October 8th, 2026 Newsletter
The Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, October 11th, 2026
You are welcome to the
8:00 a.m. Service of Holy Eucharist Rite I
the Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Celebrant & Preacher
9:00 a.m. Family Worship Service of Blessing of the Animals
out in back churchyard under the tent — rain or shine
the Rev. Joy Y. Warburton, Celebrant
the Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Preacher
10:00 a.m. Service of Holy Eucharist Rite II
the Rev E. Weston Mathews, Celebrant & Preacher
The 10:00 pm Service is also Livestreamed on YouTube.
CLICK HERE to see the 10:00 p.m. service bulletin
5:00 p.m. Second Sunday Contemplative Worship Service
the Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Celebrant
Dr. Michael Hattwick, Reflector
Mr. Sasha Beresovsky Pianist
Ms. Amie Flowers Shakespeare, Cantor
The Liturgy of the Word
THE FIRST READING | Exodus 32:1-14
THE RESPONSE | Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23
THE SECOND READING | Philippians 4:1-9
THE GOSPEL READING | Matthew 22:1-14
Parish Prayer List
We pray especially for Stephen, Lisa, David, Ted, MacKenzie & Tollie,
Nancy, Kathy, Justin & Alexandra, Lois & Harlan, Carmela, Hentzi & Sarah,
Karen, Maria, Terry, Lezlee, Alex, Jason & Tanya and their children,
Yvonne & Bill, Easton, Hayden, Esmee & Ross, Fran, Babaa, Antonio,
Hugh, Sr., 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 also pray in gratitude for our companion animals whom we bless on Sunday
during the 9:00 a.m. Family Service.
We give thanks for the Altar Flowers, given to the glory of God
by the Entsminger family in celebration of the
wedding anniversary of Sarah & Rick Entsminger.
Please note the Parish Offices are closed on Monday, October 12,
in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Parish Offices will reopen on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
Family Worship Service
continues Sunday, October 11th,
9:00 a.m. with Blessing of the Animals
in the back churchyard under the tent — rain or shine
Family Worship held every second Sunday of each month
We look forward to continuing this special time of worship and community at our next Family Service on Sunday, October 11, at 9:00 a.m. when we will celebrate the Blessing of the Animals! You are invited to bring your pets and/or “stuffies” to church with you to receive a blessing as we celebrate the joy, companionship and love our furry friends bring into our lives. If you have a pet that has passed away, please feel free to bring a photo of them for a blessing and thanksgiving for their time and life spent with you!
Please note: We will be located outside in the back churchyard, under the tent. You may want to bring an umbrella in case of rain. We hope you will join us and invite family and friends to be part of this growing ministry!
With gratitude and joy,
The Family Ministry Team
Second Sunday Contemplative Worship Service will continue on Sunday, October 11,
5:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary
The Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Celebrant
Dr. Michael Hattwick, Reflector
Ms. Amie Flowers Shakespeare, Cantor
Mr. Sasha Beresovsky, Piano
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.
St. Francis Fall Family Festival:
“Where Neighbors Become Friends”
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 9:00am - 2:00pm
HOW YOU CAN HELP AT THE FALL FAMILY FESTIVAL
Do you have questions or do you want to help with the Festival? These are our contacts for the Festival:
BAKE SALE: Kris Young kyoung4481@aol.com
BOOK SALE: Pat Ward patwa@cox.net
BOUTIQUE AND USED TOYS: Janet Durfee jmdurfee@comcast.net
BASKET AUCTION: Carmela Condro ccondro@verizon.net
CHILDREN’S GAMES, MOON BOUNCE AND SLIDE: Pepin Tuma 703-759-5146
GARDEN CENTER: Stephen Schrock stephenschrock@icloud.com
FOOD FOR LUNCH: Dana Anderson DanaRx76@gmail.com
MUSIC: Paul Ward: paulbward@mindspring.com
ICE CREAM: Brice Eldridge Beldridge100@gmail.com
VENDORS: Carmela Condro ccondro@verizon.net
CREDIT CARD SALES: Molly Reynolds mjackreynolds@gmail.com
OTHER: SET UP, CLEAN UP, TABLES, SPONSORS: Kathy Anderson kquinnanderson@gmail.com
Question? Contact:
Carmela Condro ccondro@verizon.net or Kathy Anderson kquinnanderson@gmail.com
Family Fall Festival Bake Sale:
Let Us Know What You’re Bringing
Hello Franciscans! As the Fall Family Festival approaches, we would like to confirm who will be bringing baked items for the bake sale, and what items you plan to bring. SOON we will send out a link to a Sign-Up genius for you to let us know what you’re bringing. Thank you!
Reminder: Please Bring in Your Donations for the Fall Family Festival
Starting Sunday, October 11, bring in donations of toys, games and boutique items. Place them in the Annex of Millen Hall.
