Masks are now optional during the service

To St. John's Parishioners and Friends -

From the Deacon:

 A few weeks ago, we had the Parable of Lazarus and the rich man and I wrote a message about that in my E-notes introduction. I have to confess that parable is still on my mind, and my heart and my soul. Every time I see a man or a woman on a street corner or at the grocery store begging for money or food or water, I think of Lazarus sitting outside the rich man’s gate begging for the leftovers from his daily feasts. I have often passed by them, not without feeling some guilt but “judging” them without any evidence. Then one night I recalled the conclusion of Jesus’ parable, how the rich man ended up in Hades and Lazarus was with Abraham in God’s heavenly kingdom. The rich man begged for even a drop of water to quench his burning throat but Abraham told him that nothing, not even a drop of water could cross the chasm between them.

For me, I decided I did not want to be the one begging Abraham for a drop of water to quench my thirst in heat of damnation. What does a “drop of water” equate to in today’s world? So, I decided I am not the judge of these men and woman, and if they asked for a drop of water, I would be gladly to give it them which I defined as a $1.00 bill. So now I carry a few dollar bills in my car or on my person so I can help someone in need without trying to judge their need.  May we love our neighbors with all of hearts and for care those in need.

Rev Deacon Steve

Sunday School Volunteers Needed!

St. John’s is very focused on ensuring that we attract young families to the church and one of the ways we hope to do that is by getting our Sunday School program started again! Currently we have a few young families who are interested in having their children attend class, so we just need a few volunteers to help teach. We have already purchased a curriculum, so we just need a few volunteers who can commit to teaching the little ones one Sunday per month. If you are interested, please join us at an information session after the service on Sunday, October 23rd in the rector's office. At this meeting we will develop a schedule for the remainder of the school year and also share the new curriculum. 

We welcomed The Rev. Philene Ware Dunn on April 24 to St. John's, and she is the priest celebrating the Sunday services. She will be here on Sunday mornings only and will work with Deacon Steve on any pastoral concerns.

Western Fairfax Christian Ministries updated list of the foods that they need the most. You can bring your non-perishable items to the church on Sunday mornings, or drop them off in the box outside the door by the breezeway during the week and they will be delivered to WFCM.

Most needed items in the food pantry this month: OCTOBER

·    Pasta Sauce 

·    Canned Mixed Vegetables (low salt preferred) 

·    Canned Corn (low salt preferred)

·    Refried Beans

·    Dried Beans (all types)

·    Pasta

·    Flavored Pasta (Pasta Helper)

·    Flour

·    Vegetable Oil

·    Tomato Sauce and Tomato Paste

·    Flavored Rice 

·    Family Size Boxed Cereal

·    Ramen soup

·    Mac & Cheese 

·    Ketchup and Mayo (family size not miniature packs)

·    Toiletries: body wash, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, feminine pads, toothpaste, toothbrushes, lotion, toilet paper (NOTE: we are not currently in need of diapers size 0-5 due to our partnership with Greater DC Diaper Bank. Please only donate size 6 diapers or larger size pull ups size 4T/5T for toddlers if you want to donate items for babies.)

As a reminder, we accept food and toiletry donations Monday - Friday 8-10 am at 4511 Daly Drive Suite H (Back Door) and on the second Saturday monthly 9-11 am. 

• Lectors read the lessons, ushers greet and help with the service
• Lay Eucharistic Visitors help visit our sick and shut-ins who would like communion at their home (see Deacon Steve for this),
• Altar Guild members help prepare for our worship service (see Marcia Evans or another A.G. member)

We can prepare our hearts & minds by reading ahead

for the Sunday Service lesson.

The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

October 16, 2022

The First Reading: Jeremiah 31:27-34

Jeremiah prophesies that change is coming. As the people have endured a season of suffering, so will God bring a season of blessing.

The Psalm: 119:97-104, BCP, p. 763

The Second Reading: 2 Timothy 3:14–4:5

Christians must be discerning and humble as they seek God’s wisdom. Many become attached to their own ideas and find ideas to suit themselves rather than pursuing the gospel.

The Gospel: Luke 18:1-8

Jesus teaches that nagging pays off. This parable on persistence in prayer encourages us to approach God regularly on our knees.

Sale of Bishop Goff’s Art Opens

We are pleased to announce the opening of an auction and sale of art by Bishop Susan Goff. Many have admired Bishop Goff’s creative expressions, and you now have the opportunity to own a piece that speaks to you artistically and spiritually. She has generously provided 33 of her original works for an art sale, the proceeds from which will be used to support the Bishop Goff Fund for Racial Justice Initiatives. 

The sale is being hosted by Gala-Bid, and can be accessed at Celebration of Bishop Susan Goff - GalaBid. The site will be accepting bids through 6:30 p.m., November 12. To place a bid, you will have to register with the site. Payment can be made by providing a credit card through the site’s payment processing platform, and buyers will be able to indicate arrangements for receiving their purchases. Questions about the art or the auction can be submitted to the “Contact Host” button at the left sidebar on the auction site.

Other Ways to Celebrate Bishop Goff

Letters of Appreciation

Many people wish to share words of appreciation for Bishop Goff’s ministry among us. The Transition Committee will be collecting your writings, printing them, and collating them in a book that she can enjoy and revisit often in the years ahead. You may choose your personal or congregational stationery. Feel free to contribute brief cards or longer letters. These letters of memories and expressions of care can be sent via email to bishoptransitionva@gmail.com or by post (in a flat envelope, letter unfolded), to: Cindi Bartol, 3709 Fort Worth Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304. Please send your contributions by November 8, so we have sufficient time to print, collate, and assemble the book.

Gifts to Bishop Goff’s Retirement and Travel Fund

When ordained clergy retire, it is traditional to gather financial gifts, known as a "purse," from grateful disciples among us. Bishop Goff has expressed an interest in travel following her retirement, so her "purse" would support this well-deserved interest. These gifts may be made using the diocesan online giving portal or by check, made out to the Diocese of Virginia, memo line "Bishop Goff's purse," and mailed to The Diocese of Virginia, 110 W. Franklin St., Richmond, VA 23220.