October 2, 2025 Newsletter
The 17th Sunday after Pentecost
Fifth Sunday of the Season of Creation: Bless
October 5, 2025
- All are Welcome -
8:00 a.m. Service of Holy Eucharist Rite I
with
the Rev. Joy Y. Warburton, Celebrant
the Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Preacher
10:00 a.m. Service of Holy Eucharist Rite II
with the St. Francis Choir
the Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Celebrant & Preacher
Coffee Hour Follows Each Service in Millen Hall.
The 10:00 a.m. Service is also Livestreamed on YouTube.
View this Sunday's 10:00 a.m. Worship Bulletin
11:30 a.m. Forum Hour with Dr. Mike Hattwick
"Contemplative Prayer" in Millen Hall
5:00 p.m. Blessing of the Animals with
the Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Celebrant at
the Cross in the Front Churchyard (rain or shine)
The Liturgy of the Word
The Liturgy of the Word
The First Reading | Lamentations 1:1-6
The Response | Psalm 37:1-10
The Second Reading | 2 Timothy 1:1-14
The Gospel Reading | Luke 17:5-10
Parish Prayer List
We pray especially for Pete & Patsie, Pepin, Barbara & Bill, Jennifer, Helen, Dan, Park, Ken, Andy, Nick & Gina, Randy, Jeff Sr., David, Jessica, Clara Sue, and Dut.
We give thanks for the Altar Flowers, given to the glory of God by Nan Young in loving memory of her mother, Margaret Wilson.
We pray also for Franciscans who are preparing for Holy Baptism, including Allen Bobbitt, son of David Bobbitt & Wayne Chen; Parker Robinson, son of Amber & Matt Robinson;
Grace Czekaj, daughter of Katie Cjekaj;
Jaclyn Chappell, daughter of Alexandra & Scott Chappell;
Judy Fitzgerald and Brice Fitzgerald, children of Kristin Weston;
Charlotte Bowden, daughter of Mattie & Duncan Bowden.
You are Invited to First and Third Sunday Healing Prayer During Holy Communion
Beginning in October, we will be offering Healing Prayers during Communion at both the 8:00 am and 10:00 am services on the first and third Sundays of the month.
In the Episcopal Church, healing prayers are offered as a way to provide comfort, strength, and hope to all who are seeking physical, emotional, or spiritual healing. This practice is rooted in the belief that God’s love and compassion are powerful forces of restoration. When we pray for healing, we open ourselves to God’s grace and mercy, inviting His presence into our lives in a special way.
Healing prayer is not something we do alone—it is a communal act of faith. As we gather, we lift up one another in prayer, trusting in God’s guidance and love, and remembering that true healing comes as God wills.
You are invited to come forward during Communion on these Sundays, whether for yourself or on behalf of someone you love, and receive this gift of prayer and blessing.
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Ezo
We recently learned from Bishop Isaac that the number of Internally Displaced Persons in Ezo has increased sharply due to violence and unrest in neighboring areas. Unfortunately, these IDPs typically arrive in Ezo with nothing -- they need food, clothing, medicine, bedding, and plastic sheets to protect them from the rain and cold.
Bishop Isaac asks that we remember the IDPs in Ezo in your prayers. We've also sent funds to Bishop Isaac to provide immediate help. If you would like to make a contribution, you can donate to St. Francis and designate the money for "Ezo IDPs."
Growing Stronger Together
Pledging for 2026
If you haven’t gone OUT ON A LIMB to fill out your PLEDGE FORM, we think it’s time. Why not do it today!!!!
Soon it will be the end of October~~ our deadline for dealing with the end of year budget. We want the FOG of uncertainty to be LIFTED!!!!!
Thank you for your thoughtful giving! Please put your pledge form in the collection basket at church or email the information to Molly (treasurer@stfrancisgreatfalls.org).
GROWING STRONGER TOGETHER
Pledging for 2026
UPDATE: We have received 31
pledges totaling $209,525.
(33% of our goal!)
Growing Stronger Together Send in your pledge now to raise the total to the goal of $630,000 and beyond!
A special THANK YOU to the following Franciscans
Terri Adams
Kathy & Dana Anderson
Clara Sue Ashley
Mattie & Duncan Bowden
Nancy & John Burkley
Karen Butler
Sharon Callaway
Carmela & Chuck Condro
Rick & Sarah Entsminger
Val & Bruce Goddard
Ginger & Edward Gotliffe
Jan & Bill Lane
Rick Larson
Loriana & Weston Mathews
Wendy & Gary Pan
Larry & Reyna Pratt
Tamber & Mike Ray
Tom Scott
Mike Shuler
Leslie Siegmund &Jack Mathias
Judy Stocks
David Tuma
Pepin Tuma
Joy & Tom Wood
Anonymous - 7
This Saturday October 4 from 12-4pm in the sanctuary at St. Francis, Dark Horse Theatre Company is holding auditions for
Calamity: The Show - great local improv!
