January 22, 2026 Newsletter
The Third Sunday after the Epiphany
***Please note that due to the forecast of extreme Winter weather conditions for our area and out of an abundance of caution for the safety of all, we are canceling both the
8:00 a.m. Rite I and the 10:00 a.m. Rite II with Choir services AND
postponing the Annual Meeting to February 1st at 11:30 a.m.
Information will be forthcoming to you regarding the Zoom Morning Prayer, Rite II alternative we are offering this Sunday, January 25th at 10:00 a.m. ***
Parish Prayer List
We pray especially for Will, Liam, Betty, Catherine, Lois, Whitney, Wales, Carrington, Rob, Mahan and Mozhan Motahari, Leon, James, Jon, Katie, Jackie, Lee, Luke, Cindy, Alessandro, Carl, Debra, Pepin, Barbara & Bill, Jennifer, Helen, Park, Jeff Sr., Jessica, Clara Sue, and Dut.
We pray also for Franciscans who are preparing for Holy Baptism, including
Eva Young, daughter of Danielle & Shane Young, and
Grace Czekaj, daughter of Katie Cjekaj.
We pray also for Francsicans preparing for Holy Matrimony
including Liv Sisson and Duncan Wood.
St. Francis Annual Meeting
and Election of Vestry Members & Endowment Committee Members
RESCHEDULED TO
Sunday, February 1, 2026
This meeting will commence at 11:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary.
AGENDA
I. Call to Order and Opening Prayer
II. Appointment of Secretary, Vestry Register, Elizabeth Kim (for Cathryn Lee)
III. Adoption of Minutes from 2025 Annual Meeting
IV. Senior Warden’s Remarks by Lynda Davis
V. Junior Warden’s Remarks by Pepin Tuma
VI. Treasurer’s Remarks by Molly Reynolds
VII. Creche Preschool Remarks by Creche Board Chair, Brice Eldridge
VIII. Deacon’s Remarks by Rev. Dr. Nancy Searby
IX. Associate for Family Ministry Remarks by Rev. Joy Y. Warburton
X. Priest-in-Charge Remarks by Rev. E. Weston Mathews
XI. Questions from the Floor
XII. Voting for New Vestry and Endowment Committee Members by Acclamation (voice vote)
XIII. Recognizing the Members rotating off the Vestry: Kathy Anderson & Elizabeth Kim
XIV. Closing Prayer and Adjournment
There are two candidates running for two slots on the Endowment Committee. The candidates are Bill Lane and Joe Hawke.
There are two candidates running for two Vestry member slots; each is a 3-year term. Meet the candidates:
UPCOMING MUTUTAL MINISTRY REVIEW (MMR)
Father Weston and the Vestry look forward to our Annual Meeting in the Sanctuary NOW at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 1, 2026. One of the primary topics with be sharing information from our Mutual Ministry Review (MMR).
As a reminder, the MMR is a process of reflection that is required as part of our agreement with the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia and our Priest In Charge (PIC) Fr. Weston. St. Francis has used the suggested questions for the MMR as our guide to review and reflect on our 2025 activities and recommend actions for 2026.
With deep appreciation,
Senior Warden, Lynda C. Davis
Mutual Ministry Review 2025
Executive Summary
St. Francis Episcopal Church,
Great Falls, Virginia
Priest-in-Charge: The Rev. E. Weston Mathews
“Start by doing what is necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” St. Francis of Assisi
Executive Summary
The first year of shared ministry between the Priest-in-Charge, the Vestry, and the parish of St. Francis Episcopal Church reflects a season of renewed energy, growth, and faithful engagement, alongside the natural challenges of transition. Feedback from parishioners, clergy, staff, Vestry, and committees affirms strong appreciation for Father Weston’s leadership, pastoral presence, intellect, and spiritual depth. Parishioners consistently described his ministry as compassionate, thoughtful, courageous, and grounded in Christian love.
Across the parish, there is evidence of increased attendance, growing diversity, expanded outreach, renewed emphasis on family ministry, strengthened arts and music offerings, and deeper engagement with the wider community. At the same time, the review highlights areas requiring continued discernment and intentional development, particularly around communication, clarity of roles, volunteer capacity, pacing of change, and articulation of shared mission and goals.
