St. Francis Weekly

June 17 - June 24, 2026

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

Hello, Friends of St Francis!

Reflection by Aleta S.: The Acorn, Paper Towels, and the Voice of God

The other day I used my last paper towel on the roll, looking in the pantry I discovered “that cupboard was bare” too. Undaunted, I went to the shelving in the basement and found an unopened case of paper towels. Then I smiled. I remembered buying them maybe a year ago? I think it was the beginning of the “tariffs” and the little world I live in was in post-pandemic shock and the word on the street was hurry, stock up on paper goods while you can still get them. The paper towels were right next to the case of toilet tissues. I flashed on Chicken Little. An amused voice in my head was shouting “the sky is falling, the sky is falling.” How many times have we responded to a perceived threat with fear? Continue reading.

St. Francis News ...

Parish Directory

The Parish Directory has been updated and the latest version is now available. For security reasons, we do not publish the directory on the website. Click HERE to save this link to your computer, or to download a copy of the directory. If you would prefer to have a PDF copy emailed to you, or if you have any other questions about the directory, please email Jean A. in the Parish Office.

Longest Day: Defiant Joy Service, June 21, 7 p.m., Historic Church Fire Pit

Join us on the Summer Solstice on Sunday, June 21, at 7 p.m. around the fire pit behind the Historic Church for our Longest Day service — a time of prayer, music, reflection, and defiant joy. In these exhausting and uncertain times, it can be hard to recognize the holy acts of joy and hope burning brightly around and among us. So bring your stories and what is bringing you joy to this service of gratitude in the first light of summer.

Miles For A Mission

Thanks to the combined efforts of the Outreach and Miles for a Mission committees, we have chosen INTEMPO as the beneficiary for the 2026 MFM Run/Walk and Dogapalooza. We have set our goal to $25,000 and you can see by the thermometer that we are on our way! The In-Person event will take place on Sunday, Sept. 20 and the Virtual event will be Sept. 14-20.

INTEMPO's mission is to enable young people, regardless of their life circumstances, to thrive through instruction in classical and multi-cultural music, the building of life skills, and the fostering of community. The organization’s music education programs develop young people’s artistry, cultivate pride in heritage, and promote positive socioemotional growth, ensuring that young people gain the skills and knowledge they need to realize their potential. Since its founding in 2011, INTEMPO has reached thousands of young people and community members from all walks of life, through afterschool, summer, and partnership programs as well as concerts and outreach events. Visit their website here.

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 here.

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 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.

Rev. Joe Preaching at Temple Beth El, Saturday, June 20, 10 a.m.

Rev. Joe will be the guest preacher at Temple Beth El, 350 Roxbury Road in Stamford, on Saturday, June 20. All are welcome to attend. His sermon will focus on the Torah (Numbers 16:1-18:32) and the Prophets (Samuel 11:14-12:22).

Serving Dinner at Pacific House

Thursday, June 25, 2026

The Outreach Committee has arranged for St. Francis to serve dinner at Pacific House on Thursday, June 25, 2026. We need volunteers to prepare and serve food for 72 individuals. The menu is oven baked chicken, pasta salad with vegetables, dessert and beverages. You can sign up to prepare food or to serve HERE.

Please contact Cathy Ostuw or Patricia Lydon if you have any questions. Thank you from the Outreach Committee

St. Francis Hike and Lunch at Waveny Park, New Canaan, Saturday, June 27 @ 10 a.m.

This month, we’ll explore the former Lapham estate, now a town park featuring a historic mansion, elegant gardens, and trails that wind through meadows and forests. With its wide paths and mostly level terrain, this hike is suitable for hikers and leashed dogs of all experience levels.

Bring a lunch and a lawn chair and join us after the hike beneath the large shade trees to relax, socialize, and enjoy the (hopefully) beautiful summer weather.

Address: 677 South Avenue, New Canaan. Meet in front of the mansion.

... and Beyond

The Interfaith Social Ministry Collaborative is in need of donations

The Interfaith Social Ministry Collaborative is collecting food, personal and baby items, and cash donations to help our immigrant neighbors in need. Please see the flyer for more details and return items by June 21 to the new church. Email Dawn with questions. Your support is deeply appreciated!

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.