For more information about the auditions:
Auditions for Calamity: The Show | Dark Horse Theatre Company
Evening improv shows at St. Francis begin in 2026: January 10, March 21, and April 11.
Fall 2025 Sunday Forum Hour Schedule
October 5 at 11:30 a.m. "Contemplative Prayer" with Dr. Mike Hattwick
Dr. Michael Hattwick
Dr. Michael Hattwick is a Franciscan, a doctor, poet, teacher, writer, husband, and father. Michael was born in Illinois, raised in Houston, Texas, and educated at Harvard, Georgetown, and the University of London. He has been a student and teacher of the Western Spiritual Tradition for many years. In 2010, he published “The ABBA Tradition,” a book about the spiritual and mystical tradition that lies deep within and behind Judaism and Christianity.
At Harvard, he was a member of the David Reisman freshman Seminars, majored in Chemistry and Physics, and studied Western civilization with Paul Tillich for two years. In 1962, he joined a seminar taught by Timothy Leary, Richard Alpert (aka later Ram Dass), and Ralph Metzner. He went with them to their summer school in Zihuatanejo, Mexico, and then traveled to Europe, where he met his wife. In 1963, he returned to Harvard and graduated Cum Laude. He earned an MD from Baylor College of Medicine and continued his medical training at Georgetown University in DC General Hospital.
In 1995, Dr. Hattwick presented a paper titled “The ABBA Tradition” at the First International Kabbalah Society meeting in Toledo, Spain. That paper grew into the book “The ABBA Tradition,” published in 2010.
Dr. Hattwick is married to Barbara Carr Hattwick who is also a faithful member of St. Francis. They have three children and two grandchildren and live in Great Falls.
Feast of St. Francis is observed on
Sunday, October 5th
Regular services at 8:00 a.m.
and 10:00 a.m.
with a special service for Blessing of the Animals at 5:00 p.m. at the Cross in the Front Churchyard (rain or shine).
Bring your animals to be blessed by Father Weston.
HELP SUPPORT THE MARKETPLACE BAKE SALE WITH YOUR EFFORTS
Wednesday, OCT 8th
Please join Annette Bellino & Kris Young for fun & fellowship in Annette's kitchen as we gather to bake yummy things for next month's marketplace bake sale. We will bake again on WED, 10/8/25 at 4:00 & would love to have you join us.
Recipes & ingredients will be provided.
Address: 11605 Holly Briar Lane, Great Falls
RSVP to Kris:703-430-5705 or kyoung4481@aol.com
Sunday School Begins October 12th
Sunday School will begin on Sunday, October 12, beginning at 10:00 a.m. through 10:30 a.m., after which all may rejoin during The Peace at this service. Children are invited to join us as we grow in faith together through Bible stories, prayer, and fun activities.
We can’t wait to see our children back in Sunday School as we begin a new season of learning and growing in God’s love. All are welcome.
AND
We Still Need Sunday School Teachers
If you’re interested or want to learn more, Rev. Joy would love to talk to you about it. Please email her here familyministry@stfrancisgreatfalls.org.
Let’s come together as a parish community to make this program year meaningful, fun, and full of faith-filled opportunities!
LIVING WITH GRIEF:
Next Meeting is Tuesday, October 14th at 10:30 a.m.
in the St. Francis Sanctuary
Countdown to the Fall Marketplace:
Saturday, October 18th 9am to 2pm
You have time to volunteer to help or donate something for:
The Bake Sale - Kris Young kyoung4481@aol.com
The Book Sale - Pat Ward patwa@cox.net
The Craft Table - Clara Sue Ashley clarasueashley@gmail.com
The Garden Center - Melanie Sisson melanie.sisson@icloud.com
The Rummage Sale - Janet Durfee jmdurfee@comcast.net
Baskets Silent Auction - Jennifer Murphy jenniferomurphy@gmail.com
Hot Dog Lunch - Dana Anderson danarx76@gmail.com
Homemade Ice Cream - Ryan Jannise ryan@ryanjannise.net
Sponsorships and Questions - Kathy Anderson kquinnanderson@gmail.com or - Carmela Condro ccondro@verizon.net
The St. Francis Marketplace Rummage Sale – October 18
Hosted by: Women’s Group of St Francis
Accepted Items: Gently used household goods, kitchenware, linens, toys, jewelry, artwork, sporting equipment, gardening tools, luggage, small furniture, like new footwear, clothing (adult & children’s). Upscale Boutique: Higher-end items welcomed (jewelry, china, crystal, artwork, clothing etc).
