March 19, 2026 Newsletter II
The Fifth Sunday in Lent
Sunday, March 22nd, 2026
You are welcome to the
8:00 a.m. Service of Holy Eucharist Rite I: An Instructed Eucharist
the Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Celebrant
the Rev. Joy Y. Warburton, Assisting Clergy
Ms. Sandra Loucks, Preacher
the Rev. Dr. Nancy Searby, Deacon
10:00 a.m. Service of Holy Eucharist Rite II: An Instructed Eucharist
with the St. Francis Choir
the Rev. Joy Y. Warburton, Celebrant
the Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Assisting Clergy
Ms. Sandra Loucks, Preacher
the Rev. Dr. Nancy Searby, Deacon
The 10:00 am Service is also Livestreamed on YouTube.
11:30 a.m. Adult Forum in Millen Hall:
The Life of Maude Royden presented by Dr. Hal Breitenberg
Maude was a British suffragist, pacifist, preacher, author, and public intellectual of the first half of the 20th century. She began the campaign for women in the Anglican church when she founded the Society for the Ministry of Women.
The Liturgy of the Word
THE FIRST READING | Ezekiel 37:1-14
THE RESPONSE | Psalm 130
THE SECOND READING | Romans 8:6-11
THE GOSPEL READING | John 11:1-45
Parish Prayer List
We pray especially for Debra, Leon & Daphen, Richard, Carl, Denison, Joseph, Brian, Randy, Phil, Jack, Andrew, Luke, Barbara, Dana, Gracie, Betsy, Gibbon & Bryan, Joseph, Jill, Lara, Missy, Liam, Betty, Catherine, Lois, Whitney, Wales, Carrington, Rob, Pepin, Jennifer, Helen, Park, Jeff Sr., Jessica, Clara Sue, and Dut.
We pray for all who have died in the hope of the resurrection, including Mitchell Delaney, friend of Pepin Tuma and Horacio Gabriel Pons, cousin of Amelia Logan, and for all the departed.
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.
INSTRUCTED EUCHARIST THIS SUNDAY DURING 8:00 a.m. AND 10:00 a.m. WORSHIP
Do you ever wonder why Episcopalians DO what they DO in worship? Have you ever wanted to learn more about our tradition of common prayer at St. Francis?
This Sunday, during both of our services we will have an “Instructed Eucharist” led by our clergy and seminarian. The Instructed Eucharist will be a normal service with additional reflections on the liturgy, an annotated bulletin, and conversation following worship.
If you are curious our traditions and ways of being church, you won’t want to miss this special Sunday.
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
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.
Sunday School continues on March 22nd
10:00 AM, in the Red Classroom
(next to the Nursery)
Ages 3 - 10
Lead Teacher: Nan Young, assisted by Carmela Condro
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
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
Pilgrimage to the Niobrara Convocation at the Pine Ridge Mission in Batesland, South Dakota
St. Francis has been in relationship with the Pine Ridge Mission community, providing knitted hats and scarves and funding for a church water project. We are now planning to go on a pilgrimage, which is a journey of the spirit and the soul, taken with the intention of personal growth and change and with the desire of encounter with the Divine. We have been invited to deepen our understanding and relationships by participating 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.
When: Wednesday, June 24, 2026 – Monday, June 29, 2026.
Where: Batesland, South Dakota
Cost: Initial estimate $1300 per person including transport, lodging, meals
Cap: This pilgrimage can accommodate a maximum of 12 persons
Commitment deadline: April 3, 2026;
Please email Deacon Nancy (deacon@stfrancisgreatfalls.org), Brice (beldridge100@gmail.com), and Mimi (meldridge43@gmail.com) if you are interested in going; if more than 12 are interested, we will include those who responded soonest.
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Communications
Ever wonder how to stay in touch with our diocese, Diocese of Virginia, our province, Province III, our church, The Episcopal Church, and the Anglican Communion?
Consider signing up for their e-news updates! To make it easier, here are the websites that have the e-news sign up instructions:
· Diocese of Virginia e-news:https://episcopalvirginia.org/news/enews/
o St. Francis Episcopal Church in Great Falls is one of nine churches in the North Fairfax region, and one of 173 congregations spanning from Northern Virginia to the James River, from the Shenandoah Valley to the Chesapeake Bay.
o The North Fairfax region is one of 16 regions in our diocese.
· Province III newsletters: https://province3.org/newsletters/
o Province III is the Episcopal arm of the Jesus movement in the Mid-Atlantic.
o We seek to connect communities, provide a forum for the sharing of resources, and empower the people of the 1,287 churches and the twelve dioceses in our region.
o The twelve dioceses are Delaware, Easton, Maryland, Northwestern Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, Southern Virginia, Southwestern Virginia, Susquehanna, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia.
· The Episcopal Church news:https://episcopalnewsservice.org/
o The Episcopal Church welcomes all who worship Jesus Christ and comprises 106 dioceses and one mission area across 22 countries or territories.
· The Anglican Communion News:https://www.anglicannews.org/
o The Anglican Communion Office (ACO) is the official secretariat of the Anglican Communion – a worldwide network of Anglican churches, in over 165 countries. The ACO connects member churches, encourages global mission, fosters Christian unity, promotes ecumenism and amplifies Anglican advocacy.
o Don’t miss the installation of our new Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally! Her installation service starts at 10:30 a.m. Eastern March 25 and will be livestreamed on the Church of England’s YouTube page and on BBC One.
ADULT FORUM Offerings from St. Francis
Spring 2026
at 11:30 a.m. in Millen Hall
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.
SUN-17-MAY: St. Francis Endowment Committee presentation
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
