church, fill out the card you received by mail, or use this online form. Then, stay tuned for our thanks, your giving envelopes if you request them, more information about giving to St. John's, and... a new way to give online (coming very soon!).

I look forward to this abundant time together, to our continued ministry, and, thanks to your generous pledges, to being part of the ever-greater work of God here at St. John’s Episcopal Church.

Grace and peace,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

No Trunk or Treat this Sunday...

We won't be having a Trunk or Treat this Sunday. We weren't able to confirm enough cars for this year's festivities. Thanks to those who did sign up and to those who contributed candy. The goodies will be shared with our children's chapel and with Elim preschool students.

WORSHIP

Last Sunday's Sermon

Deacon Steve Busch encourages us, as Jesus does, to give to God the things that are God's. We give to Caesar things that bear Caesar's image and likeness. We give to God things that bear God's image and likeness; we give of ourselves.

View the entire October 22 annotated Eucharist service here, and look for new sermons here.

Upcoming Readings for October 29, 2023

Let us prepare our hearts and mind for worship with the readings for the Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 25A):

First Reading: Leviticus 19:1-2,15-18

God gives Moses the law for his people, establishing that all are to treat each other with compassionate justice and with steadfast love.

Response: Psalm 1

The way of the righteous is a prosperous and abundant one marked by joy in God's law.

Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8

The disciples’ ministry among the Thessalonians is defended by virtue of their humility and integrity amongst the gathered faithful.

Gospel: Matthew 22:34-46

Continually determined to turn religious faith into an intellectual contest, the Pharisees again question Jesus. His answer silences all his opponents, who are both befuddled and afraid.

Altar Flowers Needed

Provide or purchase altar flowers for upcoming Sundays. Contact Marcia Evans or sign up 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.

New Worship Customary

Bishop E. Mark Stephenson has updated liturgical guidelines for the Diocese of Virginia. Most of the rules are "behind-the-scenes," but one change concerns intinction (dipping the host or bread in the wine at Communion) and affects worship here at St. John's. Intinction is still permitted, but, out of hygienic caution and re-engagement with our Eucharistic theology, "individual communicants may not dip their own hosts or bread in the wine." The minister will intinct for you, if you so desire. For more, join us on Sunday at 9:30 AM, and, as always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact Rev. Kevin.

A Wagon!

A special thank-you to Susan Davis for donating Amy's wagon to the church for our offertory. Our younger parishioners had a blast bringing up our gifts of food for others in it. I hope it's a tradition that catches on.

All Saints Sunday, November 5

The church celebrates the communion of saints, past, present, and future on All Saints:

• Honoring the Saints. All those we've loved and lost over the past year will be named in our prayers. The list is compiled from prayers for the departed over the last year. If there's someone you'd like to make sure is honored this All Saints, please email the parish office or just reply to this email.
• Blessing our Ministers. If you're in Education for Ministry (EfM), choir, altar guild, acolyte, lector, usher, or any other St. John's ministry, please be sure to attend this service for a special blessing and commissioning.

TOMORROW: The Compleat Book of Common Prayer (Abridged)

October 26, November 9, 16

7:00 PM

REGISTER HERE. We recently wrapped a series on the book of Psalms, and participants asked for resources around the Book of Common Prayer. Join Rev. Kevin and others online for a fun review of the riches of our prayer tradition and what it means to be Episcopalian. Tomorrow, we'll look at the "proper liturgies" and how the prayer book organizes worship. Register online and jump in with us any time.

We won't be covering the portions around Baptism and Eucharist though...

SUNDAY: The Eucharist (Annotated)

October 29, November 5, 12, 19

9:30 AM during Sunday worship

Because we'll cover that on Sundays! In what are often called "instructed Eucharists," we'll offer history, humor, and theology Sundays at 9:30 AM, briefly pausing worship to look at what we're doing, why, and what we might yet do in this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Sunday's worship will be in Rite I.

Adult Lectionary Forum

Join us Sundays in-person in the church library or online via Zoom to discuss the day's lessons.

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. St. John's EfM group is underway on Wednesday nights. Contact Walt Cooner for more information.

Tree of Life, Another Record!

Thanks to all who helped with Tree of Life dinner in Sterling earlier this month. We served 96 participants--another record!

Be sure to sign up to prepare and serve on November 14! St. John's partners with several other local churches to prepare and serve a meal to local residents every second Tuesday of the month at the Sterling Community Center. For more information and to sign up, contact Val Tucker, Andrew Wade, or click here.

The Katharine K. Hanley Family Shelter

The shelter is in need of volunteers to serve meals and help with dinner preparation. For more information, and to volunteer, contact Deacon Steve.

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.

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 continue to bring donations of food and more to Sunday services, or drop at the church office.

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.

Prayers for the Holy Land

Many prayers have been offered in the wake of recent terrorist attacks by Hamas and the outbreak of war. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry called for prayer again as an Anglican hospital in Gaza was destroyed. This comes from Archbishop Hosam Naoum of the Episcopal Diocese in Jerusalem.

O God of all justice and peace we cry out to you in the midst of the pain and trauma of violence and fear which prevails in the Holy Land. Be with those who need you in these days of suffering; we pray for people of all faiths - Jews, Muslims and Christians and for all people of the land. While we pray to you, O Lord, for an end to violence and the establishment of peace, we also call for you to bring justice and equity to the peoples. Guide us into your kingdom where all people are treated with dignity and honour as your children for, to all of us, you are our Heavenly Father. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

--via St. George's College (see also updates from St. George's College in Jerusalem, statements from Archbishops and Patriarchs, and a litany for the Holy Land from the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem)

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.

Altar Flowers

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

Tree of Life

Help us feed hungry families. Sign up here.

Photos?!

Have any photos or short videos from St. John's events? Send them to us.