September 3, 2026 Newsletter
The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost &
The First Sunday of the Season of Creation: Pray
Sunday, September 6th, 2026
You are welcome to the
8:00 a.m. Service of Holy Eucharist Rite I
the Rev. Joy Y. Warburton, Celebrant & Preacher
the Rev. Dr. Nancy Searby, Deacon
10:00 a.m. Service of Holy Eucharist Rite II
the Rev,. Joy Y. Warburton, Celebrant & Preacher
the Rev. Dr. Nancy Searby, Deacon
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 | Exodus 12:1-14
THE RESPONSE | Psalm 149
THE SECOND READING | Romans 13:8-14
THE GOSPEL READING | Matthew 18:15-20
Parish Prayer List
We pray especially for J’Neanne & Mike, Nancy, Kathy, Justin & Alexandra,
Lois & Harlan, Maurice, Carmela, Hentzi & Sarah, Karen, Maria,
Terry, Lezlee, Alex, Jason & Tanya and their children, Yvonne & Bill, Aaron,
Easton, Hayden, Molly & Joe, Esmee & Ross, Fran, Babaa, Antonio, Hugh, Sr.,
Liam, Jennifer, Helen, Jeff Sr., Jessica, Clara Sue, and Dut.
We pray also for Franciscans who are preparing for Holy Baptism,
including Ellie Shafran, daughter of Trevor & Lillie Shafran
and granddaughter of Jack & Lori Shafran.
We pray also for Franciscans preparing for Holy Matrimony
including Delcie Kestner & Chad Saucier.
We pray also for our St. Francis Crèche preschool students, parents, and teachers
as they prepare for the first day of school next week.
We give thanks for the Altar Flowers, given to the glory of God
by Jan & Bill Lane in celebration of their 51st Wedding Anniversary and
by Kris Young in celebration of family birthdays in September.
Please note that our Priest-in-Charge,
the Rev. E. Weston Mathews
is away
though TUE-8-SEP, returning on WED-9-SEP.
St. Francis Fall Family Festival:
“Where Neighbors Become Friends”
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 9:00am - 2:00pm
We are having a Family Festival Planning Meeting after church services this Sunday, September 6th at 11:30 am in Millen Hall.
Please come and let us know how you are able to help at the Festival.
Kathy Anderson kquinnanderson@gmail.com &
Carmela Condro ccondro@verizon.net
Thank you,
Carmela and Kathy
Interested in joining a newly forming group focused on faith formation and interracial dialogue?
Sacred Ground may be for you
As part of the Becoming Beloved Community initiative of The Episcopal Church, the Sacred Ground Dialogue Series was launched in 2018 as a long-term commitment to racial healing, reconciliation, and justice in our personal lives, our ministries, and our society. Sacred Ground is an 11 part / session film & readings-based dialogue series focusing on Indigenous, Black, Latino, and Asian / Pacific American histories as they intersect with European American histories. Many Episcopal churches have had success with Sacred Ground "circles" including some of our North Fairfax regional churches and churches throughout the Diocese of Virginia and beyond.
JoyWe are excited to share that we are planning to start a Sacred Ground circle at St. Francis this fall as a structured means of reflecting on our individual journeys of faith with respect to how we understand race, our family stories, and how we might grow stronger as Beloved community of St. Francis.
Please check out the website with information about Sacred Ground (see www.episcopalchurch.org/sacred-ground). Please pray about participating. Please ask Deacon Nancy deacon@stfrancisgreatfalls.org, Rev. Weston rector@stfrancisgreatfalls.org, and/or Rev. Joyfamilyministry@stfrancisgreatfalls.org about Sacred Ground and to learn how you can sign up for a 2026-2027 Sacred Ground circle.
But the end is reconciliation; the end is redemption; the end is the creation of the beloved community. It is this type of spirit and this type of love that can transform opposers into friends. The type of love that I stress here is not eros, a sort of esthetic or romantic love; not philia, a sort of reciprocal love between personal friends; but it is agape which is understanding goodwill for all people. It is an overflowing love which seeks nothing in return. It is the love of God working in the lives of people. This is the love that may well be the salvation of our civilization.
––The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
From the Treasurer’s Office:
Are you up-to-date on your 2026 Pledge?
As we head to the end of the year, please review where you stand with your giving to St. Francis. At this time last year, total pledges received were $75,000 above what they are now. Several of you received a Giving Statement a few weeks ago. Are you up to date with your 2026 pledge? Please let me know if you would like a statement emailed to you.
Fulfill your pledge now before the end of the year OR – betterstill – give even more than you had planned on giving now! Please contact me with any questions and thank you all for your support of St. Francis.
Molly Reynolds
treasurer@stfrancisgreatfalls.org
Care Packages for our Students
This fall, our Family Ministry will once again be sending care packages to our college students and young adults to let them know their church family is thinking of them and praying for them.
