February 26, 2026 Newsletter II
The Second Sunday in Lent
& Ezo Sunday
Sunday, March 1st, 2026
You are welcome to the
8:00 a.m. Service of Holy Eucharist Rite I & Healing Prayer
the Rev. Linda Calkins, Celebrant
the Rev. Joy Y. Warburton, Preacher
10:00 a.m. Service of Holy Eucharist Rite II & Healing Prayer
with the St. Francis Choir
the Rev. E. Linda Calkins, Celebrant
the Rev. Joy Y. Warburton, Preacher
The 10:00 am Service is also Livestreamed on YouTube.
11:30 a.m. Ezo Sunday Forum with Live Broadcast from the UK, including Bishop Isaac, Mama Nora, our friends at Sherborne Deanery, and our St. Francis Pilgrims via Zoom in Millen Hall.
The Liturgy of the Word
THE FIRST READING | Genesis 12:1-4a
THE RESPONSE | Psalm 121
THE SECOND READING | Romans 4:1-5, 13-17
THE GOSPEL READING | John 3:1-17
Parish Prayer List
We pray especially for Dana, 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.
EZO SUNDAY ADULT FORUM this SUNDAY
at 11:30 am in Millen Hall
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.
The Forum takes place in Millen Hall and will feature 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!
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 continuing 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:
Sunday School continues on March 1st
10:00 AM, in the Red Classroom
(next to the Nursery)
Ages 3 - 10
Teaching this Sunday: Nan Young
Volunteer Teachers Needed
Volunteers are always needed. Please email Rev. Joy at familyministry@stfrancisgreatfalls.org for more information.
Sunday School this Lent will have us Focus on The Work of Imagination
Lent begins in the ache, the questions, the tension between love and loss. It does not rush toward resolution, but invites us to slow down, to turn with honesty, and to journey with Jesus through wildness, confrontation, and cross. Along the way, we listen to voices from the margins, learn from stories of resistance and renewal, and remember that God meets us not in strength, but in surrender.
This is the work of imagination that will invite our children to envision a world remade by mercy, tolerance, compassion, and love
Family Ministry Committee Meeting - March 18
Please mark your calendars for our next Family Ministry Committee Meeting on Wednesday, March 18 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom.
All current committee members are encouraged to attend. If you are interested in joining the Family Ministry Committee, please see Steve Riihimaki or Rev. Joy for more information.
If you have items you would like added to the agenda, please send them in advance. The Zoom link will be shared prior to the meeting.
Thank you for your continued commitment to strengthening family life in our parish community. We look forward to gathering together.
SHRINE MONT SUMMER CAMPS
2026 Sessions Now Available!
It is not too early to begin thinking about summer camp!
Shrine Mont hosts a fantastic summer camp program managed by the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia from mid-June through early-August for youth from 8 years old through rising high school seniors plus an intergenerational family camp for all ages.
We believe that ALL of God’s children make up the body of Christ and we reflect that by welcoming ALL at Shrine Mont Camps including children of different faith backgrounds. So, feel free to invite a friend.
For a list of the different camps hosted by Shrine Mont, check their website below:
Youth | Shrine Mont Camps
2026 Camps Calendar | Shrine Mont Camps
Discounts are available to help everyone participate. Don’t let cost stop you!
Baptisms at St. Francis
If you're interested in being baptized or having a child baptized, please email familyministry@stfrancisgreatfalls.org or call the church at 703-759-2082.
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
MARCH 8th is ICON SUNDAY
On Sunday, March 8th, the Rev. Dr. Sarah Kye Price will preach at both the 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. services.
Following worship, we invite you to Millen Hall to explore sacred icons, including centuries-old Russian Orthodox icons from a private collection belonging to St. Francis member Marilee Ransom, alongside contemporary works and the traditional materials and techniques used to create them. This will be an informal time to linger, pray, talk, and ask questions. In addition, highly accomplished Great Falls iconographic artist, Tatiana Gubenko , will display some of her iconography and share information about local icon writing classes.
Together, these works invite us to look beyond the superficial and encounter the divine, honoring iconography as a prayerful process and offering a quiet Lenten invitation to deeper attention in our daily lives.
Second Sunday Contemplative Worship Series
Sunday, March 8th,
5:00 p.m.
in the Sanctuary
Jan Lane, Reflector
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.
The Deacon's Corner with
Deacon Nancy Searby
Sharing the Good News of God's Love at the intersection of community and church
Come join a Zoom discussion about a pilgrimage to the Niobrara Convocation at the Pine Ridge Mission in Batesland, South Dakota
As a next step after years of dedicated knitting and providing knitted hats and scarves, thanks to Mimi Eldridge’s leadership and many of you, as well as providing funding for their church water project, we are planning to go on a pilgrimage to participate in the annual Niobrara Convocation (see https://www.episcopalchurchsd.org/page/niobrara-convocation). Niobrara Convocation 2026 will be hosted by Pine Ridge Episcopal Mission. The last time it was at Pine Ridge Episcopal Mission was 2017 at Red Shirt Table.
