Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Last Sunday I explored another of the Lord’s benefits from Psalm 103: “The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.” And I wondered how the psalmist could believe this since there is so much oppression in the world. If God works against oppression how come there is so much oppression?

My answer recognized that this benefit expresses God’s will and God’s activity. After all, God did set his people, Israel, free from Egypt and often rescued them from their enemies in the times of the judges and under kings good and bad. And in Jesus’ ministry he overcame many oppressions of illness, mental distress, and death. But then Jesus was a victim of oppression himself in his cruel death. But God redeemed his life from the pit, and overcame the oppression of death when God raised Jesus from the dead. God does work to overcome oppression.

Why then is so much oppression present still in the world? Well, oppression is fostered by groups who control, exploit, and mistreat other groups. It’s the iniquity we do together rather than only individually. It is also an iniquity that we battle together as the people of God. God continues to work against oppression through his people.

Whenever we are upset by evidences of oppression (when we see bloodshed and outcries according to Isaiah 5), we recognize situations where we need to be working or where we need to be offering support to groups and organizations that are working against that oppression.

This is the active righteousness that we are to exhibit to the world as human creatures of God and redeemed followers of Jesus. All the oppression in the world shows us that there is much to be done. God help us to join in God’s work against oppression.

You are loved. 

Gary Rueter, PT Sabbatical Pastor

Pastor Rueter's Blog - July 2023

National Night Out Next Tuesday Evening

Please save the date for National Night Out which will take place next Tuesday evening, August 1, from 5:00 to 7:30PM on our westside campus at church. Food trucks, fire and police officials, music, 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. Watch for more information about National Night Out! Please contact the church office if you’d like to help or would like more information.  

It's Time 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. 

A new and special need this year: headphones that plug into a laptop. They are not looking for wireless earbuds.

You may bring purchased supplies to the Church Office, up to and including worship on Sunday, August 6 or take them directly to Koinonia, 6037 Franconia Road by Friday, August 11. 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.

Professionals Seeking Work – Networking Need

Over the last two years, St. John’s has assisted over 25 newly arrived Afghan families to settle in our area. Most have some higher education, if not a college degree. Technical skills vary greatly between adults; most men are decent English speakers. Many of the women are also. While many have found employment that adequately supports their families, several are still searching.

If you would be interested in looking at a few resumes for possible connections or opportunities, we have permission to share. Does your company hire? Do you have friends with companies who hire? Consider making this connection. Contact Jan Swicord, 571-282-1214. 

May Financial Update

The May 2023 St. John's Lutheran Church financial results for the Operating Fund and ECEC are posted in the Narthex. Results for the Operating Fund continue to be positive due to greater than anticipated offerings and investment income. The ECEC also enjoys slightly better than expected income, primarily through receiving more income and spending less than expected.

More details are posted in the narthex or may be obtained from Jim Burroughs, Minister of Finance.

How Do I Make a Prayer Request? 

Prayer is an important part of our Christian faith, as well as being an important part of worship. In conjunction with St. John’s Prayer Team, which meets weekly to pray through prayer needs and requests, there are a number of ways that you can make a prayer request at any time, including the following:

• You may call or email Michelle in the church office (703-971-2210). When making a prayer request, please let us know if your prayer request is to be included in prayer at worship services and/or shared with the Prayer Team. Because our worship services are live streamed, and to safeguard privacy, last names of people are not included in prayer at worship services.
• You may go to St. John’s website and submit a prayer request online.
• You may request a prayer on the back of the Connection Cards, which are in the pew racks of the Sanctuary. The back side of the Connection Card is devoted to prayer requests which are passed on to St. John’s Prayer Team.
• If you are coming in person to the worship service and have an urgent prayer request, please let the Pastor know. If he is not available, you may give your request to one of the Ushers, who will then share this with the Pastor to include in the prayers for worship.

Please know that confidentiality is something that we safeguard in our prayer ministry. If you are making a request for someone else, please ensure that you have that person’s permission to share his or her name and need.

If you have questions, please contact Michelle in the Church Office or Christy Hoins, St. John’s Prayer Team coordinator.

Faith Day 2023

Save the date for Faith Day 2023 at Nationals Park on Sunday, September 2, at 4:05PM. The Washington Nationals will be playing the Miami Marlins. After the game, there will be a faith discussion with players and a post-game concert! 

Further details for a family group outing sponsored by the SJLC Men's Ministry will be provided later. Questions, please contact Rodney Smith, (703-347-9135).

Looking Ahead



• July 29 - August 3 - LCMS Convention, Milwaukee
• August 6 - Koinonia Share Sunday
• August 22 - ECEC - 1st Day of School
• Sept 4 - Labor Day - Church Office and ECEC Closed

Important Links

• Registration for Holy Communion held on Wednesdays at noon.
• Facebook Live for viewing live services or educational opportunities as well as those previously recorded.
• YouTube for viewing church services
• Click here and scroll down for the bulletins