Featured Events
Here are a few highlights of what’s coming up at The Falls Church. Check back often for updates and additions to the list.
Evensong for All Saints' Day
Join us for a special All Saints Evensong on Sunday, November 1, at 5:00 p.m. in the Contemporary Church. Through music and prayers with choir and organ, we will gather in remembrance and thanksgiving for those who have gone before us.
An Evening of Fellowship
Join us on Sunday, November 8, from 5:00–6:30 p.m. in the Contemporary Church for an evening of fellowship and reflection as we celebrate the unique gifts God has given each of us. As part of our Time & Talent Campaign, we’ll explore ways to share our gifts in service to our church and wider community. Light refreshments will be provided. We hope to see you there!
Kid's Retreat
Kid’s Retreat: Adventure with the Prophets!
Called. Courageous. Hopeful. God Invites You. Will You Go?
Join us on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at The Falls Church Episcopal for an exciting morning of faith, fun, and discovery!
Open to children in Kindergarten through 5th Grade, this retreat invites kids to explore the stories of the prophets through hands-on STEAM activities, music, games, acting, crafts, and more. Together, we'll discover how God calls us to speak with courage, seek justice, share hope, and trust God's promises.
Cost: $25 per child. Scholarships are available so that cost is never a barrier to participation.
Registration: click here
Little City Concerts presents: Sound Impact
Click here to purchase tickets online.
Sound Impact presents an engaging chamber music concert that weaves classical masterworks with contemporary music, inviting audiences to hear familiar traditions alongside fresh, innovative voices. Works will include Caroline Shaw's Entr'acte, Dmitri Shostakovich's String Quartet no. 8, and works by Joel Friedman, Jim Stephenson, and Jessie Montgomery. Featuring Sound Impact musicians Kayleigh Kim (violin), Anne Donaldson (violin), Tiffany Richardson (viola), & Susanna Mendlow (cello), with youth from the organization's Use Your Voice program, the performance reflects Sound Impact's mission of empowering young people through music and creative expression.
50% of ticket sales will be donated to Sound Impact's Use Your Voice program. Through its work in schools, community settings, and juvenile detention centers, Sound Impact helps youth discover the power of their own voices while building confidence, connection, and hope through the arts.
AFAC Food Packing
Join us between Sunday services as we celebrate the conclusion of our Time & Talent Stewardship Campaign by putting our gifts into action! Together, we'll pack food for neighbors in need through the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC). This hands-on service opportunity is perfect for all ages, and no experience is necessary. Come share your time, lend a hand, and make a difference in our community!
Saint Nicholas Party
The Falls Church and the Day School team up for a great afternoon of family fun with arts/crafts, cookie decorating, hot chocolate, singing, and even a special visit from the man of the hour himself, St. Nick!
Advent Lessons and Carols
As we prepare for the coming of our Savior, join the Choirs of The Falls Church Episcopal, under the direction of Director of Music Justin Oei, for a beautiful selection of hymns, psalms, and anthems that usher in the season of Advent. Come experience the beauty of sacred music as we reflect, rejoice, and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ.
Please note: There will be only one worship service this Sunday.
Christmas Eve Pageant
Join us for our annual Christmas Pageant Service as we celebrate the story of Christ’s birth through scripture, music, and the joyful participation of our children and youth. Together, we will sing “Silent Night” by candlelight and share in Holy Eucharist as we welcome the coming of our Savior.
Christmas Eve (Late Service)
Celebrate Christ’s birth with scripture, music, Holy Eucharist, and a candlelit singing of “Silent Night.” A choral prelude begins at 8:00 p.m., followed by our Christmas Eve service at 8:30 p.m.
Christmas Day Service
Celebrate the birth of Christ on Christmas Day with a joyful service of Holy Eucharist and beautiful choral music in our Historic Church.
Bishop Visitation
Join us on Sunday, September 20 as we welcome The Rt. Rev’d Gayle E. Harris, Assistant Bishop of Virginia, for her visitation to The Falls Church Episcopal.
Bishop Harris will join us at both the 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services, which will include baptisms and confirmations.
We hope you’ll join us for this special Sunday in the life of our parish!
Youth Tubing
Youth Tubing Trip – Save the Date!
Get ready for a fun day on the water! The youth of The Falls Church and St. John's McLean will be heading to the Shenandoah River for a tubing adventure.
