To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

Earlier this week, I attended a meeting of the Virginia chapter of the Society of Catholic Priests. We discussed liturgical silence, times in worship when we stop reading, preaching, praying, and singing to let God speak to us. Where do we make room for silence in worship, especially in a culture where church is one of the few places where we can find real quiet?

One of those times, I offered, is after the sermon. Someone asked: How long do you hold that silence? I said it depended on how proud I was of the sermon. When I'm happy with what just happened, I hope folks will sit with the words for a moment to process and reflect. When I'm less happy about what just happened, we can't move on soon enough, and I go right into the Creed.

Another silence is after the fraction. The prayer book directs it: "The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread. A period of silence is kept" (BCP, p. 364). The congregation kneels or stands in silent awe before the presence of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, broken and poured out for them.

In upcoming services, I'll be looking for times to hold silence for a moment longer. I haven't lost my place. I'm not overly proud of my sermon. I haven't suddenly forgotten what to do. Granted, that stuff is going to happen from time to time, but I'll be seeking more silence, for intentional time to stop and listen, amid all the noise of this life, for God's still, small voice (1 Kings 19:12). I hope you'll join me.

Grace and peace,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

St. John's Men's Group Breakfast

When: Saturday, September 14, 2024 @ 8:00 a.m.

Where: IHOP (close to St. John’s), 13810 Braddock Rd, Centreville, VA 20121

The grounds around St. John’s are looking nice these days. However, there is always a little something to do. For whoever wants to stay, we will work from around 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. There may be projects in or out of the church. We shall see what is the most important right before the 14th!

RSVP to Andrew Wade.

Northern Virginia Reception for Dean of St. George's College in Jerusalem

September 21, 5-7 PM

St. Peter's in the Woods Episcopal Church along with the North American Committee for St. George's will host a reception on September 21st from 5 - 7 PM. 

Clergy and past pilgrims, and those interested in hearing a first-hand update from Dean Richard about the current situation in Israel/Palestine as well as the work of St. George's College, the Anglican Center for Pilgrimage, Education, Hospitality and Reconciliation in the Holy Land area are warmly invited to attend. 

It will be a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow pilgrims and engage in this important conversation. Hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be provided.

Register here.

Author Night! September 30th at 7 PM

Come out and listen to a reading from parishioner Lee Griffith's book The Right Thing. We will hear Lee read, have a Q&A, and you can buy a book and have it signed by Lee!

About The Right Thing: A world-class sniper teams up with a physical phenom to challenge one of the most dangerous men in the Middle East. They first must pass a selection process that involves a months-long evaluation in mountain warfare, mountain climbing, survival, and shooting.

About the Author: Besides being a member of St. John's Church, Lee is a veteran of twenty years of service with the U.S. Navy, Lee worked with Navy SEALs. As the naval air station security officer, he wrote the base counterterrorism plan and exercised it frequently. An avid climber, he summited Mount Whitney, Mount Rainier, Mount Fuji, and Mauna Kea. He has participated in sprint triathlons for twenty years, and will represent team USA at the sprint triathlon world championships in Malaga, Spain.

Please sign up to bring an item to share if you can. Plates, napkins, utensils, and glasses will be provided.

Altar Flowers Needed

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

Volunteer for Stewardship Committee

The vestry is in the process of gathering a stewardship committee. If you are interested in helping with our stewardship campaign and pledge drive this fall, please contact Father Kevin or Senior Warden Susie Pike.

WORSHIP

Last Sunday's Sermon

Rev. Kevin discourages the hypocrisy of worshiping only on Sundays. Faith limited to one hour on Sunday is dead.

View the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost on September 8 here. 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 Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Let us prepare our hearts and mind for worship:

First Reading: Isaiah 50: 4-9a

The Lord’s Passion reflects the words of Isaiah: “I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting.”

Response: Psalm 116:1-8

Second Reading: James 3:1-12

James reflects on the paradox that such a small part of our bodies, the tongue, can cause so much damage.

Gospel: Mark 8:27-38

Peter veers from understanding Jesus as the Messiah to questioning Jesus’ understanding of his mission.

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.

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.)

Education for Ministry (EfM)

Education for Ministry (EfM) is a unique four-year distance learning certificate program in theological education based upon small-group study. Contact Walt Cooner for more information.

EfM members will be blessed this Sunday, September 15 at our 9:30 worship service as their program year kicks off.

Volunteers Needed at the Katharine K. Hanley Family Shelter

St. John's makes and serves a meal every second Tuesday of the month at the shelter. Sign up to prepare or provide food ahead of time and/or join us on October 8 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. Take one of the colorful slips at church as a reminder to shop. These items are especially needed:

Food:

• Flour
• Sugar (1 or 2 lb. bags)
• Vegetable Oil
• Pasta Sauce
• Pasta
• Cereal (low sugar preferred)
• Pancake Mix
• Family Sized Snacks (pretzels, crackers, etc.)
• Canned Chicken

​

Toiletries:

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

• Body Wash
• Bar Soap
• Toothpaste
• Hair Shampoo
• Toilet Paper
• Size 6 Diapers 
• Large size pullups (size 4T/5T for toddlers)
• Baby Wipes​

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 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.

The Shepherd's Center of Western Fairfax

The Shepherd's Center needs drivers and support for local seniors.

For an Election

2024 is an election year, so let us pray:

Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP, p. 822)

For September 11

God the compassionate one, whose loving care extends to all the world, we remember this day your children of many nations and many faiths whose lives were cut short by the fierce flames of anger and hatred. Console those who continue to suffer and grieve, and give them comfort and hope as they look to the future. Out of what we have endured, give us the grace to examine our relationships with those who perceive us as the enemy, and show our leaders the way to use our power to serve the good of all for the healing of the nations. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord who, in reconciling love, was lifted up from the earth that he might draw all things to himself. Amen.

--The Most Reverend Frank T. Griswold, XXV Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church

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!



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