November 20, 2025 Newsletter
Last Sunday after Pentecost:
Christ the King Sunday
Sunday, November 23, 2025
You are welcome to the
8:00 a.m. Service of Holy Eucharist Rite I & Healing Prayer
the Rev. Joy Y. Warburton, Celebrant
the Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Preacher
the Rev. Dr. Nancy Searby, Deacon
10:00 a.m. Service of Holy Eucharist Rite II & Healing Prayer
with the St. Francis Choir
the Rev. Joy Y. Warburton, Celebrant
the Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Preacher
the Rev. Dr. Nancy Searby, Deacon
Please note that due to technical difficulties we may not be able to livestream the
10:00 a.m. service this Sunday (NOV 23rd).
View this Sunday's 10:00 a.m. Worship Bulletin
4:00 p.m. Service of Thanksgiving for the Life of Aletheia Wren Wiley-Jimenez
the Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Celebrant
the Rev. Joy Y. Warburton, Assisting Clergy
the Rev. Dr. Nancy Searby, Deacon
The Liturgy of the Word
The First Reading | Jeremiah 23:1-6
The Response | Canticle 16
The Second Reading | Colossians 1:11-20
The Gospel Reading | Luke 23:33-43
Parish Prayer List
We pray especially for Cammie, John, Francesca, Lee, Luke, Terry, Amelia, the Wiley-Jimenez Family, Cindy, Alessandro, Carl, Debra, Anne, Rachel, Pete, Susan, Pepin, Barbara & Bill, Jennifer, Helen, Park, Andy, Jeff Sr., Jessica,
Clara Sue, and Dut.
We give thanks for the Altar Flowers, given to the glory of God in thanksgiving for the Mothers’ Union Trinity Church, Diocese of Virginia, and for Mr. & Mrs. Vivian Benjamin.
We pray also for Franciscans who are preparing for Holy Baptism, including
Grace Czekaj, daughter of Katie Cjekaj;
Jaclyn Chappell, daughter of Alexandra & Scott Chappell;
Judy Fitzgerald and Brice Fitzgerald, children of Kristin Weston.
Fall 2025 Sunday Forum Hour Continues
THIS Sunday, November 23 at 11:30 a.m. Mothers’ Union presentation
by The Rev. Joy Y. Warburton
Origination of Mothers’ Union
Mothers’ Union (MU) is a global Christian movement of over four million members in approximately 84 countries. United in faith and service, we work to create a world where everyone can thrive. Founded in 1876 by Mary Sumner in Hampshire, England, the Mothers’ Union began as a small parish group supporting mothers and families. Over the past 150 years, it has grown into a worldwide movement rooted in compassion, faith, and hope, strengthening families, supporting communities, and advocating for justice and peace.
The Mothers’ Union, found predominantly across the continent of Africa, the Caribbean, and parts of Europe, stands as the bedrock of many societies. In underdeveloped countries—such as those in sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean—the Mothers’ Union plays a vital role in upholding family life, promoting education, supporting women, and sustaining communities through faith and service. Their influence often extends far beyond the walls of the church, reaching into homes, schools, and villages, where they provide both spiritual and practical guidance.
The Mothers’ Union is also found in the United States. The Mothers’ Union United States of America (MU USA) forms a Province which is comprised of 18 branches under 7 dioceses in about 7 states on the East Coast, including the Diocese of Virginia.
Joy is a founding member of the Mothers’ Union Trinity Episcopal Church (MUTEC) Chapter, which was established in 2003. In many ways, MUTEC has shared a meaningful connection with St. Francis. In 2005, Rev. Penny hosted a one-day retreat on the grounds of St. Francis and later preached at one of our Annual Thanksgiving Services. Kathy Anderson also led the Chapter in a Contemplative Prayer session during one of our meetings at Trinity Church. Today, Rev. Weston is deepening this relationship by inviting us to worship at St. Francis. Recently, MUTEC contributed funds to the Diocese of Ezo to assist internally displaced persons (IDPs). Our hope is to continue nurturing this partnership with St. Francis, Great Falls.
Membership
Membership is open to all individuals, including women, men, singles, and married couples, of all ages, who have been baptized and are committed to serving Christ through prayer, fellowship, and practical action.
What We Do in General
Mothers’ Union provides a network through which members can serve Christ in their community, through prayer, financial support, and actively working in programs and projects that meet local needs. Members put their faith into action within communities. Led by the communities’ needs, we listen to and support those whose lives are marked by adversity, promote healthy married life, and empower parents to nurture their children's faith. Together, we continue to live out our vision of a future where all people can flourish, and families and communities are empowered to thrive.
