To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

We don't minister alone, and we shouldn't try. This Sunday's reading from the Hebrew Scriptures comes from Numbers 11 and finds a burned-out Moses complaining to God, "I am not able to carry all this people alone, for they are too heavy for me" (Numbers 11:14). The Lord responds by gathering 70 elders to share in Moses's work. There's a similar story earlier in Exodus 18. When Jethro, Moses's father-in-law, sees all that Moses is doing among the people, he worries it's too much. He tells Moses, "You will surely wear yourself out, both you and these people with you, for the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone" (Exodus 18:18). For Moses's sake, and the people's sake, he advises Moses find officers to serve among the people, too. I wonder what happened to the officers of Exodus that God had to gather the elders in Numbers as well. I guess you can never get too much help. Ministry isn't something we do alone, whether you're on the way to the Promised Land or serving here at St. John's.

So I just want to take this moment to thank the elders, officers, and really all our volunteers who've gone above and beyond lately to make this thing we call St. John's work, especially our senior warden Susie Pike, junior warden Val Tucker, and treasurer Tom McDermott. Whether it's upcoming events and campaigns, work with our many ministry partners, or the occasional roof leak, our wardens and treasurer have been here hard at work to make it work. Thank you!

Grace and peace,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

A Note of Gratitude

"The beautiful service in memory of my mother, Vilda Meaux Simon, was very touching to all my family and friends. I want to thank Father Kevin for his guidance in the scripture readings and the beautiful sermon. The outpouring of support from the members of the St. John’s community has meant more than words can say. Truly, God’s work is alive and well in our congregation. Thank you for all your support and kindness."  

Gail and Jerry Weirich

Author Night! September 30th at 7 PM

Come out and listen to a reading from parishioner Lee Griffith's book The Right Thing. We will hear Lee read, have a Q&A, and you can buy a book and have it signed by Lee!

About The Right Thing: A world-class sniper teams up with a physical phenom to challenge one of the most dangerous men in the Middle East. They first must pass a selection process that involves a months-long evaluation in mountain warfare, mountain climbing, survival, and shooting.

About the Author: Besides being a member of St. John's Church, Lee is a veteran of twenty years of service with the U.S. Navy, Lee worked with Navy SEALs. As the naval air station security officer, he wrote the base counterterrorism plan and exercised it frequently. An avid climber, he summited Mount Whitney, Mount Rainier, Mount Fuji, and Mauna Kea. He has participated in sprint triathlons for twenty years, and will represent team USA at the sprint triathlon world championships in Malaga, Spain.

Please sign up to bring an item to share if you can. Plates, napkins, utensils, and glasses will be provided.

Save the Date! Centreville Day!

Centreville Day will be held Saturday, October 19, 2024. Be sure to save the date and invite your friends to an amazing day here in the Centreville Historic District.

Contact Susie Pike if you'd like to assist in St. John's Centreville Day presence.

Altar Flowers Needed

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

WORSHIP

Last Sunday's Sermon

In Sunday's reading from Mark's Gospel, the disciples fall silent twice, once when they should profess, once when they should confess. We too should be professing our faith and confessing our sins.

View the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost on September 22 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 Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Let us prepare our hearts and mind for worship:

First Reading: Numbers 11:4-6,10-16,24-29

The Lord spreads the spirit of Moses among 70 elders so that Moses will not be overwhelmed in leading the Israelites.

Response: Psalm 19:7-14

Second Reading: James 5:13-20

James reminds us that confessing our sins to each other is part of our redemption and our healing.

Gospel: Mark 9:38-50

Jesus says, “No one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me.”

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.

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.

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 October 8 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.

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.
• Pledge to give using this online form.
• Explore more about giving to St. John's on our website or by contacting Father Kevin.