To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

(This one's a bit long, so scroll down for all the latest and greatest parish news. TL;DR: the Bishop is coming!)

In the months before St. John's annual meeting back in February, a small group of vestry members met to discern a slate of potential new members. Vestries are the lay leadership of a parish, and new members are elected at the annual meeting by the congregation. A call for volunteers went out, and the committee reached out to those volunteers and to others to inquire about their desire to serve and discuss Vestry service.

Vestry?

Many years ago, I got such a call from my Vestry. They explained what Vestry was (essentially, the church's board), and why they thought I should consider it. I told them, "Well, I don't think I can serve." To be honest, I just didn't want to. "Why not?" they asked. I didn't think "I don't feel like it" was a good answer, so I said, "Because, well, I'm not technically an Episcopalian?" And that ended the conversation.

I'd grown up in the Roman Catholic tradition, and I'd never officially made a switch. I dodged Vestry service that way for some time. Then came the day I wanted some way to indicate how my faith had changed and to renew my faithful commitment in my chosen tradition of the Episcopal Church. I was soon "received" into the church in a wonderful service I still cherish. I joined the vestry shortly thereafter and rediscovered my calling to ordained ministry from there.

Confirmation and Reception

I knew that the rules require vestry members (and some other kinds of church leaders, too) to be "confirmed communicants in good standing," confirmed being the operative word there, which I wasn't. Say you're baptized as an infant in the Episcopal Church, at some point, you're granted the opportunity to make your own affirmation of faith as an adult. In the Episcopal Church, that's Confirmation, in which a bishop lays hands on you, "confirming" your baptism. Our rules require leaders to have made an adult affirmation of faith before a bishop, the chief shepherd of the Christian flock in a given region.

Or, perhaps, you were baptized and confirmed in another denomination like I was. In that case, a bishop in the Episcopal Church recognizes your previous affirmation of faith (we don't, we can't, baptize or confirm you twice). They lay hands on you and "receive" you. Either way, you have to be confirmed or received to serve as a vestry member.

That's not to say that you're not an Episcopalian if this hasn't been done, or that you're not a member of St. John's if you haven't done all this. And it's not to say that being confirmed or received means you'll serve as a vestry member.

Being confirmed or received simply means you've made a public commitment to your baptismal covenant before a bishop in the Episcopal Church. (And it's such a powerful moment, we encourage those so moved to relive it in a way in reaffirmation, when those who've already been confirmed or received mark a renewed commitment to faithful life by going again before a bishop.) And to serve in certain ways, the church expects such public commitment before a bishop.

The Bishop is Coming! Or, If a Bishop Won't Come to Us (Very Soon), We'll Go to a Bishop!

Anyway, here at St. John's, we had some conversations with potential leaders in the church. And we discovered that there are folks who've been here for some time, whose commitment to God, the church, and their neighbor is undeniable, but, for some reason or another, in all their years of faith and ministry, they were never confirmed or received. And so they technically can't serve on the vestry. At least, not until we get them in front of a bishop...

So... Navy veteran, triathlete, author, and 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 along with Lee and myself that Sunday, while the rest of St. John's worships as usual in our own historic church.

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 or 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 me. We'll begin our official preparations in the new year.

Faithfully,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

Funeral for Ted McCord, Saturday, August 23

Ted McCord - former resident-curator of Mt. Gilead House, professor of history at George Mason University, and local historian - passed away this week. A funeral service will be held in the St. John's historic church this Saturday, August 23 with visitation at 1 PM, followed by the service at 2 PM.

Retirement Ceremony for Emori Moore, Sunday, August 24

You are invited to attend Capt. Emori Moore's retirement ceremony on Sunday, August 24 at 4:00 PM in the St. John's Parish Hall. Join us as we celebrate a parishioner and vestry member's faithful and honorable service to our country.

Please click here to view the invitation and to RSVP.

Volunteer! We need volunteers to bring additional food and drink to celebrate and volunteers to assist with set-up for the event (beginning at 2:00 PM on August 24). If you can assist, please contact Ann Goldberg.

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, contact Senior Warden Lisa Heller or Fr. Kevin. We are especially looking for someone with graphic design skills, who might be able to help us with flyers and other promotional materials. Please contact the parish office. There will be lots of other opportunities of volunteers on that day so stay tuned.

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

Sunday's reading from the letter to the Hebrews is one of the most powerful of the New Testament writings. The text urges forcefully that, through Christ, faithful Christians have direct access to God. Christians are to follow Christ’s example, being faithful, confident, hopeful, loving, and patient in the face of persecution, trials, and tribulations. 

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 Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

• Isaiah 58:9b-14
• Psalm 103:1-8
• Hebrews 12:18-29
• Luke 13:10-17

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: William Porcher Dubose

William Porcher [por-SHAY] DuBose was a priest, author, theologian, and cofounder of the Theology School at the University of the South, which today sponsors Education for Ministry (EfM - see below). 

Read more about him here.

Registration for Education for Ministry (EfM) Now Open

Are you looking to deepen your faith? Are you hoping to understand how your personal experiences and beliefs bring you closer to God and God's people? If "yes," EfM (Education for Ministry) may be for you.

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.

Registration is open. Contact Walt Cooner to inquire about the upcoming EfM year at St. John's - where we have deep conversations about things that matter – always looking for ways God is active in our lives.

Bible Study on Luke Wraps This

Week! Join us in September for the Sequel: Acts of the Apostles!

Our Bible study on the Gospel of Luke wraps this week, but you can join us in the library Wednesday at 11:00 AM or Thursday night at 7:00 PM for the exciting conclusion. We're using N.T. Wright's Luke: 26 Studies for Individuals and Groups (2011) to explore the third gospel. No need to RSVP for individual classes.

Our studies will take a break the week of August 27-28 and resume on September 3-4 with Acts of the Apostles. We'll be continuing with N.T. Wright as our study guide, using his Acts: 24 Studies for Individuals and Groups. For more information, watch our website and/or contact Father Kevin or Lisa Heller.

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.)

Busy Night at the Hanley House

We had a VERY busy dinner at Hanley House this month!! 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 to Hanley House 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.

Shop for Western Fairfax Christian Ministries

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) Raises Alarm

The Virginia National Guard has announced that it will be deployed in early September to “provide administrative and logistics support” to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This is in addition to the February signing of a 287(g) agreement, enabling state and local agencies to act as federal immigration enforcement.

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 volunteering with CIF's labor resource center and other work, especially English-language education, 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.