Affiliation with The Episcopal Church
The Mothers’ Union affiliates exclusively with The Episcopal Church, sharing a common Anglican heritage and a commitment to Christian values, family life, and social justice. This partnership enhances MU’s mission and outreach, providing access to the Church’s resources, networks, and opportunities for greater impact within communities.
Gender Based Violence Awareness
Each November, the United Nations Women’s Group leads the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. According to UN data, one in three women and girls worldwide experience some form of abuse or violence.
The United Nations 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is one of many annual international campaigns that the Mothers’ Union has aligned with. It takes place from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) until December 10 (International Human Rights Day)
The Mothers Union during these 16 days raises awareness on GBV, work alongside communities to help end domestic abuse and gender-based violence and to support those affected by it 365 days of the year.
Growing
Stronger Together
Pledging for 2026
As of November 19, 2025, 84 Franciscans have pledged $509,717,
which is 81% of the $630,000 goal.
Join these fellow Franciscans who have made their pledge to for 2026:
End of Year Donations
As 2025 draws to a close, it is important to be aware that all pledge contributions and other donations to St. Francis must be processed within required deadlines. Cash/check contributions must be physically received in the church office or postmarked by December 31, 2025. Stock contributions must be in St. Francis’s investment account and sold by December 31, and therefore should be initiated at least two weeks before the month’s end to ensure timely processing. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact Molly Reynolds, Treasurer, treasurer@stfrancisgreatfalls.org
Sunday School Continues Every Sunday
10:00 - 10:30 am
Ages 3 - 10
Join us every Sunday during the 10:00 a.m. service for Sunday School!
Children are invited to gather for stories, prayer, and activities that help them grow in faith and friendship. Children will return to worship during the sharing of the Peace.
Classes meet in the Red classroom upstairs next to the Nursery.
For more information or to volunteer, please email Rev. Joy at familyministry@stfrancisgreatfalls.org.
Sunday School Teacher this Sunday: Marilee Ransom
Advent Wreath Making – Sunday, November 30
Join us after the 10:00 am service for our annual Advent Wreath Making event! All are warmly invited — Franciscans of all ages - especially youth, children, and newcomers — to take part in this meaningful tradition as we prepare our hearts and homes for the Advent season.
All materials will be provided. Free-will donations are welcome to help defray the cost.
Plan to come, create, and share in the spirit of Advent together!
Please click here to use the Sign-Up Genius to let us know you plan to come.
Your sign up will help us determine the number of supplies we will need to have available.
Donations for Christmas Music and Altar Flowers
Each year St. Francis is beautifully decorated for Christmas with poinsettias and greens. We also have special music during the Christmas services. It is a custom at St Francis for parishioners to make Christmas donations to the Altar Guild and to the Music Program to support these groups’ efforts at Christmas and throughout the year. Donations may be given in memory of loved ones or in thanksgiving for someone or something special.
If you would like to give to either or both of these funds, please fill out the envelope enclosed in your Sunday bulletin and put it in the offering basket. You can also send a donation directly to the church office – 9220 Georgetown Pike Great Falls, VA 22066. To have your memorials or thanksgivings listed in the Christmas service bulletins, the church needs to receive your donation by the third Sunday of Advent, December 14th, 2025.
To contribute electronically, you may click on the “Give” button on the website www.stfrancisgreatfalls.org.
At the drop-down menu, you may choose to direct your gift to the Altar Guild or to Music. (If you wish to split your contribution, you will need to complete two transactions, one indicating Altar and the other indicating Music.) If you do donate via the website, please email the parish administrator at admin@stfrancisgreatfalls.org to let her know how to designate your gift in the Christmas Bulletin.
Thanking you in advance for your support.
The Deacon's Corner with
Deacon Nancy Searby
Sharing the Good News of God's Love at the intersection of community and church
FACETS Hypothermia Shelter Program at St. Francis: December 21 - 27
St. Francis Church, in conjunction with Fairfax Area Christian Emergency and Transitional Services (FACETS), will host a hypothermia shelter for 40 of our unhoused neighbors during Christmas week. This is part of FACETS's yearly Hypothermia Prevention and Shelter Program, which ensures that no person loses their life to hypothermia during the winter season. Guests will arrive at St. Francis at 5pm each day and will leave by 7am the following morning, except for Christmas Day.
