The Playlist

“Seeking and serving Christ in all persons, and loving our neighbors as ourselves.” 

I recently spent a weekend with friends in Deep Creek. We enjoyed time on the water, grilled fresh fish, and relaxed in one another’s company. At one point, our conversation turned to memorable gifts we had received from family members and why those gifts had stayed with us over the years.

One friend shared a story about a difficult season in his life while his daughter was in high school. One Christmas, instead of giving him a traditional gift, she created a playlist for his phone. Along with the songs, she included notes explaining why she had chosen each one for him. Some were songs he had never heard before, but as he listened to the lyrics and read her thoughtful explanations, they quickly became some of his favorites.

Later, he told me that in that moment, he could see Christ in her.

That simple but deeply personal gift meant so much to him that it became a tradition. Every year since, she has given him another playlist.

I have thought about that story often since hearing it. Seeking and serving Christ in all persons does not always happen through grand gestures. Sometimes it is found in the quiet attentiveness of truly knowing someone, understanding what they need, and offering love with care and intention. In those moments, we not only reflect Christ to one another—we are also given the gift of seeing Christ in someone else.

Carol Halvorson, Vestry Member

Bishop’s Visitation & Rites of Initiation

Bishop Ann Ritonia, Suffragan Bishop of the Armed Forces and Federal Ministries will visit St. Michael’s on the Day of Pentecost, Sunday, May 24 to assist with rites of initiation including baptism, confirmation, reception, and reaffirmation. Bishop Ritonia has a unique ministry among the bishops in the Episcopal Church. I encourage you to read her bio and learn about the Church’s ministry to those who serve in the military and those who serve in federal ministries. 

Please also join me in praying for the following candidates who are discerning a call to participate in these rites: Elliott Collins, Scott Shields, Corbin Monahan, Silas Denson, Ian Denson, Carol Halvorson, Grace Farrer, Jennifer Borkowski, James Chang, Rosetta Gibson. 

We celebrate the Holy Spirit’s on-going presence in their lives and in the midst of St. Michael’s community. 

Rev. Mark Furlow, Interim Rector

Sign Up for the Parish Picnic on May 24

Along with the Bishop’s visitation, St. Michael’s will hold its parish-wide picnic on Sunday, May 24! Come join us for fun and fellowship after the service. Bring blankets and camp chairs just in case the sun is out. If it’s raining, we’ll stay inside.

The church is providing two kinds of chicken: Nandos and chicken tenders! We will also have lemonade. Please bring a side or dessert to share! Please use the Sign Up Genius to help distribute the dishes. 

If you plan to attend and are able to help with set up or clean up, please email Beth Addington.

Celebrating Graduating Seniors

Visit to Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in DC

The Arts and Faith ministry invites you to refresh your spirit with the beauty of the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in Washington, DC. Located in the Brookland neighborhood, the monastery is known for its full-size replicas of the Mount Calvary and Holy Sepulchre shrines in Jerusalem, reproductions of the Nazareth Annunciation and Bethlehem Nativity grottos, and lovely gardens.

This trip will follow the service on Sunday, June 7. Our group will carpool to Ruthie's All-Day restaurant for brunch and then carpool to the monastery for the 1:30 PM tour. The tour takes about an hour. We'll then view the gardens.

Please note, while the main level of the church is handicapped accessible, in order to see the lower church one has to descend more than 20 steps and then ascend these steps to return.

To sign up for the trip, please register here.

For more information, or if you are willing to be a carpool driver, please contact Adrienne.

Welcome & Name Tags

Volunteer Opportunity 

We are looking for 5 members from St. Michael's to support Restoration Immigration Legal Aid's client meeting on Monday, June 29. At this event, RILA clients come with their families and dinner is provided and served by us. The event typically runs from 6–8 PM.

Those looking to volunteer would be expected to contribute to the following efforts:

• Work with the volunteer group to provide enough food for 40 people.
• Arrive at Restoration Anglican Church, 1815 N Quincy St., at 6:00 PM. 
• Help set up tables and chairs for meal service.
• Serve food to clients & volunteers.
• Break down tables & chairs.

Register for St. Michael’s Shrine Mont Weekend!

Looking for a chance to unplug and reconnect? Join your St. Michael's family for our annual retreat at Shrinemont, happening September 18–20, 2026. Whether you’re looking for a quiet moment of reflection, a hike through the crisp mountain air, or a chance to laugh over some apple butter and butt buns with friends old and new, there is a place for you there (#iykyk). 

We will have programming for all ages, from our youngest explorers to our most seasoned members. Come build community and find rest in the beauty of the outdoors. See you there! 

Register here. 

For more information or with questions, please reach out to any member of the Shrine Mont Planning Committee: Hailey Sabol, Caroline Haynes, Corey Bassett, Amy Miller, or Linda Kelleher.

Coming Up This Sunday, May 17

The Seventh Sunday of Easter

9:30 AM  Holy Eucharist
The Rev. Mark Furlow presiding.

A livestream of Sunday’s worship will be available on the Virtual Worship page of our website or directly on our YouTube channel. The Collect of the Day and the scripture readings for this Sunday can be found on The Lectionary Page.

9:30 AM   Children's Worship
Children interested in participating in Children’s worship will meet in the Sanctuary at 9:30 AM and proceed to the Children’s Worship space together. Children of all ages are welcome but those younger than four must be accompanied by a parent/adult.

10:45 AM  Coffee Hour
All are welcome to food, coffee, and fellowship.

2:00 PM  Rites of Initiation Class

Contact Us

Newsletter Submissions: communications@stmichaelsarlington.org (due by Tuesday at 5 PM)

Parish Administrator Katrina Moore’s Virtual Office Hours: Tuesday–Friday 9:30 AM–3:30 PM; 703-241-2474

The Rev. Mark Furlow observes the Sabbath on Mondays and is generally available Tuesday through Friday mornings for office hours and appointments.

For urgent Pastoral needs, call or text: 703-239-3787