To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

The Rev. Matt Rhodes, Rector of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Forest, Virginia, asks in his Sunday sermon on the prophet Amos, "Where are the Prophetic Voices?"

Rhodes concludes that, maybe, just maybe, we are the voices we've been searching for: "Perhaps we’re the untypical prophets in the mold of Amos, those who aren’t students in a prophetic school but who simply follow God’s call to us. Perhaps the prophetic voice the world needs is yours. How – and when – will you use it?"

But Rhodes begins by recalling the many vocations of his seminary classmates:

"In seminary I was blessed to have classmates who came from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, church upbringings, and age groups. They also carried within them a wonderful diversity of vocational goals. Some wanted to continue into academia while others wanted to dive straight into parish ministry; some felt pulled to large churches and others to small ones; some wanted to focus on youth ministry and others on ministry among older congregations.

And then I had a classmate who wanted to be a prophet. He’d once seen a photograph of the pulpit in the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Duszniki, Poland that had the preaching desk contained within an elaborate sculpture of a giant whale. Nothing, he said, appealed to him more than the idea of standing on that spot as a modern-day prophet, preaching woe and repentance to the world from out of the mouth of the whale.

All of us, of course, laughed and rolled our eyes, and even he laughed at what seemed at that moment to be the absurdity of his vocational goal. This week, though, as I reflected on the passage from Amos, I thought about what he said..."

He's talking about me.

Now, I'm not half the voice I want to be for the things I hold dear, for the things God has done and will still do for all of us. But, still, nothing calls to me more. I still want the woe and the repentance (and the hope and the forgiveness, too). I still want God's truth in a world of lies and God's justice in a world of cruelty. I still want to preach from that whale.

Because Matt's right: maybe, just maybe, "the prophetic voice the world needs is yours."

Our lectionary returns to Amos this Sunday. St. John's doesn't have a whale pulpit, but we'll do our best.

Faithfully,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

Congratulations!

Long-time St. John's parishioner Lee Griffith was received into the Episcopal Church this past Sunday, September 21 by Bishop Bourlakas. Here's the moment.

If you're interested in Confirmation, Reception, Reaffirmation, or are just curious what these things might mean for you, contact Fr. Kevin.

St. Francis Day Pet Blessings, October 4

St. Francis Day (October 4) celebrates St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals! Join us in front of the historic church for a brief, outdoor, pet-friendly service of thanks Saturday, October 4 at 1 PM. Bring your furry, feathered, or scaly friends for blessings, treats, and a free gift until 2:30 PM.

Piedmont Regional Art Show & Sale at Grace

Please join us at Grace Episcopal Church in The Plains to enjoy an exhibition of original art in a variety of media created by local artists for the annual Piedmont Regional Art Show & Sale and silent auction. Proceeds help support our community outreach ministries. The Show runs October 3-5. Admission is free on Saturday (10am-6pm) including live music and food options, and on Sunday (Noon to 4pm). There is a $30 charge to attend the Friday opening gala. All artwork is for sale at a variety of price points. Our church hall is located at 6507 Main Street, The Plains, VA. Our website is www.piedmontartshow.org Find us also at: www.facebook.com/artshowatgrace

Volunteer for Centreville Day, October 18

The 33rd Annual Centreville Day is upon us! Centreville Day will be held Saturday, October 18 here in the Centreville Historic District from 10 AM to 4 PM. There's so much to be seen this year: the Eco Expo, the Safety Expo, Pets in the Park, the Trick or Treat Trail, the Historic Centreville Trail, food, entertainment, vendors, rides, and more! Admission is free. Entertainment is free. Children's rides are free.

Be a part of the fun!

• Invite friends and family. Forward this email, or share the Centreville Day site.
• If you can be there, sign up HERE to help St. John's set up and take down our booths, staff them, offer tours, and/or take pictures.
• If you can't be there, sign up HERE to help us prepare with promotional materials, baked goods, and more. Contact Senior Warden Lisa Heller or Fr. Kevin to find out more.

Scam Alert

Be on the lookout for strange emails and texts claiming to be from St. John's staff. Learn more here.

Evangelists Wanted

The Vestry is looking for additional volunteers to assist with evangelism and marketing, helping with a revamped website, social media, and other promotional materials. If interested, contact Fr. Kevin or Lisa Heller.

Altar Flowers Needed

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

WORSHIP

Sunday Sermon

We should not squander our earthly resources but manage what has been

provided well. Jesus is surely talking about money today, but he is also talking about much more than money. The more you offer freely the grace, mercy, and compassion given by God, the more you will build up what Jesus called “true riches.” The disciples and we are told “we cannot serve God and wealth”.

