Church of the Holy Comforter (HoCo)

October 16, 2026

IMPORTANT

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2027 ANNUAL PLEDGE:

Walk in Love

This is our annual opportunity to support the ministries and missions we hold dear. Your pledges provide the solid foundation for our 2027 operating budget, ensuring we can continue to grow and serve. This year's goal of $1,300,000 represents our shared commitment to funding a future filled with vibrant programs and outreach efforts. Please prayerfully consider what your support can do. Every commitment, no matter the size, fuels our mission and helps us walk together in love.

NEW

Seeking Crafters of All Levels!

Members of Holy Comforter have generously donated fabrics to ‘Menapal and Friends,’ supporting the Menapals, an Afghan refugee family. Saheba Menapal is busy sewing to prepare for our December Christmas craft sale. However, we have more materials and kits than she can manage alone. We need volunteers to help create handmade items for the sale. If you or a friend are interested in crafting and sharing your creative talents, contact Zara Harris to arrange a time to look over the projects.

SAVE THE DATE & RSVP TODAY

Pumpkin, Potions & Prayers

Sunday, Oct. 25; 11:45 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Join us for a wonderful time of community, prayer, and fall fun! We'll kick off with pumpkin carving and decorating, plus simple potion brewing for the kids. We will also gather for prayer and a delicious BBQ and potluck dinner. The church will provide the BBQ and drinks, but please bring a side dish or dessert to share. Don't forget to bring your own pumpkin (and carving supplies if you have them). Prizes will be awarded for the scariest and most creative pumpkins, so bring your best designs! RSVP HERE.

NEW

A Fall Evening with Holy Comforter

Thursday, Oct. 29

Join us to worship, eat, connect, and reflect! Come for any or all of the evening:

• 5 PM | Outdoor Eucharist: Meet at the parking lot end (4:55 PM) to walk to St. Brigid’s Chapel for our final outdoor service before Daylight Saving Time ends.
• 6 PM | Happy Hour & Pizza: Gather in McGill Hall. Pizza provided (donations to cover cost welcome). Consider bringing wine or sparkling water to share!
• 6:30–8 PM | Movie Talk: Stay in McGill Hall to discuss Aaron Sorkin's The Social Reckoning (currently in theaters). Pizza will be available.
• RSVP for Movie Talk HERE.

Welcome, Newcomers!

Sunday, Nov. 1; After Srvices

Are you new to Holy Comforter? If you joined our community within the last year, we would love for you to join us for brunch! You can sign up in the narthex after services, or RSVP by contacting Winifred Conkling at 703-915-3398. We can't wait to welcome you!

Puerto Rico Mission Trip

June 17–23, 2027

Next June, our youth return to Puerto Rico for a week of service, culture, faith, and friendship! Watch the Video HERE.

• Estimated Cost is $1,000 (after fundraising).
• Sign up HERE by Oct. 21.
• Pay $250 deposit HERE. Select "Youth Mission Trip 2027."
• Questions? Contact Denis McMullan.

3rd Saturday Habitat Restoration

This Saturday, Oct. 17; 9 a.m.–Noon

With a lot of hard work and loud noise, we have cleared enough space near the Old Forest to do some planting. Please join us as we install fences and put in native plants. We will meet on the far side of Rodman House, near Beulah Rd. Canceled if the weather is unpleasant. Questions? Contact Margaret Bain or Kerry Gilpin.

NEW

This Sunday is Mission Sunday!

Our whole morning will be centered on the heartbeat of God's mission, with scripture, prayers, sermon, and Sunday Forum intentionally aligned around our call to serve. We hope you will join us for this special time of worship and conversation. Let’s grow together in love and service.

NEW

SUNDAY FORUM:

Making a Wider Impact

This Sunday, Oct. 18; 11:15 a.m.–Noon; Community Hall

Join us as we explore the impact of the local, regional, and global ministries and organizations our church supports. Learn more about their work, discover how your gifts can make a difference, and share your ideas about mission opportunities and causes you would like our parish to support in the future.

Petting Zoo!

This Sunday, Oct. 18; 11:35 a.m.–12:35 p.m; Front Lawn

Gather your favorite humans, round up the family, and join us for a delightful hour of giggles, smiles, and plenty of quality cuddle time with some incredibly sweet, furry friends. Whether you want to pet a fuzzy bunny or feed a friendly goat, there is so much joy waiting for visitors of all ages, all thanks to the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) who have generously sponsored this event.

Sunday Bible Study

This Sunday, Oct. 18; 11:15 a.m.–Noon; Chapel

Do you leave church on Sunday morning wishing you could discuss the sermon or one of the Bible readings with someone? If so, join us for Sunday Bible Study. This is a drop-in class. All are welcome!

Our Digital Ministry needs volunteers to help keep our services online for those who can't attend in person. Please contact Randy McGuire to learn how you can help support this vital ministry.

FACETS Outreach Update

Last Sunday, the rain kept the numbers low but our team still provided 156 hot meals, hardboiled eggs, bottled water, fruit, and snacks. We still need more youth to help deliver and adult drivers. Please sign up for the next opportunity on Nov. 8. Contact Thyra Parcell or sign up HERE. Learn about FACETS.

Restorative & Inclusive Yoga

Wednesdays; 11:15 a.m.; McGill Hall

Join experienced yoga instructor Pamela Rosenthal for this free, all-levels yoga class. Take a pause to slow down, release tension, and reconnect with calm. Gather with us to restore physical, energetic, and spiritual self. Bring a blanket or towel and water of bottle.

We Want to Hear from You! Join a Rhythm of Life Listening Session

Sunday, Oct. 25; 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.; Room 125

What kind of shared life do we want to cultivate together at Holy Comforter? Join the Rhythm of Life Working Group for a discussion to share what is meaningful to your spiritual life and help shape our community's shared values and practices. Sign up today HERE!

SENIOR SAINTS MEETING, LUNCH, & PROGRAM

Harmony Heritage Singers

Friday, Nov. 6; 11:45 a.m.; Community Hall

Enjoy a performance by the Harmony Heritage Singers, a talented men's barbershop chorus performing across VA, MD, and D.C. The event runs from 11:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., starting with socializing and BYO lunch at noon, followed by the show at 1 p.m. Desserts and drinks are provided.

Discover Ways to Give and Receive Care

From the comforting gifts of the Bread and Jam Ministry to confidential healing prayer and practical neighborly help, our pastoral care ministries support you through trials, grief, or transitions. Learn more.