Drop-off Times: Sundays – September 28, October 5, October 12 from 9:00 am to 11:30 am at Millen Hall Annex. Please do not drop off outside of these times unless pre-arranged with a contact below.
Deadline: Last day to donate is Sunday, October 12.
Items Not Accepted: Mattresses, medical equipment, helmets, stuffed animals, toiletries, mirrors, items over 20 lbs. (unless pre-arranged and removed if unsold).
For questions, to volunteer, or arrange an alternate drop-off time, please contact Janet Durfee jmdurfee@comcast.net, Annette Bellino annette.bellino@verizon.net, or Ginger Roll rollginger@icloud.com
Great Falls Artist Exhibits at the Marketplace
Elizabeth Freire (painting, sculpture) and Elizabeth Bertholon (painting, gold leaf) of the Great Falls Studios Tour will be part of St. Francis' Fall Marketplace on Saturday, October 18th.
Elizabeth Bertholon will have a game and coloring pages for visitors along with a chance to win a prize from her collections. She will show paintings, calendars and notecards. She is a modern painter with a love of color. Her art invites you to pause, feel and reflect. She grew up in Virginia Beach and travels to southern France to study and absorb its timeless sense of beauty.
Check out her art here at www.raptart.com
Elizabeth Friere is a Brazilian-born, contemporary American artist. Her works are part of the collections of the Museum of Fine Arts, the Artistic-Cultural Collection of the Government Palaces of the State of São Paulo, Brazil, and the Safra Bank, which has the largest private collection of sculptures in that country. Elizabeth continues living and developing her work at her studio in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, DC.
Check out her art at elizabethfriere.com
NOTE: St. Francis is an anchor site for the 2025 Great Falls Studio Tour: Studio Tour 2025 | Great Falls Studios
Sunday, October 19th
Baptism Reception for Allen Bobbitt in Millen Hall, after the 10:00 a.m. service.
All are welcome to attend and celebrate.
In gratitude for the warm embrace of this St. Francis community, Wayne and David invite you to lunch after the service in the Millen Hall to celebrate Allen’s baptism. Lunch will be catered by Greek Unique www.greekuniqueva.com.
A Special Invitation From The Altar Guild
The Altar Guild is having a meeting on Saturday, October 25th, 10:00 am in the Sanctuary and you are invited to attend. Please come and meet the members of the Altar Guild who take turns setting up the Altar/Church for Sunday Services and special services like Christmas, Easter, Baptisms, Funerals and Weddings. You will have a chance to ask questions about their very important contributions to St. Francis. In addition, there will be a quick tour of the sacristy where everything Altar Guild originates. Refreshments will be provided by the very talented Altar Guild members.
If you are planning to attend the meeting or have any questions, please contact Candy Burt candice.burt@gmail.com
Upcoming Mutual Ministry Review
Father Weston and the Vestry welcome your prayers and participation as we undertake the required process of Mutual Ministry Review (MMR) as part of our letter of agreement with the Dioceses for his service as our Priest-In-Charge (PIC). The process is carefully delineated, directed by the Canon to the Ordinary, coordinated by the Senior Warden, and involves a certified facilitator.
Our MMR will take place in September and October and will build on our commitment to open dialogue, trust, and a strong partnership between all of us as we love and serve in Christ.
We will be sharing information with you regularly over the next two months as we welcome your involvement in the MMR through questions, reflections, dialogue and an open forum on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at 11:30pm.
Thank you for your valued prayers and essential participation.
Appreciatively,
Father Weston, Senior Warden Lynda Davis, and the Vestry
Chili Cook-Off 2025!
The hotly contested St. Francis Chili Cook-Off is just around the corner. Start combing your recipes and sourcing your chiles for this event on Sunday, October 26, at 5 pm in Millen Hall. Not interested in cooking a chili? Then come and have dinner. All diners will get to vote for the prize-winning chili. The winner will receive the coveted St. Francis Chili Trophy. Besides a variety of chilis, there will be cornbread, hot dogs for the children, salads, and deserts. Children (and the young at heart) are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes. This is always a fun event, and everyone is welcome. Donations at the door will go toward the FACETS - St. Francis coalition hypothermia shelter held on our grounds from December 21 - 27, 2025.
CRECHE HAPPENINGS!
We are off to a fantastic start to the school year! We have such wonderful families at the Creche this year, and everyone has adjusted to all of the newness so beautifully! The children and teachers have gotten into their class routines, new friends are being made, and parents are feeling relaxed and reassured that their children are being cared for, taught and loved!
This week, Rev. Joy led chapel, telling the children the story “The Lost Sheep.” We are all enjoying getting to know her and experience her sweet spirit.
We had a visit from the Indoor Petting Zoo, and the children learned about and touched all sorts of animals, including a hedgehog, a snake, a turtle, an armadillo and a skink! The joy on their faces was priceless!
