To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

I don't have the most disciplined prayer life. Like most, I suppose, I'm working on it. But I will say I'm disciplined enough to notice when I haven't prayed. I frequently find myself getting into the weeds. I lose myself in the day-to-day, in my many, many to-do lists. And when this happens, I often think, "Wait, I didn't pray today, did I?" Whenever I find myself losing my place, I know it's time to take several steps back to pray and spend some time with the Scriptures.

This upcoming Sunday's reading from Hebrews says, "The word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (4:12). The Scriptures can cut through the nonsense of our lives, moving us closer to what really matters. Our prayers reorient us to God's intentions and hopes for us all. They lift us up from the day-to-day, and the to-do lists, and bring us back to God.

So take a moment today - take several moments every day - to crack open the powerful word of God and to pray.

Grace and peace,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

P.S. And spend some time with today's newsletter. There's a lot going on here at St. John's in a very busy month ahead!

Author Night

On September 30, St. John's invited our own parishioner and author Lee Griffith to give a talk about his book The Right Thing. Lee was very engaging, and the crowd present enjoyed his talk, and had many books signed! We all enjoyed great fellowship, and great food and drink!

Centreville Day!

Saturday, October 19, 10 AM - 4 PM

Centreville Day will be held Saturday, October 19, 2024 here in the Centreville Historic District. Please sign up to help with the day and be part of St. John's Centreville Day presence. Contact Senior Warden Susie Pike with questions.

Voce Concert: Divine Spark

Saturday, October 19, 7:30pm, Church of the Holy Cross, Dunn Loring, VA

Sunday, October 20, 4:00pm, Church of the Holy Cross, Dunn Loring, VA

Immerse yourself in the heavenly sounds of Voce Chamber Singers at our most intimate venue! Be transported by this soulful program featuring works for organ and choir including Benjamin Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb and R. Nathaniel Dett’s breathtaking cantata, Chariot Jubilee, featuring guest tenor soloist Devin Mercer, keyboard artist Neil Weston, Holy Cross music director Nick Lodico-Kierstead, and St. John's, Centreville's own Laura Walsh. For tickets and more information, click here.

Save the Date: Friendsgiving!

Our potluck conclusion to stewardship season (also coming soon!) returns Monday night, November 25. Save the date and stay tuned for more details.

Altar Flowers Needed

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

WORSHIP

September 29 Sermon

Jesus is looking for disciples valued less for their religious opinions and more for their actions for a world in need.

October 6 Sermon

Divorce and remarriage are permissible in this broken world of ours. Jesus reframes the Pharisees' intellectual trap in terms of God's intentions for God's people and his hopes for his disciples.

View the entire Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost on October 6 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-First Sunday after Pentecost

Let us prepare our hearts and mind for worship:

First Reading: Amos 5:6-7,10-15

Amos the prophet thunders with God’s righteous anger against those who distort the truth and trample on the poor.

Response: Psalm 90:12-17

Second Reading: Hebrews 4:12-16

In his role as high priest, Jesus identified with our struggles and conquered them.

Gospel: Mark 10:17-31

Jesus requires great sacrifice of those who follow him, because God intends to redeem their 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.

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.

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 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.
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• Explore more about giving to St. John's on our website or by contacting Father Kevin.