We want to take the opportunity to get to know some of the members of our congregation and staff who serve in different ways. We will be featuring a member each month in the bulletin and the weekly newsletter. This month we start with Jean McComish who was ordained a Deacon on June 1, 2024.
Jean has been at The Falls Church since 1981 when she began as John Yates executive assistant after she worked at The Young Women’s Christian Home in Washington, D.C.
Soon after working here, Jean began attending on Sundays, and joined the choir (where she still sings today). She considers the choir to be her small group after many years serving together.
Her familiarity with liturgy from her Catholic upbringing, combined with her personal relationship with Jesus, enabled her to grow in her relationship with Christ at The Falls Church.
Jean had a long career in the secular world, which uniquely prepared her for pastoral care. Her career in Human Resources for the City of Alexandria and for the Senate Sargeant of Arms gave her experience walking with people in the hardest and most vulnerable seasons of their life. She used her gifts through Christ to care for those she encountered in the workplace. Showing them the mercy and justice of God was how she ministered to others who were hurting.
New Life in Christ and Serving at TFCA
Looking back, Jean can see God’s fingerprints all through her life. From her experience growing up in the Catholic church (which kept her heart open to hearing the Gospel presented) to her career in HR, supporting those who were sick, had disabilities, or going through crises, the Lord was preparing her to serve Him and His people.
One thread that can be traced is Jean’s faithful obedience to the Lord. Her move to Washington, D.C. was an act of obedience. Shortly after she had come to have a personal relationship with Jesus and was working as a ministry intern at a church in California, her mother’s health took a turn. She heard a clear call from the Lord to move to this area to be able to support her parents through her mother’s health challenges. This was just the start of her sacrificial service to others, and it is the fruit of her life in Christ.
Now as an ordained Deacon, Jean has the opportunity to serve The Falls Church Anglican more fully. Before she was ordained she already worked closely with Congregational Care and served as a Lay Eucharistic Visitor serving home communion. Now, she is looking forward to training up additional Eucharistic Vistors who can bring communion to the homes of parishioners who are not able to attend services. We know the Lord has great plans for how Jean will continue to serve members of the congregation at The Falls Church Anglican.