To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

The rector's discretionary fund is a small charitable fund that allows me to provide discreet financial assistance to parishioners in need and to the many people who call or visit the church seeking help. It's one of many ways we participate in God's mission in Centreville and beyond. As a parish, we support many causes, organizations, and communities (scroll to Mission and Outreach for how you can help). Thanks to your generous donations, the rector or priest-in-charge can also help individuals with all kinds of needs. I've helped parishioners with medical expenses and car repairs, and I've helped strangers with food, rent, and utility bills.

It's an honor to do this work, but it's also a challenge. Too many are one month's rent, one gas bill, one surgery away from disaster. And too many are just a few hundred dollars shy of being able to care for their kids, sleep at night, and breathe easier. Sometimes, all someone needs is for somebody, somewhere, to take a chance and help them get through the month. Thanks to you, I can do that for someone: quickly, quietly, with no questions asked and no repayment expected. But this ministry is also a challenge. As generous as many have been to the fund, I don't have a lot of money to give away. I can't help everyone who calls, and there are a lot of calls. And, unfortunately, there are people who take advantage of others' generosity. I'd rather say yes to requests and be taken advantage of from time to time than refuse help and miss somebody who really could use it, but, lately, the need has grown beyond my ability to respond the way I'd like to as a minister and a disciple.

That's why I'll be making regular donations from the rector's discretionary fund to Western Fairfax Christian Ministries' excellent financial assistance program. WFCM was founded in 1987 by volunteers from 12 churches, including St. John's, who saw in coordinated aid a way to do together what they couldn't do on their own. In this way, I'll be able to continue support for parishioners and ministry partners while referring those who call in to the church to a trusted organization for assistance.

If you'd like to help us assist individuals and families in need in the coming Easter season and beyond, please donate to the rector's discretionary fund here (select "Rector's Discretionary Fund"), or bring a check to worship (add "Rector's Discretionary Fund" to the memo line).

Peace,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

Celebrate Lent, Holy Week, and Easter!

Join us for worship Sundays at 9:30 AM in the historic church, and mark your calendars for Holy Week:

• Palm Sunday, Mar 29, 9:30 AM
• Maundy Thursday, Apr 2, 7:00 PM
• Good Friday, Apr 3, Noon & 7:00 PM
• Easter Sunday, Apr 5, 8:00 AM & 10:30 AM - followed by our Easter Egg Hunt in the churchyard (Volunteers needed! Email Fr. Kevin.)

Easter Candy! (and Easter Eggs... and Palm Crosses...)

Please bring donations of Easter candy to worship or to the office during Lent so that eggs can be stuffed ahead of our Easter Egg Hunt. They'll be kept in the priest-in-charge's office, where they'll certainly be safe ahead of the festivities.

Join us to stuff Easter eggs and prepare palm crosses Saturday, March 28, at 10:00 AM in the church.

St. John's is Hiring!

We are hiring a part-time Ministry Partner Liaison to enhance coordination between our many Ministry Partners and to ensure that Saint John's building is maintained and protected. This compensated position is envisioned to be 10-15 hours a week. The specific hours are flexible. If you know of someone who may be a fit for this opportunity, please be in touch with the church office or the Senior Warden. 

Spring Cleanup, March 21, 9 AM

Our annual spring clean-up of the grounds before our Easter Egg Hunt will take place this Saturday, March 21, at 9:00 AM. All hands are welcome. Please bring work gloves, garden rakes, shovels, 5-gallon buckets, wheelbarrows, weeding tools, trowels, and Weed-B-Gon to help with these tasks:

• Move branches from grounds to the pile of branches behind the tool shed.
• Deposit any paper/trash in the trash cans near the tool shed.
• Weed flower beds around the church building
• Fill/grade potholes in rear and side parking lots as necessary
• Even up sinking bricks in Walk of Saints
• Hose/clean trash and recycle bins
• Line up wheel stops in the front parking lot

Join us! Many hands make light work!

DAR and SAR Event Honoring Patriot John Orr, March 28, 10:30 AM

Join the local chapters of the Sons of the American Revolution and Daughters of the American Revolution in the churchyard for an event celebrating American patriot John Orr. Orr's monument is in St. John's cemetery. Join us March 28 at 10:30 AM by the large magnolia to learn more about local history at the time of the American Revolution and to hear from John Orr.

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.

Readings for the Fifth Sunday in Lent

First Lesson: Ezekiel 37:1-14

Ezekiel proclaims a message of hope, telling those who have been exiled or living with hardship that they will be fully restored by the Lord’s Spirit.

Response: Psalm 130

In another pilgrimage prayer, we call out from the depths of our sins and challenges to a God who forgives and loves.

Second Lesson:  Romans 8:6-11

The apostle Paul explains the difference between what he calls living in the Spirit and living according to the flesh. Christians are in the Spirit, and the Spirit fills and motivates our lifestyle.

Gospel: John 11:1-45

Just as Lazarus is called forth by Jesus from the darkness of the tomb, we as Christ’s followers are called to go forward from darkness to light.

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: Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac

In 1633, Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac founded the Sisters of Charity of Saint Joseph, known today as the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul). The “Grey Sisters,” as they were known, were the first non-cloistered religious order for women devoted to acts of charity. Their mission grew to include founding hospitals, orphanages, and schools. Their initiatives were also influential during the 19th-century revival of Anglican religious orders in Europe and North America.

Read more about them here.

Bible Study Wraps Acts

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

Tonight, we wrap our reading of Acts of the Apostles with N.T. Wright's Acts: 24 Studies for Individuals and Groups.

Next week, we will review Acts, take a quick look at Matthew (the Gospel for this lectionary year), and preview our next reading. We'll take a break for Holy Week, and resume our studies by tackling First Corinthians in the Easter season. Join us! 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.

Serving at Hanley House

In March we served 53 folks a delicious pulled chicken and Mac&Cheese dinner. We had some very yummy St. Patrick-themed homemade cupcakes which were appreciated very much!

In April we are trying a new recipe of Beef Stroganoff. I hope you can help out in some way!

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 April 14 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.

Donating 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)
• Similac Baby Formula (blue label)
• Shelf Stable Juice (apple, cranberry, grape)
• Canned Meat (salmon, Vienna sausages, sardines)
• Canned Tomatoes (crushed)
• Canned Vegetables (spinach, potatoes, beets)
• Canned Fruit (pineapple, mandarin oranges, pears, peaches, applesauce)
• Tomato Paste
• Refried Beans
• Garbanzo Beans
• Kidney Beans 
• Family Size Snacks (crackers, nuts, popcorn, pretzels)

Toiletries:

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

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

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.