To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

I'm sometimes asked why I became an Episcopalian, why I chose this tradition over the Roman Catholicism of my youth. A big reason comes from the Anglican theologian Lancelot Andrewes.

Lancelot Andrewes (1555-1626) was an English bishop and scholar who oversaw the translation of the King James Version of the Bible. But he's most important to me for his arguments with the Roman Catholic Cardinal Robert Bellarmine...

Read more...

Faithfully,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

Choir Kicks Off the New Program Year at Willowcroft Winery

Thanks to choir members (and friends!) who came out on Sunday to enjoy food, wine, great company, and extraordinary views. It's a choir tradition to celebrate the upcoming year on Labor Day weekend with a trip to a local winery. This year, we returned to Willowcroft, the oldest winery in Loudoun County, and one with a St. John's connection.

Theology on Tap, Tuesday, September 16

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski joins The Falls Church (Episcopal) at its Theology on Tap series to explore the Gospel of Revolution. We'll discuss how clergy wrestled with loyalty, rebellion, and their faith in the years around the American Revolution - and what that might mean for Episcopalians today. Then, we'll talk about whatever else is on our hearts and minds.

Join us at Northside Social in Falls Church (205 Park Ave., Falls Church, VA 22046) on September 16 from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM.

...and if you'd like to help St. John's bring a Theology on Tap series to Centreville, contact Fr. Kevin.

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. Invite family and friends!

And, of course, St. John's will be there!

If you'd like to assist in St. John's Centreville Day presence, sign up HERE or contact Senior Warden Lisa Heller or Fr. Kevin. Leading up to Centreville Day, we need your help with promotional materials, baked goods, and more. On October 18, we'll need volunteers to set up, staff, and clean up our booths as well as tour guides and photographers. Sign up now!

Bishop's Visits

September 21 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Alexandria

Long-time St. John's parishioner Lee Griffith will be received into the Episcopal Church on Sunday, September 21 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church (1608 Russell Road, Alexandria, VA 22301) as part of a bishop's visit with Bishop Bourlakas. A group of St. John's parishioners will attend this important service, while the rest of St. John's worships as usual in our own historic church. Contact Fr. Kevin to RSVP.

April 19, 2026 at St. John's Episcopal Church, Centreville

And... The Right Rev. E. Mark Stevenson, Bishop of the Diocese of Virginia will visit St. John's April 19, 2026! If you're interested in being confirmed, being received, or reaffirming your faith during the April visit, or if you just want more information about what all this might mean for you in your own journey of faith, please contact Fr. Kevin. We'll begin our official preparations in the new year.

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

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

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 Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

First Reading: Deuteronomy 30:15-20

The choice is simple and the repercussions are enormous; God asks the Israelites to choose his own wisdom and path for their life as they come into the Promised Land.

Response: Psalm 1

Echoing the choice between life and death offered in Deuteronomy, the Psalmist points to two paths open to humans. God will watch over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

Second Reading: Philemon 1-21

In obedience, a slave returns to his master; Paul pleads on the slave’s behalf, reminding the owner of their brotherhood in Christ.

Gospel: Luke 14:25-33

The cost of discipleship is not to be underestimated; Jesus speaks plainly that following God will demand all that one has.

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: Thomas Gallaudet and Henry Winter Syle

Our saints this week are an Episcopal duo who opened the church and the Eucharist more fully to the deaf and hearing impaired, the Reverends Thomas Gallaudet and Henry Winter Syle. Rev. Gallaudet was the son of Dr. Thomas H. Gallaudet, the educator who inspired the founding of what is now Gallaudet University in Washington, DC. The Episcopal Church celebrates their ministry August 27.

Read more about them here.

Bible Study on Acts of the Apostles Starts This Week

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

We'll be 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) Begins This Week

Through study, prayer, worship, and reflection, EfM seminar groups journey together through scripture, church history, and theology. EfM is delivered through small seminar groups and meet for 36 weeks over a year. Participants in years 1 & 2 study the texts and context of scripture; Year 3 looks at Church History; Year 4 delves into Christian ethics and spirituality. Also built into the group is a fifth voice: Wide Angle, which offers a taste of each of the four years into one year.

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.)

Serve Growing Needs at the Hanley House September 9

We had a VERY busy dinner at Hanley House in August! We lost count at 75, so we served a lot of folks! 

Times are getting tough, and we may be serving a little larger crowds going forward. Hanley House staff told us they have converted additional space to house more people there. 

We will return on September 9th with Pulled BBQ Chicken and Mac and Cheese! Please check out the sign up and help out others in our community.

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 September 9 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.

Western Fairfax Christian Ministries Stuff the Bus, September 13

Western Fairfax Christian Ministries (WFCM) is participating in Fairfax County's Stuff the Bus food drive on Saturday, September 13th, 10:00am - 3:00pm. WFCM volunteers and staff will set up a table at Walmart in Chantilly (4368 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly, VA 20151) to collect non-perishable food items for WFCM's food markets. See their flyer.

Bring your donations to Chantilly on September 13, or just bring extra to St. John's worship on September 14.

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.

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.

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.
• Volunteer to accompany immigrants to court hearings. Contact Deacon Steve to arrange training with the CIF volunteer coordinator.

Contact Deacon Steve for more information. 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.