March 12, 2026 Newsletter
The Fourth Sunday in Lent
Sunday, March 15th, 2026
You are welcome to the
8:00 a.m. Service of Holy Eucharist Rite I & Healing Prayer
the Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Celebrant & Preacher
10:00 a.m. Service of Holy Eucharist Rite II & Healing Prayer
with the St. Francis Choir
the Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Celebrant & Preacher
The 10:00 am Service is also Livestreamed on YouTube.
To see 10:00 am bulletin, click here
11:30 a.m. Adult Forum in Millen Hall:
Unpacking the Recent Pilgrimage to the UK
by the St. Francis Pilgrims: Jack Mathias, Leslie Siegmund,
Deacon Nancy Searby, the Rev. E. Weston Mathews
The Liturgy of the Word
THE FIRST READING | 1 Samuel 16:1-13
THE RESPONSE | Psalm 23
THE SECOND READING | Ephesians 5:8-14
THE GOSPEL READING | John 9:1-41
Parish Prayer List
We pray especially for Denson, Horacio, Joseph, Brian, Randy, Phil, Jack, Andrew, 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.
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.
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 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.
HOLY WEEK OFFERINGS
FROM ST. FRANCIS
Palm Sunday
Sunday, March 29
8:00 am: Palm Sunday, Rite I
10:00 am: Palm Sunday, Rite II with the St. Francis Choir
Maundy Thursday
Thursday, April 2nd
7:00 pm: Maundy Thursday with the St. Francis Choir
Good Friday
Friday, April 3rd
12:00 pm: Good Friday spoken service
12:00 pm to 3:00 pm: Great Falls Area Ministry’s The Seven Last Words of Christ service at
Smith Chapel Methodist Church in Great Falls
6:30 pm: Stations of the Cross on the Labyrinth with the Rev. Linda Calkins
7:00 pm: Good Friday with the St. Francis Choir & St. John’s, McLean Choir
Easter Day
Sunday, April 5th
6:30 am: Great Falls Area Ministry Easter Sunrise service at Great Falls Park
Visitor Center
7:30 am: Easter Rite I service
9:00 am: Easter Rite II service with St. Francis Choir & Festal Brass
10:00 am: Children’s Egg Hunt in churchyard & Potluck Brunch in Millen Hall
11:00 am: Easter Rite II service with St. Francis Choir & IFestal Brass
Second Sunday of Easter with Visitation from Bishop Ted Gulick
Sunday, April 12th
10:00 am The Second Sunday of Easter with Holy Baptism, Confirmation, Reception and
Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows
We will combine both normal Sunday services into one 10:00 a.m. Rite II service, celebrated by The Rt. Rev. Edwin Gulick, who will also celebrate Holy Baptism and the Rites of Confirmation, Reception and Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows.
11:30 am Reception in Millen Hall to meet Bishop Gulick and to celebrate the newly baptized,
confirmed, received, and reaffirmed members. All are invited to attend.
Donations for Easter Music and Flowers
Each year St. Francis is beautifully decorated for Easter with hydrangeas. We also have special music during Lent and on Easter Sunday. It is a custom at St Francis for parishioners to make Easter donations to the Altar Guild and to the Music Program to support these groups’ efforts at Easter and during 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 Easter bulletin, the church needs to receive your donation by Sunday, March 29th.
To contribute electronically, click here where you will be taken to the donation page of the St. Francis website. Enter your amount and use the drop-down menu, to direct your gift to the Altar Guild or to Music. (If you wish to split your contribution, you will need to complete one contribution transaction and click on the URL again to designate to the second ministry recipient.)
If you donate online, please email the parish administrator at admin@stfrancisgreatfalls.org to let her know in whose memory or for what thanksgiving you have made your gift.
Thanking you in advance for your support.
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 or would like a ride to the Breakfast, please send an email to Ginger Roll at rollginger@icloud.com
Sunday School continues on March 15th
10:00 AM, in the Red Classroom
(next to the Nursery)
Ages 3 - 10
Teaching this Sunday: Rev. Joy
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
Get information and register now!
This trip is a wonderful opportunity to serve, grow, and build lasting friendships with fellow St. Anne’s teens. Bonds formed during the week often continue throughout the year, as last summer’s group so beautifully demonstrated. Clifton H. Poole will lead the trip, with Mtr. Kara serving as chaplain.
Youth who will be rising 9th–12th graders next summer (and rising 8th graders who attend with a parent—so current 8th graders and up) are invited to join St. Anne’s and the North Fairfax Region for our youth mission trip to Southwest Virginia.
Last year, our team built multiple ramps and helped improve a family’s living conditions. Because of that work, one woman was finally able to access parts of her home she previously couldn’t reach. The impact was powerful—for her and for all of us.
The Deacon's Corner with
Deacon Nancy Searby
Sharing the Good News of God's Love at the intersection of community and church
Sign up to learn more about Engaging God's People in the Work of Racial Justice
Are you familiar with our Diocese of Virginia Vision Statement? It is: We are a community of disciples who love Jesus, are transformed by a faith lived out in daily life, and committed to racial justice and reconciling all people with God and one another.
We are fortunate to be offered local training to deepen our commitment to racial justice. Here are the details:|
I Will With God's Help: Engaging God's People in the Work of Racial Justice
Saturday, March 14, 9:00 - 2:30 pm
Church of the Holy Comforter, 543 Beulah Rd. NE Vienna, VA 22180
Lunch provided.
SPACE IS LIMITED TO 20 participants. Wait list will be created if necessary.
RSVP to Dr. Tammy Lewis: tlewis@episcopalvirginia.org
Please ask me if you have any questions about this training. I participated in a Richmond offering and I learned a lot. deacon@stfrancisgreatfalls.org
ADULT FORUM Offerings from St. Francis
Spring 2026
at 11:30 a.m. in Millen Hall
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-19-APR: Feeding Ministries
Ericka Campos Masias from La Iglesia de Santa Maria in Falls Church, one of our Hispanic-speaking congregations in the Diocese of VA, will speak with us about the needs of their community. This community operates a Food Bank that they are working to sustain and serve at least 325 families twice a month.
SUN-26-APR:Theologies of Disability by Sandra Loucks, VTS Seminarian
SUN-3-MAY: Artemis House
Join in the discussion led by Melanie Sisson regarding how we can help Artemis House support the community.
Second Sunday Contemplative Worship Series
Sunday, April 12th,
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.
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
Amadeus Concert: Kassia Music
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
