To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

"This is a charitable heart: It is a heart burning with love for the whole creation, for humans, for the birds, for the beasts, for the demons—for all creatures. One who has such a heart cannot see or call to mind a creature without having eyes being filled with tears by reason of the immense compassion which seizes the heart; a heart which is softened and can no longer bear to see or learn from others of any suffering, even the smallest pain, being inflicted on a creature. That is why such a person never ceases to pray also for the animals, that they may be preserved and purified. This person will even pray for the reptiles, moved by the infinite pity which reigns in the hearts of those who are becoming united with God."

--"A Reading Adapted from St. Isaac the Syrian," from St. Francis Day blessings in The Book of Occasional Services 2022, p. 139.

This is Izzy, the newest addition to the Laskowski family. She's a moyen poodle (midway between a standard and a toy) and a few months old now. I'm not a dog person by any means, but... she's such a sweetheart.

I hope you'll join me--and Izzy, too--for drive-thru and walk-by pet blessings next Wednesday, October 4. October 4 is the feast of St. Francis, patron saint of animals. Bring your pets by the church that afternoon and evening, where I'll be waiting outside with treats and small gifts to bless dogs, cats, and any friend--scaly, feathered, or otherwise--who shows you a sign of the very heart of God. See you then!

Grace and peace,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

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.

WORSHIP

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.

Last Sunday's Sermon

You may have heard that heaven has the pearly gates, and is therefore the seat of God's judgment. You may think of heaven as an enlightened political condition, or some more spiritual state of being. Dream bigger. The kingdom of heaven is like a hotel with infinitely many rooms.

View the entire September 24 service here, and look for new sermons here.

Upcoming Readings for October 1, 2023

Let us prepare our hearts and mind for worship with the readings for the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 21A):

First Reading: Ezekiel 18:1-4,25-32

The formula is simple, though perhaps not easy: as it was in the time of Ezekiel, so it is today — acknowledge the truth of the Lord our God and we shall be saved.

Response: Psalm 25:1-8

Second Reading: Philippians 2:1-13

Christians in Philippi are encouraged by the creed of Jesus Christ which the Apostle Paul shares in the body of his letter to them.

Gospel: Matthew 21:23-32

While clever religious adherents seek to trip up Jesus with particularities of custom, Jesus is more interested in the integrity of people’s souls.

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.

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

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

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.

Western Fairfax Christian Ministries

Thank you to all who helped out with Saturday's food drive by donating and/or collecting. We packed more than 22 milk crates' worth of food and toiletries, totaling 574 pounds! Here it is on the scale upon delivery Monday morning. Thank you!

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.

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.

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.

Photos?!

Have any photos or short videos from St. John's events? Send them to us.