To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

Growing Roman Catholic, Lenten discipline was important. In addition to abstaining from meat on Fridays (which meant a lot of fish sticks and ordering cheese pizza), we had to give something up or take something on in preparation for Easter. We gave up sweets or soda. We gave to charity. And most of the time, it worked like any New Year's resolution; we worked really hard at it - for about a week. Eventually, we gave up on Lent, intending to try harder next year.

With Palm Sunday this Sunday, I want you to know it's never too late. Don't give up. If your Lenten discipline fell apart, take it back up. If you never started, it's not too late. I had every intention of adopting an additional Bible-reading discipline this Lent, and it hasn't gone well. But with Palm Sunday coming, I used that urgency to get back in gear, and it's something I'll take into Eastertide. What are you giving up? What are you taking on to prepare for new life at Easter?

Because it's never too late. It's always a good time to take a step toward becoming the kind of believer, the kind of follower of Jesus Christ, you hope to be. God is always with us, always pulling for us, always rushing to meet us where we are.

A blessed Lent to you and yours!

Grace and peace,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

Preparing for Easter

Easter Lilies. Dedicate an Easter lily to a loved one by making a donation to St. John's Episcopal Church. Send your dedications to the parish office.

Palm Crosses and Easter Egg Stuffing, March 23, 10 AM, Rooms 207/208. Help us prepare for Holy Week by joining us to make palm crosses and stuff those Easter eggs.

Easter Egg Hunt Volunteers Needed! We need help to make this amazing Easter Egg Hunt happen! Help us with hiding eggs and helping out during the hunt. Sign up here or email Rev. Kevin to assist with the Easter Egg Hunt.

Progressive Dinner Returns!

Saturday, April 27, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

St. John's parishioners, the Progressive Dinner returns April 27! This is an opportunity for St. John’s adults to gather in one another’s homes for food, fun, and fellowship. We will meet for drinks, hors d’oeuvres and fellowship at the home of a parishioner before dividing into groups and heading to other homes for dinner. The evening ends at yet another location for dessert and coffee. Past dinners have been a huge hit, and everyone has had a wonderful time! Print this flyer and return to Penny Parker by April 14 to be part of the festivities.

New Episcopal Flag!

Some time after I arrived, I asked around about the American flag that flew during worship. I heard concern that people might only see a historic church building and not a parish at worship here, so we flew a flag (and rang our bell!) to let people know we were at worship. Many groups of many denominations worship on our campus. What should fly, I asked, when St. John's Episcopal Church is at worship?

A gift from the wardens on the occasion of my anniversary, a new Episcopal flag now flies during worship to welcome all. The American flag will return to mark Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Veterans Day.

WORSHIP

Last Sunday's Sermon

Rev. Steve Busch encourages us to listen to the voice of God so that others may see Jesus in all we say and do.

View the Fifth Sunday in Lent on March 17 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 Palm Sunday

Let us prepare our hearts and mind for worship:

First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-9a

The prophet encounters opposition as he boldly proclaims God’s truth. His vindication is found through remaining steadfast in his calling.

Response: Psalm 31:9-16

Second Reading: Philippians 2:5-11

Even though he is the incarnate Word, Jesus freely humbled himself, living a life of service. His obedience to his Father, even unto death, is the reason for his exaltation in heaven.

Gospel: Mark 14:1-15:47

Jesus is betrayed, arrested, and tried before Pilate. He suffers a shameful death on the cross at Calvary.

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.

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.

Adult Lectionary Forum - New Link

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)

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.

Prepare and/or Serve Meals for 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 April 9 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.

Parishioner Sandy Jones shared the impact St. John's support has had, in the community and on those who serve:

"After a year of serving a monthly dinner at Tree of Life in Sterling, we switched to the Katherine Hanley Family Shelter. It always felt good to serve and connect with families at Tree of Life, but it was a bit far and made it difficult for more people to participate. So we switched to the Katherine Hanley shelter, just two-and-a-half miles from St. John's. For me the experience was very different. We still bought and made the food, and we still served it with a smile, but it was not the same. We are serving people in our neighborhood who are at a place in life that is hard to imagine. They are without a home, and they are trying to start over with their children. Showing love and compassion, and serving them and sharing a conversation with our neighbors is a moving experience. For me the biggest impact is seeing the families sit and eat together, knowing how important that time is for a family. Most of the children are quite young, the youngest I met was two weeks old. Showing them they are cared about and supported is a gift to us as much as it is a gift to them."

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.

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 continue to bring donations of food and more to Sunday services, or drop at the church office.

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. 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.

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!



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