You may also bring in your tables, with your name on the back, to be used for the Festival.
To arrange to drop off items during the week contact: Janet Durfee: jmdurfee@comcast.net 612-910-2254 or Ginger Roll rollginger@icloud.com 703-582-2312
Fall Family Festival: Boutique and Kid’s Toy Sale
Please donate your high-quality, upscale items to our Boutique at the Fall Family Festival. We will not have a Rummage Sale this year.
Accepted donations: high-quality jewelry, china, crystal, artwork, decorative items, small higher end furniture pieces (e.g. end tables or lamps), and like new upscale dresses or suits.
Toy donations: Gently used kid’s toys are a big seller!
Donations NOT accepted: Kids’ or adult clothing (other than upscale dresses and suits), items heavier than 25 lbs. (unless pre-arranged with a co-chair), medical equipment, cribs, car seats, strollers, playpens, mirrors or general rummage items.
Donation dates/location: Sunday, October 11th from 7:30 am - noon and Friday, October 16th from 10am - 3pm in Millen Hall. To arrange to drop off your donations from Monday, October 12th, through Thursday, October 15th, please contact one of the co-chairs. Due to space limitations, we cannot accept donations prior to these dates.
For any questions contact Janet Durfee jmdurfee@comcast.net 612-910-2254 or Ginger Roll rollginger@icloud.com 703-582-2312
Pine Ridge Children Desperately Need Winter Coats
Many children in Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota suffer through brutal winters with threadbare coats inadequate to keep them warm. Cold winds incessantly blow across the South Dakota Plains in winter and temperatures often drop below zero. Children in Pine Ridge often must wear their coats indoors and when they sleep because they are in drafty homes with insufficient insulation and fuel is scarce.
To help alleviate this crucial problem, St. Francis Church is holding a coat drive to purchase at least 50 new, warm, winter coats for Pine Ridge children in Kindergarten through 12th grade. We estimate that if we buy in bulk, each coat will cost between $30 and $40. You can help provide new, warm coats to these children by either:
· Bringing or sending a check to church made out to St. Francis Church. Please write “Coat Drive” in the memo line.
· Clicking on this link to donate through the St. Francis website. Please select “Coats for Pine Ridge” in the dropdown menu.
For questions, contact Ginger Roll rollginger@icloud.com or Susan Kawmy suekaw6@gmail.com
The drive ends on Sunday, November 1.
On Sunday, October 18th at 3:00 pm, Rev. Weston will be the guest preacher at Mother’s Union Trinity Episcopal Church in Arlington.
All are invited to attend.
Kirkin’ Sunday is Celebrated on October 25th
at the 10 a.m. service
Kirkin’ Sunday* was inspired by parishioner Nan Young, who won the “design your own service with the Rector” at a recent auction at St. Francis. We will be hosting the Kirkin’ Sunday service with Scottish hymns, a bagpiper, and Scottish shortbread served during coffee hour.
Kirkin’ Sunday is celebrated in Episcopal churches across the United States and at the Washington National Cathedral. Through it we also honor the first Episcopal bishop, the Rt. Rev. Samuel Seabury, who was ordained by a Scottish Episcopal bishop when no English bishops were available during the American Revolution.
Wear your tartans or if you have a kilt, you are encouraged to wear that, too, at the 10:00 a.m. service this day. All are welcome to share in this meaningful tradition.
*The Kirkin' o' the Tartan is an American tradition among Scottish descendants. It is a religious ceremony which includes a blessing of the family tartans of those present for the occasion.
CPR/AED Training Sign-Up at St. Francis
Sunday, October 25 at 2:00 pm in Millen Hall
Dear St. Francis Church Community,
We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with you in supporting safety, preparedness, and compassionate service within the Great Falls community. As part of this commitment, St. Francis Church is sponsoring an upcoming Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Blended Learning Course, conducted by the National Wilderness Leadership Institute (NWLI), on Sunday, October 25 from 2:00-4:00pm in Millen Hall. The cost of the course is $70 per person, and there is a 20 person limit on the class. If there is significant additional interest we will look to schedule an additional course time.
This blended learning format combines convenient online coursework with an in-person skills session led by NWLI instructors. Participants will learn essential first aid techniques, CPR for adults, children, and infants, and proper use of an AED—skills that can make a lifesaving difference in an emergency.
Course Highlights:
Red Cross certification upon successful completion
Online learning completed at your own pace
Hands-on practice and assessment with NWLI instructors
Ideal for parents, caregivers, ministry volunteers, and anyone wishing to strengthen their ability to help others
We warmly invite all members of St. Francis Church to register and take part in this valuable training. Your participation helps build a safer, more prepared congregation and community.
If you would like more details about the course, please click here
To register please click here.
Thank you for your dedication to service and for supporting this important initiative.
