To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

I've told people that, being a young priest-in-charge, I'm learning to what it means to be a priest and what it means to be "in charge" at the same time. I think I certainly underestimated all the hats I'd be wearing. There are the priestly hats: preacher, teacher, pastor, chaplain, and then some. Then, there are all these other hats I wear from time to time: plumber, janitor, event planner, landlord, nonprofit manager, animal control, and more. I don't mind the hats so much; every job has its "other duties as assigned."

What bothers me is when I approach a situation with one hat on when I probably should be wearing another or none at all. A man came to the church recently, inquiring if St. John's offered English language classes. I immediately put on my social service hat to get this man what he was asking for. St. John's doesn't offer such classes, I explained, but I could point him in the right direction. I gave him some information, and he departed, it seemed, quite happy to be closer to what he was seeking. But, as the door closed behind him, a voice had all kinds of questions. What was his name? Were the classes for him or for family and/or friends? What was their first language? What was his name? I was so busy trying to serve, to answer his question, that I neglected to connect, to see the person, the world, behind his question. I neglected to connect. No hats. Just human being to human being. I missed out on something, on someone, because of the hat I was wearing. And I have so many hats. What else - who else - am I missing?

We all have our hats. Maybe it's one you put on from time to time. Maybe it's one someone else expects you to wear. If you find the hats you wear are getting in your way, take them off and connect.

Grace and peace,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

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.

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.

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

On a Baptism Sunday, Rev. Kevin encourages us to put on the armor of God, the stories of our salvation that protect and empower us.

View the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost on August 25 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 Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Let us prepare our hearts and mind for worship:

First Reading:  Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9

Moses urges the Israelites to observe the law with care, avoiding the idolatry that leads to destruction.

Response: Psalm 15

Second Reading: James 1:17-27

James urges Christians to put their belief into practice, lest their words ring hollow.

Gospel: Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for elevating human precepts to doctrinal importance.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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 Labor Day

Almighty God, you have so linked our lives one with another that all we do affects, for good or ill, all other lives: So guide us in the work we do, that we may do it not for self alone, but for the common good; and, as we seek a proper return for our own labor, make us mindful of the rightful aspirations of other workers, and arouse our concern for those who are out of work; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP, p. 261)

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.
• Pledge to give using this online form.
• Explore more about giving to St. John's on our website or by contacting Father Kevin.