The Mutual Ministry Review process confirms that St. Francis is in a liminal but hopeful space—building toward sustainable growth and long-term vision. The parish demonstrates strong foundations for future ministry, provided attention is given to communication practices, leadership development, stewardship of time and talent, and deeper integration of newcomers and long-standing members alike.
I. Purpose and Process of the Mutual Ministry Review
The Mutual Ministry Review (MMR) is a prayerful and reflective process intended to strengthen shared ministry among clergy, Vestry, parish leaders, and the wider congregation. This report synthesizes feedback gathered through:
· Parish open forums and written parishioner comments
· Vestry and Committee reflections and written responses
· Clergy and parish staff discussions
The process emphasized transparency, listening, and respect for differing experiences and perspectives, with the goal of supporting healthy collaboration and faithful discernment.
II. Parish-Wide Feedback and Themes
A. Reflections on the Ministry of Father Weston
Parishioners expressed deep gratitude for Father Weston’s leadership and character. He was consistently described as intelligent, wise, compassionate, gentle, and an effective administrator. Many noted that he embodies the qualities of a “good rector,” setting a calm, thoughtful, and spiritually grounded tone for the parish.
His pastoral care and mentorship were especially valued. Parishioners highlighted his humility, attentiveness, and ability to lead with both conviction and compassion. His preaching and teaching were described as intellectually engaging and spiritually nourishing.
Several parishioners also noted Father Weston’s “activist” sensibility—his encouragement to engage social issues thoughtfully and to remain attentive to those who are marginalized or in need. This emphasis was seen as a faithful expression of the Gospel rather than partisan advocacy.
Parishioners raised the possibility of transitioning Father Weston from Priest-in-Charge to Rector as soon as feasible, reflecting a desire for continuity, stability, and long-term leadership.
B. Parish Culture, Fellowship, and Christian Discourse
Feedback reflected appreciation for Father Weston’s encouragement of a culture of open, respectful dialogue on difficult or divisive topics, including politics and social concerns. Parishioners valued his emphasis on listening, curiosity, clarification, and Christian charity in times that can be polarizing.
There was strong affirmation of the parish’s call to model a Christian witness that transcends narrow or partisan identities. Parishioners emphasized that unity in Christ does not require uniformity of opinion, but does require mutual respect, love, and humility.
C. Alignment with Parish Discernment and Vision
Parishioners mentioned the parish profile and strategic planning document and the discernment work those reflect. They noted general good alignment between those aspirations and current realities. Identified priorities included:
· Rebuilding and renewal
· Strengthening and growth
· Music and the arts
· Outreach and service
· Family ministry
· Openness, hospitality, and community engagement
Parishioners observed renewed energy, increased openness, and growing diversity within the congregation, suggesting meaningful progress toward these goals.
D. Shared Ministry and Stewardship
Parishioners emphasized shared responsibility between clergy and congregation for the health of the parish. In addition to financial stewardship, there was strong emphasis on stewardship of time and talent. Parishioners expressed a desire to better understand how they can support clergy and one another in ministry.
Parishioners emphasized the need for clearly articulated mission and goals, noting that activities and fundraising are not the same as mission. Expectations included honoring long-standing relationships while pursuing outreach and growth.
E. Transition, Growth, and Ongoing Challenges
The parish acknowledged that it remains in a transitional, liminal space. Notable challenges include:
· Limited engagement of youth and young adults ages 15–28
· Managing the pace of change so that parishioners feel informed, heard, and prepared
· Maintaining respect for diverse views while leaning into discomfort with faith, courage, and compassion
Fellowship and youth engagement were repeatedly named as priorities, with recognition that continued investment in family ministry and younger generations is essential for the parish’s future vitality.
F. Information Sharing and Communications
Parishioners repeatedly stressed the importance of understanding why changes are made. Access to information and advance notice were seen as ways to prevent surprise and build trust. Transparency and respect in communication was valued as essential to answering the question, “How do we know what is working?” Suggestions included:
· Providing access to Vestry minutes and financial reports or summarizing them regularly in the parish newsletter
· Creating alternative avenues for parishioners to offer feedback if they are uncomfortable speaking directly with clergy or Vestry
· Using periodic surveys and newsletter invitations to solicit suggestions
· More clearly communicating how the parish balances internal fellowship and external service
III. Clergy and Parish Staff Feedback
Clergy and staff articulated their work as grounded in the parish mission: “To glorify God and follow Jesus Christ by providing a nurturing spiritual home…” Progress is evaluated through participation, feedback, and observed engagement.
