Restoration Immigration Legal Aid (RILA): A St. Michael’s Partnership

Hello from the St. Michael's Outreach Committee! The Committee's work is to strengthen our role as a neighborhood church through donations and volunteer partnerships with community partners who provide food, shelter and supportive services for neighbors who are most vulnerable. One example of how we do this is through our partnership with RILA (Restoration Immigration Legal Aid), who provides legal aid to immigrants facing legal challenges. St. Michael’s provides volunteer support, meals during legal clinics, and community with clients who attend. Additionally, this organization is run by Restoration Anglican Church, and therefore gives us an opportunity to work with a Christ-centered partner in helping our community.

I got involved as a liaison because this is a way to show Christ in action, inspired by James 1:22. This is the exact mission Jesus called us to do: "be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." We are at a time when immigrant families are vulnerable, disadvantaged, and marginalized. While we as individuals may not be able to change the immigration system entirely, we can come together to find ways to show solidarity with those in our community most impacted by the current climate.

Opportunities to support RILA as a volunteer periodically arise! Please always be on the lookout in Church announcements or by visiting their website directly! If you have a more specialized background, RILA is always in need of translators or volunteer attorneys, so if you have a language skill or law degree please reach out to them here.

Evan Robertson, Outreach Committee

Parish Retreat Registration: Shrine Mont

Looking for a chance to unplug and reconnect? Join your St. Michael's family for our annual retreat at Shrine Mont, 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. All kids ages 0-18 attend for free! Come build community and find rest in the beauty of the outdoors. See you there!

Register here. Registration will be closing July 20.

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.

Lomax AME: Giveaway Event

Lomax AME Church will be holding a Giveaway Event supported by Lomax Food Pantry volunteers. The Giveaway will take place in Lomax’s parking lot at 2704 24th Rd S, Arlington, VA 22206 on Saturday, July 25, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM. 

It’s a great opportunity to free up some closet space, clear out the pantry, or that garage shelf. Please consider donating clothing, shoes, household goods such as dishes, etc., NO large items such as furniture, tables, chairs, etc. All items will be given away for free to the community. Donations may be dropped off at Lomax the morning of the event from 7:30–9:45 AM. Leftover items will be donated to a family shelter.

Please contact Lavonne Stewart (Lomax) or Lisa Harkins (St Michael's) for any clarification.

Setting the Table: the Craft of Serving on Altar Guild

Each Sunday we celebrate the Lord’s Supper. Like any meal the table gets set and afterwards things are cleaned and put away. Who, how, and why does the altar “table” get set as it does and what happens to the left overs? Curious? On July 11 you can learn both the theology and the pragmatics behind our Eucharist. Father Mark will do a brief teaching and training. Meet by the chancel at 10:00 AM. (Rumor has it that there will be coffee and snacks.)

Monica Dinan, St. Michael’s Altar Guild Chair

This Sunday: Eucharistic Minister Training

On Sunday, July 12 at 11:30 AM, Rev. Mark Furlow will offer an Eucharist Minister (EM) training in the church sanctuary. The EM training will offer an overview of liturgy, Eucharistic theology, pastoral care in public worship, and altar guild basics. All are welcome. However, the training will be specifically shaped for both newcomers to the ministry and those who have been serving over the years. Please email Rev. Furlow if you are interested in attending.

Summer Pick-Up Choir

All ages are welcome. We’ll meet in the choir loft at 8:45 AM on the fourth Sunday of July and August, July 26 and 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 Music Minister Mike Schmidt.

Prime Time: Save the Date

Prime Time potluck lunch, 12:30 PM, Thursday August 6. A special program by St. Michael’s Music Minister, Dr. Mike Schmidt. More details to follow. 

Questions? Contact: Evelyn Bence

Exterior Paint Color Votes are In!

Thank you to everyone who voted for the new exterior color of St. Michael’s stucco!

The poll revealed two clear favorites. Our contractor then painted samples of the two options (shown above) next to the stone wall, and given additional feedback, the final selection was Colonial Revival Stone (top) This color better matches the stone and will likely show less dirt over time.

In addition to painting, the contractor will be pressure washing the stucco and stone surfaces; repainting doorways; restoring trim; repainting our fire escape; and caulking to prevent water intrusion. They plan to wrap up next week. 

Questions? Contact: Todd Trapp

Coming Up This Sunday, July 12

The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

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.

From now until Advent, St. Michael’s will use Lectionary Track 1 readings. Track 1 follows a semi-continuous reading of the Hebrew scriptures (or Old Testament). If there are options among the readings in Track 1 for a particular Sunday, we’ll always choose the first option among the various choices.

10:45 AM  Coffee Hour with Sunday Brunch 
All are welcome for coffee and fellowship! If you’d like to assist with Brunch, please contact Allen Eickelberg.

11:30 AM  Eucharistic Minister Training
Those participating will meet in the sanctuary as brunch is ending. All are welcome.

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