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Stay up to date on all things SJLC.
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Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. | |
The word "Gospel" means "good news," but where is the good news in the appointed Gospel lesson for this past Sunday - the death of John the Baptist? The kingdom of Herod is contrasted with the kingdom of Jesus. The former is about exercising power and control through violence whereas the latter is about power making itself known in humble and loving service.
As the sermon revealed, the death of John the Baptist points ahead to the death of Jesus. It is here that we find good news. In Jesus, death is not the final word. In Jesus and his resurrection, death gives way to resurrection and new life. And that is good news - the best news - for us all.
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A Prayer for Our Nation
Following the attempted assassination of former President Trump this past weekend, faith leaders across our nation are calling upon the people of our country to pray for our nation, its leaders and people. Regardless of political viewpoint or affiliation, the challenges before us will not be solved by violence and bloodshed. Therefore, let us do as St. Paul calls us to do in holy Scripture:
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:1-4).
The suggested prayer below is just that - a suggestion. Please offer your own prayers as you are inspired by the Word of God and moved by the Spirit.
Almighty God, at creation your Spirit moved upon the face of the waters and brought order out of chaos and light out of darkness. In your mercy, look upon our nation and world filled with strife, bitterness and unholy rivalries. Calm our anxious minds, quiet our fears, and breathe into us the spirit of understanding, forgiveness and loving service. Remove from us every evil plan and purpose; cleanse and purify our intentions and motives. Help us all to see Christ in our neighbor and be Christ to our neighbor. In our life together, take away whatever is not of you, and strengthen what is of you so that peace and goodwill may prevail in our homes, neighborhoods and communities. We ask all of this in the Name of Jesus our Lord, knowing that You are able to do far more abundantly than all we can ask or imagine. Amen.
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Sing with the Summer Choir
Have you had an interest in joining the choir but didn't have the time or didn't want to commit to singing every Sunday? St. John’s Summer Choir is just the thing for you! Everyone is invited to join us on Sunday mornings at 9:00AM to learn an easy anthem or hymn. We will meet in the choir loft and prepare for the service.
Let’s rejoice together by:
- Singing with fun and encouraging people
- Learning new songs
- Being part of a community, breathing and singing together
- Building up your confidence in singing with a group
No worries about needing to:
- Read music
- Having to have previous choir experience
- Knowing every hymn in the hymn book
- Wearing a robe - come in your Sunday attire
If you miss a Sunday, you will be missed when you aren't there, but without any guilt!
If you are interested in joining, simply arrive in time for Sunday rehearsal in the choir loft. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Director of Music David Leahey.
We would love to have you!
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Praying in Color
Adults and teens are invited to gather this Saturday morning, July 20th in the Church library to Pray in Color. Summer is a great time of year to try this type of listening and visual prayer. We pray individually in silence using a theme and putting our prayers on paper with color, shapes and even words. No artistic talent needed, and we have supplies. If you are new to this type of prayer, please arrive at 9:30AM for orientation. Our hour of prayer goes by quickly and starts at 10:00AM.
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SJLC Men’s Work Day - Franconia Elementary
On Saturday, July 20, we will start the day at St. John's Fellowship Hall at 8:00AM for devotions, team confirmation, prayer, and project outline. Coffee, juice, and snacks will be available beginning at 7:45AM.
We will then head over to Franconia Elementary School, 6301 Beulah St, Alexandria, VA, to help with lattice work. Materials will already be on site. Estimated completion by 11:30AM if we have at least 10 team members willing to saw, drill, and screw to attach the lattice work to the ramps and stairs to prevent objects and children from going underneath.
Sign up in the narthex or respond by reply email. Details and team assignment will be provided by email to those volunteers who have provided their emails. Point of contact is Rodney Smith, (703)347-9135.
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Support for ECEC Assistant - Ms. Bethel
One of our ECEC assistants, Ms. Bethel, is expecting a baby boy this month! We celebrated her and this precious blessing with ECEC and Church Office staff last month. She still has items left on her registry if you would be interested in supporting her growing family!
https://www.target.com/gift-registry/gift/baby-h-29-1
Thank you in advance.
