To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

The readings for this Sunday begin with the book of Job: "The Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind..." (Job 38:1). It's not really an answer. It's more of a response.

The book of Job famously begins with a sort of bet between God and Satan to see if the blessed and righteous Job will turn on God (Job 1:6-12, 2:1-6). Job bears all sorts of loss under Satan's power, and the book becomes a powerful meditation on the problem of why people, even good, even innocent people, suffer. When the time comes for God to answer for everything, God's response amounts to "Who are you?" In Sunday's reading, God says, "Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? ...Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth (Job 38: 1, 4)?" Those looking for a satisfactory explanation for the suffering of Job will be disappointed.

Weirdly perhaps, I like the response because God, in fact, responds. When I think of all those times when I was hurt or saw hurt, wondered and prayed about it, and heard nothing in response, I hold out because of Job. I can keep bringing my own hurt to God for answers. I may yet hear something, too. God could have remained silent with Job. If Job is so insignificant, God didn't have to say anything. But God responds and powerfully so, for several chapters. Job matters to him. And so do we.

Much of Scripture is concerned with what we bring to God. Some writings painstakingly describe the who, what, when, where, why, and how of the required sacrifices of the day. Others question those practices. Job is one of them. Ironically, the book of Job seems to say that one of things you can bring to God is your questions. Wrestling with the problems of this life, seeing the unfairness and cruelty of the world, not understanding it, questioning it, even hating it, but then bringing all that to God is considered sacred in our tradition. After all, we put God's response - and Job's questions - in Scripture.

Wherever there is evil and injustice, cruelty and pain, suffering and loss, we can believe this: God will respond.

Grace and peace,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

Save the Date: July 14th Anniversary

St. John’s was consecrated July 14, 1854. We will begin a year of activities celebrating our 170th anniversary with a special anniversary liturgy Sunday, July 14, 2024 at 9:30 AM.

A Collect for Juneteenth

St. John's office is closed today in observance of Juneteenth.

A Collect for Juneteenth

Almighty God, you rescued your people from slavery in Egypt, and throughout the ages you have never failed to hear the cries of the captives; We remember before you our sisters and brothers in Galveston, Texas who [on this day] received the glad tidings of their emancipation; Forgive us for the many grave sins that delayed that liberating word; Anoint us with your Spirit to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim the year of your favor; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Bishop Deon Johnson, Episcopal Diocese of Missouri, 2021

General Convention

The 81st General Convention of the Episcopal Church will take place June 23-28, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Meeting every three years, General Convention is the governing legislative body of the Episcopal Church. This Convention take up a number of issues, including the election of a new Presiding Bishop.

For more, click here:

• General Convention website
• House of Deputies livestream
• House of Bishops livestream
• Virtual Resolutions 

WORSHIP

Last Sunday's Sermon

View The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost on June 16 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 Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

Let us prepare our hearts and mind for worship:

First Reading: Job 38:1-11

God’s role as creator of all life should humble us as we try to make sense of suffering.

Response: Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32

Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 6:1-13

Paul remembers the hardships he has endured for the sake of the gospel, and urges disciples to open their hearts to a relationship with God.

Gospel: Mark 4:35-41

By calming a storm on the sea, Jesus shows his power as Lord of all creation.

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. St. John's EfM group is underway on Wednesday nights. Contact Walt Cooner for more information.

Volunteer 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 July 9 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.

Parishioner Sandy Jones shared the impact St. John's support has had, in the community and on those who serve:

"After a year of serving a monthly dinner at Tree of Life in Sterling, we switched to the Katherine Hanley Family Shelter. It always felt good to serve and connect with families at Tree of Life, but it was a bit far and made it difficult for more people to participate. So we switched to the Katherine Hanley shelter, just two-and-a-half miles from St. John's. For me the experience was very different. We still bought and made the food, and we still served it with a smile, but it was not the same. We are serving people in our neighborhood who are at a place in life that is hard to imagine. They are without a home, and they are trying to start over with their children. Showing love and compassion, and serving them and sharing a conversation with our neighbors is a moving experience. For me the biggest impact is seeing the families sit and eat together, knowing how important that time is for a family. Most of the children are quite young, the youngest I met was two weeks old. Showing them they are cared about and supported is a gift to us as much as it is a gift to them."

Volunteer in a New Way with the Katharine K. Hanley Family Shelter

St. John's has been supporting KKHFS for several years with donations,

funds, and, recently, one dinner every month. As the residents prepare to

move out of the shelter into long-term housing, many need help with

independent living skills. The shelter assigns a case manager to help

ensure a successful transition; however, some may need additional support,

such as household management, budgeting, organizing skills, and

childcare. Also important are skills related to securing and maintaining a job, such as resume-building, interviewing, scheduling, and discipline to keep the job and perform well. Case managers are looking to match clients' needs with volunteers interested and skilled in these areas. Please let Deacon Steve know if you would be interested in volunteering to help a KKHFS client.

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:

• Red Beans (low salt preferred)
• Black Beans (low salt preferred)
• Canned Tomatoes (stewed, crushed, diced, paste)
• Canned pasta (SpaghettiOs, Chef Boyardee)
• Pasta Sauce
• Flavored Pasta (Pasta Helper)
• Flavored Rice (Rice A Roni)

​

Toiletries:

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

• Lotion
• Toilet Paper
• Large size pull ups (size 4T/5T for toddlers)
• Size 6 Diapers 
• 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.

Donating Backpacks

St. John's is partnering with Western Fairfax Christian Ministries this summer to provide backpacks for elementary school students in need this summer. Stay tuned!

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.

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.

Prayers for the Holy Land

Many prayers have been offered in the wake of terrorist attacks by Hamas and the outbreak of war. Pray along with Archbishop Hosam Naoum of the Episcopal Diocese in Jerusalem:

O God of all justice and peace we cry out to you in the midst of the pain and trauma of violence and fear which prevails in the Holy Land. Be with those who need you in these days of suffering; we pray for people of all faiths - Jews, Muslims and Christians and for all people of the land. While we pray to you, O Lord, for an end to violence and the establishment of peace, we also call for you to bring justice and equity to the peoples. Guide us into your kingdom where all people are treated with dignity and honour as your children for, to all of us, you are our Heavenly Father. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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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