St. Francis Weekly

June 24 - July 1, 2026

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

Hello, Friends of St Francis!

Reflection by Dawn R.: Turn, Turn, Turn

As The Byrds sing, “To everything turn, turn, turn, There is a season, turn, turn, turn, And a time to every purpose under Heaven.” Now that our 80th celebration is over, I look back with joy, pride, and appreciation for all that we have accomplished and all of the blessings that have been granted to our Church. It was a privilege to be part of several pre-80th events. First, I am grateful to Dom who headed the St Francis 80th committee. His idea for a celebration and his dedication and detail orientedness was inspiring. I also thank him for persuading me to join the committee as I didn’t feel that I had anything to offer. As so often happens at St. Francis, we unearth gifts we didn’t recognize in ourselves but that others see clearly. Each member of the committee (Rich, Joe Bilotti, Rev. Joe, Margie, Dom and I) had areas of specialties that came together like pieces of a puzzle. Read more.

St. Francis News ...

Your St. Francis Giving Statement January - May '26

You should have received an email Tuesday with a link to your 2026 Giving Statement. This is a friendly reminder of your pledges and donations so far this year. If it is not in your InBox, please check your Junk folder. Questions? Email Claudia B.

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.

Guest Preacher: Rabbi Michael Rose Knopf, Sunday at the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Services

Rabbi Michael Rose Knopf, senior rabbi at Stamford's Temple Beth El and an interfaith partner in community and justice work with Rev. Joe, will be this Sunday's guest preacher at both services. Rabbi Knopf has been named one of “America’s Most Inspiring Rabbis” by The Forward.

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

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

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. INTEMPO will provide music for the gathering.

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.

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. The In-Person event will take place on Sunday, Sept. 20 and the Virtual event will be Sept. 14-20.

Visit INTEMPO's 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 or donate here.

GIFT CERTIFICATES benefitting Miles for a Mission are now 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. Please send check marked MFM Town Fair Tire OR North Star gift cert. and mail to St. Francis Office at 503 Long Ridge Rd, Stamford, CT 06903; leave in ‘Donation Basket’; or pay online via Tithely.

... 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.

Documentary:

Borderland: The Line Within

Come join SNUI (Stamford Norwalk United with Immigrants) at the Ferguson Library this Saturday, June 27 at 2 p.m. for a screening and discussion of Borderland: The Line Within. This documentary highlights the human cost of a multi-billion dollar system of surveillance, detention, and deportation that profits from immigration enforcement in the U.S. as well as showcases the resilience of immigrant communities building a movement for change. Please email Dawn R with any questions. Click here for more information.