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It's time to collect for Koinonia's August Angels Program
Each year, the Koinonia Foundation organizes an annual August Angels school supply drive for children who are in need and reside in the Franconia/Kingstowne vicinity. Specific items are found at this link and on the church bulletin board. This year they are collecting supplies for specific grades. To see the lists click here.
A new and special need this year: headphones that plug into a laptop. Wireless earbuds are okay for upper grades.
You may bring purchased supplies to the Church Office, up to and including worship on Sunday, August 4 or take them directly to Koinonia, 6037 Franconia Road by Friday, August 9. Call Koinonia (703-971-1991) if you have any questions.
Thank you for your support of Koinonia and the needs of their clients. *Please note Virginia no longer has a tax-free weekend which would have included school supplies.
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2024 Summer Cooking Camps
We are excited to share that we recently partnered with Sticky Fingers Cooking to be able to offer a cooking camp this summer here at St. John's in our Fellowship Hall!
We are offering a camp during our teacher work week in August. During this time the Early Childhood Education Center is closed, hopefully that can help some of you if you are still looking for childcare or camp options! For this option, the cooking camp is open for kids ages 4-11. This means you can also sign up siblings to join as well! If your preschooler, ages 4-5, is going to participate we will take care of getting them from ECEC to upstairs camp and back down here.
Please find attached a flyer with more information. Below are links with more information on each camp and details on how to register.
August 12 - 16 (9-12PM & 1-4PM) SIGN UP FOR BOTH AND RECEIVE A 5% DISCOUNT!
The Teachers' Work Week Camp - AM
The Teachers' Work Week Camp - PM
For more information please visit Sticky Fingers Cooking or email Amanda, Director of ECEC.
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Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) Training
St. John’s Lutheran Church has asked our local Fairfax County Franconia Crime Prevention Officer, Sean Corcoran, to teach our church members and the local public about the CRASE program. Join us on Tuesday, July 30 at 6:30PM here at St. John's in our Fellowship Hall.
We also extend this invitation for the training to other Houses of Worship who wish to learn about the how to prepare, act, and respond to an active shooter event. While we all hope it never happens, CRASE works to educate and empower community members to increase survivability in the event of an active shooter/active attack event. There is no registration required for this event. It is a FREE event for all who would like to attend.
If you have any questions about the training for your church or business in the future, feel free to contact MPO Sean Corcoran or St. John's church office at (703)971-2210.
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National Night Out
Tuesday evening, August 6
5:00-7:30PM - Westside campus
Food trucks, fire and police officials, Moon Bounce, Obstacle Course, Annandale Brass Ensemble, Bike Adventures, and children's games are planned. National Night Out is an annually occurring event that brings neighbors together to ensure the safety of the community.
Special Events Planned
- Koinonia Clothing Collection (Summer & Spring Only)
- Immediate Need for small & medium men's clothing and boys' clothing sizes 6-14
NEW for 2024
- Bike Adventure Booth-BRING YOUR BICYCLE
- Tune-ups and Scavenger Hunt
Please contact the church office or Angela Schulze, if you'd like to help or would like more information.
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News from the Mantey family
Mark and Megan Mantey have been Serving the Lord in Africa. To read about their latest updates please see their newsletter.
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Looking Ahead
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July 30 - Civilian Response to Active Shooter (CRASE) training - Fellowship Hall
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August 4 - Supplies for August Angels due at church
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August 6 - National Night Out, westside lawn at church
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August 11 - Council Meeting
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August 12 - 16 - Early Childhood Education Center CLOSED - Teacher Training Week
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Important Links
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Facebook Live for viewing live services or educational opportunities as well as those previously recorded.
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YouTube for viewing church services
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Click here for the bulletins
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Stay up to date on all things SJLC.
Download our church app at by texting "app" to (877)776-1304.
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