To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

In the Church, we traditionally mark the lives of the saints on the day of their martyrdom or death. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is celebrated on April 4, the day of his assassination in 1968. But I don't feel right letting the secular marking of his birthday in January pass without some kind of comment. Perhaps, it's best to leave it to the man himself, and let something of his Letter from Birmingham Jail (do read the whole thing) speak to the Church today and to this moment:

There was a time when the church was very powerful. It was during that period that the early Christians rejoiced when they were deemed worthy to suffer for what they believed. In those days the church was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of popular opinion; it was the thermostat that transformed the mores of society. Wherever the early Christians entered a town the power structure got disturbed and immediately sought to convict them for being "disturbers of the peace" and "outside agitators." But they went on with the conviction that they were "a colony of heaven" and had to obey God rather than man. They were small in number but big in commitment. They were too God-intoxicated to be "astronomically intimidated." They brought an end to such ancient evils as infanticide and gladiatorial contest.

Things are different now. The contemporary church is so often a weak, ineffectual voice with an uncertain sound. It is so often the arch supporter of the status quo. Far from being disturbed by the presence of the church, the power structure of the average community is consoled by the church's often vocal sanction of things as they are.

But the judgment of God is upon the church as never before. If the church of today does not recapture the sacrificial spirit of the early church, it will lose its authentic ring, forfeit the loyalty of millions, and be dismissed as an irrelevant social club with no meaning for the twentieth century...

Peace,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

Inclement Weather Warning

Significant snow is forecast for this weekend, January 24-25, 2026. We will likely have to cancel Sunday worship. Please stay tuned to our website and your email for more information.

A Call to Vestry

"In England the annual election of churchwardens took place in Easter week. The parishioners gathered at the church to hear the outgoing wardens render their accounts and elect their successors. The parishioners assembled in the vestry, the room off the chancel where the clergy vested. The assembled parishioners came to be known as the vestry... The vestry is the legal representative of the parish with regard to all matters pertaining to its corporate property... The basic responsibilities of the vestry are to help define and articulate the mission of the congregation; to support the church’s mission by word and deed, to select the rector, to ensure effective organization and planning, and to manage resources and finances."

- An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church

Vestry members are the chief lay leadership of St. John's, operating much like a nonprofit board. We are looking for new members to join the Vestry. If this important ministry calls to you, if you have gifts and experience around marketing, fundraising, and/or property management (significant areas of work for St. John's at this time) - or if you know a confirmed communicant in good standing who might - contact Fr. Kevin.

Save the Date: Annual Meeting, February 8

St. John's annual meeting will take place Sunday, February 8, 2026 after worship in the historic church.

St. John's and the Walk for Peace

Nearly two dozen Buddhist monks are walking 2,300 miles from their monastery in Houston, Texas to Washington, DC, promoting national healing, unity, and compassion. The walk began in October and is expected to reach the White House in the second week of February 2026. The monks rely on donations of lodging, food, medical care, and veterinary care for Aloka, their peace dog. The monks will be in our area in early February, and a group from St. John's is looking to help. If you are interested in supporting the Walk, contact the parish office or Emori Moore.

POSTPONED: DAR and SAR Event Honoring Patriot John Orr

Due to extreme cold and snow forecast for this weekend, the churchyard event honoring John Orr scheduled for January 24 has been postponed. Stay tuned for a new date.

Possible Pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2027?

Years ago, St. John's parishioners went on pilgrimage to the Holy Land, an amazing experience pilgrims still talk about. Episcopal churches in the South Fairfax region are exploring a combined pilgrimage with St. George's College in 2027. Do we have a volunteer - perhaps an experienced pilgrim - to coordinate St. John's potential participation? Contact Fr. Kevin for more.

Altar Flowers Needed

Dedicate the altar flowers in thanksgiving or in memory of a loved one here.

WORSHIP

Sunday Sermon

View our services on our YouTube channel and look for new sermons 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 Third Sunday after the Epiphany

First Lesson: First Reading: Isaiah 9:1-4

Though the people of God have suffered, God promises that the future is bright; deliverance is coming for those who have been oppressed.

Response: Psalm 27:1, 5-13

A psalm attributed to David sings total confidence in the Lord against all enemies and adversity.

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:10-18

People eagerly divide themselves into categories and tribes; this is antithetical to the gospel, which preaches that all are one in Christ Jesus.

Gospel: Matthew 4:12-23

Fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah, Jesus goes to Galilee to call his first disciples.

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.

Saints of the Week: Agnes and Cecilia of Rome

Agnes and Cecilia are two of the most venerated early Christian martyrs, and were both killed during persecutions in Rome.

Read more about them here.

Bible Study on Acts of the Apostles

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

We're 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)

Through study, prayer, worship, and reflection, EfM seminar groups journey together through scripture, church history, and theology.

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 This Week

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.)

Dead Sea Scrolls at the Museum of the Bible

The Museum of the Bible in Southwest DC is featuring a special exhibit on the Dead Sea Scrolls until next September. There will be three sets of the scrolls displayed on three-month rotations. Featuring some of the oldest fragments of the Hebrew scriptures, the scrolls offer a glimpse into the development of our modern Bible. More information about the exhibit and tickets can be found at Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition | Museum of the Bible.

A New Year at the Hanley House

We are starting our 3rd year serving Katherine Hanley Family Shelter. We served about 40 community members chili mac and cornbread last night. It was a tasty start to the year!

In February we are serving Baked Ziti; please join us in serving our neighbors

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 February 10 to serve.

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.

Donate to Western Fairfax Christian Ministries

Food banks are often well-stocked with nonperishable items this time of year. What they can really use is money to buy perishable items (meat, eggs, dairy, etc.) for families. Please keep those food donations to the church for WFCM coming, but consider contributing as well. Click the link to WFCM below.

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 bring donations of food and more to Sunday services, or drop at the church office. These items are especially needed:

Food:

• White or Wheat Flour (5 lb. bag or less)
• Sugar (1 lb. or 2 lb. bag)
• Oil (canola, vegetable, olive)
• Similac Baby Formula (blue label)

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Toiletries:

NOTE: Toiletry items cannot be purchased by clients with SNAP​​

• 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.

Supporting 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 the parish office 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. CIF's Volunteer Coordinator will provide training to interested individuals. Contact the parish office for more.

You can support Centreville Immigration Forum's work and advocacy here.

Helping the Shepherd's Center of Western Fairfax

St. John's has several volunteers supporting the Shepherd's Center of Western Fairfax. They provide rides to medical and therapy appointments and other important errands for people who are over 50 and can no longer drive. 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.

Volunteers do not have to commit ahead to a specific day of the week or time of day. As a driver, you check the Shepherd Center website for the client list, and select the ride you'd like to provide. All pickups are local, and all appointments are in northern Virginia (no DC or Maryland). You don't stay with the client in the doctor's office, if you don't want to. You can volunteer as much or as little as your schedule permits.

To assist, you must live in western Fairfax County in or around Clifton, Centreville, or Chantilly. For more information and to volunteer, visit the Shepherd'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 contribution, you are part of St. John's offering of healing, hope, and hospitality to all God's people. Click the button below to give online or visit our website for more.