To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

A Message from the Senior Warden

On Saturday, June 6, the St John's Vestry met with a diocesan facilitator, The Rev. Fran Gardner-Smith of St. Thomas, McLean, to conduct a second Mutual Ministry Review. (The first was completed in 2024. Read "Rectors, Priests-in-Charge, and the Mutual Ministry Review" for more.)

The day’s agenda examined many areas of parish ministry: Worship, Stewardship, Evangelism and Digital and Online Ministry, Education, Pastoral Care, Mission and Outreach, and Administration. A wide-ranging review ensures that the goals of the congregation are in line with the talents and priorities of the next rector. With the review completed, the Vestry will be voting on Sunday, June 21 whether or not to call Fr. Kevin Laskowski as our new rector.

As a result of the review, the congregation will see several changes – some large and some small – over the next few months. St. John's will trying some new things and further refining some existing practices. Some of these will be visible to the congregation; others will happen behind the scenes. Among the changes the congregation can look forward to:

• Beginning worship with a call for silent reflection during the musical prelude. 
• Gathering a committee to improve our online presence, including our website and social media.
• Organizing a pastoral care team.
• Adopting a revised budget process that better ties expenditures to goals. 
• Reconfiguring the front office space. 
• Turning our abundant online video archives into more social media-friendly content.

That's not all. One of the pleasanter aspects of the MMR was the number of priorities from two years ago that have already been undertaken, whether it’s the extensive building upgrades (a brand-new fire panel, updated fire prevention and security, two new HVAC systems, two new ranges in the kitchen, three new water fountains, and more) in recent months, or our active outreach agenda. There will be some activities that will be changed or phased out for a season. Any new direction will be worked out appropriately with those involved. 

The Vestry is very happy to talk with anyone who is interested in either our priorities for the coming year or the vote on June 21. Please reach out the Senior Warden, Junior Warden, or a Vestry member via email or in person at church.

Regards,

Lisa Heller

Senior Warden

St. John's Episcopal Church, Centreville

A Message from the Priest-in-Charge

I hope you'll be in touch with the Vestry (and/or me) about the upcoming vote. I'm very excited about what we've done together and may yet do. I'll have more to say in next week's newsletter. For now, I'm looking ahead to this Sunday, June 14, a big day for St. John's:

Confirmation! Blessings upon parishioner Julie Sullivan, who will be confirmed by Bishop Stevenson at Pohick Episcopal Church (9301 Richmond Hwy, Lorton, VA) this Sunday, June 14 at 10:30 AM. Inspired by our own bishop's visit in April, and hoping to serve at the altar, Julie found a local church with an upcoming bishop's visit, and we began preparing. St. John's parishioners are welcome to attend in support. I'll be there myself. Thank you to the Rev. Dr. Samuel Reddimalla for celebrating at St. John's this Sunday and Senior Warden Lisa Heller for preaching in my absence. But don't miss...

Education for Ministry (EfM) Graduation! At our usual 9:30 AM service this Sunday, we will acknowledge three graduates of this classic four-year program of Christian formation, and two graduates of the inaugural Wide Angle experience. See more below and attend St. John's on Sunday to celebrate all St. John’s cohort #13101 has achieved.

Peace,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

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.

Wanted: Treasurer

After many years of ministry, Tom McDermott has asked to step away as Treasurer at the end of the year. In an earlier term as Treasurer, Tom was among those volunteers and staff who brought St. John's through some very tough times. Tom returned to the office for this most recent term, always keeping one eye on how things have gone and the other on what's ahead. We'll give thanks and honor Tom's service as his departure approaches.

So we'll be looking for Tom's successor in the coming months. Treasurers take charge of church funds and disburse funds under the direction of the Vestry. They maintain church accounts in accordance with the canons and report to the Vestry. If you think you might be called to this essential ministry, please contact the Senior Warden, thank Tom in church or via email, and/or contact Fr. Kevin.

And we're not only looking for a Treasurer. If you'd like to assist with our online presence, Centreville Day, or serve in church (see below), contact the Senior Warden and/or Fr. Kevin.

Ministry Meetings - Thank You!

Acolytes, readers, Altar Guild members, choir members, ushers, and others have been meeting over the past few months. Thank you to all of the many volunteer ministers, current and new, who showed up to make St. John's worship everything it can be.

You're already seeing Vestry members leading the prayers of the people. In the coming weeks, expect to see new acolytes and readers, members of the congregation bringing up gifts, and more. It's an exciting time. If you feel called to a new ministry, or are just curious about how you can serve, contact Fr. Kevin.

Welcome Jeanette Nord to the St. John's Staff

Jeanette Nord is St. John's new Ministry Partner Liaison. Before joining St. John's, Jeanette worked as a state-registered Peer Recovery Specialist, helping individuals build resilience and achieve their recovery goals. She brings a diverse background in public service, executive administration, and behavioral health. In addition, Jeanette spent many years as a professional vocalist, performing throughout Northern Virginia and Maryland.

Jeanette will be working part-time here at St. John's, supporting all the 

organizations and congregations who call our campus home. Stop by the office during office hours to meet her.

