April 23, 2026 Newsletter
The Fourth Sunday of Easter
Sunday, April 26th, 2026
You are welcome to the
8:00 a.m. Service of Holy Eucharist Rite I
the Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Celebrant
the Rev. Dr. Nancy Searby, Preacher
10:00 a.m. Service of Holy Eucharist Rite II
with the St. Francis Choir
the Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Celebrant
the Rev. Dr. Nancy Searby, Preacher
The 10:00 am Service is also Livestreamed on YouTube.
CLICK HERE to see the 10:00 a.m. service bulletin
11:30 a.m. Adult Forum in Millen Hall: Theologies of Disability
by Ms. Sandra Loucks, VTS Seminarian
The Liturgy of the Word
THE FIRST READING | Acts 2:42-47
THE RESPONSE | Psalm 23
THE SECOND READING | 1 Peter 2:19-25
THE GOSPEL READING | John 10:1-10
Parish Prayer List
We pray especially for Antonio, Nancy, Brooke & Marc, Hugh Sr., 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 the departed, especially Laurie Pratt, father of Larry Pratt and
Fred Caraher, brother-in-law of Joe & Molly Reynolds.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.
We ask your prayers of thanksgiving for the Altar Flowers, given to the glory of God
by Kathy & Dana Anderson in celebration of the baptisms of their grandchildren:
Miles, Oliver, Avery and Beckham.
We pray also for Franciscans preparing for Holy Matrimony
including Liv Sisson & Duncan Wood and Delcie Kestner & Chad Saucier.
Adult Forum: Theologies of Disability
Sunday, April 26 at 11:30 a.m. in Millen Hall
How is Today for You?
An Introductory Forum on Theologies of Disability
Presented by Ms. Sandra Loucks, our VTS (Virginia Theolgical Seminary) Seminarian
We have many theologies that make us Church. If we believe in each of them, what does that mean for how we come alongside each other and newcomers? How are we being Church?
Touching on theologies of Imago Dei, Uniqueness, Discipleship, Kairos and Right Relationship; we hope to gain awareness in “ableist” views and emphasize ways of approaching each other that will encourage everyone and anyone’s full participation in communal life.
Any one of us has or will have extra special needs at some point in life. This invitation is for all of us.
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.
Acolyte and Lector Training
Acolytes assist in leading worship through service at the altar, while Lectos proclaim the Word of God by reading scripture during our services. Both roles are meaningful ways to deepen your faither and participate in the life of our church.
Dana Anderson will be leading Training sessions for these roles, on the following dates at 9:00 am:
· Sunday, April 26
· Sunday May 3,
· Sunday May10
No prior experience is necessary – training and guidance will be provided. Whether you are new or would like a refresher, all are welcome.
If you are interested or have questions, please contact Rev. Joy at familyministry@stfrancisgreatfalls.org
Come and help lead worship in a meaningful way.
The Deacon's Corner with
Deacon Nancy Searby
Sharing the Good News of God's Love at the intersection of community and church
Labyrinth Walk for the Earth
this Sunday April 26th 9:00 - 9:40 am
In celebration of Earth Day (on April 22nd each year), please consider walking our beautiful outdoor labyrinth between the 8 and 10 am services or any time this Sunday April 26th. Feel free to show up and walk the labyrinth as it works for your schedule, pray the prayer below, and consider the meditation prompts. The Prayer and Meditation prompts are printed and available in both the vestibule (the entry way to the church) and at the Labyrinth, for your convenience.
Let’s give thanks for God’s creation, the beauty of our church grounds, and let’s pray about what is ours to do to protect and preserve our Earth for future generations.
St. Francis Earth Day Labyrinth Walk 2026
As you walk the labyrinth,
· What part of God’s creation is bringing itself to your attention?
· What does it mean to you? Feel the connection going deeply into your heart and your soul.
· Pay attention to the different senses that are bringing this deep connection to you.
· In many ways, our bodies are the Earth. God formed Adam from clay. Feel the connection with Mother Earth go deep into your body.
· Send your love back to Mother Earth as you bring forward your intention to do something special for her in your own unique way.
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: Wednesday, May 6, 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.
Sunday School continues on APRIL 26th 10:00 AM, in the Red Classroom
(next to the Nursery)
Ages 3 - 10
Teaching this Sunday: Larry Pratt, Assisted by Kate George
Volunteers Teachers are always needed. Please email Rev. Joy at familyministry@stfrancisgreatfalls.org for more information.
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.
Women of St Francis
Join us for the Annual Women’s Retreat
at Shrine Mont - June 5-7, 2026
A time for fellowship, prayer, rest and renewal in the beauty of Shrine Mont.
This year's retreat: The Magdalene Gospel: Meet the Women who Traveled with Jesus - based on the book, The Magdalene Gospel by Mary Ellen Ashcroft.
You can find the book HERE on Abebooks, a division of Amazon.
We will explore the stories of seven woman from the book and how they each speak to us in our lives today. The Rev. Linda Calkins will be leading the retreat.
Register here (online form to download) or registration forms will be available at Church on Sunday mornings. Deadline to register is May 18th.
Private Piano Concert Featuring Sasha Beresovsky
Saturday, June 13th, 2026 at 5:00 PM
There are spots remaining for Sasha’s concert at the Murphy's home!
Reserve your spot now. To pay on-line, click here and choose “Other” from the drop down box and enter "Auction Concert" in the memo - OR put a check in the plate with “Auction Concert” in the memo line.
Attendees will be furnished the address and parking instructions prior to the event.
Adult Forum Offering from St. Francis
Spring 2026
at 11:30 a.m. in Millen Hall
SUN-17-MAY: St. Francis Endowment Committee presentation
SAVE THE DATES: Friday, July 17-Sunday, July 19 when Shrine Mont Retreat Weekend with St. John’s McLean Returns
FOR THE COMMUNITY
The Amadeus Strings Present
Echoes of Albion: Brittin, Holst, and Vaughn Williams
Conducted by A. Scott Wood, featuring soloists, Robert Baker, tenor, and
James Nickel, horn
Sunday, May 3rd, 4:00 pm St. Francis
Join Amadeus Concerts for a luminous season finale featuring The Amadeus Strings, as they bring to life the rich lyricism and beauty of Benjamin Britten’s Serenade for Tenor, Horn, and Strings, Gustav Holst’s spirited St. Paul’s Suite, and Ralph Vaughan Williams’ beloved Five Variants of “Dives and Lazarus.” This special afternoon of British masterworks also marks the return of beloved conductor A Scott Wood to the Amadeus stage, celebrating his first appearance at the podium with Amadeus since stepping down as Executive Artistic Director last year. Our soloists are the acclaimed tenor Robert Baker, and NSO acting Associate Principal horn James Nickel.
Join us for this special afternoon of English song and spirit at 4pm on Sunday, 5/3 at St. Francis. Come early at 3:15pm for our pre-concert talk with Executive/Artistic Director Stephen Gorbos, and stay afterwards for our reception with the artists.
Get Tickets Here.
Tickets $50 general admission, $25 young adults 19 – 29, and free for youth 18-and-under and active duty military.
Art Exhibit by Varvara Agabekova at St. Francis
in Millen Hall from May 3 - 17, 2026
Dark Horse Theatre presents CALAMITY: The Show
Saturday, May 30th 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.
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
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