Clergy and staff reported strong collegiality, shared leadership, and a positive team culture. Worship and outreach coordination were cited as particular strengths, including successful initiatives such as Hypothermia shelter hosting.
Areas identified for improvement included:
· Communication flow, volume, and prioritization
· Role clarity in liturgy and ministry contexts
· Volunteer capacity in Family and Children’s ministries
IV. Creche and Committee Feedback
Additional feedback was collected from across the parish including the largely lay lead committees. Each committee was asked the same six MMR questions. This information has been compiled in a MMR Backup Reference Document that will be available for review and for action by the Vestry and each Committee in 2026.
V. Conclusion and Looking Ahead
The Mutual Ministry Review affirms a strong and hopeful foundation for fulfilling and impactful shared ministry at St. Francis Episcopal Church. The parish demonstrates resilience, generosity, and faithfulness, with growing engagement and renewed vision. Ensuring shared mission articulation and goal prioritization, informative and non-judgmental communication practices, clergy/personnel and lay leader support, and volunteer opportunities and capacity awareness will be essential as St. Francis continues discerning God’s call in the coming year.
Respectfully to be shared with the St. Francis community during the Annual Parish Meeting on January 25, 2026 and subsequently submitted to the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia
Compiled and submitted by Lynda Davis, Senior Warden
Please join us at this year’s Gala!
February 7, 2026 at 6pm
in Millen Hall
Black-tie Optional Gala Dinner
Featuring Live and Silent Auctions
Tickets are on sale now
To register and pay online, please
either
CLICK ON THIS LINK
or
SCAN THIS QR CODE:
If you would rather register using the paper form, please go the the west side of the Narthex, under the clock, to get a Gala Registration form to complete, then return it to the large Gala envelope with your check made payable to St. Francis. Please write “Gala Ticket” in the memo line. We have provided envelopes for you to insert your form and check. Thank you!
Gala proceeds will benefit South Sudan ministries, Creche Scholarships, and the St. Francis operating budget.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THE GALA!
"As it is in giving that we receive”
– St. Francis of Assisi
Are you interested in supporting the Gala?
For Donations, Advertising, Volunteering
Please contact us at: Gala@StFrancisGreatFalls.org:
- Maybe you have donated in the past? Please reach out to donate again!
- Make it your first! Donate an auction item, experience, or service.
- Advertise your business in the auction brochure to offset event costs. (Quarter, half, and full-page ads are available. Please email us for details).
- Can you help at the Gala?
To learn more go to the Gala Website here:
CLICK ON THIS LINK
GIVING IN 2025
Giving statements for 2025 were mailed out on Tuesday to folks who made contributions to St. Francis in 2025. If you did not receive one and were expecting one, please let me know. If you did receive yours and now have questions, please let me know at treasurer@stfrancisgreatfalls.org
~ Molly Reynolds, Treasurer
BE PART OF OUR ST. FRANCIS CHURCH
PHOTO ALBUM
Help share who we are and send our wishes to our Sherborne, England, and Ezo, South Sudan friends
We are excited that Bishop Isaac and Mama Nora received their visas to the UK, and a small group from St Francis will be joining them and our hosts from Sherborne on a pilgrimage to get to know each other more deeply and to share in the light of Christ. We will be leaving February 25th.
We would like to bring a gift of a St. Francis church family photo album. The photo album will include recent pictures from the life of St. Francis church. We also would like to include a photo and brief message from each member of the community that would like to participate. We will set up to take pictures and capture your greeting a few times over the next couple weeks, including after Sunday services and during the gala.
Here are the prompts we will ask you to fill out on a form when we take your picture. We'll then include your first name, response, and picture in the St. Francis church family photo album. We are creating it using Shutterfly.
Prompts (choose 1):
My name is ________
My favorite thing about (can choose either St Francis or Great Falls) is ______
or
My name is_____
Greeting to our friends from Sherborne, England and Ezo, South Sudan- (write something short, e.g. where the Spirit is leading us)
In addition, we would appreciate hearing from you what you would like to learn from them when we are there.
