To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

A Message from the Senior Warden

The Vestry is pleased to announce that we have voted unanimously to call Fr. Kevin as the next Rector of St John's. Before he can officially step into the role and use the title, there is some paperwork that needs to be approved by the diocese. The formal Celebration of a New Ministry (description | liturgy) will likely take place in the early fall, in September.

The Vestry would like to express its appreciation to all of those who offered feedback for the decision as well as its thanks to those members of the Vestry in the past four years whose work brought us to this point. Finally, we want to recognize Fr. Kevin for his spiritual leadership of this congregation for the past three years. We look forward to seeing the many ways that God will continue to bless our congregation in the coming years. 

Regards,

Lisa Heller

Senior Warden

St. John's Episcopal Church, Centreville

A Message from the Priest-in-Charge

I am honored and blessed by the Vestry's vote. I give thanks for all that God has done, is doing, and will do among us. I'll have more to say as our anniversary and Celebration of a New Ministry approach; for now, I'll just say: this is a gift.

Before I was ordained, Bishop Susan Goff asked me about my career path, how I thought my priesthood might go. I hadn't really thought about things in those terms. I mumbled something along the lines of what was once the usual, hoped-for path for a priest: a stint at a larger urban or suburban parish with multiple clergy (one a mentor and one a colleague), followed by a senior position probably somewhere else, followed by maybe taking a shot at being a rector somewhere, large or small, it didn't matter much to me. I looked at her as if to say, "How's that for an answer?" "Yeah," she paused. "Hold that lightly."

I was ordained a priest in September 2022. I served the church where I'd been working as a layperson for a few more months, leaving in January 2023. Two months later, in March 2023, I came to St. John's as priest-in-charge. And now, in 2026, it seems I'll be a rector. Thanks be to God, and thanks to all of you.

Blessed are You, Lord, our God, Sovereign of the Universe, who teaches us to hold our plans lightly - perhaps because you have greater things in mind (John 14:12), more than we could ever ask for or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).

Peace,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church, Centreville

P.S. Sunday ministers - readers, acolytes, ushers - don't forget to scroll all the way down to the usual link and sign up to serve. And if you're interested in serving on Sundays, contact Fr. Kevin.

The Want Ads: Treasurer

After many years of ministry, Tom McDermott will step away from the office of Treasurer at the end of the year. In an earlier term as Treasurer, Tom was among those volunteers and staff who brought St. John's through some very tough times. Tom returned to the office for this most recent term, always keeping one eye on how things have gone and the other on what's ahead. We'll give thanks and honor Tom's service as his departure approaches.

We'll be looking for Tom's successor in the coming months. Treasurers take charge of church funds and disburse funds under the direction of the Vestry. They maintain church accounts in accordance with the canons and report to the Vestry. If you think you might be called to this essential ministry, please contact the Senior Warden or Fr. Kevin.

The Want Ads: Communicators

Our website is our front door to those looking for a church. Most will check us out online before they drive by Mt Gilead Road. We are forming a website team to select content and photographs for our website and to help develop our social media presence. No technical skills or website-building knowledge required; just a desire to help St. John's get noticed and share its message with Centreville and the world. The team's first job will be to select a catchier name than Website Team... If you feel called or are curious about this ministry, contact the Senior Warden and/or Fr. Kevin.

Save the Date: Anniversary of the Dedication of a Church, July 12

St. John’s was consecrated July 14, 1854. We’ll celebrate our birthday Sunday, July 12 with special readings and music, blessing of the many repairs and 

additions to our campus in recent months, and a festive coffee hour. 

Save the Date: Centreville Day, October 17

Centreville Day will be held October 17, 2026. This annual community celebration in the historic district features food trucks, local vendors, history, entertainment, and, of course, St. John's! The stage is in our parking lot!

Planning with local leaders has already begun. If you'd like to assist Fr. Kevin on that committee, or help St. John's prepare for the day, email Fr. Kevin.

Scam Alert!

Sadly, once again we need to warn all members of the church about the persistence of scammers looking to steal money. St. John's, like all churches these days, is a frequent target of those who would try to impersonate our priest or other member of the church in a text or email in order to take advantage of members' care and generosity towards each other. No one from the church will ever ask you to purchase a gift card or send money by any means other than our website (which uses Realm and Square) or via the Sunday offering. It's always prudent to verify any request in person since even telephone calls can be fake in the era of artificial intelligence.

Altar Flowers Needed

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

WORSHIP

Sunday Sermon

Like Jesus and prophets like Jeremiah before him, Christians are called to proclaim truths that will put us at odds with others, even ourselves. We must refuse to sanctify cruelty and injustice, or paper over conflict in the name of a false peace. 