More details, including the date, registration information, and trip logistics, will be shared soon. Stay tuned—we hope you'll join us for a great day of fellowship, fun, and time outdoors!
Blessing of the Backpacks
Children and Adults of all ages are invited to bring their backpacks to both services for a special blessing.
National Night Out
Join the City of Falls Church Police Department for National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Cherry Hill Park, 312 Park Ave.
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.
This year's event will include:
-Touch a Cruiser/SWAT Truck
-Games/activities
-AND MORE!
A Very Godly VBS: Percy Jackson and the Curse of The Titans
A Heroic Journey of Courage, Belonging, and Faith Through The Titan’s Curse (Book 3 of the Percy Jackson Series)
•July 13 to July 17th
•9:00 am to 1:00 PM
•Open to: 4 years old to rising 6th graders
•Cost $235/child, $645 Family Maximum
REGISTER TODAY BY CLICKING HERE
This year, we are excited to return to the world of Percy Jackson for a Very Godly VBS inspired by The Titan’s Curse. Our Vacation Bible School is designed to help children explore God, faith, and community through storytelling, imagination, and hands-on learning. Throughout the week, children will enter Camp Half-Blood, be sorted into cabins, and take part in a full VBS experience that includes singing, skits, crafts, science activities, music, games, and intentional time for faith reflection. Using themes from The Titan’s Curse, such as courage, loyalty, belonging, and community, children will be invited to wonder together about who God is, how faith shapes our lives, and what it means to care for one another. This program centers children’s voices and curiosity. Kids will be encouraged to ask big questions, share their insights, and discover that their gifts and perspectives matter within our faith community. While inspired by Percy Jackson, no prior knowledge of the books is required. The program is intentionally designed so children can jump right into the adventure, whether or not they have attended VBS in previous years. Our goal is to create a joyful, inclusive, and meaningful experience where children feel welcomed, supported, and excited to explore faith in age-appropriate and creative ways.
Parish Office Closed July 3
Parish offices will be closed on Friday, July 3 in observance of Independence Day. The offices will re-open on Monday, July 6.
Thrifty Church Mouse CLOSED
The Thrifty Church Mouse will be closed Friday, July 3 and Saturday July 4 in observance of Independence Day.
Diocese of VA @ Capital Pride Parade
All are invited to march with parishioners and parishes from the Diocese of Virginia in the Capital Pride Parade on Saturday, June 20, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
The Very Rev'd Burl Salmon (bsalmon@thefallschurch.org), rector of The Falls Church, is serving as the point of contact. To receive all information, including gathering time and location, please contact Burl via email.
💜🏳️🌈 Love All. Welcome All. 🏳️🌈💜
Young Adults Retreat
Join us for our annual Young Adults Retreat from June 19-21 for a relaxing weekend in Castleton, Virginia, full of fellowship, food, and fun! Our band of young adults will talk about our faith, catch up on life, and enjoy each other’s company in the mountains. Whether you’re new to the church and looking to make friends, or want to reunite with old friends after missing the last retreat, this is the event for you. Any questions? Contact Nathan Ellgren (n.ellgren@yahoo.com) or Megan Fisher (fisher.megan@icloud.com). See you there!
Cost: $215/per person • RSVP and make payment on Realm.
June Joy, Pride in Cherry Hill Park
Join us on Saturday, June 13, from 3:00–5:00 p.m. at Cherry Hill Park for a family-friendly Pride celebration hosted by the City of Falls Church and PFLAG Metro DC. Enjoy crafts, coloring, music, bubbles, a scavenger hunt, and plenty of fun! The Falls Church Episcopal will have a booth and is seeking volunteers to help welcome families, share information about our community, and assist with activities. Contact Mother Julius if you'd like to help.
Wherever you are on your journey, you are welcome here.
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
Choral Evensong
Join us for the final Choral Evensong of the 2025–2026 program year at The Falls Church
🗓 Sunday, May 3
⏰ 5:00 p.m.
📍 Contemporary Church
Evensong is a deeply prayerful and reflective service of evening worship, sung almost entirely by clergy and choir. Rooted in the Anglican tradition, it offers a peaceful way to mark the close of the day and to entrust ourselves to God’s care: “that we may have a peaceful night and a perfect end.”
