Learning About Goodness Together
On the first Sunday of February, a cold and icy morning, I had the pleasure to spend the morning with five amazing young parishioners upstairs in Children’s Worship, I talked with the children about Micah 6:8 and what it means to do what is right, be kind, and walk humbly with God. When I asked them how they see “goodness” at St. Michael’s, they had many thoughtful answers. They noticed people who bring snacks for after the service, (okay, that one isn’t too surprising), play music and sing, come extra early to make the coffee, shovel snow, fold bulletins, clean up after dogs so no one gets their shoes dirty, and quietly take care of the church and the people in it. I was especially impressed by how aware our youngest parishioners are of these humble acts of goodness.
If you ask me, I believe this awareness comes from what they see modeled in their families and by the people they encounter here each week. They understand that being part of St. Michael’s means giving time to committee meetings—"sometimes at night"—making food and sharing it at church events, bringing canned goods and cereal, bagging apples and potatoes to support our community, and, most importantly, showing up. The children reminded me that goodness doesn’t have to be loud or fancy; it often looks like faithful people doing small, loving things together.
I give thanks for the many ways this congregation lives out kindness, justice, and humble hearts each day.
Carol Halvorson
Vestry Member
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New Parish Administrator & Bookkeeper
It’s with great joy that I, in consultation with the Wardens and Vestry, have called Katrina Moore to be St. Michael’s new Parish Administrator and Bookkeeper. Katrina served as St. Michael’s Administrator from 2022 to 2024. She currently serves as Bookkeeper and recently designed the parish’s soon-to-be-launched website. She will begin her new combined role on Tuesday, February 17.
While Katrina is familiar to the St. Michael’s community, her new role will be virtual with Katrina working remotely from her home office in St. Louis, MO. Her office hours will be 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM Eastern Time Tuesday thru Friday. As of February 17, she may be reached at parishoffice@stmichaelsarlington.org.
The Rev. Mark Furlow
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New Website Coming Soon!
St. Michael’s is currently transitioning to its new website. During this transition, you may encounter "site not secure" messages that pop up temporarily. Don’t worry, this is a normal part of the process and will resolve itself during this 72-hour transition period.
Parish staff with email addresses ending in stmichaelsarlington.org may also experience a brief email outage during this transition. If you've emailed our staff and haven't received a timely response, please don't hesitate to call Rev. Furlow at (859) 321-9244. He can assist on a case-by-case basis or refer you to the right person.
Thanks for your patience as we upgrade our online presence!
Katrina Moore, Parish Administrator & Bookkeeper
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Reichel’s book is a thoughtful, hands-on series of reflections about how we can practice our faith and stay afloat in turbulent times. It consists of 28 short reflections and discussion questions—and it even includes a “first aid kit” at the back, listing the appropriate readings if you’re feeling overwhelmed, isolated, looking for ways to get involved, etc.! Bishop Budde describes this book as "like taking a daily vitamin for our soul—every page is filled with good things to make us stronger."
Each week we’ll read and discuss one of the reflections. You don’t need to commit to every week, but it would be helpful to know what days and times work best for people. Please indicate your preference via this poll.
Questions? Please contact Vicki Barnett.
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Tonight: Celebration of The Rt. Rev’d Barbara C. Harris and the Rev. Absalom Jones
The Diocese of Virginia invites you to a Celebration of the Holy Eucharist commemorating the consecration of the Rt. Rev’d Barbara Clementine Harris, the first woman Bishop in the Anglican Communion, and celebrating the life and witness of the Rev. Absalom Jones, the first African American priest in The Episcopal Church.
St. Mary's Episcopal Church (2609 N. Glebe Road) is excited to host this event tomorrow, Thursday, February 12. The celebration begins with a welcome reception at 6:15 PM. The Holy Eucharist service starts promptly at 7 PM, with music to be provided by Mr. Vaughn Ambrose. Immediately following the service, all are invited to a festive dessert reception in our parish hall. Details are provided here.
Several folks at St. Michael’s have expressed an interest in attending. A carpool will be forming at St. Michael's at 5:45 PM. Please contact the Rev. Mark Furlow with questions.
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Sharing Faith Gatherings Sign-Up
We have had a great line-up of Sharing Faith events so far. Thanks to our generous hosts!
There are spots still available for Monday, February 16 (10 AM–12 PM brunch) and Saturday, February 28 (2–5 PM wine tasting).
St. Michael's Episcopal: Sharing Faith Gatherings 2026
If you have any food allergy concerns, please contact me to be connected with the host.
Beth Addington, Hospitality Committee Chair
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Outreach Funds at Work
Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe has invited us to donate to rush emergency funding to dioceses that are loving and caring for immigrants during these difficult times. In particular, funds are being sent to the Episcopal Church in Minnesota to support Casa Maria, a place for vulnerable neighbors to receive food and clothing and network with others. St. Michael's Outreach Committee approved an emergency donation of $1,000 to support the Episcopal Church in Minnesota and other dioceses who are caring for immigrants. If you want to do more, consider a personal donation to the Episcopal Migration Ministries.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Linda Y. Kelleher, Outreach Committee
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RILA Prayer Support Group
Since December a small group of individuals from different congregations in our area has been meeting every two weeks to pray for the RILA (Restoration Immigration Legal Aid) staff members who are helping our immigrant community as well as for the individuals and families whom they are assisting. Meetings are held Tuesday evenings on Zoom at 7 PM. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, February 17. If you’re interested in learning more or joining the group, please contact Alison Thro. You may also contact Evan Robertson, St. Michael’s ministry contact for RILA.
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Lent Begins Next Week
Ash Wednesday, February 18
- 12 Noon Eucharist
- 5:30 PM Family Eucharist
Communion services with the imposition of ashes. The 5:30 PM service is shaped especially for families with children.
Stations of the Cross Meditation: Throughout Lent
A self-guided meditation of the Stations of the Cross in the parish hall for individuals who desire personal time of prayer. The artistic renderings of the “Stations of the Cross” and the “Resurrection” are pieces by painter Janet McKenzie, given as a gift to St. Michael’s by parishioner Maureen Doallas.
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Hadestown This Weekend at Episcopal High School
Episcopal High School presents Hadestown, a powerful folk-jazz musical inspired by the Greek myths of Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades and Persephone. The story follows a young poet who journeys to the underworld to save the one he loves, asking whether hope and love can endure in a difficult world.
This high school production runs about 2 hours and is free to attend.
Mike Schmidt, Music Minster
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This Sunday at St. Michael's
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Coming Up This Sunday, February 15
The Last Sunday after the Epiphany
9:30 AM Holy Eucharist
Interim Rector, The Rev. Mark Furlow presiding.
A livestream of Sunday’s worship will be available on the Virtual Worship page of our website, 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 Brunch & Coffee Hour
All are welcome to food, coffee, and fellowship.
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Contact Information for The Rev. Mark Furlow
You may contact Rev. Furlow by email or by phone at 859-321-9244. He observes the Sabbath on Mondays and is generally available Tuesday through Friday mornings for office hours and appointments.
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