To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

September is Hunger Action Month, and St. John's is ramping up our usual commitment to Western Fairfax Christian Ministries (WFCM) with a FOOD DRIVE THIS SATURDAY, September 16 between 11 AM and 1 PM.

WFCM serves some 600 local families every month, and our neighbors need your help. Donations to food banks tend to run lower in early fall in anticipation of holiday giving campaigns later in the year. We want to do something about that:

• DONATE: Shop for needed nonperishable items and toiletries, and bring your donations to the church on September 16 between 11 AM and 1 PM. St. John's will be out front and ready to accept them for Centreville's client-choice food bank. (Or bring them Sundays as usual.)
• VOLUNTEER: Contact Deacon Steve to help us collect donations on September 16.
• SHARE. Print and share the flyer with friends, family, and community bulletin boards and on social media. We're reaching out to partners, neighbors, friends, and family to make this not just a St. John's effort but a community effort.

Our Scriptures tell us that, whatever we do for those in need, we do for God. Let's help feed the community as a community.

Grace and peace,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

Thank You from the Office

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the office yesterday to help us redecorate a little. Our parish administrator Terri Katon has a new desk and chair. A contractor repaired a glass door (casualty of a mower-tossed rock). We moved some partitions, cabinets, and files. I'm still working on my space. (I didn't take a "before" picture before I started moving! And do the filing cabinets in my office have keys because I mistakenly locked one of them...?)

Thank you all for donating time, energy, ingenuity, and patience when assembly instructions aren't entirely clear.

Stop by and visit us Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday 10:30 AM-2:30 PM, or by appointment.

Centreville Day: October 14, 2023

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, please contact Rev. Kevin, and look for an official signup shortly.

WORSHIP

Last Sunday's Sermon

In Matthew 18, Jesus shares a procedure for reconciliation, a widening set of difficult and awkward conversations. Conflicts are not to be "managed" or "resolved" but confronted and forgiven. Christians who wish to take up the cross and follow Jesus must be prepared to apologize and prepared to organize in the service of truth and reconciliation--as simple, complicated, dangerous, difficult, and awkward as it can be.

View the entire September 10 service here, and look for new sermons here.

Upcoming Readings for September 17, 2023

Let us prepare our hearts and mind for worship with the readings for the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 19A):

• Genesis 50:15-21
• Psalm 103:8-13
• Romans 14:1-12
• Matthew 18:21-35

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.

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 gearing up for the fall. If you've indicated interest in your first year or the next year of this amazing program, be sure to contact Walt Cooner to secure registration.

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 bring your donations to Sunday services, or drop at the church office. And be sure to support our Food Drive on September 16!

Tree of Life: October 10

Thanks to all who helped with last night's dinner in Sterling! Be sure to sign up to prepare and serve at Tree of Life 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.

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 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.

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.