To help us prepare our care packages, please email your college student or young adult's name, mailing address, and college or university (if applicable) to familyministry@stfrancisgreatfalls.org to ensure they are included.
We are also seeking donations of individually wrapped snacks and treats for these care packages. Items such as:
Granola Bars | Trail Mix | Hot Chocolate
Crackers | Candy | Tea
Popcorn | Gum | School Supplies
or any other small goodies are always appreciated.
Donations may be placed in the designated collection basket in the Narthex
by Sunday, September 20.
Sunday School is returning for Ages 3 - 10, beginning Sunday, September 20th
Volunteers Teachers are always welcome.
Please email Rev. Joy at familyministry@stfrancisgreatfalls.org for more information.
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.
St. Francis Choir Regathers on SUN-13-SEP at the 10:00am Service
You are invited to join the St. Francis Choir, as we regather for the program year. Our first rehearsal is on THU-17-SEP and will include a possible dinner beginning at 6 pm with rehearsal following at 7 pm.
***If you are interested in joining the St. Francis Choir, contact Larry Vote at levote@smcm.edu ***
Family Worship Service
continues Sunday, September 13th
at 9:00 a.m. in Millen Hall
Held every second Sunday of each month
Thank you to everyone who attended our first and second Family Services! It was a joy to gather together in worship, fellowship, and celebration as a church family.
We look forward to continuing this special time of worship and community at our next Family Service on Sunday, September 13, at 9:00 a.m. in Millen Hall when we will celebrate Crèche Sunday! We hope you will join us and invite family and friends to be part of this growing ministry!
As part of our Family Service, we invite the entire St. Francis community to donate non-perishable food items for the South Lakes High School PTSA Food Pantry. Serving more than 500 local students and families each week, the pantry provides essential food assistance throughout the South Lakes school community. Your generosity will help ensure that children and families in our neighborhood have the nourishment they need. Thank you for sharing Christ's love through your gifts. To read more on South Lakes High School PTSA Food Pantry, please pick up a flyer in the Narthex.
With gratitude and joy,
The Family Ministry Team
Family Worship Service with Blessing of Backpacks
Sunday, September 13, 9:00 am
As we begin a new school year, we invite students of all ages, teachers, and families to join us for a special Family Worship Service.
During the service, we will celebrate our annual Blessing of Backpacks. Please bring backpacks, school bags, lunch boxes or any other school bag or learning essentials you’d like blessed.
Together, we'll pray for God's guidance, protection, wisdom, and joy for everyone embarking on a new school year. Everyone is welcome.
We look forward to worshiping together and sending our students, educators, and families into the school year with God's blessing.
SUNDAE SUNDAY is Sunday September 13th
…after worship services in Millen Hall.
Join us for a sweet treat and fellowship. All are welcome!
Second Sunday Contemplative Worship Service will continue on Sunday, September 13,
5:00 p.m.
in the Sanctuary
The Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Celebrant
Ms. Ginger Roll, Reflector
Ms. Kayla Boodoo, Pianist
Ms. Amie Flowers Shakespeare, Cantor
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.
At this service, please welcome our new pianist, Kayla Boodoo from George Mason University.
Labyrinth Eucharist to be held outdoors on Saturday, September 26th at 5:00 pm,
led by the Rev. Linda Calkins
In this Season of Creation, it is a blessing to worship outside in the midst of trees and the labyrinth ringed by the autumn leaves. A contemplative labyrinth walk in this setting is personal and deeply spiritual, walking in gratefulness for this season of change that spills into our own turning.
The Eucharist will reflect this inner quiet, offering bread, wine and ourselves as we ponder the beauty surrounding us, an invitation given yet again by Jesus to come to him and receive him in earthly elements.
Another Labyrinth Eucharist will be held on Saturday, November 14th at 5:00 pm.
SAVE THE DATE:
Sunday, October 4th, 5:00 p.m.
for
A Celebration of a New Ministry
Following two Mutual Ministry Reviews and Sunday Forums, the Vestry has voted in favor of electing the Rev. E. Weston Mathews as our permanent Rector at St. Francis. There will be a Celebration of a New Ministry service at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 4th, followed by a parish dinner in Millen Hall for all members and friends of St. Francis.
Please be sure to save the date for this joyous community event which will include special music. The service will be led by Dean Jessica Holthus (the Dean of the North Fairfax Region Episcopal Churches) on behalf of Bishop of Virginia, E. Mark Stevenson, with special guest preacher, the Rev. Dr. William A. Sachs.
The St. Francis Wardens and Vestry are grateful for your participation in this process of calling Fr. Weston as our new Rector and strengthening our St. Francis community.
