May 28, 2026 Newsletter
The First Sunday after Pentecost:
Trinity Sunday
Sunday, May 31st, 2026
You are welcome to the
8:00 a.m. Service of Holy Eucharist Rite I
the Rev. Joy Y. Warburton, Celebrant
the Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Preacher
10:00 a.m. Service of Holy Eucharis t Rite II
the Rev. Joy Y. Warburton, Celebrant
the Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Preacher
The 10:00 am Service is also Livestreamed on YouTube.
CLICK HERE to see the 10:00 a.m. service bulletin
The Liturgy of the Word
THE FIRST READING | Genesis 1:1-2:4a
THE RESPONSE | Psalm 8
THE SECOND READING | 2 Corinthians 13:11-13
THE GOSPEL READING | Matthew 28:16-20
Parish Prayer List
We pray especially for Ross, Virginia & Paul, Peggy, Zain, Nuri, Fran, Antonio, Brooke & Marc, Hugh, Sr., Leslie, Bryan, Debra, Leon & Daphne, Richard, Carl, Denison, Jack, Andrew, Luke, Barbara, Gibbon & Bryan, Liam, Jennifer, Helen,
Jeff Sr., Jessica, Clara Sue, and Dut.
We ask your prayers of thanksgiving for the Altar Flowers, given to the glory of God
by Jennifer Murphy in celebration of the 80th birthday of Ray Murphy.
We pray for all students who are preparing for final exams over the coming weeks.
We pray also for Franciscans preparing for Holy Matrimony
including Liv Sisson & Duncan Wood and Delcie Kestner & Chad Saucier.
Diaper Drive for Two Episcopal Churches
The Episcopal Diocese of Virginia is home to several thriving Latino ministries. The Rev. Bryan Velez-Garcia (a friend of Rev. Joy’s) is the priest for two of these ministries, San Jose Episcopal Church in Arlington and Cristo Rey Episcopal Church in Springfield. These churches serve many families in need with babies and young children and have a program to provide diapers. They could use our help, and so we are holding a diaper drive to help them support these young families.
There are three ways you can participate:
1. Send or bring a check to church and write “Diaper Drive” on the memo line.
2. Use this link to donate through the St. Francis website.
Please select Outreach in the drop-down menu.
3. Bring diapers of any size and put them in the bins across from Millen Hall.
Other baby items, such as wipes, are also welcome.
For information please contact Ginger Roll at rollginger@icloud.com The drive ends on Sunday, June 21.
Adult Forum Offering:
Mutual Ministry Review Refresh and
Final “Discernment” in Formalizing the Call
of our Permanent Rector
Sunday, June 7th at 11:30 a.m.
in Millen Hall
Father Weston and the Vestry welcome you to join them at the Forum on Mutual Ministry Review (MMR) after the 10am service on Sunday, June 7th.
Thank you all for your faithful engagement in our required Mutual Ministry Review (MMR) process over the past year as we reflected our journey together with Fr. Weston as our Priest-in-Charge. We are now approaching our two year mark with his ever presence in our lives. What an amazing time it has been.
At this point it is required that we review our MMR as we shift our focus to “discernment” and the decision to formally call Fr. Weston as our permanent Rector.
Working with the Diocese of Virginia’s Canon to the Ordinary and Transition Minister, the requirements of the formal call process have been identified and a “tight” yet feasible timeline has been framed. The process going forward must continue to be informed with your understanding and active involvement. While we have a very strong “feeling” of our bond and preference, we must walk together through these last steps to meet requirements and finish in time to send to the Diocese a formal decision early this September.
For those who are able, please join the Adult Forum June 7th. For those unable, we will be providing information (including a link to/copies of the last MMR) and ample opportunity for input throughout the summer to ensure that all have a chance to share their reflections on our last two years and suggestions for our future. Our goal is to listen, decide, inform the Diocese and then to share in a celebration - perhaps as we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis on Sunday, October 4th.
