Virus Updates
As of March 11, St. Michael's is taking extreme measures of caution due to the spread of the coronavirus. We will not be gathering for Sunday worship at least through June 10. Any gatherings that take place in the church are cancelled until further notice. As members of the Body of Christ, we have taken these steps out of concern for our collective well being. We will update this site daily as we move through this time of uncertainty together.
Please know that Beth is available for pastoral calls or video chats during this time of separation. She would be more than happy to listen and pray with you if you're experiencing fears, enduring isolation, and asking about God's role in all of this.
Virtual Worship
Until further notice, we will do our best to gather virtually for worship. Please click here for all current offerings, including a link to Sunday worship.
Staying Connected
For those who would like a virtual check-in, there are two weekly opportunities to “see” others and pray together. Beginning April 1, these offerings will be available on Wednesday evenings at 8PM and Thursday afternoons at 12PM. You may participate in these gatherings through Zoom video conferencing, or by calling in on a telephone. More comprehensive instructions on how to participate may be found here.
Please continue to check in on one another in the many organic ways in which you’ve already been doing this. Phone calls, emails, text messages, and snail mail are all important ways to let one another know we remain connected, despite forced distancing protocols.
Resources for Families with Children
This section is intended to be a lifeline – both of ideas children will enjoy, as well as an opportunity to guide them through conversations about exactly what is happening and where God is in all of it. Each week we update these resources to have at your disposal. Additionally, consider using the pre-recorded compline service as a family before bed.
Talk through the Coronavirus Self Care Plan with your children.
Have Sunday School at home with these interactive Storymaker videos.
Faith at Home features a variety of Christian Education practitioners. Each day offers options to Pray, Listen, Watch, Do, and Read along.
Illustrated Ministry has created coloring pages and accompanying prayers for times of anxiety. (If your kids participate in coloring, please text or email Beth a picture. She's hoping to create a collage to share with the parish from our youngest members.)
Mission and Outreach
St. Michael’s is fortunate to be able to make meaningful donations to organizations that are working most closely with those who are vulnerable in our community. The Mission and Outreach Committee moved to quickly donate to Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing's (APAH) resident emergency fund, and Arlington Food Assistance Center's (AFAC) efforts to fill the warehouse. Affordable housing and food insecurity are existing needs, and will become even more pressing as the impact of the outbreak and economic downturn go into effect. As you feel so moved, we encourage you to amplify the impact St. Michael’s has been able to make.
Communications:
April 3, 2020 weekly update addendum
March 11, 2020: Worship cancelled
March 6, 2020: COVID-19 guidelines
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O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, p. 815)
[A note about the history of Morning Prayer: Morning Prayer once was the chief Sunday service in most Anglican churches on three out of four Sundays, the First Sunday usually being a celebration of Holy Communion. This practice has not continued because the eucharist has been recognized as the "principal act of Christian worship on the Lord's Day" in most parishes (see BCP, p. 13), However, Morning Prayer is clearly designated as a daily service for the worship of the church. It may be led by lay or ordained leaders. This usage reflects the ancient tradition of the Daily Office.]
