To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

I can tell when my prayer discipline breaks down.

"Hmm," I'll think probably around 11 AM. "Things are getting really crazy lately. One emergency after another. Everything is urgent. Nothing seems to be getting done. If only there were time to just sit and breathe and be. How do I collect myself? I have to remember to book some time to... Yep. That's it. I didn't pray this morning. Might as well do it now, I suppose. Almighty and gracious God..."

"What happened?" I'll think at about 10 PM. "That did not go as planned. I had some high expectations with today. I was all good right up until--what was it? Right. Yeah, it was all downhill from there. Why does that happen? If only I took time at the end of the day... It is the end of the day. Look, Jesus, so..."

Pray. It helps.

God doesn't mind picking up the conversation right where you left off. Or right where you are.

Grace and peace,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

TODAY: St. Francis Day Blessing of the Animals

See you and your pets later today!

Centreville Day: October 14, 2023

Sign up to assist with Centreville Day!

The 31st annual Centreville Day will be held October 14, 2023 from 10 AM to

4 PM right here in the Centreville Historic District. The day features a parade, safety expo, Eco Expo, cavalcade of pets, historic tours, entertainment, rides for the kids, amazing food vendors from all over, and more! Admission is free. Bring family and friends!

Some 3,000 people are expected over the course of the day, and, of course, St. John's will be here to welcome them all. If you're interested in assisting with our booth, pet blessings, tours, and Centreville Day presence, sign up here and contact Rev. Kevin.

WORSHIP

Last Sunday's Sermon

God is not the one holding us back. God is the one who sets us free. Jesus Christ gives us the permission and the power to change.

View the entire October 1 service here, and look for new sermons here.

Upcoming Readings for October 8, 2023

Let us prepare our hearts and mind for worship with the readings for the Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 22A):

• Isaiah 5:1-7
• Psalm 80:7-14
• Philippians 3:4b-14
• Matthew 21:33-46

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

As shared Sunday, Bishop E. Mark Stephenson has updated liturgical guidelines for the Diocese of Virginia. Most of the rules are "behind-the-scenes" and govern bishop's visits and expectations around weddings and funerals. One change, however, 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 Favor? Wagon?

I'd like to invite our youngest parishioners to participate in our Sunday offertory by bringing up the gifts. Does anyone happen to have a wagon that they'd be willing to donate to St. John's? You know, one of those toy wagons you dragged to the top of the hill, jumped into at the last minute, and tried to steer until you fell out on the concrete because you saw "Cool Runnings" and didn't own a bobsled? No? Too specific? You might not have done that, but do you still have the wagon? Contact Rev. Kevin.

The Compleat Book of Common Prayer (Abridged)

October 19, 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. We won't be covering the portions around Baptism and Eucharist though...

The Eucharist (Annotated)

October 22, 29, November 5, 12, 19

9:30 AM during Sunday worship

Because we'll cover that on Sunday! 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.

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: October 10

Thanks to all who helped with last week's Tree of Life dinner in Sterling. We served more than 87 participants, more than ever!

Be sure to sign up to prepare and serve on October 10! St. John's partners with several other local churches to prepare and serve a meal to some 70 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.

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.