Save the Date: 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.

Altar Flowers Needed

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

WORSHIP

Sunday Sermon

Organized religion is too often neither organized nor religion. That's the problem.

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 Third Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 6A)

First Reading: Exodus 19:2-8a

God saves the Hebrew people from bondage in Egypt, leads them into the wilderness to the holy mountain, Sinai, and makes a covenant with them through Moses.

Response: Psalm 100

Second Reading: Romans 5:1-8

Jesus died for everyone, before we turned from our ways to his call; as brothers and sisters of Christ, we endure knowing that whatever our lives bring, God can use it to his glory.

Gospel: Matthew 9:35-10:8

As the disciples are sent out on their first missionary journeys, Jesus urges them to behave with integrity, humility, and faith.

Education for Ministry (EfM) Graduation This Sunday

Congratulations to our Education for Ministry (EfM) Grads! Blessings upon Meredith Carlton, Emori Moore, and Andrew Wade for all they’ve accomplished over their four-year journey with God in Christ. Congratulations to George Dewey and Craig Staresinich as they finish the inaugural Wide Angle experience. And much gratitude to Walt Cooner, mentor to St. John’s cohort #13101. 

Join our grads this Sunday, June 14 during worship as their certificates are conferred, they are blessed, and we all celebrate.

About EfM

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.

Registration for the 2026-2027 EfM year is now open for both the Classic (4-year) and Wide Angle (1-year) options. Contact Walt Cooner for more information.

Saint of the Week: Barnabas

Barnabas was not only Paul's traveling companion in mission. According to the book of Acts, it was Barnabas who brought Paul to the apostles, and declared to them how, on the road to Damascus, Paul had seen the Lord, and had preached boldly in the name of Jesus (Acts 9:27). He more than lived up to his name "son of encouragement."

Read more about him here.

Bible Study Resumes Soon

Our journey through Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians wrapped this week. Thanks to everyone who walked with Paul, the Christians in Corinth, and with Jesus over these past two months. See below for what's next when we resume in 2-3 weeks.

Contact Father Kevin or Lisa Heller for more information and watch our website.

Bible Study Turns to the Hebrew Scriptures

The exact calendar and syllabi are still to be determined, but expect the same Wednesday noon and Thursday evening rhythm to our Bible study. We will turn to the Hebrew Scriptures in the coming months…

• Summer: Psalms! They're praise. They're lament. They're praise, even when they're lament. They're the Psalms! We’ll tackle a few classics, some perhaps neglected Psalms, and a few of Fr. Kevin's personal favorites in a short session over the summer.
• Fall: Ezekiel! Be warned! Tradition held that no one under the age of 30 should read this book. Ezekiel required too much care and caution to be read by just anyone. Rabbi, theologian, and activist Abraham Joshua Heschel described prophecy as a “ceaseless shattering of indifference,” an “exegesis of existence from a divine perspective.” Ezekiel is prophecy in all its glory and all its horror. Join us by the river, in the valley, and at the temple for the terror and the hope that come with bearing the very word of God.
• Advent: Isaiah! As we anticipate the arrival of Jesus in Bethlehem, in the future, and in every human heart at Christmas, we’ll study passages from the book of Isaiah. If Advent is a season of waiting, what is it really that we’re all waiting for, hoping for, fighting for? Isaiah had some answers for us.

Last Adult Lectionary Forum Before Summer Break

We'll have our last Adult Lectionary Forum of the program year this Sunday, June 14. Join us in person in the church library or online via Zoom after worship to discuss the day's lessons. We'll then be on break until August 23.

Chicken and Mac and Cheese at Hanley House

June was a good month of service for the Hanley House. We spent time talking with several new residents and shared God's love. We served pulled chicken and mac and cheese to 38 people. The next two months are our pizza months! We still need sides - and volunteers! - but the entree will be pizza for July and August!

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 in July 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.

How Does Your Creation Care Garden Grow?

Thanks to all who came out on Saturday, June 6 for planting day. This year's harvest will include peppers, radishes, beans, and more. And we're already seeing growth! Sign up here to assist the watering team.

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:

• White or Wheat Flour (5 lb. bag or less)
• Sugar (1 lb. or 2 lb. bag)
• Oil (canola, vegetable, olive)
• Oatmeal (Quaker Oats)
• Cereal (low sugar preferred)
• Shelf Stable Juice (apple, cranberry, grape)
• Canned Meat (tuna, salmon, Vienna sausages, sardines)
• Canned Tomatoes (crushed, whole paste)
• Canned Vegetables (spinach, potatoes, beets)
• Canned Fruit (pineapple, mandarin oranges, pears, peaches)
• Pasta Sauce (no glass jars)
• Refried, Garbanzo, and Kidney Beans
• Dried Beans (lentils, pinto, black beans)
• Mashed Potatoes 
• Boxed Macaroni and Cheese
• Pancake Mix 
• Flavored Rice (Rice-A-Roni) and Flavored Pasta (Knorr)

Toiletries:

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

• Feminine Hygiene Products (Pads preferred)
• Tissues (Family Size)
• Baby Wipes 
• Body Wash
• 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.