This annual gathering of Lakota, Nakota, and Dakota Episcopalians was first convened in October 1870. Last year’s event was hosted by the Cheyenne River Episcopal Mission at St. Johns, Eagle Butte with participants of all ages from babies to elders. This is a big family and fellowship event. Non-Indian Episcopalians, numerous Presiding Bishops, people from other denominations and government officials have participated in the past. We are excited that this year it is being hosted by Mother Michelle Dayton at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Batesland.
St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Herndon has had a long-term relationship with the Pine Ridge Mission as well. We have invited them to join us in planning and our interest meeting.
Please join us at 7 pm on Wednesday, March 11th by Zoom to learn more.
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
Samaritan Ministry’s 40th Anniversary
Next Step Breakfast at the Press Club
on Saturday,
March 14th, 8:30 am
Join your fellow Franciscans for Samaritan Ministry’s 40th Anniversary Next Step Breakfast at DC’s historic National Press Club, 529 14th St. NW, DC. The Breakfast will be on Saturday, March 14, and starts at 8:30 am. Hear inspiring accounts of the transforming power of Samaritan Ministry programs. The keynote speaker will be Andy Shallal: entrepreneur, artist, and founder of Busboys and Poets. The event is free and includes a light breakfast. Donations are welcome but optional. Click on this link for more information and free registration. When you register, please list Ginger Roll as your table captain to be seated at the St. Francis table. We will carpool from the St. Francis parking lot at 7:30 am. If you have any questions, please send an email to Ginger Roll at rollginger@icloud.com
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.
ADULT FORUM Offerings from St. Francis
Winter into Spring 2026
at 11:30 a.m. in Millen Hall
SUN-15-MAR: Unpacking the recent Pilgrimage to the UK by the 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
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: June 5- 7, 2026
for the Annual Women’s Retreat at Shrine Mont
This year's retreat will be based on the book, The Magdalene Gospel, Meeting the Women who Followed Jesus, by Mary Ellen Ashcroft.
You can find the book on Abebooks, a division of Amazon.
https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=32375555201&cm_sp=Searchmod-_-NullResults-_-BDP
It is not necessary to read the book to attend the retreat.
All of the women of the church are invited.
More information to come next month.
SAVE THE DATES: Friday, July 17-Sunday, July 19 when Shrine Mont Retreat Weekend with St. John’s McLean Returns
FOR THE COMMUNITY
Saturday, March 21 @ 7:30 PM: Dark Horse Theatre presents: CALAMITY: The Show at St. Francis
Get ready to toss the rulebook out the window with Calamity: The Show, where improv, sketch, and stand-up comedy are remixed into a one-of-a-kind night out. Brace yourself for an evening of unscripted escapades, where our performers thrive on your ideas. It’s a night where taboos are shattered, no topic is off-limits, and worries take a back seat. Ye be warned, Calamity is armed with puns sharper than a ninja’s sword and jokes so cheesy, they should come with a warning for the lactose intolerant. The evening’s events are chosen at random each night and our rotating cast of actors ensures that you’ll never see the same show twice.
Dark Horse Theatre Company proudly presents Calamity: The Show, unbridled comedy for ages 16 and up.
Concessions and drinks will be available before and after the show.
Purchase Tickets HERE.
Amadeus Concert
Kassia Music in the Sanctuary
Sunday, March 22nd, 4:00 pm
St. Francis Church
Kassia Music: Music For Violin, Cello, And Piano
Kassia Music is a dynamic ensemble renowned for its captivating performances and innovative programming, blending classical traditions with folk and rhythmic influences from around the globe. This program will draw on compositions by ensemble members Sam Post (piano) and Bernard Vallandingham (violin), alongside a trio by Armenian composer Gayane Chebotaryan.
Saturday, March 28 at 7:00 PM: Paragon String & Woodwind Quintet and Sasha Beresovsky present:
Mozart and Mussorgsky at St. Francis
Mozart - Clarinet Quintet in A
Elizabeth Raum - King Lear Fantasy for woodwind quintet
Mussorgsky - Pictures at an Exhibition (arranged for wind quintet by Joachim Linckelmann)
Spend an exciting evening exploring two masterworks of chamber music. Mozart’s beloved Clarinet Quintet, full of elegance and lyricism, showcases the warmth of strings and the expressive voice of the clarinet. In contrast, Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition bursts with color and character in a dynamic arrangement for wind quintet.
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
