Letter from Amy: May 13, 2026

O God, your unfailing providence sustains the world we live in and the life we live: Watch over those, both night and day, who work while others sleep, and grant that we may never forget that our common life depends upon each other’s toil; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (from the Compline service in the Book of Common Prayer)

"Gardener" by Janpeter Muilwijk (Netherlands), 2014. I love how the white blossoms mark Jesus' wounds and he is opening the gate around the tree.

Dear Incarnation,

I am always so moved by the Rogation Sunday procession. I love seeing all the objects that represent your work (the atomic bomb book was a strong addition this year!). And I am humbled by your daily faithfulness as you provide for your households and serve the common good.

I know that faithfulness has been especially challenging over the past year as many of you have faced disorienting changes at work. Thank you so much for the work that you do, seen and unseen. And please let me know how Incarnation can pray for and support you in your labors.

I was also delighted (and surprised!) by the turnout for Sunday’s prayer walk through the Chirilagua neighborhood. Below are a few observations that were shared over a Salvadoran meal at El Cuscatleco — let me know if you have anything to add!

• Crossing from Beverley Hills into Chririlauga brought an immediate increase in people, movement, and sound

• Despite it being a beautiful Sunday in a high-density area, we observed few people on balconies, in yards, on sidewalks, or at the playground. Was this an anomaly, or an indicator of heightened fear and isolation?

• A creekside cross and other visual markers hinted at the presence of sorrow in the neighborhood

• Small havens of rest had been created in the midst of an otherwise bustling area; beautiful indicators of tending and care

• There were many contrasts between high- and low-income housing and workplaces; what tensions, challenges, and opportunities exist in those contrasts?

• The hard work of parents and entrepreneurs was evident everywhere!

During our last parish meeting, we talked about the “soil” in which Incarnation has been planted here in Arlandria. These prayer walks are a wonderful way to familiarize ourselves with that soil as we wonder together what God might want to grow in our midst.

I particularly appreciated how often the neighborhood creek — Four Mile Run — came up in people’s prayer reflections. This creek is featured in Incarnation’s logo, and it connects every place we’ve ever worshiped across South Arlington and, now, Alexandria. It reminds me that God has been faithful to water the soil and refresh his laborers (that’s us) in every place we’ve been. And it inspires me to ask again for his waters of refreshment to flow through us in this place.

Thank you to everyone who joined for Sunday’s prayer walk. Your presence was such an encouragement to me! I was reminded of the hopeful, prayerful energy that marked the earliest days of our church. And to everyone, whether you prayer walked on Sunday or not, thank you for the many ways you contribute to the life, prayers, presence, and discernment of our church.

On that note, we will welcome new members this Sunday! Woohoo!! Every Anglican church handles membership differently, and at Incarnation, we view membership primarily as an expression of belonging to one another in community. On Sunday, we will all have an opportunity to contemplate our place in the Incarnation community (regardless of our membership status). I'm so looking forward to it.

Questions? Needs? Concerns? Please reach out; I love to hear from you.

With love,

Amy