St. John's Episcopal Church - Centreville, VA | |
Parish News - February 14, 2024 | |
To St. John's Parishioners and Friends: | |
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Thanks to all who made last night's Shrove Tuesday pancake supper a Mardi Gras blast! From the folks who set up and decorated, to our cooks and those who stayed after to clean up, thank you!
Now that our feast is over, our fast begins. While the wider world celebrates Valentine's Day (and so will we, it's ok), we observe Ash Wednesday with its call to a holy Lent and the imposition of ashes.
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St. John's is inviting the community to holy Lent. I spent an hour this morning sharing "ashes-to-go" at the Stringfellow Park-and-Ride nearby. Only a few stopped in the cold to receive ashes before making their way to the buses. But, then, I assisted military chaplains at Defense Health Headquarters in Falls Church, offering ashes to interested folks there.
As I said at our noon Eucharist and will say again tonight:
"I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God's holy Word."
A blessed Lent to you and yours!
Grace and peace,
Kevin
The Rev. Kevin Laskowski
Priest-in-Charge
St. John's Episcopal Church
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Ash Wednesday, February 14, service at 7 PM. Hear the invitation to a holy Lent, and receive the imposition of ashes.
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Last Sunday's Sermon
On Transfiguration Sunday, Rev. Kevin Laskowski wonders: what are the disciples so afraid of? Perhaps, the thing that scares us more than not getting what we want is getting it. The disciples are afraid of their own hopes coming true. Don't let your hope overwhelm you. Let it guide you. Don't let your faith scare you. Let it strengthen you. Let God's love overwhelm you, transform, and transfigure you. Let it make you brave.
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View Last Sunday after Epiphany on February 11 here, and look for new sermons as always here. | |
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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.
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Upcoming Readings for the First Sunday in Lent
Let us prepare our hearts and mind for worship:
First Reading: Genesis 9:8-17
God speaks to Noah and his sons after they have left the ark and establishes the rainbow as a sign of his covenant. God will preserve the world, not destroy it.
Response: Psalm 25:1-9
Second Reading: 1 Peter 3:18-22
Peter compares God’s acting to save Noah from the flood to our salvation by baptism through Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Gospel: Mark 1:9-15
Jesus is baptized by John in the Jordan River. Anointed by the Holy Spirit, Jesus hears a heavenly voice proclaim that he is God’s beloved Son. He then departs to the wilderness for fasting and prayer.
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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.
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Interested in Confirmation, Reception, or Reaffirmation? Save the Date for Bishop's Visitation
The Rt. Rev. James J. "Bud" Shand will visit St. John's on Pentecost, May 19, 2024. Bishop Shand is the retired Bishop Diocesan of the Diocese of Easton (Maryland), served as Chairman of the Board of the Virginia Theological Seminary, and is now Visiting Bishop here in the Diocese of Virginia.
If you're interested in Baptism, Confirmation, Reception, or Reaffirmation on Pentecost with the Bishop, or what these things might mean for you, please contact Rev. Kevin.
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The Philadelphia Eleven
Screening and Panel Discussion
Sunday, February 25, 4 PM
The Falls Church Episcopal
The Falls Church Episcopal invites you to a screening of the documentary The Philadelphia Eleven, the compelling story of the first women ordained in the Episcopal Church. Afterward, five former female clergy of The Falls Church will discuss the film and their experience and reflections as ordained women in the church. The event is free and open to all. For more information, click here.
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Adult Lectionary Forum
Join us Sundays in-person in the church library or online via Zoom to discuss the day's lessons.
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Education for Ministry (EfM)
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 underway on Wednesday nights. Contact Walt Cooner for more information.
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Volunteer at the Katharine K. Hanley Family Shelter
A successful first night serving dinner last week at the Katharine K. Hanley Family Shelter! St. John's will make and serve a meal every second Tuesday of the month at the shelter in 2024. Sign up to assist March 12 or 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.
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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.
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The Shepherd's Center of Western Fairfax
The Shepherd's Center needs drivers and support for local seniors.
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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.
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Prayers for the Holy Land
Many prayers have been offered in the wake of terrorist attacks by Hamas and the outbreak of war. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry called for prayer again as an Anglican hospital in Gaza was destroyed. The Presiding Bishop and Pope Francis have both called for ceasefire, return of hostages, and humanitarian aid as the conflict continues. 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.
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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.
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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.
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