February 5, 2026 Newsletter
The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany Sunday, February 8th, 2026
You are welcome to the
8:00 a.m. Service of Holy Eucharist Rite I
the Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Celebrant & Preacher
the Rev. Dr. Nancy Searby, Deacon
10:00 a.m. Service of Holy Eucharist Rite II
with the St. Francis Choir
the Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Celebrant & Preacher
the Rev. Dr. Nancy Searby, Deacon
The 10:00 am Service is also Livestreamed on YouTube.
5:00 p.m. Second Sunday Contemplative Worship service
the Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Celebrant
Dut Brown, Reflector
Janet Durfee, Reader & Chalice Bearer
Jamie Kim, Pianist
Amie Flowers Shakespeare, Cantor
Parish Prayer List
We pray especially for Lara, Missy, Liam, Betty, Catherine, Lois, Whitney, Wales, Carrington, Rob, 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
Miles John Piciacchio, Oliver Benjamin Piciacchio, Avery Jax Anderson and Beckham Quinn Anderson, grandchildren of Kathy & Dana Anderson;
Eva Young and Alden Young, children of Danielle & Shane Young;
Grace Czekaj, daughter of Katie Cjekaj.
We pray for all Franciscans preparing for Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows.
We pray also for Franciscans preparing for Holy Matrimony
including Liv Sisson and Duncan Wood.
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
To learn more and to see a see a listing of of some of the Auction Items, go to the Gala Website here:
CLICK ON THIS LINK
Sunday School continues on February 8th
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.
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VALENTINE’S DAY CARE PACKAGES:
This 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.
WHERE IS REV. JOY THIS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8th?
You won’t see Rev. Joy at morning services this Sunday because she will be visiting St. James’ Episcopal Church in Leesburg . Rev. Joy will be there to learn about their family ministry offerings including their new Second Sunday Family Service and their Youth Formation Program, as we try to reimagine children’s Sunday school and Family Ministry at St. Francis.
Second Sunday Contemplative Worship Series
Sunday, February 8th, 5:00 p.m.
in the Sanctuary
The Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Celebrant
Dut Brown, Reflector
Janet Durfee, Reader & Chalice Bearer
Jamie Kim, Pianist
Amie Flowers Shakespeare, Cantor
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
Whether you are a newcomer to St. Francis, a long-time parishioner, or someone who wants to learn more about the Episcopal faith, we invite you to participate. 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
FEBRUARY 15th is SCOUTING SUNDAY
at the 10:00 a.m. service
Please join us this day to honor all scouts, both past and present, at this special service. Members of St. Francis Scout Troop #55 will be serving in worship at this service.
PREPARING FOR LENT
TUE-17-FEB: SHROVE TUESDAY SUPPER at 6:00 p.m. in Millen Hall
WED-18-FEB: ASH WEDNESDAY services offered at 7:30 a.m. and at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary
LENTEN POTLUCK SUPPERS offered at 6:00 p.m. in Millen Hall followed by special programming on three consecutive Sundays: MAR-1, MAR-8, MAR-15
MARCH 1st is EZO SUNDAY
You are invited to join the Forum at 11:30 a.m. in Millen Hall led by Dr. Richard J. Jones of AFRECS and by the Rev. Joy Warburton. We will connect with our St. Francis Pilgrims in England via Zoom. All are welcome to attend.
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
ADULT FORUM Offerings from St. Francis
Winter into Spring 2026
at 11:30 a.m. in Millen Hall
SUN-8-FEB: Packing Valentine’s Day Boxes for loved ones
SUN-15-FEB: Five Talents (Outreach)
Join Liz Ha and Lonni Jackson from Five Talents for an Adult Forum. Five Talents is a Christian organization that trains women and men to find sustainable paths out of extreme poverty through entrepreneurship. Five Talents operates in Africa, Asia, and South America.
SUN-22-FEB: Brain Balance with Ginny Heine
SUN-1-MAR: Live with Bishop Isaac & Mama Nora from the UK!
