An Invitation to Hospitality

In her book The Monastic Heart, Joan Chittister says, “Hospitality is meant to be civilization making. It is the model of inclusion. It is the foundation for world peace in its openness everywhere to everyone, no racial, national, religious credentials necessary. Hospitality interrogates each and all of us still about our own acceptance of the foreigner, the stranger, the seeker, the lost, the ones who are not like us.”

I have thought a lot about the idea of hospitality this week as I reflect on the unveiling of two stumbling stones at AME Zion Lomax this past weekend. Lomax opened its doors to the community to share the stories of two people buried in their graveyard. Two formerly enslaved freedom seekers—Sara Ann Gardener and Isaac Jones—worked to secure hospitable space for those determining the course of their lives for the first time. I am awestruck by how these two, along with a multitude of others named and unnamed, looked beyond their circumstances to create community through hospitality and unrestricted welcome.

How often have I felt that “this is too much” or “I need a break” when asked by an organization or person I love to take on one more thing? I’m sure these two had those thoughts. And yet, what a beautiful example they set for all of us.

And so, I come back to the idea of hospitality. How do I reconcile creating a welcoming space for myself as I seek to expand the space I offer to others? How do I take care of my own as I seek to ensure that all around me are taken care of? Who in my community do I need to not only accept but welcome into my idea of hospitality? It is a daily process of small decisions that hopefully lead to a life I can reflect back on without too much regret.

As we are in the middle of stewardship thinking and end-of-year charitable giving and planning holiday gatherings, I hope each of us can make some space for ourselves to ponder this idea of hospitality. What is the small decision we can each make today to extend hospitality to someone else?

Beth Cavey

This Sunday, November 16

Collect for the Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost

Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
 

Family Ministry

We 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.

Rector Discernment Process Update

On Sunday, November 2, 2025 the Discernment Committee conducted a parish-wide discernment forum after Sunday service in which it gave an update on parish input (surveys, interviews, etc.) and next steps in the discernment process. The Discernment Committee also had small group discussions to further explore input results, and solicit additional comments from congregation members. Many thanks to those who were able to join us.

The Discernment Committee is winding down its information gathering stage. If you were unable to attend and would like to provide further input, please reach out to a member of the Discernment Committee.

Following are some of highlights of the information gathering and input the Discernment Committee received, and which it will use as it continues its process:

• St. Michael’s has a robust identity as a neighborhood church with a strong sense of community. It is comfortable with its size, who we are and how we worship. St. Michael's is not a church that needs to be fixed, but rather it seeks a rector who can continue to lead and support us on our current path.
• As a parish community we know each other individually, help each other when in need, and are active in helping our neighbors and larger community. We are inter-generational, and would like to continue to grow pastoral care, formation and activities for all generations, families and individuals, and also grow our congregation as we welcome newcomers.
• The number one quality in a rector parishioners identified in our parish-wide survey was a caring pastor who can provide spiritual support and comfort to all congregants. The other top important qualities identified and listed in descending order is a rector who: supports faith formation of children, youth and families; is a wise and thoughtful teacher; listens well and collaborates with parishioners in decision-making; helps St. Michael’s grow in outreach and service to the wider community; has sound financial decision making; is a compelling teacher; focuses on justice and compassion; grows the parish; and continues our relationship with Lomax.

2025 Stewardship Update

There is one body and one Spirit…one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:4-6

In the first full week of our stewardship campaign, St. Michael’s has received 15 pledges totaling $133,992.00. A sincere thank you to all those who have turned in their pledge! This year’s annual stewardship campaign, “WE Are St. Michael's” calls on you to join in making a pledge that will support the day-to-day activities of St. Michael’s, as well as the outreach we do in the wider beloved community.

Each household is encouraged to make a financial pledge to St. Michael’s for 2026 by Sunday, November 23. More information about this year’s pledge campaign and how to make a pledge may be found on our website.

Dan Ruff, Stewardship Chair

Diocesan Convention Overview

Rev. Mark Furlow and Evan Robertson will offer a brief overview of The Episcopal Diocese of Virginia’s 231st Diocesan Convention this coming Sunday, November 16 after church in the parish hall. Grab coffee and catch up on a few of the highlights from the Convention, which occurred Nov. 6–8 in Fredericksburg, VA.

Worship Ministry Fair

St. Michael’s Vestry is sponsoring a Worship Ministry Fair in the parish hall on Sunday, November 23 after church during coffee hour. The Fair will be an opportunity to learn about the various ways to participate in worship. Representatives from various groups will be on hand to talk about reading scripture lessons, serving behind the altar, preparing flowers, setting the altar, carrying the processional cross and candles, singing in the choir, and taking Communion to home and hospital. All are welcome. For more information, please contact Rev. Mark Furlow or Senior Warden Jim Dinan.

Advent Art Show and Fundraiser

St. Michael’s Art Committee will host a parish fundraiser art show in the parish hall during Advent, featuring original works created by our parishioners. If you have artwork you would like to show and donate, please bring it to the church on Saturday, December 6, between 1:00 and 4:00 PM. We will hang the art together that afternoon. All proceeds from sold artwork will go to St. Michael’s general offering. All types of art including paintings, pottery, quilting, knitting, photography, multimedia pieces and more are welcome. Please sign up here if you plan to participate or if you prefer to display a piece that is not for sale.

Come share your creativity and support our church community this Advent.

Lomax Food Pantry Update

Thank you to everyone who donated food to Lomax Church’s food pantry. Your generous donations were appreciated by the clients as well as the volunteers. One volunteer wrote, “What a blessing St. Michael’s family has been. I’m thankful and grateful for our friendship.” In this season of Thanksgiving, I’m so grateful for my St. Michael’s family who’ve always been generous in the care of those who need it most. 

Matthew 25:35-40 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink.

Lisa Harkins, Outreach Committee

Scouting for Food Appreciation

Big thanks to everyone who donated food as part of the Scouting for Food drive on November 8! More than 8 organizations supported our route alone! Participants delivered cans and non-glass pantry items to Our Savior Lutheran Church, which served as a collection point for AFAC. A contribution of glass items was made to the food pantry of Lomax A.M.E. Zion Church. Non-food items were donated to Food Justice DMV (via Fairfax Circle Church). Deep appreciation is offered to all the St. Michael's households who supported the effort. Thank you!

Demian Perry

Migrant Accompaniment Training

On Saturday, November 15, The Falls Church is hosting a training session on providing practical and emotional support during ICE/ISAP check-ins and court hearings. More information can be found here.

Parish Calendar 

Contact Information for The Rev. Mark Furlow