Around Town

A rededication ceremony at Mount Olivet United Methodist Church over the weekend marked the completion of restoration work following a fire more than three years ago.

“We at Mount Olivet have been tested,” the Rev. Sara Keeling said at the service of thanksgiving. “We have come back better and stronger and more beautiful.”


News

The “Yes in God’s Backyard” movement is celebrating after the Faith in Housing bill, supporting expedited church-based affordable housing development, has been signed into law.

Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) signed state Sen. Jeremy McPike (D-29)’s SB 388 and Del. Joshua Cole (D-65)’s HB 1279, which will eliminate the rezoning step for faith-based organizations and other tax-exempt nonprofits to develop affordable housing on their properties. The law will take effect on Jan. 1, 2027 and will sunset on Jan. 1, 2031 unless reenacted by a future General Assembly.


Events

One of Arlington’s oldest churches is celebrating a full reopening three and a half years after a devastating fire forced the closure of nearly half of its usable space.

Mount Olivet United Methodist Church will mark the completion of restoration work with a May 2 event titled  “In Full Bloom: A Community Celebration of Renewal.” The community is invited from 2-5 p.m.


News

A variety of new pathways for redevelopment projects in Arlington and around Virginia are poised to open up following the passage of numerous housing-related bills.

On the way to Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) are bills that would allow localities to make an administrative approval process for affordable housing and eliminate rezoning requirements for churches that develop affordable housing on their properties.


News

A new partnership between the county government and a local church aims to preserve, improve and maintain public access to a historic cemetery.

The county government plans to install perimeter fencing, access gates and a bench at Calloway United Methodist Church’s cemetery at 5000 Langston Blvd, one of the oldest church-affiliated African American graveyards in all of Arlington.


News

Arlington’s Roman Catholic bishop is emphasizing both border security and humanitarian issues after helping to write a rare rebuke of immigration enforcement nationwide.

In an interview on the Diocese of Arlington’s podcast this week, Bishop Michael Burbidge defended the special statement on immigration that the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops approved in a 216-5-3 vote last week — but particularly stressed the need to safeguard national interests while supporting immigrant communities.


News

Historical re-enactors brought names from the past to life at the Mount Olivet United Methodist Church Cemetery last weekend.

The event, which involved re-enactors portraying some of the notables interred on the grounds, was hosted jointly by the church and the Arlington Historical Society. It was an opportunity to celebrate 170 years of “education, healing and spiritual growth,” said Mary Waters of the church’s history committee.


News

An event seeking to immerse visitors in scenes of bloodshed, famine and terror in Gaza is taking place at a Rock Spring church this weekend.

Spotlight on Gaza: A Wake-Up Call for Christians” will walk visitors through a series of rooms at Rock Spring Congregational United Church of Christ (5010 Little Falls Road) depicting aspects of the ongoing devastation in Palestine.


News

The departing pastor of Calloway United Methodist Church was honored Sunday for her work with the congregation and in the broader community.

The Rev. DeLishia Davis, who is also president of the Arlington NAACP, is leaving “an indelible mark on the lives of Arlingtonians,” County Board Chair Takis Karantonis said during a ceremony at the church, located at 5000 Langston Blvd.


Around Town

A collection event for frequently banned books brought dozens of new titles to a Rock Spring church’s library last month.

The collaboration between Rock Spring Congregational United Church of Christ and One More Page Books led to 84 more titles joining the shelves at the church’s Rohrer Memorial Library.


News

The exterior of a chapel in a North Arlington local historic district will receive a deep cleaning and restoration work over the summer.

The county’s Historical Affairs and Landmark Review Board (HALRB) voted 13-0 last week to allow Walker Chapel United Methodist Church to use PVC materials to replace rotted wood in some areas. In other places, wood will still be required.


News

After 50 years, Walker Chapel Preschool is shutting down due to a steady decline in enrollment.

Walker Chapel Preschool is a school for children ages 2-5 attached to Walker Chapel United Methodist Church at 4102 North Glebe Road. Suzanne Romness, director of Walker Chapel Preschool, said the decision to shut down the school was heartbreaking for students and staff at the program.


View More Stories