~ Red Cross
Next Outreach/Ezo Meeting: Sunday, October 25
at 7:00 PM via Zoom
Agenda items will include: 2026 budget update, update on remaining 2026 Outreach events (Pine Ridge, Hypothermia shelter, chili cook-off, SMGW Christmas party, Breakfast with Santa, etc.), inputs on 2027 straw man/tentative budget, and Ezo update.
All are welcome! If you have an interest in how St. Francis helps others in our community, the nation, and the world, please join us!
If you have questions, please contact Jack Mathias (jackmathi@aol.com, 571.720.4730).
All Saints’ Day is Sunday, November 1st
In preparation for All Saints’ Day Remembrances, we are inviting you to send a digital photo of your departed loved ones, so that we may include them in our annual All Saints Remembrance Slide Show that takes place at the 10:00 am service on All Saints’ Day, Sunday, November 1st.
Please send your digital photo to the parish administrator, Lynn Fallon at admin@stfrancisgreatfalls.org by no later than Monday, October 27th. Please contact her if you have any questions 703.759.2082 ×101.
Thanksgiving Food Drive
Each fall we Franciscans, in thanksgiving for our many blessings, send food “baskets” to needy families served by Second Story (a local organization dedicated to youth and families.) Today these families struggle more than ever to obtain enough food to eat. You can help in one of three ways:
1. Send or bring a $65 check made out to St. Francis Church for a Thanksgiving “basket” of food. Please write “Food Drive” on the memo line.
2. Assemble a food “basket” with enough to feed 6 people including all of the items on the list below. Please put the grocery gift card in an envelope marked “Food Drive” and put it in the offering plate or send it to the church office. Food “baskets” should be put in a bin in the hall outside Millen Hall.
Food List to Feed 6 people
Aldi grocery gift card for $25 (for meat)
Macaroni and cheese
Vegetable oil
Dried beans or lentils
Rice
Salt and/or sugar
Tomato sauce
Box of dessert mix
Shelf-stable milk
Corn masa flour (such as Maseca brand)
3. Scan the QR Code to donate $65 through the church website
or go to https://www.stfrancisgreatfalls.org/give and click on Donate or Pledge Now. Select Outreach from the drop-down list and write “Food Drive” in the memo field.
Questions? Contact Ginger Roll rollginger@icloud.com
Drive ends Sunday, November 1
Altar Guild
St. Francis Episcopal Church 2026
The St. Francis Altar Guild is Recruiting! Please plan to join the Altar Guild members and Rev. Mathews for a meeting in the sanctuary on Saturday, October 31st, 10:00 am. All are welcomed to attend!
What do the Altar Guild members do? The Guild’s members take turns setting up the Altar/Church for Sunday Services and special services like Christmas, Easter, Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals. It is a special ministry that means a great deal to those who perform the duties for a variety of reasons:
· It’s a wonderful way to meet other parishioners in the church as they work together each week. The Altar Guild does meet throughout the year to socialize and share ‘Altar Guild’ ideas.
· Members work in pairs and are ‘on duty’ approximately once every two months. The time requirement is minimal.
· Serving on the Altar Guild is a way to serve God and St. Francis in a behind-the-scenes but very necessary way.
· Altar Guild members get to experience the beauty of the church and its setting when it is quiet on the weekend as they set up for the Sunday Services.
· Members have a special relationship with the clergy as they try to anticipate and support what is needed for the services.
· During the year the members develop a greater understanding and appreciation for the rites used during the Sacraments.
· Finally, the Altar Guild members acquire a sense of history and service as they support the Anglican rituals that have been used for centuries.
Hopefully the Altar Guild has piqued your interest. Please Contact Candice Burt Candice.burt@gmail.com , Leslie Siegmund lesiegmund@aol.com or Rev. Weston rector@stfrancisgreatfalls.org if you have any questions or plan to attend the meeting on October 31st.
The Deacon's Corner with Deacon
Nancy Searby
Sharing the Good News of God's Love at the intersection of community and church
Vote faithfully: Register, Vote, Help Your Neighbors
Election engagement is an act of Christian stewardship. Our mandate to care for God’s world and people compels us to vote—and to help ensure voting access for others.
See this link for what we vote for on November 3, 2026.
Deadlines:
Register to Vote/Update Registration: 10/23/2026
Early in-person voting: 9/18/2026 through 10/31/2026
Apply for ballot to be mailed to you: through 10/23/2026
CHILI COOK-OFF:
SAVE THE DATE
Sunday, November 1st
at 5pm
Now that we're getting some hints of cooler weather, it's time to think ahead to chili! The annual St. Francis Chili Cook-Off will be Sunday, November 1, at 5 pm at the church in Millen Hall.
