October 17, 2025 Newsletter
Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
October 19, 2025
You are welcome to the
8:00 a.m. Service of Holy Eucharist Rite I with Healing Prayer
the Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Celebrant & Preacher
the Rev. Joy Y. Warburton, Assisting Priest
10:00 a.m. Service of Holy Baptism & Holy Eucharist Rite II
with Healing Prayer
including the St. Francis Choir
the Rev. E. Weston Mathews, Celebrant & Preacher
the Rev. Joy Y. Warburton, Assisting Priest
The 10:00 a.m. Service is also Livestreamed on YouTube.
View this Sunday's 10:00 a.m. Worship Bulletin
11:30 a.m. Reception in Millen Hall celebrating the Baptism of Allen Bobbitt.
All are welcome.
Luncheon provided by Greek Unique restaurant.
The Liturgy of the Word
The First Reading | Jeremiah 31:27-34
The Response | Psalm 119:97-104
The Second Reading | 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
The Gospel Reading | Luke 18:1-8
Parish Prayer List
We pray especially for Pete, Pepin, Barbara & Bill, Jennifer, Helen, Dan, Park, Ken, Andy, Nick & Gina, Randy, Jeff Sr., David, Jessica, Clara Sue, and Dut.
We give thanks for the Altar Flowers, given to the glory of God by David Bobbitt & Wayne Chen in loving memory of Dr. Jennie Hunter-Cevera and by Kris Young in loving memory of Ted Johnson.
We pray also for Franciscans who are preparing for Holy Baptism, including Allen Bobbitt, son of David Bobbitt & Wayne Chen;
Parker Robinson, son of Amber & Matt Robinson;
Grace Czekaj, daughter of Katie Cjekaj;
Jaclyn Chappell, daughter of Alexandra & Scott Chappell;
Judy Fitzgerald and Brice Fitzgerald, children of Kristin Weston.
Countdown to the Fall Marketplace
Saturday, October 18th 9am to 2pm
You have time to volunteer to help or donate something for:
The Bake Sale - Kris Young kyoung4481@aol.com
The Book Sale - Pat Ward patwa@cox.net
The Craft Table - Clara Sue Ashley clarasueashley@gmail.com
The Garden Center - Melanie Sisson melanie.sisson@icloud.com
The Rummage Sale - Janet Durfee jmdurfee@comcast.net
Baskets Silent Auction - Jennifer Murphy jenniferomurphy@gmail.com
Hot Dog Lunch - Dana Anderson danarx76@gmail.com
Homemade Ice Cream - Ryan Jannise ryan@ryanjannise.net
Sponsorships and Questions - Kathy Anderson kquinnanderson@gmail.com or Carmela Condro ccondro@verizon.net
Great Falls Artist Exhibits at the Marketplace
Elizabeth Bertholon (painting, gold leaf) of the Great Falls Studios Tour will be part of St. Francis' Fall Marketplace on Saturday, October 18th.
Elizabeth Bertholon will have a game and coloring pages for visitors along with a chance to win a prize from her collections. She will show paintings, calendars and notecards. She is a modern painter with a love of color. Her art invites you to pause, feel and reflect. She grew up in Virginia Beach and travels to southern France to study and absorb its timeless sense of beauty.
Check out her art here at www.raptart.com
NOTE: St. Francis is an anchor site for the 2025 Great Falls Studio Tour: Studio Tour 2025 | Great Falls Studios
Sunday, October 19th
Baptism Reception for Allen Bobbitt in Millen Hall, after the 10:00 a.m. service.
All are welcome to attend and celebrate.
In gratitude for the warm embrace of this St. Francis community, Wayne and David invite you to lunch after the service in the Millen Hall to celebrate Allen’s baptism. Lunch will be catered by Greek Unique www.greekuniqueva.com.
Sunday School Continues Every Sunday
10:00 - 10:30 am
Ages 3 - 10
Join us every Sunday during the 10:00 a.m. service for Sunday School!
Children are invited to gather for stories, prayer, and activities that help them grow in faith and friendship. Children will return to worship during the sharing of the Peace.
Classes meet in the Red classroom upstairs next to the Nursery.
For more information or to volunteer, please email Rev. Joy at familyministry@stfrancisgreatfalls.org.
Sunday School Teacher this Sunday: Larry Pratt
It’s Not Too Late to Sign Up!
2025 High School Retreat – Shrine Mont
It’s not too late to sign up for the 2025 Episcopal Diocese of Virginia High School Retreat!
Theme: "A Time to Build" -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Dates for St. Francis participants: Friday, Oct. 31 - Satursday, Nov. 1 (overnight stay only)
Who: 9th - 12th grade youth
Cost: $100 (includes lodging, meals, and T-shirt; scholarships available)
Join us for fun, fellowship, and faith-filled activities!
Rev. Joy is the chaperone for this event, email her for details: familyministry@stfrancisgreatfalls.org
Family Ministry Open House
Mark your calendars! Family Ministry will host an Open House on Saturday, November 8, at 4:30 pm, in Millen Hall. All members and their families are invited for a conversation on our Family Ministry programs and discover ways to get involved.
