To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

Tomorrow morning, February 8, the parish gathers to review the past year, elect new leaders, and embark on the year ahead. Click here for our agenda, candidates for Vestry, and reports from our various inspired ministries.

Peace,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

A Joint Letter from 154 Bishops of The Episcopal Church: Whose Dignity Matters?

"We, the undersigned bishops of The Episcopal Church [including our own bishops], write today out of grief, righteous anger, and steadfast hope. What happened a week ago in Minnesota and is happening in communities across the country runs counter to God’s vision of justice and peace. This crisis is about more than one city or state—it’s about who we are as a nation. The question before us is simple and urgent: Whose dignity matters?"

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 they are finally here! There will be an event on Tuesday at the National Cathedral, but a group from St. John's is looking to help and join them sooner. If you are interested in supporting the Walk, contact the parish office or Emori Moore.

Celebrate Lent!

Our observance of a holy Lent begins soon:

• Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, Feb 17, 6-8 PM
• Ash Wednesday, Feb 18, Noon & 7 PM
• Palm Sunday, Mar 29, 9:30 AM
• Maundy Thursday, Apr 2, 7 PM
• Good Friday, Apr 3, Noon & 7 PM
• Easter Sunday, Apr 5, 8 AM & 10:30 AM

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 Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

First Lesson: Isaiah 58:1-9a

The Lord reminds the people that righteousness is about justice more than correct religious observance. Fasting and worship that is accompanied by oppression are not righteous or pleasing to God.

Response: Psalm 112:1-9

A wisdom psalm declares the benefits of walking in God's righteousness.

Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 2:1-12

Paul reminds the Corinthians that his proclamation was based upon the power of God rather than human wisdom and he encourages them to recognize the wisdom of God revealed through the Spirit.

Gospel: Matthew 5:13-20

Jesus declares that the disciples are to be agents of transformation giving them a mission based on his fulfillment of the Law and the prophets.

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: Brigid

Along with Patrick, Brigid is one of the most beloved Irish saints.

Read more about her here.

Bible Study Continues

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.

No Adult Lectionary Forum This Week

There will be no forum this week. Please join us in person for our annual parish meeting. The forum will resume next week, February 15.

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)
• Shelf Stable Juice (apple, cranberry, grape)
• Canned Meat (salmon, Vienna sausages, sardines)
• Canned tomatoes (whole, crushed)
• Tomato Paste
• Refried Beans
• Garbanzo Beans

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Toiletries:

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

• Feminine Hygiene Products (Pads preferred)
• Baby Wipes 
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Body Wash
• Liquid Dish Soap 

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.