Sundays 9:30 AM ·

  1132 North Ivanhoe St., Arlington, VA 22205  ·   (703) 241-2474  ·    

St. Michael's Episcopal Church
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Why Do We Leave the Leaves?

As part of our care of creation, we have been working to reduce the turf grass in areas where it is not needed (like on the steep hill on Ivanhoe Street) and add native plants to beautify the garden beds at St. Michael’s. The densely planted native perennials with their deep roots help to control stormwater runoff, while simultaneously attract our native birds and butterflies by providing food and much needed habitat.

Maintenance of native plants, trees and shrubs is little different from maintenance of non-native plants. Chemical fertilizers are not generally needed and of course pesticides would be counterproductive, as they destroy the very ecosystem that the native plants were installed to enhance. The value of the native perennials, trees and shrubs is greatly increased if their fallen leaves are left in place. Within that leaf layer is where our native fireflies, butterflies, and many other interesting and beneficial insects complete their life cycles. The fallen leaves also help protect both the plants and beneficial insects from the freezing temperatures in the winter. Many of our native bird species depend on native insects to feed their nesting young. If we remove the leaves, we destroy the habitat that we have created with the native plants.


Tags: Care of Creation

Sermons

  • May 28 | The Very Rev. Beth Franklin
    Listening to the Holy Spirit
  • May 21 | The Very Rev. Beth Franklin
    You're on your own now!
  • May 14 | The Very Rev. Beth Franklin
    The Objects of our Heart's Desire
  • Apr 30 | Hayden Paul
    Shepards of Community
  • Apr 23 | The Rev. Canon Rosemari Sullivan
    Hearts set on Fire

© 2022 St. Michael's Episcopal Church
1132 North Ivanhoe St. · Arlington, VA 22205
(703) 241-2474
Pastoral Care Emergency Line (703) 982-0344

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Service Times

Sunday Eucharist at St. Michael's is a comprehensive service of both Word and Sacrament. We read from the Bible, we recite or sing a psalm, and we listen to a sermon. Then we pray for the Church and the world, and we ask God's forgiveness for our sins. Finally, we greet one another in the peace of Christ and move to the sacramental service of the Holy Communion.

At services of Holy Eucharist, all baptized persons are welcome to receive holy communion. We also offer blessings to those who for any reason are not able or not comfortable receiving this sacrament.Children are always welcome at the communion rail. Learn more about Episcopal Worship

Location

St. Michael's Episcopal Church
1132 North Ivanhoe St.
Arlington, VA 22205

Contact Us
(703) 241-2474

Newsletter Signup

Today's Worship Service

9:30 AM Holy Eucharist in the sanctuary and online

Join Zoom meeting here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82953003225
To Dial in: (301) 715 8592
Meeting ID: 829 5300 3225

Download the service bulletin here.