More details will be shared soon — we look forward to seeing you there!
YOUTH GROUP GATHERING
All teens are invited to our next Youth Group meeting on Saturday, November 15, at 5:00 p.m. in the Conference Room downstairs, across from Rev. Weston’s office.
Join us for food, fellowship, and faith-filled conversation as we grow together in Christ and plan activities for the coming months. Bring a friend — everyone is welcome!
For more information, or to RSVP (required), please email Rev. Joy at familyministry@stfrancisgreatfalls.org.
Growing
Stronger Together
Pledging for 2026
Meister Eckhart wrote “ The eye through which I see God is the same eye through which God sees me.”
As God radically accepts us, we spend a lifetime trying to find ways to give that love back through service, compassion, and worship. This is not to earn God’s love; it’s always to RETURN GOD’S LOVE.
We ASK that you RETURN YOUR PLEDGE FORM by Sunday Oct. 26th which is Pledge Sunday. It’s a great way to express your love for your church and community.
Please put your pledge in the basket on Sunday or send it to Molly at treasurer@stfrancisgreatfalls.org.
Thank you for your contribution.
We have received 50 pledges totaling $328,975.
(50% of our goal!)
Send in your pledge now to raise the total to the goal of $630,000 and beyond!
A special THANK YOU to the following Franciscans
Terri Adams
Kathy & Dana Anderson
Clara Sue Ashley
Michelle Bias
David Bobbitt & Wayne Chen
Mattie & Duncan Bowden
Carolyn & Dut Brown
Nancy & John Burkley
Karen Butler
Sharon Callaway
Ellen Calvin
Anne Carson
Carmela & Chuck Condro
Lynda Davis
Mimi & Brice Eldgridge
Rick & Sarah Entsminger
Brenda & Chris Giragosian
Val & Bruce Goddard
Ginger & Edward Gotliffe
Lisa & Joe Hawke
Marylou & Tom Janczuk
Elizabeth & Joshua Kim
Jan & Bill Lane
Rick Larson
Loriana & Weston Mathews
Jessica & Kevin Maxson
Wendy & Gary Pan
Larry & Reyna Pratt
Tamber & Mike Ray
Tom Scott
Mike Shuler
Leslie Siegmund & Jack Mathias
Melanie & Denny Sisson
Judy Stocks
David Tuma
Pepin Tuma
Jeanne & Larry Vote
Joy & Edmund Warburton
Pat & Paul Ward
Tom & Joy Wood
Kristi & Dave Yarnall
Nan & Allen Young
Anonymous - 8
The Deacon's Corner with
Deacon Nancy Searby
Sharing the Good News of God's Love at the intersection of community and church
Read About Racial Justice and Healing Pilgrimage
Thank you for praying with me during our pilgrimage. I have a deeper understanding of our Virginia history, contributions to enslaving people and other injustices, heard stories of resilience, and ongoing efforts, e.g. through memorials like the UVA Memorial to Enslaved Laborers, to begin a kind or repair by speaking openly about our past. See the article written by the Diocese of Virginia here.
Vote Faithfully
On November 4, Virginians will elect a governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and all 100 members of the House of Delegates. Some jurisdictions will also vote for local officials and issues.
Early voting began Friday, September 19. Visit Fairfax County’s website for information on locations and hours and other election information.
October 24 is the deadline to register or update your registration if you have moved or changed your name. October 24 is also the deadline to request a ballot by mail.
A Special Invitation From The Altar Guild
The Altar Guild is having a meeting on Saturday, October 25th, 10:00 am in the Sanctuary and you are invited to attend. Please come and meet the members of the Altar Guild who take turns setting up the Altar/Church for Sunday Services and special services like Christmas, Easter, Baptisms, Funerals and Weddings. You will have a chance to ask questions about their very important contributions to St. Francis. In addition, there will be a quick tour of the sacristy where everything Altar Guild originates. Refreshments will be provided by the very talented Altar Guild members.
If you are planning to attend the meeting or have any questions, please contact Candy Burt candice.burt@gmail.com
Upcoming Mutual Ministry Review
Father Weston and the Vestry welcome your prayers and participation as we undertake the required process of Mutual Ministry Review (MMR) as part of our letter of agreement with the Dioceses for his service as our Priest-In-Charge (PIC). The process is carefully delineated, directed by the Canon to the Ordinary, coordinated by the Senior Warden, and involves a certified facilitator.
Our MMR will take place in September and October and will build on our commitment to open dialogue, trust, and a strong partnership between all of us as we love and serve in Christ.
We will be sharing information with you regularly over the next two months as
we welcome your involvement in the MMR through questions, reflections, dialogue and an open forum on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at 11:30pm.
Thank you for your valued prayers and essential participation.
Appreciatively,
Father Weston, Senior Warden Lynda Davis, and the Vestry
Chili Cook-Off is Coming!
