To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

As part of our anniversary celebration, David Weir assembled a short video history. Part of that history lists the clergy who have served St. John's since the beginning. At the end of this list of people who worked with countless others to build, rebuild, resurrect, and grow this community of Jesus Christ, was my name. "What's that doing there?" I thought. "I don't belong there." Seeing my name there was surreal. It was a humbling reminder that we all serve this loving, joyful God in a great communion of saints, past, present, and future.

Take this anniversary moment to see yourself as a beloved child of God and part of the history--and the future--of this place we call St. John's. You belong here.

Grace and peace,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

Happy Birthday, St. John's!

St. John's celebrated the 170th anniversary of its consecration Sunday with a special anniversary liturgy and festive coffee hour.

Consider contributing a special gift to celebrate St. John’s 170th Birthday. Special envelopes will be found once again in Sunday's bulletins. Or you can give online.

In Times of Conflict: See Bishops' Statements on Assassination Attempt on Former President Trump

"The way of love—not the way of violence—is the way we bind up our nation’s wounds. We decry political violence in any form, and our call as followers of Jesus of Nazareth is always to love. We pray for the families of those who were killed. We pray for former President Trump and his family and for all who were harmed or impacted by this incident. I pray that we as a nation and a world may see each other as the beloved children of God."

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry

"My dear siblings in Christ: Tonight, I ask you to join me in prayer. I pray for former President Donald Trump, that he may recover fully from the senseless violence of today. I pray for those who died, and for those who mourn. I give thanks for the first responders on the scene, and for all those who helped bring calm to chaos. I lift up the families of all involved, victims and perpetrator alike. And, I pray that God will bring an end to such violence, so that no mother, no spouse, no child, will ever have to live in fear of the sound of a gunshot that ends – or attempts to end – a life before its time. May the Loving God bring peace to this world."

Bishop of Virginia E. Mark Stevenson

Read additional responses from bishops nationwide at Living Church.

WORSHIP

Last Sunday's Sermon: What Is a Church?

On the anniversary of the consecration of St. John's, Rev. Kevin Laskowski asks, "What is a church?" Ideally, it is a house of God, a house of prayer, a house for God's people, but it can fall short of these visions. It must always be an invitation to meet God in Jesus Christ, to meet the God who loves us more than we know.

View St. John's 170th Anniversary on July 14 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 Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

Let us prepare our hearts and mind for worship:

First Reading: Jeremiah 23:1-6

The Lord rebukes false shepherds who divide the flock of Israel.

Response: Psalm 23

Second Reading: Ephesians 2:11-22

The sacrifice of Jesus breaks down the old barriers between the circumcised and uncircumcised. All saints stand on level ground at the cross.

Gospel: Mark 6:30-34, 53-56

Jesus attempts to give his disciples a time of rest, but his compassion for the needy is relentless.

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) - Newcomers and Alumni!

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 taking a break for the summer but resumes in the fall on Wednesday nights.

Contact Walt Cooner for more information about the forthcoming EfM year and newly forming alumni groups for those who've already experienced this program.

Donate Backpacks!

School starts soon, and St. John's is partnering with Western Fairfax Christian Ministries this summer to provide backpacks for elementary school students in need. Our commitment is 50 backpacks:

For Lees Corner (Home of the Polar Bears!)

10 large or small backpacks with computer sleeves

For Cub Run (Home of the Cubbies!)

40 large backpacks (laptop sleeves optional)

Please bring newly purchased backpacks to Sunday services or the church office by August 11 for blessing and delivery.

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
• Black Beans (low sodium)

​

Toiletries:

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

• Body Wash
• Bar Soap
• Toothpaste
• Size 6 Diapers 
• Large size pullups
• 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.

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

August 13 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.

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.

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!



• Click the button below to set up a recurring gift online, or text "STJOHNSCENTREVILLE" to 73256 to give using your mobile device.
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• Explore more about giving to St. John's on our website or by contacting Father Kevin.