April 3, 2026 Newsletter
The Sunday of the Resurrection:
Easter Sunday
Sunday, April 5th, 2026
You are welcome to the
7:30 a.m. Service of Holy Eucharist Rite I
the Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Celebrant & Preacher
the Rev. Joy Y. Warburton, Assisting Clergy
the Rev. Dr. Nancy Searby, Deacon
9:00 a.m. Service of Holy Eucharist Rite II
with the St. Francis Choir & Festal Brass
the Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Celebrant & Preacher
the Rev. Joy Y. Warburton, Assisting Clergy
the Rev. Dr. Nancy Searby, Deacon
10:00 a.m. Children’s Easter Egg Hunt in the back churchyard. (Bring an Easter Basket in which to collect the eggs.)
AND
Easter Potluck Brunch in Millen Hall. Please bring a dish to share.
All are welcome!
11:00 a.m. Service of Holy Eucharist Rite II
with the St. Francis Choir & Festal Brass
the Rev. Joy Y. Warburton, Celebrant
the Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Preacher
the Rev. Dr. Nancy Searby, Deacon
The 11:00 am Service is also Livestreamed on YouTube.
The Liturgy of the Word
THE FIRST READING | Acts 10:34-43
THE RESPONSE | Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
THE SECOND READING | Colossians 3:1-4
THE GOSPEL READING | John 20:1-18
Parish Prayer List
We pray especially for Leslie, Bryan, Cheryl, Tom & Jordan, Debra, Leon & Daphne, 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, 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 Freehof, 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.
HOLY WEEK OFFERINGS
FROM ST. FRANCIS
Good Friday
Friday, April 3rd
12:00 pm: Good Friday spoken service
12:00 pm to 3:00 pm: Great Falls Area Ministries 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
***Children: Please bring a fresh cut flower to put in the Flowering Cross at St. Francis this morning, at the 9:00 am and 11:00 am services.***
6:30 am: Great Falls Area Ministries 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.
Good Friday Stations of the Cross and Labyrinth Walk at St. Francis
On Good Friday of this year we will be walking in the way of Jesus by following the path of the labyrinth using the 14 Stations of the Cross using both art and prayers.
We will gather at the Labyrinth (outdoors, to the west of the Sanctuary) at 6:15 pm and begin at 6:30 pm. We hope to be joined by the choirs of St. John’s and St. Francis while we prepare our hearts for the 7:00 pm Good Friday liturgy in the Sanctuary, followed by the tender and mournful music of The Reproaches.
Please join with others honoring the via dolarosa as we make our way to the cross, retracing our steps out of the labyrinth, then leave in silence, remembering this most holy day in the death of Jesus.
FOR YOU FROM THE ST. FRANCIS INVITE*WELCOME*CONNECT (IWC) COMMITTEE
Easter Potluck Brunch
Please join your fellow Franciscans for a festive potluck brunch between the 9:00 am and 11:00 am Easter services. Bring a dish to share if you can, but most importantly, just bring yourselves your families and your friends! All are welcome.
Name Tags
The IWC is making every effort to make certain all Franciscans of all ages have name tags. The Name Tag Board is now up to date with all the information we have. Please look for yours and wear it so all Franciscans can know who you are!
There is no Sunday School this Sunday.
Instead, we invite you and your children to please join us at 10:00 am for:
The Children’s Easter Egg Hunt in the back churchyard. Please bring an Easter Basket for the egg gathering; and
The Easter Potluck Brunch in Millen Hall. Bring a dish to share. All are welcome!
*** And for the 9:00 am and 11:00 am Easter services at St. Francis:
Help your child(ren) to bring in a fresh-cut flower to place into
the Flowering Cross at the Altar. ***
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.
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-17-MAY: St. Francis Endowment Committee presentation
Second Sunday Contemplative Worship Series
Sunday, April 12th,
5:00 p.m.
in the Sanctuary
Reflector: Nilda Ferrari
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
Dark Horse Theatre presents
Calamity: The Show
Saturday, April 11th at 7:30 p.m. at St. Francis
It's Calamity: The Show - the only place where improv, sketch, and stand-up comedy are shuffled up into a one-of-a-kind night out. Unbridled comedy for ages 16 and up.
Purchase Tickets here.
Buy Tickets at https://www.darkhorseva.com/event-details/calamity-the-show-with-special-guest-monica-daly-great-falls
Give the Gift of Life This Easter:
Lilly Joy Kishore Memorial Blood Drive
This Easter, let us embody Christ's selfless love by participating in a special memorial blood drive in honor of Lilly Joy Kishore who passed away in June 2021. Lilly was a lifelong resident of Great Falls who sought ways to help those in need and give back to the community.
Easter is a time to draw closer to God by giving of ourselves. What greater gift can we offer than the gift of life? By donating blood, we can help save lives in our community and honor Lilly’s memory in a truly meaningful way.
Details:
* Date: Sunday, April 12
* Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
* Location: Great Falls Volunteer Fire Department, 9916 Georgetown Pike
* To Sign Up:bit.ly/GFVFD0412 -or- call 1-866-256-6372, use code 7376
* Limited walk-ins
Paragon Philharmonia conducted by
Miriam Burns, presents
The Mahlers: A Musical Marriage
Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Francis
Discover the intertwined voices of Alma and Gustav Mahler in our compelling season finale. Featuring Mary Howe’s radiant Sand and Stars, songs by Alma Mahler, and a striking chamber version of Gustav Mahler’s First Symphony. Also featuring Olivia Vote. mezzo sporano (daughter of Larry & Jeanne Vote), and Sasha Beresovsky on piano.
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
