February 19, 2026 Newsletter
The First Sunday in Lent
Sunday, February 22nd, 2026
You are welcome to the
8:00 a.m. Service of Holy Eucharist Rite I
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
with the St. Francis Choir
the Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Celebrant & Preacher
the Rev. Joy Y. Warburton, Assisting Clergy
the Rev. Dr. Nancy Searby, Deacon
The 10:00 am Service is also Livestreamed on YouTube.
CLICK HERE to see the 10:00 a.m. order of service
11:30 a.m. Forum on Brain Balance by Ginny Heine in Millen Hall
Read more below.
The Liturgy of the Word
THE FIRST READING | Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7
THE RESPONSE | Psalm 32
THE SECOND READING | Romans 5:12-19
THE GOSPEL READING | Matthew 4:1-11
Parish Prayer List
We pray especially for Gracie, Betsy, Gibbon, Joseph, Jill, Lara, Missy, Liam, Betty, Catherine, Lois, Whitney, Wales, Carrington, Rob, 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 & Duncan Wood and Delcie Kestner & Chad Saucier.
ADULT FORUM this SUN-22-FEB
at 11:30 am in Millen Hall
Please join us at the forum led by Ginny Heinen where we will be discussing Brain Balance and Brain Health
What is Brain Health?
At Brain Balance, we embrace the WHO definition - our program resonates with this definition!!
Brain Health is the state of brain functioning across cognitive, sensory, social-emotional, behavioral, and motor domains, enabling a person to realize their full potential throughout their life. This definition goes beyond the mere absence of disease and includes the capacity to cope with challenges, form relationships, and maintain overall well-being.
What is Brain Balance?
Brain Balance is a personalized, non-pharmaceutical program designed to improve focus, behavior, social skills, and academic/work performance in people - children, teens and adults. The program is research-backed and combines multiple sensory-motor, cognitive, and nutritional proven methods to strengthen existing and create & strengthen new neural connections to facilitate better brain functioning - this is called neuroplasticity. It is real and the brain can change at ANY age. And, it WILL.
Thank you for allowing Brain Balance of Northern Virginia to present this coming Sunday. We look forward to introducing you to our program.
Outreach-Ezo Committee Meeting
Sunday, February 22nd at 7:00 p.m.
The Outreach-Ezo Committee will meet on Sunday, February 22, at 7 pm. We'll send a Zoom link out several days before the meeting. We'll discuss the upcoming trip to Sherborne to meet Bishop Isaac and Mama Nora, the Rise Against Hunger event on March 13, and the Outreach-Ezo budget and calendar for 2026.
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.
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
ST. FRANCIS OFFERINGS DURING LENT
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
In a time when harsh words and deep divisions often shape our public life, Bishop Marian Budde of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington reminds us in her video series, The Lost Art of Kindness: Civility as a Christian Calling, that kindness, civility, and Christ-centered love are not signs of weakness, but powerful expressions of our faith.
Join us for our Lenten Potluck Suppers for a shared meal and conversation as we explore how practicing compassion, respect, and grace reflects the heart of Christ in our daily relationships and communities.
March 1: Biblical Origins & Standing and Kneeling
March 8: Kindness and Calling
March 15: The Micah 6:8 Promise
Come and be part of this meaningful time of reflection and conversation as we grow together in living out our Christian calling.
Black History Month + The Episcopal Church
February is Black History Month. Join us in celebrating by learning about Black Trailblazers in the Episcopal Church:
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 the Rev. Joy Warburton. We will connect with our St. Francis Pilgrims in England via Zoom. All are welcome to attend.
Sunday School continues on February 22nd
10:00 AM, in the Red Classroom
(next to the Nursery)
Ages 3 - 10
Teachers: Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are always welcomed. Please email Rev. Joy at familyministry@stfrancisgreatfalls.org for more information.
- - - - -
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
ADULT FORUM Offerings from St. Francis
Winter into Spring 2026
at 11:30 a.m. in Millen Hall
SUN-22-FEB: Brain Balance with Ginny Heine
Join us for presentation and discussion opened by Ginny Heine who will be accompanied by the Program Director, Michael Janak, who will share details about the Brain Balance assessment and the program protocol, and the Assistant Director, Gill Vincent, Sr. Marketing Manager, Elia Twist, and Lead Coach, Chase Heine, who will share his personal experience with Brain Balance.
SUN-1-MAR: Live with Bishop Isaac & Mama Nora from the UK!
Join us in Millen Hall 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-15-MAR: Unpacking the Pilgrimage to England with Ezo by St. Francis Pilgrims
SUN-22-MAR: The Life of Maude Royden - Hal Breitenberg
Join us for an entertaining and informative look into a little-known figure in church history: Maude Royden. Royden was a British suffragist, pacifist, preacher, author, and public intellectual of the first half of the 20th century. In 1929, she began the official campaign for the ordination of women in the Anglican church when she founded the Society for the Ministry of Women.
SUN-26-APR: Theologies of Disability by Sandra Loucks, VTS Seminarian
MARCH 8th is ICON SUNDAY
“Icon Sunday” featuring guest preacher the Rev. Dr. Sarah Kye Price and icon display stations in Millen Hall following worship , featuring Russian icons from St. Francis’ own Marilee Ransom.
Stay tuned for more information!
Second Sunday Contemplative Worship Series
Sunday, March 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.
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.
SAVE THE DATES: Friday, July 17-Sunday, July 19 when Shrine Mont Retreat Weekend with St. John’s McLean Returns
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.
We are 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
