St. Francis Weekly

July 8 - July 15, 2026

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

Hello, Friends of St Francis!

Cathy O.'s Reflection: 'We Break This Bread for Those Who Love God ...'

In the past few weeks, as we celebrated our 80th anniversary, you have heard Rev. Joe refer several times to the "great cloud of witnesses."

The phrase comes from Hebrews 12:1: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us." In the Episcopal Church, the great cloud of witnesses is much like what we call the communion of saints: all those, famous and unknown, who have lived lives of faith and who continue to inspire and strengthen us in our own lives. I'd like to tell you about one of those witnesses today. Until a few weeks ago, I had never heard of him. Perhaps you haven't either. The Rev. Donald Reeves was one of the Anglican Church's most outspoken voices in the late twentieth century. Continue reading.

St. Francis News ...

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.

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 Rev. Joe's Sunday's sermon.

Another joyful weekend at St. Francis - an Independence Day Prayer Service celebrating America's 250th birthday, a blessing for Anna and Lorenzo, and a double baptism - please welcome Penelope Mercedes and John Robert McLaughlin (with assistance from Dom's granddaughters)!!