Your help is needed to support this effort. Please sign up on one or both Sign Up Genius sign up pages. One is for volunteers (greeters, dinner teams, hospitality teams, breakfast teams, plus other support positions) and one is for donations of perishable and non-perishable foods and supplies. You can also support monetarily by clicking the Give button on St. Francis's website; PayPal has an option for FACETS in the drop down menu.
Sign Up for VOLUNTEERS
Sign up for DONATIONS of FOOD/SUPPLIES
We are excited to have a number of coalition partners joining us to support the shelter. These partners include the Young Men's Service League, and other Episcopal churches in our North Fairfax region. Additionally, Temple Rodef Shalom and Congregation Beth Emeth have generously offered their support on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, when our guests will be with us for the whole day. We look forward to working with our partners to provide a safe, warm, and festive shelter for the most vulnerable among us. We welcome additional coalition partners, so please share this information with anyone you know who would like to contribute in some way. Thank you for joining this important work of loving our neighbors in Fairfax County.
If you have any questions, please contact Jessica Maxson jessica.c.maxson@gmail.com or Scott Perkins ohio4csp@hotmail.com
Music Notes from Director of Music, Larry Vote
St. Francis Episcopal Church Community Messiah Sing
If you are a lover of G.F. Handel’s Messiah, as a listener or singer, plan to come to the Community Messiah Sing at St. Francis on Saturday, December 13, at 5 pm. At that time Larry Vote, Director of Music, will lead the St. Francis Choir, soloists, players from the Paragon Philharmonic, organist, Sasha Beresovsky and members of the community in Part One, the Christmas Portion, of Handel’s immortal work. Bring your own score or purchase a score at the event itself. Bring a friend to join in mounting a large chorus in the grand style of Messiah readings taking place concurrently around the world. The Messiah Sing is free and open to the public. However, free will donations will be gladly accepted to help defray the cost of this event.
We are Seeking Two New Members for the St. Francis 2026 Vestry Committee
With two of our current members rotating off the Vestry early next year, please consider praying about and running for Vestry in 2026 for a 3-year term. Elections will take place at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 25th, 2026. If interested, please contact either our
Senior Warden, Lynda Davis lyndacdavis@aol.com,
Junior Warden, Pepin Tuma pepintuma@gmail.com, or
Priest-in-Charge, Weston Mathews rector@stfrancisgreatfalls.org
Thank you for your consideration.
Also Seeking New Members for our 2026 Endowment Committee
Elections will take place at our Annual Congregational Meeting on January 25, 2026. Stay tuned for more information. Finance experience preferred.
FOR THE COMMUNITY
In the Millen Hall Theatre Space at St. Francis
NOV 21, 22, @ 8:00 pm
NOV 28, 29 @ 8:00 pm
About the event
Winner of the 2009 Tony-award for best play.
What begins as a polite meeting between two sets of parents, convened to resolve a playground scuffle between their children, quickly spirals into an evening of accusations, shifting alliances, and brutal honesty. In Yasmina Reza’s God of Carnage, civility is tested as social masks slip, and the refined surface of adulthood cracks to reveal something far more primal.
With biting wit and razor-sharp dialogue, Reza exposes the fragility of manners, the absurdity of self-importance, and the wild chaos lurking just beneath the rules of polite society. Hilarious, unsettling, and uncomfortably relatable, God of Carnage is a comedy of manners without the manners—where the real playground may not belong to the children at all.
Featuring Tim Byer, Nate Eagle, Samantha Mitchell, Arianne' Warner
Directed by Natasha Parnian
Stage Managed by Katelyn Burton
________________
Doors open 30 min before performance.
PLEASE NOTE: Online ticket sales close 30 min before the show. After that point, tickets can be purchased at the door, while supplies last. This show is recommended for ages 16 and up. A limited number of student tickets (10 per performance) are available online and at the door-first come, first served.
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer refunds. Rainchecks and exchanges are considered on a case by case basis.
God of Carnage is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York.
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. We pray using the Forward Day by Day daily prayer link of the Book of Common Prayer that automatically updates for each day's readings (link: https://prayer.forwardmovement.org/pray). On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, we pray Rite I, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays, we pray Rite II.
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.
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.
admin@stfrancisgreatfalls.org
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. Julieta Bonafe, 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
and Rise Against Hunger Chair
facilities@stfrancisgreatfalls.org
