Church of the Holy Comforter eNews | June 13, 2025

The Church Office is now observing summer hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday–Friday.

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Holy Comforter has launched the EconTransitions Ministry to assist federal employees and others in the community in preparing for and navigating the rapid downsizing of the federal work force, its personal impacts, and impacts on our congregation and community. We encourage federal employees and interested others to review the full range of resources on the EconTransitions webpage.

Celebrate the Ministry of the Rev. Ann Gillespie at Holy Comforter!

Sunday, June 29; 10 a.m.

Our Senior Associate Rector, Ann Gillespie, will conclude her ministry at Holy Comforter on Sunday, June 29. A festive reception bidding farewell to Ann, will be held after the 10 a.m. service. Please join us as we thank Ann for her ministry among us and wish her and Jeff Allin God-speed.

The "purse" is a long-standing tradition in bidding our clergy farewell. Please send or drop off your donation in the Church Office payable to Holy Comforter with "Reverend Ann's Purse" written on the memo line. Or donate online HERE (select "Ann's Purse" from the Fund menu).

June 16–22, our Youth Group will be in Puerto Rico creating friendships in the task of helping others; exploring and reflecting on new places and cultures. Check out their blog, which will be posted HERE.

The Rt. Rev. Edwin "Ted" Gulick joined us on Pentecost Sunday when 1 adult was baptized; 2 adults and 11 youth were confirmed; 3 adults were received into the Episcopal Church; and 3 adults reaffirmed their baptismal vows. These are the largest numbers in several years! See some scenes below…

NOTE: There will be incense at the 10 a.m. service this Sunday, June 15.

PENNYWISE Thrift Shop

at 214 Dominion Road, NE, Vienna, VA

Just in time for Father's Day! We have a wonderful selection of clothing for that special man in your life. Shop at Pennywise for all of your Father's Day gifts.

PLUS—we have a fun and easy way to contribute to our ministry. We are in need of drivers (teens with a drivers license included) to make “runs to Unique” during the week. The backroom gets full with items we are not able to sell so to continue our recycling efforts we take these items to Unique. If you can help once a week, reach out to Mary Coulombe. Thank you.

SAVE THE DATE

3rd Saturday Workday

Saturday, June 21; 9 a.m.–Noon

We meet as usual on the third Saturday of the month between 9 a.m. and noon. Please join us as we take care of our trees and other plants that take care of us. Wear suitable shoes—the ground is uneven—and bring your favorite work tools. Cancelled if the weather is unpleasant. Questions? Contact Kerry Gilpin or Margaret Bain.

SAVE THE DATE

Evelyn Underhill: Between Magic and Mysticism

Sunday, June 22; 11:15 a.m.; Community Hall

Evelyn Underhill is a 20th Century Christian Mystic and Theologian mentioned in Kimberly Cox's sermon this past April. In her sermon, she described how Underhill differentiates between Magic and Mysticism, writing:

Magic is “The Way of Knowledge,” while mysticism is “The Way of Love.” Magic wants to get, mysticism wants to give. Mysticism focuses on love and surrender. It is a movement of the heart. Magic, on the other hand, is “self-seeking” which focuses on “acquisition, personal gain, and the satisfaction of an insatiable curiosity.” Unlike magic, mysticism is “Not to know about, but to Be [with God].”

Considering Underhill’s impact on Christian mysticism, spirituality, and the contemplative prayer movement, Kimberly will offer a more expansive conversation about Evelyn Underhill, her thoughts on magic and mysticism; and, the power of liturgy, scripture, and prayer; all in anticipation of Holy Comforter’s Hogwarts Vacation Bible School! Please come join the discussion!

Hogwarts Vacation Bible School: June 23–27

Everyone is invited to join the fun! Please visit TimeToSignUp to sign up for volunteer opportunities including:

• Volunteers needed to help transform the building into Hogwarts (June 17–22). No experience needed.
• Volunteers needed to launder Prefect robes before camp starts.
• Hogwarts VBS is seeking a VAN (and ideally a driver) from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., Friday, June 27.

We invite you to check TimeToSignUp frequently, as more opportunities will be available during the coming weeks. For details and questions, please contact Linda Lee Malone at vbs@holycomforter.com.

Enrollment Open for Holy Comforter Episcopal Preschool & Kindergarten 2025–26 Year

A few open spots available. Please email hcepoffice@holycomforter.com or call 703-938-3704 to set up a tour. For three decades, we've been dedicated to nurturing young minds and igniting a lifelong passion for learning. We are excited to give you a tour so you can see first hand!  

FACETS Outreach

The Holy Comforter FACETS Team needs volunteers (youth and adults) to assist in cooking and delivering meals. The time commitment is once per month for about 1.5 hours. The next volunteer opportunity is Sunday, July 13. Please contact Thyra Parcell or sign up HERE to volunteer. Please continue to donate warm coats socks, hats, and gloves to replenish our inventory for next winter. Gloves, hats, and socks can be placed in the box n the narthex. Coats can be placed next to the box.

Blood Drive

Thursday, July 24; Community Hall

Holy Comforter will host this community blood drive with the American Red Cross. Appointments available 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Register to Donate Blood HERE or by using the Blood Donor App. Want to welcome donors? Follow the link HERE to volunteer.