April 9, 2026 Newsletter
The Second Sunday of Easter
Sunday, April 12th, 2026
with Bishop’s Visitation
and Holy Baptism and Confirmation
You are welcome to the
10:00 a.m. Service of Holy Eucharist Rite II
with the St. Francis Choir
and Holy Baptism and the Rites of Confirmation, Reception, and
Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows
the Rt. Rev. Edwin (“Ted”) Gulick, Celebrant & Preacher
the Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Assisting Clergy
the Rev. Joy Y. Warburton, Assisting Clergy
the Rev. Dr. Nancy Searby, Deacon
The 10:00 am Service is also Livestreamed on YouTube.
[There is no separate 8:00 a.m. service this Sunday, as both morning services will be consolidated into one service at 10:00 a.m.]
11:30 a.m. Reception in Millen Hall for Bishop Gulick and all of the newly Baptized, Confirmed, Received, and Reaffirmed members
5:00 p.m. Contemplative Worship Service in Sanctuary
the Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Celebrant
Ms. Nilda Ferrari, Reflector
Ms. Marilee Ransom, Reader
Ms. Amie Flowers Shakespeare, Cantor
Mr. Sasha Beresovsky, Pianist
The Liturgy of the Word
THE FIRST READING | Acts 2:14a,22-32
THE RESPONSE | Psalm 16
THE SECOND READING | 1 Peter 1:3-9
THE GOSPEL READING | John 20:19-31
Parish Prayer List
We pray especially for Leslie, Bryan, Cheryl, Tom & Jordan, Debra, Leon & Daphne, Richard, Carl, Joseph, Brian, Randy, Phil, Jack, Andrew, Luke, Barbara, Betsy, Gibbon & Bryan, Joseph, Jill, Lara, Missy, Betty, Whitney, Wales, Carrington, Rob, Jennifer, Helen, Park, Jeff Sr.,
Jessica, Clara Sue, and Dut.
We pray for all who have died in the hope of the resurrection, especially Jay Sanders, father of Jeff & Michelle Sanders, 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 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.
Second Sunday Contemplative Worship Series
Sunday, April 12th,
5:00 p.m.
in the Sanctuary
the Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Celebrant
Ms. Nilda Ferrari, Reflector
Ms. Marilee Ransom, Reader
Ms. Amie Flowers Shakespeare, Cantor
Mr. Sasha Beresovsky, Pianist
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.
EASTER OFFERINGS FROM ST. FRANCIS
Second Sunday of Easter with Visitation from Bishop Ted Gulick
Sunday, April 12th (only one service)
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 (“Ted”) 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.
Third Sunday of Easter
Sunday, April 19
8:00 am Holy Eucharist Rite I
10:00 am Holy Eucharist Rite II with Holy Baptism
News from Ezo, South Sudan
Bishop Isaac writes from Ezo: We are happy and thankful that our truck which you helped purchase has arrived in Ezo safely with most of our building materials for St. Paul's High School which we needed from Juba. Everyone in Ezo is excited to see the vehicle and the items. We all say thank you so much. We had a communal work this morning to clear the road to and around the construction site so that the truck can move freely to transport bricks, sand, gravels, and other materials to the site. Launching of the construction is planned to officially take place on Friday in the presence of our local leaders and government authorities as well as parents of students of the school and our congregations.
We wish you the peace of the risen Lord Jesus Christ and every blessing in his name. Thank you once again for your compassion and efforts to help the people of Ezo. (It may be too small to read, but the gentlemen in the photo are pointing to a decal on the truck that is the seal of the Episcopal Diocese of Ezo.)
Outreach-Ezo Meeting via Zoom
Sunday, April 19 at 7:00 pm
The next Outreach - Ezo Committee meeting will be held on Sunday, April 19 at 7:00 pm (via Zoom). We'll send out a Zoom link a few days before the meeting. If you have any questions, please contact Jack Mathias (jackmathi@aol.com, 571.720.4730).
Food Drive for a Local Episcopal Church
Food Pantry
La Iglesia Episcopal de Santa Maria, in Falls Church, runs a food pantry serving at least 325 people twice a month. They need our help to sustain their essential food supplies. There are three ways to participate: Send or bring a check to church and write “Food Drive” on the memo line. Use this link to donate through the St. Francis website. Please select Outreach in the drop-down menu. Bring food items from the list below and put them in the bins across from Millen Hall.
Rice
Beans (dried or canned)
Corn masa flour (like Maseca brand corn flour)
Cooking oil
Canned tuna
Canned corn
Powdered milk
Peanut butter
Oatmeal
Breakfast cereal
Coffee
Sugar
Pasta
Spaghetti sauce
Granola bars
Questions? Please contact Ginger Roll at rollginger@icloud.com The drive ends on Sunday, May 3rd.
There is no Sunday School this Sunday.
Instead, we invite you and your children to please join us at the 10:00 am service for:
The Bishop’s Visitation, from the Rt. Rev. Edwin “Ted” Gulick, including Holy Baptism and Confirmation at this one morning service. We invite all children to please come to sit up in front of the Altar on the floor to witness the Holy Baptisms.
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
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 Company 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. Come to see and support our own Tommy Maxson, and the rest of this motley improv crew. Unbridled comedy for ages 16 and up.
Purchase Tickets here.
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, 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