We don't celebrate Hallmark-card Father's Days, uncomplicated Juneteenths, or rainbow-washed Pride Months. Christians rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. Christians welcome the sword that overcomes division and makes jubilee real. Christians repent of the evil they do and the evil done in their name to celebrate resurrected and transfigured life.

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.

Readings for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 8A)

First Lesson: Jeremiah 28:5-9

When Hananiah promises the people that God will deliver them even if they do not repent of their sins, Jeremiah warns the false prophet’s message is too good to be true.

Response: Psalm 89:1-4,15-18

Second Lesson: Romans 6:12-23

In baptism, followers of Jesus die with him so that they can likewise be raised with him to eternal life. By God’s grace, we are no longer slaves to sin.

Gospel: Matthew 10:40-42

After warning his disciples that following him will mean hardship and turmoil, Jesus offers them the assurance that they will be rewarded for their obedience and faith.

Summer with the Psalms

Our weekly Bible study has resumed with another Summer with the Psalms. The book of Psalms is the Bible’s hymnal, and a key to understanding all of Scripture. Each week, we'll take a closer look at a few Psalms: songs of lament, praise, penitence, vengeance, and more.

We’ll be meeting on Tuesday nights at 7 PM and/or Wednesdays at 11 AM for the summer, unless otherwise announced. See here for the complete syllabus.

Contact Father Kevin or Lisa Heller for more information.

Saint of the Week: John the Baptist

On June 24, we celebrate The Nativity of John the Baptist, the prophet and forerunner of Jesus. John the Baptizer is the only saint whose birth and martyrdom are both marked in the church calendar.

When I was first considering becoming a priest, I went on a discernment retreat at Richmond Hill. Before becoming an ecumenical community and retreat center, Richmond Hill was a convent of the Catholic Sisters of the Visitation of Mary. All the rooms bear the names of saints and a Latin motto beneath them.

I stayed in a room marked St. John the Baptist. "Contemptus mundi" read the motto, "contempt of the world." John preached the coming of the Messiah, rejecting the world's greed, cruelty, violence, and injustice. I thought, "I'm in the right place."

Read more about John here.

Registration for Education for Ministry (EfM) Opening Soon

Through study, prayer, worship, and reflection, EfM seminar groups journey together through scripture, church history, and theology. St. John's EfM cohort currently meets Wednesday nights in the St. John's library and online.

Registration for the 2026-2027 EfM year opens soon for both the Classic (4-year) and Wide Angle (1-year) options. Contact Walt Cooner for more information.

Adult Lectionary Forum on Summer Break

Our weekly discussion of the Sunday readings is on hiatus for the summer. We'll resume August 23.

Chicken and Mac and Cheese at Hanley House

June was a good month of service for the Hanley House. We spent time talking with several new residents and shared God's love. We served pulled chicken and mac and cheese to 38 people. The next two months are our pizza months! We still need sides - and volunteers! - but the entree will be pizza for July and August!

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 in July 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.

How Does Your Creation Care Garden Grow?

This year's harvest will include peppers, radishes, beans, and more. And we're already seeing growth! Sign up here to assist the watering team.

About the Garden

St. John's Creation Care Garden raises fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs for Western Fairfax Christian Ministries' free food markets. Last year, St. John’s Creation Care Garden Committee grew, harvested, and delivered more than 180 pounds of produce, totaling 667 pounds over the past four years. Contact Jean Makurat or the parish office for more information.

Donate to Western Fairfax Christian Ministries

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)
• Oatmeal (Quaker Oats)
• Cereal (low sugar preferred)
• Shelf Stable Juice (apple, cranberry, grape)
• Canned Meat (tuna, salmon, Vienna sausages, sardines)
• Canned Tomatoes (crushed, whole paste)
• Canned Vegetables (spinach, potatoes, beets)
• Canned Fruit (pineapple, mandarin oranges, pears, peaches)
• Pasta Sauce (no glass jars)
• Refried, Garbanzo, and Kidney Beans
• Dried Beans (lentils, pinto, black beans)
• Mashed Potatoes 
• Boxed Macaroni and Cheese
• Pancake Mix 
• Flavored Rice (Rice-A-Roni) and Flavored Pasta (Knorr)

Toiletries:

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

• Feminine Hygiene Products (Pads preferred)
• Tissues (Family Size)
• Baby Wipes 
• Body Wash
• Toothpaste
• Lotion
• Shaving Cream and Disposable Razors
• Pull-Ups Size 4T/5

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.

Support the 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. 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. 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.