In case you missed yesterday's announcement,
we've called a new rector.
Read all about The. Rev. Andrew VanBuren.
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One Community, Two Spaces: Inside Children’s Worship
As I begin my fourth year as St. Michael’s Children and Families Minister, I am constantly reminded that it was truly the Holy Spirit that brought me to this role. It is my great joy to engage with the families of our community.
One of my primary responsibilities is coordinating Children’s Worship on Sunday mornings during the Liturgy of the Word. This ministry was developed post-pandemic, as we cautiously returned to our physical church space and embraced what it means to worship together again. Though this ministry focuses on our kids, it echoes the spiritual journey of the whole church.
Upstairs in our worship space, (already our second, as we quickly outgrew the first!) our weekly lesson focuses on one of the very same readings the congregation hears downstairs. We ask questions and consider what the message means for us, mirroring the reflection happening in the main pews during the lessons and sermon.
Our time together begins with "prayer stones." While it is a simple way to share what we are thankful for, it is so much more. The children routinely share deeply meaningful moments from their week: a mom returning safely from a trip, spring flowers blooming, a fun birthday party, or even the struggle of sharing with a sibling. I think of these unselfconscious offerings as our own beautiful Prayers of the People.
It is an absolute privilege to walk alongside the children on their faith journeys and to watch our youngest members connect with God’s word. They remind us every week of the vibrant present, and future, of our parish. Thank you for entrusting your beautiful families to this ministry, and please know that the children always have a sacred space to pray, wonder, and grow here at St. Michael’s. If you would ever like to learn more about our time upstairs, or if you simply want to connect, I would love to chat with you after any Sunday service. Children’s Worship will resume on September 6, 2026.
Karen Ruff, Children and Families Minister
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End of Summer Tertulia: Sunday, August 23
Let's celebrate the end of the summer with a Tertulia at Westover Beer Garden on Sunday, August 23 starting at 2 PM. Pray for temps that are NOT in the 90s–100s! We'll be on the patio if it's pleasant—inside if it's not. St. Michael’s Tertulias are simple fellowship gatherings of the parish. All are welcome.
Questions? Contact Beth Addington.
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Pick-Up Choir: This Sunday, August 23
Pick-Up Choir. All ages are welcome. We’ll meet in the choir loft at 8:45 AM this Sunday, August 23 to learn a simple piece to sing during the offering—no robes, no procession, no fuss. The goal is for folks who love to sing to share their gifts and some joyful music-making.
Questions? Please contact Mike Schmidt, St. Michael’s Music Minister.
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Tonight: Parish Art/Craft Night
This evening, Thursday, August 20 from 7:00-8:30 PM, bring your favorite art or craft project and enjoy an evening of creativity and community! Whether you draw, paint, knit, crochet, sew, scrapbook, embroider, or work on another creative pursuit, you’re invited to join us. Bring your own materials and projects, and spend a relaxing evening creating alongside others. No instruction or experience needed—just come as you are and enjoy making something in good company.
All are welcome!
Questions? Please contact Kathy Coffey.
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Blessing of the Backpacks: Sunday, August 30
Please bring your backpacks, lunch boxes, briefcases, or devices to be blessed in preparation for a new school year. Immediately following the service on Sunday, August 30 join us on the lawn for an end of summer celebration including the Kona Ice Truck, face painting, tie-dying, and lawn games for the young and young at heart! Please bring cash or a card to purchase a snow cone ($5–7). Please contact me with questions.
Karen Ruff, Children and Families Minister
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Help with the Restoration Immigration Legal Aid (RILA) Picnic
Sunday, September 13, 3:30–6:00 PM
RILA supports immigrants in our community with pro bono legal aid to those who are most vulnerable and with the fewest resources. St. Michael's has been a volunteer partner with RILA providing occasional dinners for their legal clinics.
On September 13, RILA will be hosting a potluck picnic for all of their clients and families and all the RILA volunteers. Attendees will be bringing various dishes. St. Michael's will be managing the potluck table and provide supplies of plates, cutlery, napkins, etc. (which we already have).
Would you be interested in volunteering? We are on the lookout for 4-6 volunteers to bring supplies and one dish each to get the potluck started. Volunteers will also staff and serve at the potluck table. Other churches and organizations will handle setup and cleanup, beverages, and activities.
The picnic will be at a location in Arlington provided to volunteers who sign up. It starts at 4:00 PM. Volunteers arrive at 3:30 PM and stay until the picnic ends at 6:00 PM. Interested? Please add your name to this SignupGenius.
If you are interested in simply attending the picnic to meet other volunteers and clients and learn about RILA, please RSVP to Martha Dexter for more details.
For more information, contact Martha Dexter.
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This Sunday at St. Michael's
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Coming Up This Sunday, August 23
The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
8:45 AM Pick-Up Choir
Meet in the choir loft.
9:30 AM Morning Prayer
Lisa Harkins, officiant; Beth Cavey, preacher
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.
From now until Advent, St. Michael’s will use Lectionary Track 1 readings. If there are options among the readings in Track 1, we will always opt for the first choice among the various options.
10:45 AM Coffee Hour
All are welcome for coffee and fellowship!
2:00 PM Tertulia
Please join us at Westover Beer Garden!
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Rev. Furlow Working Remotely: August 15–26
I am working remotely from home in Maine from now until August 26 with the exception of taking Sunday, August 23 off to be with my family. I continue to be available during normal office hours by phone, email, or Zoom. Please feel free to be in touch if needed.
The Rev. Mark Furlow, Interim Rector
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Contact Us
Newsletter Submissions: communications@stmichaelsarlington.org (due by Tuesday at 5 PM). Emails sent to this address are forwarded to the communications team: Katrina Moore, Rev. Mark Furlow, and Cindy Matlack.
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
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