The Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, November 1st, 2026
All Saints’ Day
You are welcome to the
8:00 a.m. Service of Holy Eucharist Rite I & Healing Prayer
the Rev. Joy Y. Warburton, Celebrant
the Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Preacher
the Rev. Dr. Nancy Searby, Deacon
10:00 a.m. Service of Holy Eucharist Rite II & Healing Prayer
with the St. Francis Choir and
the Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Celebrant & Preacher
the Rev. Joy Y. Warburton, Assisting Clergy
the Rev. Dr. Nancy Searby, Deacon
The 10:00 pm Service is also Livestreamed on YouTube.
CLICK HERE to see the 10:00 p.m. service bulletin
The Liturgy of the Word
THE FIRST READING | Revelation 7:9-17
THE RESPONSE: Psalm 34:1-10, 22
THE SECOND READING | 1 John 3:1-3
THE GOSPEL READING | Matthew 5:1-12
Parish Prayer List
We pray especially for Alamni, Evelyn, Betty & Joe, Stephen, Lisa, David,
Robin, MacKenzie & Tollie, Nancy, Kathy, Karen, Ross & Esmee,
Jennifer, Helen, Jessica, Clara Sue, and Dut.
We pray also for Franciscans preparing for Holy Matrimony
including Delcie Kestner & Chad Saucier.
We pray in thanksgiving for Sunday evening’s Chili Cook-off in Millen Hall,
benefitting our FACETS Thermal Shelter ministry and the Lamb Center.
We give thanks for this Sunday’s Altar Flowers given to the glory of God
by Elizabeth & Joshua Kim in thanksgiving for their Wedding Anniversary,
and by the Pan family, in thanksgiving and celebration of the Life of Jeff T. Pan.
Music Notes from Choirmaster Larry Vote
This Sunday, November 1st the Feast of All Saints at the 10:00 am service, the Choir and instrumentalists from the Paragon Philharmonia will present John Rutter’s iconic “Requiem”, integrated into the liturgy of the day, complete with Remebrance slides of Franciscans who have passed on in recent years. All Saints’ is an example of how music is a dynamic element in our worship.
You are encouraged to attend and perhaps invite a friend who would particularly enjoy this special service.
Altar Guild
St. Francis Episcopal Church 2026
*Please note the meeting time has changed*
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, 1:00 pm. 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.
Chili Cook-Off this Sunday at 5 pm!
Do you like to cook chili? Then bring your own chili and be part of the competition! All kinds of chili are welcome! Just bring your chili in a crockpot at 5 p.m., and everything else will be provided.
Do you like to eat chili? Then bring the family, come taste the different chilis, and vote for your favorite! Chili accompaniments will be provided, such as cornbread and tortilla chips. There will also be drinks, food for the kids, and desserts.
The St. Francis Chili Trophy will be awarded to the chili that gets the most votes! This is a fun event for the whole family, and children (and adults) are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes.
This event is a fundraiser for FACETS and the Lamb Center, charities that St. Francis supports to help the homeless and poor in our area. Donations will be welcome and can be made at the door.
Questions? Contact the Rev. Joy Warburton at familyministry@stfrancisgreatfalls.org or 703-759-2082 or Leslie Siegmund at LESIEGMUND@AOL.COM or 703-282-2878.
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
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.
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!
The Deacon's Corner with Deacon
Nancy Searby
Sharing the Good News of God's Love at the intersection of community and church
Faith In Action:
Celebrating 40 Years of Samaritan Ministry
Gala 2026 Tickets and Sponsorships
On Sale Now
Saturday, November 7 • 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, St. Paul's Center
• 201 Allison St Northwest, DC
Reserve your individual tickets for Samaritan Ministry's exciting 40th Anniversary Gala at this link: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E6164&id=80!
Gala tickets are $125 each and will help Samaritan finish 2026 strong and ensure that the organization is in a robust position to continue providing its exceptionally loving and personalized assistance to our DMV neighbors in need for another 40 years!
Inspiring Awards, Passed Hors D’oeuvres, Charcuterie and Dessert Stations, Wine, Beer, Non-alcoholic Mocktails, Live Music, Silent Auction, Free On-site Parking, and Opportunities to Directly Support our Mission.
Support our neighbors experiencing homelessness
Our Diocesan Annual Convention, November 5 – 7, 2026, is approaching! Rev. Weston, Rev. Joy, Scott Perkins (delegate), and I will be there. The Community of Deacons would like to invite convention attendees to support several ministries with the unhoused engaged by deacons around the diocese, including our own with The Lamb Center where our thermal shelter guests go for breakfast, lunch, worship, laundry and more. There is an ongoing need for new large and extra-large underwear (packages of any number are useful) for both men and women. The men have a preference for boxer briefs.
Please consider contributing and placing your donation in the bin in the hall near Millen Hall. Your Convention .representatives will get them to the Community of Deacons Table at the Convention Ministry Fair.
Three organizations will be recipients of this year's collection: The Lamb Center, Fairfax; A Servant's Heart, a ministry that feeds and serves those living on the streets and in the City of Richmond shelters; and, Christ Church, Charlottesville food service and clothing closet.
