Baptism Promise: Proclaiming by Word and Example

Dear Friends, 

When I hear the promise to “Proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ”, I think about the balance between what we say, and how we live. Sometimes “Proclaiming the Good News” looks like a conversation about faith or sharing what we believe. Other times though, it is much quieter, and shown through the ways we treat others, the patience we offer, or the kindness we choose in everyday moments. 

A few weeks ago, while preparing the slides for Children’s Worship, I was met with the question “If someone watched how you treated other people, would they be able to tell that you follow Jesus?” I found this question deeply humbling. It reminded me how easy it can be to “go through the motions”—by attending church, saying prayers, etc.—without fully living in a way that reflects God’s love. It challenged me to think less about the words I say, and more about what my actions show. 

I first got involved with Children’s Worship because it seemed like the obvious choice as a second grade teacher. However, I’ve continued because of what I receive in return. The children ask honest, sometimes unexpected questions. In many ways, I feel like I am learning right alongside them. 

I don’t always feel like I am getting it “right” but I still believe I am living out the promise by continuing to reflect and grow. My hope is that St. Michael’s can be a place where others feel that same invitation: to show up as they are, to learn together, and to practice sharing God’s love not just in words, but in the way we live each day.

Grace Farrer

Save the Date: St. Michael's Shrine Mont Weekend!

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. Come build community and find rest in the beauty of the outdoors. See you there! 

Register here. 

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.

Parish Picnic on May 24

St. Michael’s will hold its parish-wide picnic on Sunday, May 24! Bishop Ann Ritonia will preside on that Sunday, too. Come join us for fun and fellowship after the service. Bring blankets and camp chairs just in case the sun is out. If it’s raining, we’ll stay inside.

The church is providing two kinds of chicken: Nandos and chicken tenders! We will also have lemonade. Please bring a side or dessert to share! Please use the Sign Up Genius to help distribute the dishes.

If you plan to attend and are able to help with set up or clean up, please email Beth Addington.

Celebrating Graduating Seniors

Visit to Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in DC

The Arts and Faith ministry invites you to refresh your spirit with the beauty of the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in Washington, DC. Located in the Brookland neighborhood, the monastery is known for its full-size replicas of the Mount Calvary and Holy Sepulchre shrines in Jerusalem, reproductions of the Nazareth Annunciation and Bethlehem Nativity grottos, and lovely gardens.

This trip will follow the service on Sunday, June 7. Our group will carpool to Ruthie's All-Day restaurant for brunch and then carpool to the monastery for the 1:30 PM tour. The tour takes about an hour. We'll then view the gardens.

Please note, while the main level of the church is handicapped accessible, in order to see the lower church one has to descend more than 20 steps and then ascend these steps to return.

To sign up for the trip, please register here.

For more information, or if you are willing to be a carpool driver, please contact Adrienne.

Welcome & Name Tags

Food Drive This Saturday Benefits AFAC

You can help support families in need this Saturday: The 33rd Annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, organized by the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), takes place on Saturday, May 9, 2026. You can leave bags of non-perishable food next to your mailbox before regular mail delivery for carriers to pick up and deliver to the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC).
 

Volunteer Opportunity 

We are looking for 5 members from St. Michael's to support Restoration Immigration Legal Aid's client meeting on Monday, June 29. At this event, RILA clients come with their families and dinner is provided and served by us. The event typically runs from 6–8 PM.

Those looking to volunteer would be expected to contribute to the following efforts:

• Work with the volunteer group to provide enough food for 40 people.
• Arrive at Restoration Anglican Church, 1815 N Quincy St., at 6:00 PM. 
• Help set up tables and chairs for meal service.
• Serve food to clients & volunteers.
• Break down tables & chairs.

St. Michael’s Celebrates World Labyrinth Day

St. Michael's celebrated our first World Labyrinth Day event on May 2, and all agree it was a success! At 1:00 PM, we participated in a group blessing of the newly resurrected labyrinth and a facilitated walk for peace along with thousands of others Walking as One at One around the world. We were happy to welcome several guests who found our event on the World Labyrinth Day online locator, one of whom provided a very moving closing prayer. Several families and children also joined us for fun labyrinth craft activities and walking (or running!) the labyrinth. Thanks to all who organized and participated. Stay tuned for future labyrinth events!

St. Michael's Members Participate in WomanKind Conference

Pop Top Update

Good news! We have collected over TWO POUNDS (2 1bs, 9 oz) of pop tops in just over two months. This amount is 1/3 of our total collection last year!! Keep it going and remember to pop before you drop!! Just pull the tab before you drop it in the recycling bin.

Fun Fact: Aluminum was discovered in the 1820's and is the most abundant metal on earth.

For more information, contact Paula Dierkes.

Report from the Treasurer

At the Annual Meeting in February, I presented preliminary financial statistics for 2025, as the official numbers for the year hadn’t yet been finalized. I promised to make the final financial reports available when they became available. You can see the final 2025 Statement of Financial Position and Statement of Activity here.

I’m happy to answer questions about these reports.

Janet Hansen, Treasurer

Coming Up This Sunday, May 10

The Sixth Sunday of Easter

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.

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  Mother’s Day Brunch
All are welcome to food, coffee, and fellowship.

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