To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

St. John's will host two baptisms on Sunday, and that has me thinking about our baptismal vows.

Our Baptismal Covenant is made up of a statement of faith in the Apostles' Creed and, unique to Episcopalians, a set of five vows. To each of these promises to continue in prayer, persevere in resisting evil, proclaim the word, seek and serve Christ in others, and strive for justice and peace, we respond, "I will, with God's help."

We make these promises, knowing we're going to fall short (Romans 3:23). We know we're going to make mistakes, hurt other people, and turn away from God from time to time. It is impossible for us to simply say, "I will," with a straight face. But "with God's help," we can make the promise. With God's help and grace, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). With God's help, we can be kinder, stronger, and braver for ourselves, one another, and a world in need. And so, along with the baptized, we renew our own baptismal vows: I will, with God's help.

Grace and peace,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

Stone Cleaning Eagle Scout Project

The stones in St. John's cemetery are being cleaned as part of an Eagle Scout project. Scouting's highest honor is awarded to those who, among other things, design, lead, and complete a community service project. The prospective Eagle Scout is a parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua American National Catholic Church, a ministry partner of St. John's, and wanted to do something for the church. A crew of Scouts and adult leaders was here last Saturday, August 17, tending to the cemetery grounds and cleaning the gravestones according to the Cemetery Conservators United Standards. They'll return Saturday, September 7, 8 AM - 11 AM. For more information and to sign up to assist, click here.

Author Night! September 30th at 7 PM

Come out and listen to a reading from parishioner Lee Griffith's book The Right Thing. We will hear Lee read, have a Q&A, and you can buy a book and have it signed by Lee!

About The Right Thing: A world-class sniper teams up with a physical phenom to challenge one of the most dangerous men in the Middle East. They first must pass a selection process that involves a months-long evaluation in mountain warfare, mountain climbing, survival, and shooting.

About the Author: Besides being a member of St. John's Church, Lee is a veteran of twenty years of service with the U.S. Navy, Lee worked with Navy SEALs. As the naval air station security officer, he wrote the base counterterrorism plan and exercised it frequently. An avid climber, he summited Mount Whitney, Mount Rainier, Mount Fuji, and Mauna Kea. He has participated in sprint triathlons for twenty years, and will represent team USA at the sprint triathlon world championships in Malaga, Spain.

Please sign up to bring an item to share if you can. Plates, napkins, utensils, and glasses will be provided.

Altar Flowers Needed

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

Volunteer for Stewardship Committee

The vestry is in the process of gathering a stewardship committee. If you are interested in helping with our stewardship campaign and pledge drive this fall, please contact Father Kevin or Senior Warden Susie Pike.

Spam Warning!

Beware of suspicious emails supposedly from Rev. Kevin or Rev. Steve. The scammer will often ask for a favor, perhaps saying that they're in a meeting and so can't be contacted. Such scammers trade on trust in clergy to ask you to purchase gift cards or send money. Neither Father Kevin nor Deacon Steve will ask for money or gift cards in this manner.

Delete and do not respond to suspicious emails. Look at the actual email address an email is coming from, not just the name that shows up. Emails from Father Kevin and Deacon Steve will come from their stjohnscentreville accounts. Trust your instincts, and remember you can always call the church to verify any request.

WORSHIP

Last Sunday's Sermon

God is not fooled, by eating bread and drinking wine at the Eucharist, if not with good faith, with the spirit and with action. Lady Wisdom in Proverbs sets the example by inviting everyone to the feast, especially the less fortunate, the sick, the injured, and the poor, just as St. John's does through our many outreach efforts.

View the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost on August 18 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 Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Let us prepare our hearts and mind for worship:

First Reading:  Joshua 24:1-2a,14-18

Joshua issues a challenge to the Israelites that every person must answer: Choose this day whom you will serve.

Response: Psalm 34:15-22

Second Reading: Ephesians 6:10-20

Paul warns Christians that we must contend with powers greater than ourselves, and testifies to the full armor God gives us for the struggle.

Gospel: John 6:56-69

The blunt truth of Jesus is too much for some who had followed him, but Peter expresses his loyalty.

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

There will be no Adult Lectionary Forum this Sunday. We will continue as usual next Sunday, September 1.

Education for Ministry (EfM) - Newcomers and Alumni!

Registration is happening now for Education for Ministry! Education for Ministry (EfM) is a unique four-year distance learning certificate program in theological education based upon small-group study.

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

St. John's Creation Care Garden Update

Our “Little Garden That Could” continues to produce an abundance of fresh produce. As of August 17, 2024, over 93.2 lbs. of vegetables have been delivered to the WFCM food pantry. Thank you to members of Chantilly Girl Scout Troop 56007, Centreville Girl Scout Troop 56084, and St. John’s parishioners Ann Goldberg, Tom Jones, Jean Makurat, Bev Milunec, Gene Milunec, Len Pond, and Durinda Smith for their yard work in making this project so successful.

As the Girl Scouts return to school it would be wonderful if additional volunteers could help with watering and harvesting tasks throughout August, September, and October. Volunteer as your time allows. No experience is needed. Also, if you might be available to help with end-of-the-growing-season chores, please contact Bev Milunec, Creation Care Garden Chairperson. Last year we cleaned and organized the garden shed, stored the plant containers and supplies, and winterized the garden beds. Thank you in advance for your assistance.

“Those who are generous are blessed, for they share their bread with

the poor.” Proverbs 22:9

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
• Cereal (low sugar preferred)
• Pancake Mix
• Family Sized Snacks (pretzels, crackers, etc.)
• Canned Chicken

​

Toiletries:

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

• Body Wash
• Bar Soap
• Toothpaste
• Hair Shampoo
• Toilet Paper
• Size 6 Diapers 
• Large size pullups (size 4T/5T for toddlers)
• 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.

Volunteers Needed 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 September 10 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.

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.

A Prayer for Young Persons

School has started in Fairfax County. We pray for all teachers, administrators, staff, and especially the students:

God our Father, you see your children growing up in an unsteady and confusing world: Show them that your ways give more life than the ways of the world, and that following you is better than chasing after selfish goals. Help them to take failure, not as a measure of their worth, but as a chance for a new start. Give them strength to hold their faith in you, and to keep alive their joy in your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP, p. 829)

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 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.