St. Francis Weekly

March 18 - 24, 2026

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

Hello, Friends of St Francis!

Rev Joe's Reflection: A Lesson in Irish and Grace – "God Be With You"

I know that St. Patrick’s Day was yesterday. But after just returning from a week in Ireland with Heidi, I’m still thinking about how the Irish greet each other in their native language: “Dia Dhuit!” In Irish Gaelic – or, just, “The Irish” – it is the standard greeting for those who still use this ancient language daily. But the Irish version of “hello” –“greetings,” “hey,” “how are you” – goes deeper. There's a touch of theology in it. It literally translates as “God be with you.” There is no alternative greeting. When you see someone in the morning, you greet them with, “Dia Dhuit.” God be with you. Read More.

St. Francis News ...

Contemplative Prayer: Tuesdays through Mar. 31 11 a.m. to noon

Pause with us for contemplative prayer, guided by Anna V and Rev Joe, as we create space for silence, reflection, meditation and God’s grace.

Soup and Bread Gatherings: Wednesdays through March 25 in the Meeting Room

All are welcome to gather for prayer, a book discussion of The Amen Effect by Sharon Brous, and a simple, communal meal of homemade bread and soup every Wednesday at noon during Lent. There will be an evening gathering on Mar. 25 at 6 p.m.

The following chapters of The Amen Effect will be discussed:

Mar 18: Chapter 6
Mar 25: Chapters 7-8
Mar 25 evening: Book Recap

Holy Week commemorates the final week of Jesus’ life, including his triumphal entry, crucifixion, and resurrection. All are welcome at participate in these Holy Week services and gatherings.

Easter Sunday: April 5 at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.

The 8 a.m. Easter Sunday service in the Historic Church will be followed by a parish breakfast in the Meeting Room. The 10 a.m. service will be followed by an Easter Egg Hunt on the lawn outside the New Church.

'Walk in Love' Classes

If you are interested in being formally received or confirmed into the Episcopal Church, Rev. Joe will be holding “Walk in Love” classes via Zoom on Mar. 23 and Apr. 6 and 20 at 7 p.m. These sessions – which are designed to encourage questions about the history, theology and “whys” of the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement – are open to all at St. Francis. Please email Rev. Joe if you are interested in being formally received as an Episcopalian. Anyone is welcome to join on Zoom.

Last Chance...Orchestra Lumos Small Space Concert March 22 in the New Church from 3:00-4:30 p.m.

The music will be a great selection from Broadway including pieces by Gershwin, Porter, and Berstein along with some classics. Farmhouse Restaurant is graciously sponsoring the event and catering during intermission. Click here to purchase tickets.

... and beyond

Last Chance...Free Blues and Beyond Concert on March 21 at FCC at 6:00 p.m.

First Congregational Church of Stamford is offering a FREE concert welcoming THE BLUES & BEYOND on Saturday March 21st, 2026 at 6 p.m. at 655 Stillwater Avenue, Stamford. RSVP here no later than Friday, March 20.

Interfaith Seder March 26 at Tempel Sinai at 6:30 p.m.

All are welcome at an interfaith Seder at Temple Sinai at 458 Lakeside Drive in Stamford. Click here to register. The event is $18 and open to all.

Multimedia of the Week

Watch Rev Joe's Sunday sermon

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

It was another busy week at St Francis and in the greater Stamford area! Connecticut Public Radio interviewed Rev. Joe about his work with Moral Mondays. Kicky and Dawn distributed food to 113 guests at Bethel AME. Thanks to Betsy and Kicky for preparing the altar. St. Francis showed up for Frank's heartwarming concert at Curtain Call. Richard, Jim, and Julia from the St Francis choir were joined by the choirs from St. John's Lutheran and St. John's Episcopal for a beautiful evensong service, where Rev. Joe led the chanting (despite a sore throat). Thank you to Betsy and Bud for reading! Rich L., Kicky and Dawn helped serve food to 100 guests at B1C.