To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

Where did summer go? The school year for Fairfax County Public Schools begins Monday. Summer's over. I only got to my community pool, like, what, maybe twice? And now it's all done.

Having blessed more than 50 backpacks and countless school supplies for local middle school students, it's time to prepare ourselves, too. Bring your backpacks, briefcases, purses, totes, etc., as well as your phones, laptops, and other devices, to worship this Sunday at 9:30 AM for a special Blessing of the Backpacks and Devices. We'll bless them as instruments of learning and God's own glory. Whether you're looking to start things off right at school or work, or just begin again, join us as we commit these things and ourselves anew to God and one another.

Peace,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Rector

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.

Congrats to our New Treasurer!

Congratulations and thanks to our Treasurer-elect Nancy Scott. Nancy will be shadowing our outgoing treasurer Tom McDermott in these next months as Tom's term comes to an end and he steps away. Be sure to thank Tom for his service and welcome Nancy to this vital ministry.

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.

Serving at St. John's

St. John's is a glimpse of the kingdom of God, where all are welcomed and valued in Jesus Christ. We need your time and talent to shine here on campus and beyond.

There are so many ways to serve at St. John’s:

• We’re looking for volunteers for communication, digital ministry, and Centreville Day. to share our faith and community with others.
• Our Sunday ministries continue to welcome new ushers, acolytes, readers, choir members, and more to help lead worship.
• We will call new Vestry members at the end of the year ahead of our next annual meeting.
• And there are always opportunities to share with those in need and fight for our neighbors (see below for mission and outreach opportunities).

If you feel called to serve, or are curious about these ministries, please contact the Senior Warden or 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

The Rev. Philene Ware Dunn returns to St. John's to share God's universal love with everyone. All are loved. All are welcome.

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 Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 16A)

First Reading: Isaiah 51:1-6

God promises his people, who have endured the hardships of exile, that his deliverance is coming soon and his salvation will last for all time.

Response: Psalm 138

Second Reading: Romans 12:1-8

Paul urges listeners to offer their whole selves, body and soul, as a thankful response to God’s gift of salvation through Jesus.

Gospel: Matthew 16:13-20

Peter boldly declares that Jesus is the Messiah. In response, Jesus gives Peter the power and responsibility of leadership.

Sign Up Now for Education for Ministry (EfM)!

Registration for Education for Ministry has begun!

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.

EfM has a minimum group size requirement, and St. John's needs two more participants for our 2026-2027 cohort! Contact Walt Cooner for more information on both the traditional Classic (4-year) and new Wide Angle (1-year) options.

Adult Lectionary Forum Returns This Sunday, August 23

The forum returns! Join us after Sunday worship to reflect on and discuss the day's readings.

Bible Study: Ezekiel :

Our Summer with the Psalms wrapped this week. We'll be taking up the prophet Ezekiel after Labor Day, Wednesdays at 11 AM and Thursdays at 7 PM. Stay tuned!

In his book God: A Biography, Jack Miles writes that the three great prophets - Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel - represent respectively, "the manic, the depressive, and the psychotic." Ezekiel is a challenging text, home to some of the Bible's worst passages and some of its most powerful and enduring: heavenly wheels within wheels, the valley of the dry bones, the good shepherd, and an ecstatic vision of the restored Temple in the city of God. Contact Father Kevin or Lisa Heller for more information.

Saint of the Week: Bernard of Clairvaux

Bernard of Clairvaux was an abbot, mystic, and Doctor of the Church whose preaching and writing made him one of the most influential figures of medieval Christianity.

Read more here.

Pizza Night at Hanley House!

In August, we served 43 meals at Hanley House. This month was another Pizza month! In September we will be serving Pulled Chicken and Mac&Cheese. Please help us feed and serve our neighbors! Tuesday, September 8th is our next dinner.

Thanks to everyone who helps with this fun and tasty outreach!

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 September 8 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.

The Harvest Continues at the Creation Care Garden

Pounds of produce continue to make their way to Western Fairfax Christian Ministries: banana peppers, jalapenos, basil, mint, and more. Sign up here to assist the watering team.

Sadly, one of our planting boxes recently collapsed, and plants were relocated to pots. Please contact the parish office if you can assist with repairs, replacement, or what might be next.

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:

• Sugar (1 lb. or 2 lb. bag)
• White All-Purpose Flour
• Oil (canola, vegetable, olive)
• Oatmeal (Quaker Oats)
• Cereal (low sugar preferred)
• Shelf Stable Juice (apple, cranberry, grape)
• Canned Fish (tuna, salmon)
• Canned Tomatoes (crushed, whole paste)
• Canned Fruit (pineapple, mandarin oranges)
• Canned Vegetables (carrots, potatoes, beets, spinach, collard greens)
• Pasta Sauce (no glass jars)
• Boxed Pasta (no macaroni needed at this time)
• Mashed Potatoes 
• Pancake Mix 

Note: We have an abundant amount of canned green beans, stuffing, and condensed chicken noodle and tomato soup. If purchasing/donating for our markets, we kindly request you do not purchase/donate these items. Thank you. 

Toiletries:

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

• Toilet Paper
• Baby Wipes 
• Body Wash
• Bar Soap
• 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.