St. John's Episcopal Church - Centreville, VA

Parish News - March 6, 2024

To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

On Sunday, we celebrated one year of mutual ministry together with me as priest-in-charge here at St. John's. Time does funny things. I feel as though I arrived ages ago and just yesterday all at once. I am humbled and grateful to serve.


Thank you to everyone who contributed to our festive coffee hour! Thanks to all of you and for your ministry and contribution to St. John's!


Thanks be to God! A blessed Lent to you and yours!


Grace and peace,


Kevin


The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

P.S. Easter candy! As you prepare for Easter, so do we, and we need Easter candy for our Easter egg hunt! Please bring donations of candy (or stickers or fun-sized party favors) for our Easter eggs to church or to the office during office hours.


And help us prepare for Holy Week by joining us for Palm Crosses and Easter Egg Stuffing, March 23, 10 AM, Rooms 207/208.

St. John's Saturday Spring Spruce-Up

This Saturday, March 9, 9 AM-Noon


All ages, denominations, and ministry partners are invited to help spruce up the church grounds: trimming and clearing brush, maintain flower beds and parking lot, and more. Come and go as your schedule allows.


Bring rakes, shovels, brooms, wheelbarrows, and work gloves, if you have them.


Many hands make light work! See you Saturday!

Don't forget to Spring Forward! Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday, March 10.






WORSHIP

Last Sunday's Sermon

In the Ten Commandments' institution of the Sabbath, we are permitted--we have been commanded--to rest.

View the Third Sunday in Lent on March 3 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 Fourth Sunday in Lent

Let us prepare our hearts and mind for worship:


First Reading: Numbers 21:4-9

As they wander in the wilderness, the people become impatient with Moses and resentful of God. They are punished for their disobedience, but God heals them when they repent.


Response: Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22


Second Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10

Faith is a gift from God that cannot be earned. By God’s grace, our faith empowers us to do the work God intends for us.


Gospel: John 3:14-21

Jesus teaches that all who place their trust in him receive forgiveness of their sins and inherit everlasting life.

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.


CHRISTIAN FORMATION

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) Welcomes Alumni Tonight

EfM #13101, St. John's EfM group, welcomes alumni back for discussion with the current group, tonight, March 6. If you're interested in participating, contact Walt Cooner for the readings and details.


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.

MISSION AND OUTREACH

hanley house 2024-02-06

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 March 12 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.

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

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.

VOLUNTEER SIGN-UPS

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.
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