With God's Help

Dear Friends, 

We hear the words “Baptismal Covenant” often in our Sunday services, especially this time of year. I was asked to reflect on one promise and what it means to me—how I try to live it out in everyday life.

Wherever you are on your faith journey, this may or may not speak to you, but I’d like to share a bit of mine. The promise that stays with me is: Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers? I will, with God’s help.

For me, living this out hasn’t been about big moments, but small, steady steps. My husband and I began attending St. Michael’s about ten years ago at the 8 a.m. service. We felt welcomed right away. I was drawn in by the sermons, the sense of community at coffee hour, and the way our shared prayers carried into the rest of the week.

Over time, something deepened. The Eucharist began to mean more to me. Reading, listening, and talking with others helped me grow in understanding. And as life shifted—becoming an empty nester and semi-retired—I found myself wanting to be more involved.

Now I spend time with Children’s Worship, serve on the Vestry, help with Hospitality, host Sharing Faith gatherings, and recently became a laundress for the Altar Guild (something I never imagined doing!). Through Outreach, I’ve met people who continue to inspire and challenge me. Just last Sunday, I joined the Rites of Initiation class, sitting with others—some familiar, some new—all of us simply trying to live our faith a little more fully.

For me, this promise is about showing up, staying open, and trusting that God is at work in all of it.

I’d love to hear how you are living it out in your own lives.

Carol Halvorson, Vestry Member

World Labyrinth Day: Saturday, May 2

On this 18th annual World Labyrinth Day, as in previous years, many will walk a labyrinth at 1:00 PM local time creating a unified rolling wave of peaceful energy passing from one time zone to the next around the globe. 

Join us on our labyrinth at St. Michael’s as we Walk as One for Peace. The event features activities for children and facilitated labyrinth walks and will be held rain or shine.  

All are welcome! Details are in this flyer in case you'd like to share it.

World Labyrinth Day is an annual event sponsored by The Labyrinth Society—in collaboration with Veriditas, The Legacy Labyrinth Project, and the Australian Labyrinth Network. Every year on the first Saturday in May thousands of people around the world participate in World Labyrinth Day as a moving meditation for world peace and shared appreciation of the labyrinth experience. 

For more information, please reach out to Martha Dexter.

Pick-Up Choir This Sunday

Faithful Parenting: May 3

Parents of all ages and stages are invited for conversation about navigating the beautiful and challenging journey of parenting and our relationship with God. We meet monthly to connect with others, share experiences, and discover how faith can shape and strengthen family. Childcare will be provided in the downstairs classroom and dinner will be served.

Our next gathering will be Sunday, May 3 from 4 to 6 PM. Please RSVP so that we can plan accordingly. Donations to cover the cost of dinner are welcome.

This will be our last meeting for the 2025-2026 program year.

Contact: Karen Ruff, Children and Families Minister

Saturday, May 2: Volunteer at AFAC

Can you spare 1.5 hours on Saturday, May 2, 1:00–2:30 PM? If you can, please volunteer to help bag vegetables and/or sort cans at the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC), 2708 S. Nelson Street. Individuals, including families with children age 12+, are welcome. Wear close-toed shoes and a hat or hair net. Please sign up here.

Question? Contact Terri Katon

Men of St. Michael’s Retreat

The Men of St. Michael’s had a wonderful weekend retreat in West Virginia this past week. Many thanks to Mark Haynes for hosting at his cabin in West Virginia.

Author Event on Monday, May 4 at 7 PM

All are invited to attend the Author Event of our very own, Jen Dary, as she reads excerpts from and discusses her book, I Believe in Everything: A Memoir of Illness, Motherhood and Magic. Jen was only 35, with an infant and a toddler, when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. In her book, Jen shares her experience with the diagnosis, surgery, recovery and mystical experiences during her ordeal. I Believe in Everything can be purchased online at Amazon, or at local bookstores such as One More Page and Barnes & Noble. Copies will also be available at the event. Come and hear about her inspiring journey told with humor, honesty and courage. A reception will follow in the parish hall with light refreshments and a book signing. For more information, contact Paula Dierkes. 

Coming Up This Sunday, April 26

The Fourth Sunday of Easter

9:30 AM  Holy Eucharist
Interim Rector, 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
Sign up here. Class will be held in the church library. If you are unable to attend in person, you may request the Zoom link from The Rev. Mark Furlow.

The Creation Care Forum will be rescheduled for a later date, TBD.

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