With anticipation and in gratitude for your heartfelt commitment to our mutual spiritual thriving as the families of St. Francis,
Lynda
Lynda Davis
Senior Warden
Calling all High School, College & Grad School Graduates
Does your family have a student recently graduated OR about to graduate? If so, we’d love to know in order to share the great news. Please contact the parish administrator, at admin@stfrancisgreatfalls.org, by no later than June 9th, with the following information:
* Graduate’s name,
* Name of their High School/College
* Degree (college),
* Graduation date, and
* their plans for the Fall/Future (optional)
AND Calling all those who are “MOVING UP”
Whether your child is in preschool, elementary school, high school, college or graduate school, we want to hear about their progress! While they may not be graduating this year, we still want to hear from you about where they are “moving up” from/to: i.e. “from preschool to Kindergarten”, or “from 4th grade to 5th grade at Great Falls Elementary” or “from Junior year to Senior year at UVA.”
Please contact the parish administrator, at admin@stfrancisgreatfalls.org, by no later than June 9th, with the following information:
· Name of student
· “Moving Up” status/transition & location(s)
***NEW FAMILY WORSHIP SERVICE LAUNCH ON
SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2026, 9:00 AM***
NEW FAMILY WORSHIP SERVICE
CONTINUES
Every Second Sunday of Each Month
9:00 am | Millen Hall
Join us as we introduce a joyful and welcoming worship experience designed especially for our young parishioners and their families.
Held on the second Sunday of each month, this approximately 30-minute service takes place between our 8:00 am and 10:00 am services in a relaxed, child-friendly setting. It’s a space where children are not just present—but fully included.
What Makes this Service Special?
This is worship through a child’s eyes. Children are invited to engage in ways that feel natural to them – whether that means sitting quietly, wiggling, lying down, or actively participating. All are welcome, just as they are.
Kids who are eager to be involved can take part in readings, music, offering, communion, and more – helping lead the service alongside our clergy and volunteers.
A Space Created for Them
Millen Hall will be transformed into a cozy, creative environment. The altar will feature artwork made by our youth, and soft seating like pillows and blankets will be available so children can feel comfortable and at ease.
A Glimpse of the Service
While each gathering may vary, a typical service may include:
o Candle Lighting by youth volunteers
o Opening Acclamation and Song
o Readings by the children
o A short, youth-focused homily
o The Peace and Announcements
o Offering or Food Drive participation
o Communion, with help from the children
o Closing Prayer and Song
o Candle Extinguishing by youth volunteers
This new offering is all about creating meaningful, engaging worship experiences for our youngest members—and supporting families in sharing faith together.
We would love for you to be part of it.
Come as you are, and bring the whole family.
Building a Community for our Families
St. Francis Community
Families are invited to be part of this new initiative as we seek to build community within the St. Francis family.
After each service, we invite you to stay awhile, enjoy one another’s company, and spend time in the beauty of the St. Francis gardens and grounds, including the children’s playground, especially during the summer months. It is a wonderful opportunity for children to play, for friendships to grow, and for families to connect and arrange playdates for their little ones.
We also encourage children to bring non-perishable food items each Second Sunday when we gather. Suggested items include peanut butter, canned corn, beans, shelf-stable milk, cereal, oatmeal, cooking oil, and similar goods. These offerings will be blessed during the service and donated to help support those in need within our community and beyond.
Sunday School continues on MAY 31st at 10:00 AM, in the Red Classroom
(next to the Nursery)
Ages 3 - 10
Teaching this Sunday: Rev. Joy & Marilee Ransom,
Assisted by Ginger Roll
Volunteers Teachers are always needed. Please email Rev. Joy at familyministry@stfrancisgreatfalls.org for more information.
FROZEN-THEMED WEEKEND
Family Movie Night in Millen Hall
Friday, May 29
Join us for a cozy evening as we watch Disney’s Frozen! Parents are invited to stay and join the fun, or you are welcome to drop off your kids and return at the end of the movie.
FROZEN-THEMED SUNDAY SCHOOL
on MAY 31, 2026 10:00 AM
Join us for a special Frozen-themed Sunday School on Sunday, May 31, as we explore themes of trust, love, and faith through Scripture and story. Children will enjoy a meaningful Bible lesson connecting faith to everyday life.
ALL Children are welcome to dress as their favorite Frozen character!
This will also be our final Sunday School gathering of the program year as we prepare for our summer rhythm and launch our new Family Worship service in June.
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
Deadline to commit is May 31
Get information and register now here!
Youth who will be rising 9th–12th graders this summer (and rising 8th graders who attend with a parent—so current 8th graders and up) are invited to join 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.