This special service will feature our choir joined by the choir of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Arlington, under the direction of James Selway, with guest organist S. Yeri So (Westminster Presbyterian, Alexandria).
The music will include works by Parry, Stanford, and Ayleward, including I Was Glad and Stanford’s Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in C.
Whether you are a longtime lover of Evensong or experiencing it for the first time, you are warmly invited to come, listen, pray, and rest in the beauty of this sacred tradition.
Migrant Accompaniment Training
Join us for a meaningful opportunity to learn how to support our immigrant neighbors with compassion and solidarity.
🗓 Saturday, April 25
⏰ 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
📍 Falls Church (location shared after registration)
This training will prepare volunteers to accompany individuals to ICE/ISAP check-ins, court hearings, and other immigration-related appointments. By simply being present, you can help reduce fear, offer support, and ensure that no one faces these moments alone.
This session is part of the DMV Accompaniment Network (DAN), and training is required to participate. The format will include presentation, discussion, and time for questions.
No prior experience is needed, and all are welcome — involvement in a faith community is not required.
📧 For more information, contact The Rev’d Julius Rodriguez at jrodriguez@thefallschurch.org
Stand with our neighbors. Learn how you can make a difference.
Register today: https://bit.ly/MATFC2026
Falls Church Episcopal Food Drive for April 2026
Falls Church Episcopal Food Drive
For The Falls Church Community Service Council (FCS) Pantry
Sponsored by the Youth Program
The drive will be on:
Saturday, April 25, from 9:00-12:00, Upper Parking Lot (166 E. Broad St)
Sunday, April 26, at the 9:00 and 11:15 services
It’s time for another food drive for the FCS Pantry. The pantry serves people in need in the Falls Church community. The youth program sponsors this drive—help them meet their goals!
FCS greatly appreciates that the Falls Church always provides the items on the list that they need. Here is the list for this drive.
Food Items:
Apple Sauce
Canned chicken and tuna
Canned fruit
Canned pasta meals like ravioli, spaghetti-os, etc.
Coffee (both instant and ground)
Cooking oil
Masa flour
Mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard
Oatmeal
Pancake mix and syrup
Pasta sauce
Peanut butter
Rice (1-2 lbs)
Spaghetti
Sugar (2-4 lbs)
Non-Food Items:
Bar soap or body wash
Diapers, Size 4 to 6
Dishwashing liquid
Feminine products
Laundry detergent
Paper towels and toilet paper
Shampoo
Toothbrushes for both children and adults
Toothpaste
Note: Low-sodium and low-sugar items are appreciated.
We cannot use expired items. Please check dates!
Please, no “industrial” sizes—clients have limited storage.
If you have any questions, please contact Dave Raglin at darags@ymail.com
Inquirer's Class (Prepare to be confirmed or received)
This spring, The Falls Church will offer an Inquirer’s Class beginning in mid-April — a welcoming space for anyone interested in being confirmed or received into The Episcopal Church, or simply wanting to learn more about the Anglican way of life.
Together, we’ll explore the foundations of Anglican Christianity:
What we believe
How we pray
How we live our faith in the world
The rhythms of the liturgical year
The sacraments of the Church
The class will be led by Mo. Julius Rodriguez and is open to all who are curious, seeking, or ready to take the next step in their faith journey.
📅 April 19 – June 14 (8 sessions)
💻 Register today by email to jrodriguez@thefallschurch.org
Wherever you are on your journey, you are welcome here.
Concert: Sounds of Home at 250
Sounds of Home at 250: Many Voices. Many Stories. One Shared Home.
For Arlington's 9th Street Quartet, their program Sounds of Home at 250 explores the idea of belonging through music, highlighting some of the diverse voices and histories that shape current American life. The program features works by Jessie Montgomery, Kevin Puts, Steven Snowden, Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate, Stephen Gorbos, Gabriela Lena Frank, and Reena Esmail—composers whose musical voices represent a broad spectrum of American experience. The venue for the performance is extremely meaningful in this sense: The Falls Church Episcopal has been a community focal point since 1723. In the colonial era, it included prominent Virginians like George Washington and George Mason as Vestrymen, was a recruiting station for the local Fairfax Militia during the Revolutionary War, and was a site from which the Declaration of Independence was read to the local population during the summer of 1776. In our city, the church continues to be a beacon for belonging, welcoming its first gay rector in 2022, after a protracted legal battle over the space that split the congregation with the election of the first gay Episcopal bishop in 2004.