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
Scout Thank You Sunday is November 8th at 10 am
On Sunday, November 8, we will celebrate Scout Thank You Sunday at St. Francis.
During the 10am worship, we’ll take time to recognize and thank all the Scouts who have shared their gifts through service and projects around St. Francis — including the College Care Packages, Fall Marketplace, and Eagle Scout projects.
Join us as we give thanks for their dedication and contribution to our parish community!
Family Worship Service
continues Sunday, November 8th,
9:00 a.m. with
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, November 8, at 9:00 a.m. with the Altar of Remembrance in honor of All Saints’ Day.
At our Family Worship Service we will create an Altar of Remembrance to honor and remember loved ones who have died.
We invite families to bring photographs of loved ones, including family members, friends, beloved pets, or mementos of those who hold a special place in our hearts. We will gather these pictures at the altar to remember them and celebrate the lasting place they hold in our lives.
We look forward to sharing this special time of remembrance with our families.
With gratitude and joy,
The Family Ministry Team
Second Sunday Contemplative Worship Service will continue on Sunday, November 8,
5:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary
the Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Celebrant
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.
Sunday, November 29th after Worship: Family Ministry Intergenerational Advent-Wreath Making in Millen Hall
Join us after the 10:00 am service for our annual Advent Wreath-Making event! Franciscans of all ages, especially newcomers, youth, children, and adults, are warmly invited to participate in this meaningful intergenerational tradition as we prepare our hearts and homes for the Advent season!
All materials will be provided.
Free-will donations are welcome to help cover costs.
Plan to come, create, and share in the spirit of Advent together!
Please click here to use Sign-Up Genius to let us know you plan to come. Your sign-up will help us determine how many supplies we need.
St. Francis Support Continues for
the Episcopal Mission on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota
For our 4th year, St Francis continues to support the Episcopal Mission on The Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. The reservation is over 2.1 million acres and the home of the Oglala Lakota Nation, a tribe of the Sioux. “At least 60% of the homes on Pine Ridge are without water and electricity. Winters can drop to -50 degrees below zero” (American Indian Humanitarian Foundation) and in many Pine Ridge homes, children sleep in hats and jackets.
Our St Francis mission trip last summer brought back many personal messages that our gifts of knitted hats, scarves, and gloves are greatly needed and appreciated. Please place knitted items in the box in the vestibule by December 1 for delivery to Pine Ridge children. Thank you. For questions, contact Mimi Eldridge 703-424-4843 meldridge43@gmail.com
Second Story equips local youth and their families with critical tools, housing, and communities of support needed to achieve lasting self-sufficiency through residential and community-based programs.
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."
Next Outreach/Ezo Meeting: Sunday, December 6 at 7:00 PM via Zoom
Agenda items will include: the Outreach/Ezo budget for 2027, the upcoming adult forum on Outreach, and our many Christmas season activities.
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).
Community Messiah Sing at St. Francis
Saturday, December 12, 3:00 pm
Plan now to join the community in singing or listening to Part One of Handel’s glorious Messiah on Saturday, December 12 at 3 pm at St Francis Church.
Bring your own score or music will be provided. Join Director Larry Vote, soloists, the St. Francis Choir, and instrumentalists from the Paragon Philharmonia in a joyful reading of this holiday favorite.
St. Francis to Host 40 Unhoused Neighbors during Advent & Christmas again, this year:
December 20-27
In coalition with FACETS (Fairfax Area Christian Emergency and Transitional Services ), 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
At the end of the Creche school year, our beloved Creche preschool director, Cristi Leslie, is retiring. A new Director will assume full responsibility in June 2027 for the 2027–2028 school year. Rector Weston Mathews and the Creche preschool board have launched a search.
Do you know someone interested in this position? Encourage them to submit a résumé and cover letter describing their interest and approach to early childhood leadership, and professional references.
All materials should be sent to:
The Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Rector
Creche25@Stfrancisgreatfalls.org
FOR THE COMMUNITY
Mindful Valley Meditation Retreat
at St. Francis
Saturday, November 7th, 2026
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Dwelling in the Divine Abodes
During this daylong meditation retreat, we’ll be exploring the Bhrama Viharas, or the Divine Abodes – four practices that open and nurture the heart.
In the Buddhist teachings, these four – loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity – are considered the highest qualities of heart and emotional well-being.
During our time together, we’ll not only begin to sense into these profound and deep qualities of heart, but practice abiding and dwelling in them as well. Over time, with practice, these qualities can become our true home, as well as the atmosphere in which we deepen our mindfulness practice and intimacy with life.
Our retreat will include a dharma talk, a flow of both guided and silent meditations combined with walking meditation, and silent time in nature.
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.
For Registration, go to https://www.mindfulvalley.com/retreat
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
In Search of the Soul: A Philosophical Essay by John Cottingham; read chapter 1 for this coming Wednesday.
All are welcome. Questions? Contact Stu Edwards elchivogoat@cs.com
Click here to connect to the Men's Group via Zoom.
Zoom ID: 837 2820 9758;
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: 851 5076 5121; Passcode: TABS
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, Rector
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
