St. Francis Weekly

July 1 - July 8, 2026

Embodying God's love by building community through worship, inclusivity, and outreach.

Hello, Friends of St Francis!

Rector's Reflection: America at 250

On Saturday morning, as our nation marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, our neighbors from across Stamford will gather in the city's oldest church building to sing, pray, and reflect on this remarkable moment in our shared history. That building, of course, is St. Francis' Historic Church on Old Long Ridge Road, built in 1834. Preparing for our Independence Day service, I recently found myself returning to the National Prayers in the Book of Common Prayer. Reading them again, I was struck by how aspirational they sounded when they were published in 1979 — and how rare that kind of language can feel in today's public life and headlines. They pray for justice, compassion, wisdom, humility, liberty, reconciliation, and the common good. They remind us not simply who we are, but who we are still becoming. Continue reading.

St. Francis News ...

America at 250: Independence Day Prayer Service, 10 a.m., July 4, Historic Church

As the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, St. Francis will hold a communitywide Independence Day prayer service at 10 a.m. in the Historic Church, 503 Old Long Ridge Road, on July 4. Faith communities around the city are invited to join in a sacred hour of prayer, reflecting on our shared civic values, and celebrating our hopes for the nation, especially for people of faith who celebrate the spiritual tapestry of the American family. INTEMPO will provide music for the gathering.

Rev. Joe on Vacation, July 6-25

Rev. Joe will be on vacation from July 6 to July 25. While he is away, the Rev. Dr. Linda Spiers will serve as supply priest, celebrating and preaching at the July 12 and July 19 services.

If you have a pastoral care need, contact Rev. Linda at 860-559-5070 or by email; or contact Rev. Martha McCreight from St. John's Lutheran Church at 404-565-3592 or by email.

Landscaping Day, Saturday, July 11, 9:00 a.m.

Continuing the St. Francis Landscaping Day tradition the second Saturday of the month, come join us next Saturday at 9:00 a.m., by meeting at the New Church at 2810 Long Ridge Road, and doing the joyful work of keeping our church properties in tip-top shape throughout summer and autumn.

Miles for A Mission

As you can see by the thermometer, we are well on our way to achieving our goal of $25,000 for this years' beneficiary, INTEMPO! The In-Person event will take place Sunday, September 20th, and the Virtual event will be Sept. 14-20.

We hope you will join us by registering, making an additional donation if you can, and spreading the word among your family and friends. Register or donate here.

GIFT CERTIFICATES

Contribute to Miles for a Mission by purchasing a Gift Certificate available for sale on a first come, first served basis from Town Fair Tire company in the amount of $150; and North Star Restaurant in the amount of $75. Click below to make your selection.

Gift Certificates

... and Beyond

Volunteers Needed for the 12th annual Back to School Shop, Sunday, July 26

About 200 volunteers are needed to help up to 400 elementary school children from low-income families shop for brand new school clothes and supplies. Sign up for a 4-hour morning or afternoon shift as a personal shopper, shoe fitter or one of many other positions, to help make this event a success for the children and families who are counting on us. Register here . There are also volunteer needs for Saturday to help set up the shop and late Sunday to break it down.

This Week's Multimedia

Watch Sunday's sermon from guest preacher Rabbi Michael Knopf.

Please note: Friday is Rev. Joe's sabbath day this week.

A busy and joyful week at St. Francis: Scenes from our Pacific House food distribution, the last Contemplative Prayer gathering of the season, the Outreach Committee's tour of Building One Community, Hiking Club, and Happy Birthday to Margie!