Thinking of the spirit of 1776, with its sentiments of individual liberty and a more just society, this repertoire directly engages with the ever-evolving idea of what counts for an American voice. From Montgomery’s Strum, which celebrates the vitality and resilience of folk idioms, to Tate’s Pisachi, which draws on his own Chickasaw identity and Indigenous history, each piece offers a unique lens on what it means to find or define “home” in America. Works like Snowden’s Appalachian Polaroids and Frank’s Leyendas connect regional and ancestral memory to present-day identity, while Esmail’s This Is It, Stephen Gorbos' Migration, and Puts’ Home consider the emotional and philosophical dimensions of belonging. Rather than a purely celebratory program, Sounds of Home at 250 invites reflection on the complex circumstances that bring diverse cultures into dialogue—and sometimes into tension—within American society. In doing so, it echoes the foundational struggle to build a pluralistic democracy, reminding us during this important anniversary that the work of the Revolution is an ongoing project.
The 9th Street Quartet has spent the past several years creating a musical home for young people in their 9th Street Chamber Music string quartet program. The inclusive and welcoming program, which fundraises to cover tuition expenses so that ability for a student to pay is never an issue, brings youth in grades 8 to 12 together each week to rehearse, be coached, and eventually perform in quartets. This sense of creating a home has informed their programming choices for their Little City Concerts event, and their nonprofit partner. The nonprofit partner for this event will be Second Story, an Fairfax County-based organization that serves youth experiencing homelessness or another crisis, and young mothers and their children. Second Story, who will receive 50% of ticket sales for this concert, transforms the lives of children, youth and their families by providing safe havens and opportunities for them to grow and thrive. Their programs provide support at critical turning points in their lives.
All concerts at:
The Falls Church Episcopal
166 E Broad St
Falls Church, VA 22046
Admission: $25 general admission, free for students/youth.
Tickets: https://littlecityconcerts.org/9th-street-quartet-4%2F18
50% of ticket sales donated to Second Story.
This concert is supported, in part, by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250), and the National Endowment for the Arts/America250. Little City Concerts also thanks the Fairfax250 Commission for its support. Visit fxva.com/fairfax250 to explore the celebration.
Racial Justice Ministry Zoom
We believe the work of racial justice is ongoing — and The Falls Church is committed to learning, listening, and acting together.
You’re invited to join our Racial Justice Ministry on Zoom:
🗓 Wednesday, April 8
⏰ 7:00 p.m. (Eastern)
Whether you’ve been involved for years or are just beginning to explore what racial justice means in your faith and community, you are welcome. Together, we reflect, learn, and partner with local organizations to seek a more just and truthful future.
Come be part of the conversation — and the work.
💻 Join us on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87699763192?
Learn more: https://www.thefallschurch.org/racial-justice
Lenten Retreat
Made in God's Image:
What LGBTQIA+ Faith Teaches All Of Us
A Lenten Retreat by Dr. Peter Carlson, Queer Theologian
Queer Theology is sometimes looked at with suspicion by everyday Christian folks, including some queer Christians. But queering our theology—our words or ideas about God—opens up creative space for questions rather than closes off space with strict answers. It encourages curiosity about everyone's varied experiences of the Divine. It asks us to think boldly about who we are as individuals who love Jesus and as a community that tries to live bravely in the world as members of what is, after all, a religion with some very queer ideas. Join us as we think about what Queer Theology offers the Church, and be welcomed into a space where everyone is invited to queer their ideas about God!
Saturday, March 14, 2026
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Nicholson Hall at The Falls Church
Free and open to the public!
Service of Lament
We will offer a Service of Lament at both worship services on Sunday, March 1, at 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
We welcome guest preacher Pastor Elwood Jones and his sister, Mary Jones, who will join us for this meaningful time of prayer, reflection, and discernment.
During Adult Formation, Elwood and Mary will also participate in a panel discussion addressing questions related to our racial audit and its broader impact on our parish community.
We hope you will join us for this important day in the life of our church.
