Masks are now optional during the service

To St. John's Parishioners and Friends -

From the Deacon:

Greetings from Shrine Mont! As I write this note, we have just finished the Deacon’s Retreat Weekend and are starting the Clergy and Lay Leaders Retreat. I have much to share about this weekend but first I want to thank all of you for your prayers and well wishes as I recovered from Covid and waited to test negative which I did just in time to participate in the Deacon’s Retreat. At this retreat, we had time with Bishop Elect Stevenson. Mostly discussion with questions and answers but as the discussion began, he made a statement I found to be extremely meaningful and important; that he and we as followers of Jesus Christ (and I’m paraphrasing) “We should ask ourselves, how would Jesus do this”. Make every action or decision through the eyes, mind and heart of Jesus Christ and in doing so care for the poor, the sick, the lonely, and the hungry. The great news is St. John’s is following Jesus’ heart. David Weir has completed the parish survey questionnaire and analysis which supports this conclusion. Please take a hard look at his brief and analysis of the survey at the link in this e-notes and if you have any questions, please ask David.  

Also from the retreat, the Diocese announced they will be conducting a Discernment Retreat Nov 4-6 at the retreat center in Richmond Hill. This will be open to anyone or any church group discerning their call to serve God whether as ordained clergy or in lay ministry. If you would like to participate, please let me know so I can make the recommendation to the diocese. 

Peace,

Rev Deacon Steve

Bench Installation & Dedication this Sunday, October 23, immediately following the service.

This Sunday, DAR members have been invited to attend our service and stay for the dedication of the bench they are giving to St. John's. Some members of the SAR (Sons of the American Revolution) will be in attendance in period uniform as well. Deacon Steve Busch will offer a short prayer of dedication and invite the DAR to make comments.

Fire-wood Fundraiser for Outreach

has started ! Bigger Bundles this year! The Woodchucks have been out chopping, and there is a lot of wood in store! $10 for a large bundle, $25 for 3 large bundles! Right outside the front door. There are envelopes available - please drop envelopes in our mailbox adjacent to the wood.

Sunday School Volunteers Needed - Planning Meeting this Sunday, October 23rd!

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.

                     St. John’s Parish Survey Results

The results of St John’s Discernment Committee Parish Survey can be viewed at the following You Tube Link:

https://youtu.be/tK1AHuVkKEE

Comments or questions about the survey can be posted on the St John’s You Tube Channel or emailed to STJDiscernment@gmail.com

David Weir,

Chair, Discernment Committee

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 Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

October 23, 2022

The First Reading: Joel 2:23-32

The prophet Joel tells God’s people of the signs that will signal the Lord’s presence. They are both comforting events and frightening signs.

The Psalm: 65, BCP, p. 672

The Second Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

The Apostle Paul offers his last will and testament. Showing faithfulness even in the end, he is eager for the kingdom of God.

The Gospel: Luke 18:9-14

Jesus tells a parable to illustrate the humble spirit to which God responds and the haughty spirit that God despises.

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.