We have also created a Google Form to collect your responses and to provide a portrait-style photo if you already have one. Note that you may have to have a Google account and sign in to use this feature. Please let Nancy know if you have issues at deacon@stfrancisgreatfalls.org.
Thank you,
The Pilgrimage Group, Weston, Nancy, Jack, and Leslie
Star Words for Epiphany
Questions for Reflection
Two Sundays ago, we received a star word. Consider this a guiding word for the year ahead. We invite you to remember your star word often, seeking the ways God might be moving through the meanings and definitions the word contains. The word is meant to be your word for the year - a word to reflect on, a word to strive for, a word to challenge you, and a word to inspire you.
If you were not able to get your star word in church, you can click here to go to a website created by The Rev. Dr. Sarah Kye Price, Formation Director of the St. Phoebe School for Deacons. Once there, click on one of the stars in the graphic to receive your epiphany star word.
Here are some questions to help you in your journey.
· How do you feel about your word?
· How does the word connect to your life?
· What synonyms are there for your word?
· Where can you find your word in Scripture? Which Scripture passage is your favorite? Do any of these passages make you cringe?
· What is the antonym for your word, noting that it is important to understand the void that exists when your word is not present?
· How does your word help you to understand the sacraments of communion and baptism?
· What hymn embodies your word?
· How does your word enhance worship, devotion, spiritual formation, and discipleship?
· What is one way you could live into your word in the coming week?
Sunday School continues on February 1st
10:00 AM, in the Red Classroom
(next to the Nursery)
Ages 3 - 10
Teacher: Marilee Ransom
Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are always needed. Please email Rev. Joy at familyministry@stfrancisgreatfalls.org for more information.
- - - - -
VALENTINE’S DAY CARE PACKAGES: Sunday, FEB 8th
St. Francis will share God’s love in a tangible way this Valentine’s Day by sending care packages to our young adults and college students. We invite you to join us in Millen Hall on Sunday, February 8, following the 10:00 a.m. worship service, to help assemble these special packages.
Each care package will include nut-free chocolates, cookies, candies, and a handwritten Valentine’s card filled with encouragement and love.
You Can Help By:
Bringing homemade or store-bought, individually wrapped cookies and candy
Writing encouraging Valentine’s cards
Joining us for packing on Sunday, February 8
Let’s be the hands and feet of Jesus this Valentine’s Day—sharing kindness, joy, and the reminder that God’s love never fails.
Second Sunday Contemplative Worship Series
Sunday, February 8th, 5:00 p.m.
in the Sanctuary
Through candlelit prayer, contemplative silence, poetry, beautiful music, and Holy Communion from the Iona Celtic tradition, this service is different from what we offer on Sunday morning. A brief reflection on spiritual journey will also be offered by a member of St. Francis.
This worship series will be held on the second Sunday night of each month (except for August.) If you are looking for a new or different way to worship and a space to find your sacred center in the midst of a busy, distracted life, this may be the service for you.
INQUIRER’S CLASS OFFERING FOR SPRING 2026
Spring 2026 Inquirer’s Classes will be held in the Millen Hall Annex at 9:00 - 9:50 a.m. on Sundays:
February 15, Feb 22, March 1, March 8, March 15, March 22
This class will also serve as preparation for confirmation, reception, and reaffirmation of baptismal vows.
St. Francis Church in Great Falls
Spring 2026 Inquirer’s Class Syllabus
Instructor: The Rev. Weston Mathews
“Walk in Love” is our primary text. Sections of it are assigned for each class and suggested to be read before each class session.
The Mathews Course Outline is for your reference and is supplemental to our “Walk in Love” text should you wish to go deeper into different topics.
If interested or you have questions, please contact The Rev. Weston Mathews at rector@stfrancisgreatfalls.org
FOR THE COMMUNITY
An Afternoon Of Love Songs With Frank Conlon,
In Collaboration With Partners For The Arts
Sunday, February 15th, 2026 at 4pm
St. Francis Episcopal Church • Great Falls, VA
Frank Conlon serves as both masterful accompanist and avuncular host on this favorite annual event, beloved both by devoted followers of the voice and all listeners captivated by song and story. This year’s rendition will be themed for Valentine’s Day.
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.
Beginning a Bible Study on the Gospel of Matthew
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. Please submit by close of business on Tuesdays each week.
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. Linda Calkins, Assisting Clergy
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. Wendy Filller, 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
