The Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, November 8th, 2026
You are welcome to the
8:00 a.m. Service of Holy Eucharist Rite I
the Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Celebrant & Preacher
the Rev. Dr. Nancy Searby, Deacon
9:00 a.m. Family Eucharist Service in Millen Hall
the Rev. Joy Y. Warburton, Celebrant & Preacher
the Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Assisting Clergy
the Rev. Dr. Nancy Searby, Deacon
10:00 a.m. Service of Holy Eucharist Rite II
with the St. Francis Choir & Scout Thank You Sunday
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
5:00 p.m. Contemplative Eucharist Worship Service
the Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Celebrant
Mr. Joe Reynolds, Reflector
Ms. Amie Flowers Shakespeare, Cantor
Mr. Sasha Beresovsky, Pianist
The Liturgy of the Word
THE FIRST READING | Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25
THE RESPONSE | Psalm 78:1-7
THE SECOND READING | 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
THE GOSPEL READING | Matthew 25:1-13
Parish Prayer List
We pray especially for Mike & Cheryl, Alamni, Betty & Joe,
Stephen, Lisa, David, Robin, MacKenzie, 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
and Molly Mordan & Mitchell Pan.
We pray in thanksgiving on the upcoming
Scout Thank You Sunday
for the witness and honorable presence of the
St. Francis Scouts in our community.
Rev. Weston will be away from November 13-22. During this time, for any pastoral emergency, please contact our Associate Rector for Family Ministry, Rev. Joy at familyministry@stfrancisgreatfalls.org or (703) 759-2082 x103.
Stewardship for 2027
As of November 4,
69 Pledges have been received
totaling $483,918 or
77% of our goal of $630,000
Here are the people who have
made their pledge to St. Francis for
2027
Terri Adams
Molly & Kevin Albrigo
Kathy & Dana Anderson
Clara Sue Ashley
Michelle Bias
David Black & Olyia Zamaray
David Bobbitt & Wayne Chen
Carolyn & Dut Brown
Nancy & John Burkley
Candy & Duncan Burt
Karen Butler
Sharon Callaway
Cleo Haynal & Wes Coby
Carmela Condro
Lynda Davis
Eleanor & John DeMoors
Mimi & Brice Eldridge
Dianne Emery
Sarah & Rick Entsminger
Nilda Ferrari
Dennis Findley
Jen & Juan Carlos Forero
Brenda & Chris Giragosian
Val & Bruce Goddard
Ginger & Edward Gotliffe
Caroline Grossmann
Betty & Joe Gurskis
Barbara & Mike Hattwick
Marylou & Tom Janczuk
Susan Kawmy
Jane Keihn
Elizabeth & Joshua Kim
Jan & Bill Lane
Rick Larson
Cathryn & Al Lee
Loriana & Weston Mathews
Jessica & Kevin Maxson
Beth & Walt Meyer
Jennifer & Ray Murphy
Karen Levy & Paul Mutino
Tamara O'Sullivan
Larry & Reyna Pratt
Tamber & Mike Ray
Molly & Joe Reynolds
Cate & Steve Riihimaki
Amber & Matt Robinson
Ginger Roll
Ron Schuster & Andreea Neaga
Tom Scott
Jack & Lori Shafran
Mike Shuler
Leslie Siegmund & Jack Mathias
Judy Stocks
David Tuma
Pepin Tuma
Sandy & John Walker
Joy & Edmund Warburton
Pat & Paul Ward
Carol Withers
Joy & Tom Wood
Kristi & Dave Yarnall
Nan & Allen Young
Anonymous - 7
The Creche Book Fair runs from now through Friday, November 6th and the hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5:00p.m. in Millen Hall. All sales from the Book Fair will earn Book Dollars for the Creche to purchase books and supplies for the school. The Teacher Silent Auction will run at the same time and all proceeds from the auction will go towards school operating costs.
You are invited to come to seek some special books for a child or grandchild on your holiday list.
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.
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
Mr. Joe Reynolds, Reflector
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.
Contemplative Labyrinth Eucharist to be held outdoors (rain or shine) on Saturday, November 14th
at 5:00 pm,
led by the Rev. Linda Calkins
In this beautiful season of Fall, 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.
All are invited to participate: Rain or shine!
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.
Christmas Altar Flower & Music Donation
Each year St. Francis is beautifully decorated for Christmas with poinsettias and greens. We also have special music during the Christmas services. It is a custom at St. Francis for parishioners to make Christmas donations to the Altar Guild and to the Music Program to support these groups’ efforts at Christmas and throughout the year. Donations may be given in memory of loved ones or in thanksgiving for someone or something special.
If you would like to give to either or both of these funds, please fill out the envelope enclosed in your Sunday bulletin and put it in the offering basket. You can also send a donation directly to the church office at 9220 Georgetown Pike Great Falls, VA 22066. To have your memorials or thanksgivings listed in the Christmas service bulletins, the church needs to receive your donation by the third Sunday of Advent, December 13, 2026.
To contribute electronically, you may click on the “Give” button on the website www.stfrancisgreatfalls.org. At the drop down menu you may choose to direct your gift to the Altar Guild or to Music. (If you wish to split your contribution, you will need to complete two transactions, one indicating Altar and the other indicating Music.)
If you donate via the website, please email the parish administrator at admin@stfrancisgreatfalls.org to let her know how to designate your gift in the Christmas bulletin. Thank you in advance for your support.
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
