Outreach
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We desire to live as doers of the Word alongside Christ and others. (Inspired by James 1:22) The impact we hope to create is rooted in the concept of kinship, which is found throughout writings in the New Testament. We take seriously the question of what it might look like to live as though we are intimately connected to others, no matter the perceived differences. More specifically, we desire to create connections with those who are "disinherited," (using Howard Thurman's term,) as Jesus did.
The Outreach Committee guides the parish in pursing the priorities listed below. We intend for this to be a dynamic commitment, evolving to meet the needs of our neighbors, and to improve equity throughout Arlington. It will be reviewed annually.
For 2021 the priorities include:
- Food insecurity
- Housing insecurity and supportive services
- Meeting the needs of our most vulnerable populations
- Disaster/Emergency assistance
The local groups highlighted on this page represent the nonprofits with whom St. Michael's is grateful to be in partnership. Through volunteer activities, monetary donations, and gifts in kind, we seek to serve Christ in all persons.
Lenten Food Drive for AFAC
Volunteer Opportunity: Helping Our Neighbors in Need
Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC)
Sign up here for a Saturday afternoon volunteer opportunity at the AFAC warehouse. Join us on the first Saturday of the month from 12:30-2:30. Volunteers will meet at the AFAC warehouse and bag produce, rice, beans for later distribution to clients. Volunteers must be at least twelve years old, wear close-toed shoes, and a hat or hair net.
St. Michael's actively supports the mis…
Read More »Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing
Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing builds and owns rental housing that is affordable to Arlington's low wage earners. St. Michael's has supported APAH's school age children by providing new backpacks filled with school supplies.
Blood Drive
Here’s how it works:
Just go to the Inova Blood Donor Services website at https://www.inovablood.org/donate-blood/make-an-appointment/ and sign up to donate blood. It’s important to make an appointment. When you show up to fill out the paperwork, you can even provide our organization number, which is 8406, so they can more easily track us. Are you travelling? Spending the summe…
Read More »Care of Creation
At St. Michael's, we are entering a time of reflection on environmental theology and care of God's creation. In September 2011, the Episcopal Church House of Bishops issued a pastoral teaching to the church regarding environmental justice. In it they wrote:
"The mounting urgency of our environmental crisis challenges us at this time to confess "our self-indulgent appetites and…
Read More »Doorways for Women and Families
St. Michael's parishioners are long-time financial supporters of Doorways (formerly TACTS), the emergency shelter and safe house for women and families. We also provide assistance through basket collections of food, household items and gift cards for purchasing back-to-school supplies.
Episcopal Relief and Development
St. Michael's regularly supports Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD), which provides national and global services, such as disaster response, advocacy, economic assistance, hunger alleviation, and long-term anti-poverty programs. Given the on-the-ground presence and partnerships in many parts of the world, St. Michael's has directed special collections for natural disasters through ERD.
Path Forward
St. Michael's provides volunteers to staff the Path Forward (formerly Arlington Street People's Assistance Network) Homeless Center during dinner on the first Friday of the month. We periodically donate clothing and toiletries for distribution to our homeless neighbors.
Welcoming our Neighbors:
St. Michael's has a long relationship with Path Forward to help reduce homelessness…
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