The St. Francis annual Chili Cook-Off will be on Sunday, October 26, at 5 pm in Millen Hall. EVERYONE is welcome to participate in one or more of the following ways:
Cook chili and bring it in a crockpot. The winning chili chef receives a trophy!
Come and taste the different chilis and vote for your favorite.
Bring a side dish or dessert or beverages.
Wear a Halloween costume to celebrate the season.
Make a donation to support St. Francis hosting the hypothermia shelter for a week in December.
Invite your friends and neighbors to this fun and casual event.
Have questions or need more information? Contact Leslie Siegmund at lesiegmund@aol.com or 703-282-2878.
Thanksgiving Food Drive
In thanksgiving for our many blessings, we are holding our annual Thanksgiving Food Drive for the many needy families served by Second Story (a local organization dedicated to youth and families)
There are three ways to help:
1. Send or bring a $65 check made out to St. Francis Church for a Thanksgiving “basket” of food. Please write “Food Drive“ on your check.
2. Use PayPal-Donate Now on the church website to donate $65. Select Outreach from the optional drop-down list and put “Food Drive” in the memo field.
3. Assemble a food “basket” of 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. Questions? Contact Ginger Roll rollginger@icloud.com
Drive ends Sunday, November 2nd
Food List to Feed 6 People (="basket")
o Safeway, Giant, or Aldi grocery gift card for $30 (for meat and milk)
o Macaroni and cheese
o Cooking oil
o 4 cans of vegetables (2 types)
o Dried black beans
o Rice
o Maseca (or other brand) masa flour
o 2 cans of fruit
o Box of dessert mix
FOR THE COMMUNITY
Amadeus Concerts Inc., Presents
Max Jacobs Quartet
NOV 2nd 4:00 p.m. at St. Francis
Concerts & Events
Amadeus Concerts offers accessible venues and warm hospitality. Our regular season concerts are on select Sundays at 4pm at a variety of venues around Great Falls and McLean, VA. These events always have a 30-minute pre-concert talk at 3:15pm, led by our Executive and Artistic Director, and are followed by a post-concert reception with the artists.
Our 2025-2026 Season is now live! Head on over to our ticket page to purchase your season pass or individual tickets. Our Season Brochure for 2025-2026 can be viewed here.
In the Millen Hall Theatre Space at St. Francis
NOV 14, 15 @ 7:30pm
NOV 21, 22, @ 7:30 pm; SUN-23 matinee @ 2:00 pm
NOV 28, 29 @ 7:30 pm
About the event
Winner of the 2009 Tony-award for best play.
What begins as a polite meeting between two sets of parents, convened to resolve a playground scuffle between their children, quickly spirals into an evening of accusations, shifting alliances, and brutal honesty. In Yasmina Reza’s God of Carnage, civility is tested as social masks slip, and the refined surface of adulthood cracks to reveal something far more primal.
With biting wit and razor-sharp dialogue, Reza exposes the fragility of manners, the absurdity of self-importance, and the wild chaos lurking just beneath the rules of polite society. Hilarious, unsettling, and uncomfortably relatable, God of Carnage is a comedy of manners without the manners—where the real playground may not belong to the children at all.
Featuring Tim Byer, Nate Eagle, Samantha Mitchell, Arianne' Warner
Directed by Natasha Parnian
Stage Managed by Katelyn Burton
________________
Doors open 30 min before performance.
PLEASE NOTE: Online ticket sales close 30 min before the show. After that point, tickets can be purchased at the door, while supplies last. This show is recommended for ages 16 and up. A limited number of student tickets (10 per performance) are available online and at the door-first come, first served.
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer refunds. Rainchecks and exchanges are considered on a case by case basis.
God of Carnage is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York.
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.
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.
Reading and Discussing the Book of Hebrews
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
St. Francis Social Hour meets on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m.
Join us for casual conversation. Grab your favorite beverage and let's reconnect!
Click here to connect to the St. Francis Social Hour.
Zoom ID: 935 2210 0835; 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.
This fall, we will be 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.
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. 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. Carol Withers, Bookkeeper
Mr. Dominic Pelegrin, Sexton
Ms. Rita Arteaga, Nursery Attendant
Ms. Sandra Loucks, VTS Seminarian
2025 Vestry Members
Lynda Davis, Senior Warden
Pepin Tuma, Junior Warden, Christian Formation
Cathryn Lee, Register, Christian Fellowship
Molly Reynolds, Treasurer
Kathy Anderson, Worship & Spiritual Care
Chris Giragosian, Mission & Mission Partnerships
Elizabeth Kim, Evangelism & Communications
Jessica Maxson, St. Francis Music & Arts
Larry Pratt, Stewardship & Fundraising
Steve Riihimaki, Family Ministry & Creche Board
Brice Eldridge, Facilities Manager, Creche Board Chair, Rise Against Hunger Chair
facilities@stfrancisgreatfalls.org