This trip is a wonderful opportunity to serve, grow, and build lasting friendships with fellow teens of the North Fairfax Region. 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 Laughlin will be serving as chaplain.
SASHA BERESOVSKY CONCERT DATE
CHANGED TO JULY 5
The new date will allow us to celebrate our country's 250th with American composers!
Get your tickets now. There are spots remaining.
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 offering plate on Sunday with “Auction Concert” in the memo line.
Attendees will be furnished the address and parking instructions prior to the event.
Second Sunday Contemplative Worship Service
Sunday, June 14th,
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.
FOR THE COMMUNITY
Dark Horse Theatre presents
CALAMITY: The Show
Saturday, May 30th at 7:30 p.m.
It's Calamity: The Show, where improv, sketch, and stand-up comedy are remixed into a one-of-a-kind night out.
This performance features special guest and stand-up comedian Diane Ross setting the stage for a night of improvised fun.
Join us for an evening where our performers thrive on your ideas. It’s a night where taboos are shattered, no topic is off-limits, and worries take a back seat. Ye be warned, Calamity is armed with puns sharper than a ninja’s sword and jokes so cheesy, they should come with a warning for the lactose intolerant. The evening’s events are chosen at random each night and our rotating cast of actors ensures that you’ll never see the same show twice.
Special Guest: Diane Ross is a psychologist, writer, and comedian. She has worked in public education for 30 years and is the author of First Generation
Dark Horse Theatre Company proudly presents Calamity: The Show, unbridled comedy for ages 16 and up. Saint Francis community members get 50% off tickets at the door and online with promo code: francisfun
Concessions and drinks will be available before and after the show.
Get Tickets Here
Mindful Valley Meditation Retreat
at St. Francis
Saturday, June 13th, 2026 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
No Self, No Problem – Exploring Anatta
*Both In-Person & Private Live-Streaming Attendance Options are available.
For Registration information CLICK HERE and scroll down.
The word anatta – which means no permanently abiding self – is at the very heart and core of Buddhist meditation practice, yet it is one of its most misunderstood concepts.
When we explore anatta through our meditation practice, it doesn’t mean we’re trying to get rid of who we are; it means we’re becoming more and more willing to see through the small, false, often negative ideas or beliefs of what we call “self.”
In actuality, we are so much bigger than who or what we think we are. In fact, we are not only vast, but constantly fluid and changing: new in each moment, and dying in each moment … much like waves on the ocean.
During this silent meditation retreat, we’ll be exploring anatta through various teachings, along with meditations designed to help us loosen our tenacious grip on the ego and sense of “self,” so that we can experience more freedom, peace, and ease in our lives.
The format will include both guided and silent meditation, a dharma talk, and walking meditation both inside and on the lovely, spacious church grounds. Lunch will be in silence, and participants are asked to bring their own.
Please note: These daylong retreats usually fill with a waiting list about 3 weeks prior to the day of retreat. Meditation experience is recommended, but not required. These retreats are not recommended for those under age 18.
New to retreats? Read: What Is A Retreat Like?
SHELL FISCHER, Mindful Shenandoah Valley's founder and guiding teacher, offers more than 30 years of extensive mindfulness training, practice, and study. She's a Buddhist teacher, trained in the Tibetan Vajrayana tradition at Naropa University - the nation's leading contemplative university - and in the Theravadan Vipassana (Insight) tradition by Dr. Tara Brach - one of the world's preeminent Insight meditation teachers. Learn more about Shell here ...
WORDS&MUSIC: “Day” Concert
at St. Francis
Saturday, June 27th at 4:00pm
“This new day is too dear, with its hopes and invitations, to waste a moment on the yesterdays.”—Ralph Waldo Emerson
Part 2 of our themed concert venture, following NIGHT. From selections by American composer Ned Rorem, to shape note music, to the Beatles, we will “shed a little light” in our closing program of the season. We are excited to be presenting this program at two venues with which we have an historical association.
Ticket Link:
https://www.universe.com/events/day-tickets-PHR1KN?unii-trigger-open=PHR1KN
Words&Music Website Link: https://www.wordsmusic.org
Vacation Bible School (VBS) Offered at at Christ the King Lutheran Church this Summer
We encourage families to sign up for VBS:
· https://vbspro.events/p/christtheking2026
For age 3 to rising 6th grade (should be potty-trained)
Rising 10th graders through college students may volunteer
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