Our Enrichment classes began this week as well, and the children are enjoying Yoga, Cooking Class, Art, Sports Fitness and STEM Science! They are having a blast!! We can’t wait to see what next week brings!
FOR THE COMMUNITY
ONGOING WEEKLY ACTIVITIES AT ST. FRANCIS
Morning Prayer offered MON-FRI, at 8:00 a.m. via Zoom
All are invited to immerse themselves in this supportive offering from St. Francis Church where we regularly pray for one another and our mission in the world.
Click here to connect to Morning Prayer via Zoom.
Zoom ID: 968 1679 4908; Passcode: church
Contemplative Prayer: Mondays at 7:30-8:30 p.m.
We hope you can join us via Zoom videoconference.
For more information and any questions, please contact the coordinator for the program: Kathy Anderson, 703-476-9065 or kquinnanderson@gmail.com.
Click here to connect to Contemplative Prayer via Zoom.
Zoom ID: 998 1159 6134; Passcode: church
Men’s Group: Wednesdays 8:35 a.m.
Reading and Discussing the Book of Hebrews All are welcome. Questions? Contact Stu Edwards elchivogoat@cs.com
Click here to connect to the Men's Group via Zoom.
Zoom ID: 922 8116 0056; Passcode: church
St. Francis Social Hour meets on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m.
Join us for casual conversation. Grab your favorite beverage and let's reconnect!
Click here to connect to the St. Francis Social Hour.
Zoom ID: 935 2210 0835; Passcode: church
Thursday Afternoon Bible Study at NEW TIME of 3:00 p.m.
Meetings take place via Zoom on Thursdays at 3:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to join and participate in interesting discussions.
This fall, we will be studying Lord, Teach Us to Pray by John C. Purdy, a Kerygma resource that offers meaningful insights into the power of prayer.
Our group meets weekly via Zoom, creating a welcoming space for learning, reflection, and fellowship. Whether you have joined us before or are new to the group, we would love to have you with us.
The resource book is available here:
https://kerygma.com/products/lord-teach?_pos=2&_sid=013c64283&_ss=r
For further information contact Amelia Logan at ameliavinteriors@gmail.com
Click here to connect to the Thursday Afternoon Bible Study.
Zoom ID: 836 1505 5434; Passcode: TABS24
Women's Group Coffee on Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to NOON at Starbucks in Great Falls
The St. Francis Women's Group has an open invitation to meet at the Starbucks in Great Falls every Friday morning. Please join us.
Second Story Dinners: Sundays at 5:15 p.m.
Needed: Volunteers to prepare and deliver Sunday dinners to the Second Story Teen Crisis Center on Gallows Road. Volunteers work solo or in pairs, according to their wishes.
Dinners are made on the first, third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of the month. The count for a meal typically ranges from five to eight persons. It has been as many as twelve. Volunteers receive reminders when their Sundays are coming up.
Please contact Jennifer Murphy at jenniferomurphy@gmail.com if you would like to volunteer for this ministry or if you have any questions.
Learn more about our life at St. Francis
through our website stfrancisgreatfalls.org:
worship services including daily Morning Prayer
community concerts
pastoral care
Creche preschool ministries
local and international outreach events
fellowship opportunities
Bible studies and small group opportunities including Contemplative Prayer
Emergency Pastoral Number: 703.759.2082 x 102
Do you have a news item you would like to share through the Weekly Franciscan? Or do you have a photo from life at St. Francis you would like to submit? We welcome and rely on your participation.
Clergy and Staff
The Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Priest-in-Charge
The Rev. Joy Y. Warburton, Associate for Family Ministry
The Rev. Dr. Nancy Searby, Deacon
Ms. Lynn Fallon, Parish Administrator
Mr. Larry Vote, Music Director
Mr. Sasha Beresovsky, Organist
Ms. Cristi Leslie, Creche Preschool Director
Ms. Carol Withers, Bookkeeper
Mr. Dominic Pelegrin, Sexton
Ms. Rita Arteaga, Nursery Attendant
Ms. Sandra Loucks, VTS Seminarian
2025 Vestry Members
Lynda Davis, Senior Warden
Pepin Tuma, Junior Warden, Christian Formation
Cathryn Lee, Register, Christian Fellowship
Molly Reynolds, Treasurer
Kathy Anderson, Worship & Spiritual Care
Chris Giragosian, Mission & Mission Partnerships
Elizabeth Kim, Evangelism & Communications
Jessica Maxson, St. Francis Music & Arts
Larry Pratt, Stewardship & Fundraising
Steve Riihimaki, Family Ministry & Creche Board
Brice Eldridge, Facilities Manager, Creche Board Chair, Rise Against Hunger Chair
facilities@stfrancisgreatfalls.org