Review your recipes and save the date! Everyone is welcome to bring a chili and/or to come and eat chili and vote for the winner of the coveted Chili Trophy. Families are especially welcome, and children are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes one last time. More details to come as the date approaches. Contact Leslie Siegmund at lesiegmund@aol.com with questions.
St. Francis Book Club: A Pilgrimage to Eternity
The St. Francis Book Club is reading A Pilgrimage to Eternity: From Canterbury to Rome in Search of a Faith by Timothy Egan. Our first meeting will be on Tuesday, November 3 at 7:30 pm at St. Francis in the downstairs conference room. The book club welcomes everyone -- so if you're interested, just let Jack Mathias know (571 720 4720, jackmathi@aol.com) and start reading!
Sunday December 6th: FREE Gentle Yoga Classes offered in Millen Hall,
beginning at 1:30pm and 3:00pm
Join us for a free gentle yoga class on December 6! Choose a mat class at 1:30 p.m. or a chair class at 3:00 p.m. (or do both!). Enjoy gentle movement, stretching, and relaxation.
To sign up, or if you have questions, contact Cathryn Lee at (703) 785-1318 or cathrynlee61@gmail.com."
St. Francis to Host 40 Unhoused Neighbors during Advent & Christmas again, this year:
December 20-27
St. Francis will once again be hosting 40 of our unhoused Fairfax County neighbors overnight this Advent/Christmas season. The shelter will run December 20-27 from 5:00pm to 7:00am each night, with the exception of Christmas Day, when our guests will stay with us all day. We will need both volunteers and donations to help make the shelter as successful as it was last year. Please sign up for volunteer shifts and/or donations of perishable and non-perishable foods at the following links:
Volunteers: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080C4EA9AB2D6-65789537-stfrancis#/
Food donations: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080C4EA9AB2D6-59949271-stfrancis#/
Please note that there are multiple tabs on each SignUp Genius form, for different dates and for perishable vs. non-perishable foods.
Our partners at St. John's church in McLean are taking the lead on providing donations of non-food supplies.
Please contact Jessica Maxson (jessica.c.maxson@gmail.com) or Cabot Bartlett (cabotb@gmail.com) with any questions. Thank you!
SAVE THE DATE:
Saturday, February 6th, 2027
for the St. Francis Winter Gala
Dust off your dancing shoes, your sparkly dress, or your velour tux, and mark your calendars! Join us on Saturday, February 6, 2027, for the St. Francis Gala benefitting the Ezo High School project and other vital parish charitable initiatives.
Our theme this year is GROM (Grown-Up Prom)—a fun celebration reminding us that St. Francis is a vibrant, joyful community for every stage of life (and giving us all a playful nod back to our high school days!).
Tickets at $90 per person will go on sale soon, but you can get involved today! We are looking for energetic volunteers and tax-deductible auction item donations. Please prayerfully consider how you can lend a hand to help build community, celebrate our wonderful parish, and support great causes.
Cash donations gratefully accepted to provide childcare that evening, comp tickets for our clergy, and help defray event costs.
Ready to help or donate an auction item? Contact your Gala Co-Chairs:
· Eleanor DeMoors: edemoors@gmail.com
· David R. Bobbitt: david.r.bobbitt@gmail.com
· gala@stfrancisgreatfalls.org
FOR THE COMMUNITY
Promotional Concert Ticket Offer
Amadeus Presents The 9th Street Quartet:
Visions and Miracles
How much?: Students 18-and-under and Active Duty Military FREE, Young adults 19 - 29 $25, General Admission $50. This offer is for one adult to redeem a free ticket for bringing their music student with them. Other adults in your party should purchase tickets at this link.
For link to register for a free ticket: please click here
Amadeus ticket promo for families:
If you are the parent/caregiver of a music student, please feel free to take advantage of this free ticket offer for our next concert on Sunday, October 18th at 4pm in Great Falls, VA at St Francis Episcopal Church with the 9th Street Quartet. Click to register for a free adult ticket via this form
For over 40 years Amadeus Concerts has been inspiring audiences in the greater Washington, DC area. Based in Great Falls, VA, Amadeus presents up-close performances by amazing musicians and educational events in the surrounding community.
All of our concerts start with an educational event at 3:15pm led by our Artistic and Executive Director, and close with a post-concert reception where the artists and audience members can enjoy some conversation over light food & drink.
Regular tickets to Amadeus events are priced at $50 general admission, $25 for young adults 19 - 29, and FREE for under 18/active duty military. If you wish to attend with another adult, please use this link to purchase additional tickets.
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 5:00 p.m., beginning in January 2027
Meetings take place via Zoom on Thursdays at 5:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to join and participate in interesting discussions.
We are planning to study Job and the Life of Faith: Wisdom for Today's World, by Carol Bechtel
Sessions: 7
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/collections/nt/products/job
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. Susan McGlohn, 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