View all our services on our YouTube channel. 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 Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

First Reading: Amos 6:1a,4-7

To enjoy the riches of God’s creation is good and joyful, to greedily consume and waste God’s beauty is sinful; the prophet Amos warns those who fritter away God’s good creation.

Response: Psalm 146

The Psalmist encourages trust not in worldly authorities ("for there is no help in them") but in the God who made all things and who brings justice, freedom, mercy, and prosperity to God's people.

Second Reading: 1 Timothy 6:6-19

Timothy, and all readers, are urged to lives of virtue and holiness for the glory of God revealed in Jesus Christ.

Gospel: Luke 16:19-31

Jesus voices the hard truth that evidence and reason for repentance and submission to God’s will is all around us; humanity is always free to acknowledge the truth and follow the way of Jesus.

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.

Saint of the Week: Dag Hammarskjold

Dag Hammarskjöld was a Swedish Lutheran and veteran peacemaker who served as United Nations Secretary General at the height of the Cold War.

Read more about him here.

Bible Study on Acts of the Apostles

Join us in the library Wednesdays at 11:00 AM or Thursday nights at 7:00 PM for Bible study.

We're reading Acts of the Apostles, using N.T. Wright's Acts: 24 Studies for Individuals and Groups. No need to RSVP for individual classes. Jump in anytime.

For more information, read a series overview with syllabus, watch our website, and/or contact Father Kevin or Lisa Heller.

Education for Ministry (EfM)

Through study, prayer, worship, and reflection, EfM seminar groups journey together through scripture, church history, and theology.

St. John's EfM cohort meets Wednesday nights in the St. John's library, unless otherwise announced. Registration for this year is closed. Contact Walt Cooner for more information.

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.)

September at the Hanley House

Our September meal at the Hanley house was very well received! We served 73 meals of delicious pulled chicken BBQ and mac and cheese! The shelter is still very full, and residents were very appreciative of the food and support we provided.

Next month we are serving Chili Mac and Corn Bread! Please help us if you can and sign up to feed our neighbors. 

St. John's makes and serves a meal every second Tuesday of the month at the local family shelter. Sign up to prepare or provide food ahead of time and/or join us on October 14 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.

Creation Care Garden

More fresh produce - including peppers, tomatoes, green beans, and herbs - was harvested this month, bringing us up to more than 118 pounds of produce grown, harvested, and delivered for 2025 so far. Our garden plants continue to do well and have many small veggies and blossoms on them.

Several of our garden volunteers will be away this month. If you are able to help with watering the garden or harvesting, please contact Ann Goldberg. 

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 donations of food and more to Sunday services, or drop at the church office. These items are especially needed:

Food:

• Canned Meat (chicken, salmon, sardines, Vienna sausages)
• Canned Vegetables (carrots, beets, potatoes, mixed vegetables)
• Pancake Mix
• Syrup
• Cereal (low sugar preferred)
• Flavored Rice and Pasta (Rice A Roni, Knorr pasta sides)
• Canned Fruit (peaches, pears, pineapple)
• Canned beans (black and red)
• Macaroni & Cheese
• Cake Mix or Brownie Mix
• Family Sized Snacks (crackers, pretzels, nuts, etc.)
• Hot Beverages (ground coffee, tea bags, etc.)

​

Toiletries:

NOTE: Toiletry items cannot be purchased by clients with SNAP​​

• Body Wash
• Toothpaste
• Hair Shampoo
• Hair Conditioner
• Feminine Hygiene Products (Pads preferred)
• Baby Wipes

Note: we are not currently in need of diapers due to our partnership with Greater DC Diaper Bank. Please only donate baby wipes if you want to donate items for babies.

Volunteer with Centreville Immigration Forum (CIF)

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.

If you're interested in supporting or volunteering with CIF's labor resource center and other work:

• Donate men’s work clothes and boots (they do not need to be new). Bring them to worship or to the St. John's office, or deliver them directly to CIF at 5944 Centreville Crest Ln, Centreville, VA 20121. Be sure to let Deacon Steve know if you deliver directly to CIF. We like to keep track of St. John's impact!
• Volunteer to provide rides to CIF clients to medical appointments. Sign up on the CIF website.
• Contact Deacon Steve for more opportunities.

You can support Centreville Immigration Forum's work and advocacy here.

Help the Shepherd's Center of Western Fairfax

St. John's has three volunteers supporting the Shepherd's Center of Western Fairfax. They provide rides to people who are over 50 and and can no longer drive by offering driving services to:  

• the WFCM Food Pantry
• Medical & Dental Appointments
• Therapy Services

The Shepherd's Center needs additional drivers and support for local seniors. They've had to turn down a number of recent requests because of a lack of volunteers.

To assist, you must live in western Fairfax County in or around Clifton, Centreville, or Chantilly. For more information and to volunteer, visit the Shephed's Center here.

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.