Join us for a live discussion with Bishop Isaac and Mama Nora, from the Diocese of Ezo in South Sudan. Isaac and Nora will be in the UK, visiting a pilgrim team from St. Francis and our friends at the Sherborne Deanery. We'll hear about the Diocese of Ezo, Bishop Isaac's plans for St. Paul's School, and our partners from Sherborne, Bring your questions!
SUN-8-MAR: No Adult Forum scheduled
SUN-15-MAR: To be scheduled
SUN-22-MAR: The Life of Maude Royden - Hal Breitenberg (British, campaigned for Women priests)
SUN-29-MAR: Palm Sunday - No Adult Forum scheduled
Make Friday the 13th your very lucky day by joining your neighbors and their families to support a fun and meaningful Great Falls community event on Friday, March 13, 6:30-8:30pm, to assemble 20,088 meals supporting Rise Against Hunger’s Pathways to End Hunger. These meals provide critical food to remote, last-mile communities designated “serious” or higher by the Global Hunger Index and help offset the loss of U.S. food aid.
St Francis Episcopal Church is hosting this third annual community-wide Great Falls event in conjunction with Rise Against Hunger. School children can accumulate community service hours. We need 90 volunteers to assemble these critical meals. Please join your neighbors and REGISTER now either by using this link https://tinyurl.com/RAHGFS2026
or by scanning this QR code:
FURTHER INFORMATION
At Rise Against Hunger, It Starts With a Meal™, and it leads to resilience, self-sufficiency, education, empowerment, and bright futures in communities worldwide. Rise Against Hunger meals are served every day around the globe in medical clinics, vocational training programs, elder care facilities, and schools. Each meal is a moment to celebrate. https://www.RiseAgainstHunger.org
Meditations on the Cross
Saturday, March 14, 5:00 p.m.
St. Francis Episcopal Church
Plan now to attend a Lenten program entitled, Meditations on the Cross, which will be presented on Saturday, March 14, at 5:00 p.m. at St. Francis Episcopal Church. Free admission.
Under the direction of Larry Vote the program will include music and poetry performed by the St. Francis Choir, soloists, organist Sasha Beresovsky, and members of the Paragon Philharmonia. Poetry of Denise Levertov and Robert Burns will accompany music of Pergolesi and Schutz among others. The featured composition will be The Seven Words of Christ on the Cross by Heinrich Schutz for Chorus, strings and soloists. Baltimore tenor, Opal Clyburn-Miller will sing the role of Jesus in this performance.
This presentation will be an expressive meditation that will prepare one for the dramatic events of Holy Week and Easter. All are welcome.
SAVE THE DATE: Sunday April 12th
Bishop Gulick’s Visitation
St. Francis will combine both services this day into one 10:00 a.m. Rite II service, celebrated by The Rt. Rev. Edwin Gulick, who will also perform confirmation, reception and reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows. A Reception in Millen Hall will follow to meet Bishop Gulick and to celebrate the newly confirmed, received, and reaffirmed members. All are invited to attend.
2026 Moving Mountains Youth Mission Trip
July 11–18, 2026 | St. Paul, Virginia
An Appalachia Service Trip
The Moving Mountains Mission Trip is a week-long service experience, partnered with St. Anne's, Reston, for high school students, college students, and young adults. Participants will serve with Grace House on the Mountain, supporting local community projects and ministries in the Appalachian region.
The group will be hosted at the Grace House facilities, and all service activities will align with the mission charter and registration guidelines. Adult chaperones will accompany the group to provide supervision, guidance, and support throughout the week.
More information will be forthcoming.
If you are interested, please let Rev. Joy know at familyministry@stfrancisgreatfalls.org
SAVE THE DATES: Friday, July 17-Sunday, July 19 when Shrine Mont Retreat Weekend with St. John’s McLean Returns
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
2026 Vestry Members
Lynda Davis, Senior Warden
Pepin Tuma, Junior Warden
Cathryn Lee, Register
Kathy Ditmore
Chris Giragosian
Jessica Maxson
Holly Piper
Larry Pratt
Steve Riihimaki
Molly Reynolds, serving Treasurer
Brice Eldridge, Facilities Manager, Creche Board Chair
and Rise Against Hunger Chair
facilities@stfrancisgreatfalls.org
