St. Francis Weekly

June 10 - June 16, 2026

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

Hello, Friends of St Francis!

Video: St. Francis' Great Cloud of Witnesses

Hebrews 12:1 calls followers of Jesus to remember the “great cloud of witnesses” — the faithful souls whose lives continue to inspire and guide us. As part of St. Francis' 80th anniversary celebration, longtime parishioners gathered to share stories of beloved members interred in the Historic Church’s columbarium. Their memories remind us that the Church is a community that spans generations, united in Christ and bound together by God’s enduring love. This video honors the women and men whose prayers, service, and generosity helped shape St. Francis into the community it is today. As we celebrate 80 years of ministry, we give thanks for their witness, honor their legacy, and recommit ourselves to the work they entrusted to us.

St. Francis News ...

Landscaping Day, Saturday, June 13, 9:30 a.m.

Continuing the St. Francis Landscaping Day tradition the second Saturday of the month, come join us this Saturday at 9:30 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.

June St. Francis Movie Club: 'Waking Ned Devine,' June 14 at 4 p.m.

The St. Francis Movie Club will meet on Sunday, June 14, at 4 p.m. in the Historic Church Meeting Room to discuss the 1998 comedy "Waking Ned Devine," which is available for rental on streaming platforms such as Amazon, Apple TV or YouTube.

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.

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

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).

... 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!

Interfaith Sit and Knit: Saturday, June 13, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Stamford

A time of knitting simple beginner-friendly dishcloths to be paired with donated dish soap. Participants may also bring their own knitting project to work on. For those completing the dishcloth project, yarn will be provided along with a limited supply of knitting needles. Bring your own size 7–8 needles and a lawn chair for extra comfort. If you don't know how to knit or crochet, there will be plenty of people to help you learn!

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.

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 sermon from the St. Francis 80 Celebration Service in the Historic Church.

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

"Look what love has done!" A good time was had by all at our 80th Anniversary Celebration! Read more about the day, including reading the mayor's proclamation establishing June 7, 2026, as St. Francis Episcopal Church Day at our website.