August 14, 2025 Newsletter
This week at St. Francis, we gather for the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost on August 17. Worship will be held at 8:00 a.m. (Rite I) and 10:00 a.m. (Rite II with music), with the Rev. Weston Mathews celebrating and Mr. Joshua House preaching. Coffee Hour follows each service, and the 10:00 service will also be livestreamed on YouTube.
The parish prayer list continues to hold many in our hearts, and this week we also celebrate altar flowers given in thanksgiving for the Larson family’s 53rd wedding anniversary. Outreach remains strong with a call to help prepare meals for the unhoused at Reston’s Embry Rucker Shelter on August 16.
Parish life offers multiple opportunities for learning, service, and fellowship:
A FACETS-St. Francis Community Forum on August 17 will explore a new winter shelter partnership.
Bishop Richard Ellena from New Zealand will celebrate Eucharist on August 24, bringing liturgy and blessing from his home tradition.
Intern Matthew Swiacki will lead a Sunday Forum on Neurodiversity & Faith that same day.
Family Ministry will host a student care package assembly on August 31, supporting over 25 college students and young adults connected to St. Francis.
Looking ahead, mark your calendars for Kick-Off Sunday on September 14, with the return of the choir, Blessing of the Bookbags, a Welcome Brunch, and the Ministry Fair. Later in September, Olivia Vote and Sasha Beresovsky will perform Songs of Devotion and Dedication, and volunteers are invited to join our Rise Against Hunger event packaging more than 20,000 meals.
Ongoing ministries include contemplative prayer, weekly study groups, and fellowship gatherings, alongside preparations for the Fall Marketplace and new forums on creation care, faith, and community life.
Closing:
With worship, music, outreach, and community connections, this newsletter reflects a vibrant season of ministry. Join us as we grow stronger together.