FOR THE COMMUNITY
The Deacon's Corner with Deacon
Nancy Searby
Sharing the Good News of God's Love at the intersection of community and church
Virginia Native American Festival
at Riverbend Park, Great Falls
Saturday, SEP 12th, 10am-2:30pm
Meet at 9:45 am at St. Francis Parking Lot to Carpool to the Virginia Native American Festival at Riverbend Park.
Come celebrate Virginia Native culture, history and living traditions at Riverbend Park, 8700 Potomac Hills Street, Great Falls from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm. Meet members of the Pamunkey, Mattaponi, Upper Mattaponi and Chickahominy tribes and spend the day experiencing dancing and drumming, Native food and craft vendors, storytelling, demonstrations, hands-on activities and more.
We will carpool over from the St. Francis Parking Lot, or you can meet us there. $12 with Advance Registration by September 11th at 9 pm; $15 at the door.
For more information and to register, see:
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend/virginia-native-american-festival/091226
Check out the Frequently Asked Questions at the website. For example, do you know the proper term for the dancer’s clothing? Please use regalia, not “costumes.” Regalia is often handmade and may include sacred or meaningful family heirlooms.
Join us as we witness the vibrant living traditions of our Indigenous brothers and sisters today.
Please reach out to Deacon Nancy deacon@stfrancisgreatfalls.org if you have questions and to let her know you want to carpool.
Paragon Philharmonia Presents
“Classically European”
Saturday, September 26 at 7:00 pm
Paragon Philharmonia will open their season at St. Francis with music from the heart of Europe. Bach's Double Violin Concerto, Haydn's spirited "Hen" Symphony, and a rarely heard work by Marianna Martines come together in a program full of lyricism, wit, and virtuosity.
Travel through eighteenth-century Europe with music by three extraordinary composers. Discover the elegant music of Marianna Martines, hear the brilliance of Bach's Concerto for Two Violins featuring Paragon's concertmaster, Diana LeGrand, and associate concertmaster, Stephanie Flack, and enjoy Haydn's Symphony No. 83, affectionately known as "The Hen." This program celebrates music that continues to inspire audiences nearly three centuries later.
Marianna Martines - Sinfonia in C major
Bach - Concerto for Two Violins in D minor,
Diana LeGrand and Stephanie Flack, violins
Haydn - Symphony No. 83 in G minor, "La poule"
Tickets may be purchased online HERE or at the door.
www.paragonphilharmonia.org/event-details/classically-european-great-falls-va
Sunday, September 27th at 3:00 pm at St. Francis:
The Blue Monster by Carlo Gozzi, Performed by Traveling Players*
*Ensemble’s actors, in grades 7-9, known as our Thespian Ensemble.
Description: Stuck in her bedroom while her parents argue, a young girl spins up a fantastical tale Prince Taèr is returning home with his new bride, but the path is treacherous. Fearsome monsters (and a monstrous stepmother) have wreaked havoc on the once peaceful Kingdom of Tilan.
Soon, the young lovers are intercepted by a powerful monster, intent on testing their love. Separated and cursed, Princess Dardanè is transformed into a man, and Taèr into a Blue Monster. Desperate to reunite, Dardanè must overcome many challenges, and Taèr must convince her to love him despite his hideous new shape…before the sun sets and they lose their loves forever…
Runtime: 70 minutes (no intermission)
Appropriate for Ages: 6 and up; fantastical fun for the whole family!
Free Workshop post-show: Offering families the opportunity to stay after the show and learn how to bring a puppet to life. Yes, a free 15-minute puppetry workshop led by our resident puppetry expert – and we bring the puppets! This is a great grandparent /grandchild event.
Tickets: Can be purchased here.
About Traveling Players:
Recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts as one of 25 model “Summer Schools for the Arts,” Traveling Players is dedicated to training students in grades 1-12 in theatre. Now in their 24th year, they have grown from a summer camp of 18 students to a year-round theatrical community that engages 1,000 students annually. Traveling Players’ Studio is in Tysons Corner Center, where they offer classes and performances year-round. “We are small by design, big on impact, and awarded for excellence.”
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 9:00 a.m.
Beginning a Book Study on the
The ABBA Tradition, by our own
Dr. Michael Hattwick
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 & Roles
Lynda Davis, Senior Warden
Pepin Tuma, Junior Warden
plus Christian Formation and Worship & Spiritual Care
Cathryn Lee, Register plus Communications
Kathy Ditmore, Christian Fellowship, Communications
Chris Giragosian, Outreach and Mission & Mission Partnerships
Jessica Maxson, SF Music & Arts
Holly Piper, Evangelism
Larry Pratt, Stewardship
Steve Riihimaki, Family Ministry
Molly Reynolds, serving Treasurer
Brice Eldridge, Facilities Manager, Creche Board Chair
and Rise Against Hunger Chair
facilities@stfrancisgreatfalls.org