Lenten Food Drive
Falls Church Episcopal Food Drive
For the Falls Church Community Service Council (FCS) Pantry
Drive Dates:
Saturday, February 28
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Upper Parking Lot (166 E. Broad St)Sunday, March 1
During the 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services
It’s time for another food drive for the FCS Pantry. The pantry serves individuals and families in need in the Falls Church community.
FCS greatly appreciates that The Falls Church consistently provides the items most needed. Below is the requested list for this drive:
Food Items
Applesauce
Canned chicken
Canned fruit
Canned meals (such as Chef Boyardee)
Canned tomato products
Cereal
Coffee (ground or instant only)
Cooking oil
Jam/Jelly
Mayonnaise
Pancake mix
Pancake syrup
Non-Food Items
Feminine products
Paper towels
Shampoo & conditioner
Toilet paper
Toothpaste / toothbrushes
Important Notes:
Low-sodium and low-sugar items are appreciated.
We cannot accept expired items — please check dates.
Please no “industrial” sizes, as clients have limited storage space.
For questions, please contact Dave Raglin at darags@ymail.com.
Ash Wednesday Services
Ash Wednesday – February 18
Join us as we begin the season of Lent on Ash Wednesday with the following offerings:
Ashes To Go
7:00–9:00 a.m.
Front loop, South Washington Street
East Falls Church Metro
Children’s Activity and Holy Eucharist
5:30 p.m.
Contemporary Church
Imposition of Ashes and Holy Eucharist
7:00 p.m.
Historic Church
All are welcome to join us for any of these services as we mark the beginning of Lent together.
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Everyone is welcome—no matter what you put on your pancakes! 🥞
Join us for our Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper in the Parish Hall at The Falls Church (entrance via East Fairfax Street).
Tuesday, February 17
6:00–8:00 p.m.
This is a potluck-style meal. Please click here to sign up to bring a breakfast dish to share.
We look forward to celebrating together before the season of Lent begins!
Safe Church Training
Tentatively rescheduled to Sunday, February 8th in Nicolson Hall, from 12:30 to 3:00 PM.
Safe Church is required for all Lem Leaders, Ushers, Greeters, Vestry Members, all Youth and Children Leaders, and all leaders of Ministries where children/youth are participants.
Please share the following link for people to sign up to take it:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0A44AFA62CA7F58-61480149-safe
Annual Meeting
Annual Parish Meeting Reminder
Our Annual Parish Meeting is rescheduled to take place Sunday, February 8th at 10:00 am. During the meeting, we will hear highlights from the past year, receive updates on the life and ministry of the parish, review financial matters, and hold the Vestry election.
All parishioners are encouraged to attend and participate in this important moment in our shared life together. Childcare will be available, and materials will be provided.
We look forward to gathering as a community to reflect on where we’ve been and to look ahead together.
Dr. Martin Luther King Day March for Unity and Freedom
Date and Time
Monday Jan 19, 2026
12:00 PM - 3:30 PM EST
March: Gather and line-up 12:00PM; Step-off at 1:00PM
Program: Falls Church Episcopal: 1:30-3:30PM
Some parking will be available at LIncoln at Falls Church 455 Maple Ave. (There is an entrance to Lincoln at Tinner Hill off of Lee Hwy/Washington Street where the Tinner Hill Monument stands.)
Locations
Tinner Hill Monument:
510 South Washington Street (Lee Hwy), Falls Church, Virginia 22046
Falls Church Episcopal Church Main Sanctuary:
166 East Broad Street, Falls Church, Virginia 22046
Fees/Admission
This event is free and open to the public. RSVP at our Eventbrite page is encouraged:3rd-annual-martin-luther-king-day-march-for-social-justice-unity-and-racial-healing-tickets-53877383705
Website
Contact Information
703-241-4109 info@tinnerhill.org Check us out on Facebook
Send Email
A Tale of Two Organs
Join us for an afternoon organ recital, A Tale of Two Organs, featuring Justin Oei, organist, performing music by Chee, Hensel, Hailstork, Bruhns, Locklair, and more. Experience the rich sounds and contrasting voices of two remarkable organs in our historic and contemporary churches. All are warmly invited.
Christmas Eve Services
4:30 pm • Children Pageant • Contemporary Church *
8:30 pm • Holy Eucharist • Historic Church **
*Nursery care available
**Choral prelude starts at 8:00 pm