St. Francis Weekly

May 27 - June 2, 2026

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

Hello, Friends of St Francis!

Ask the Rector: Is the Holy Spirit "She"?

During my Pentecost Sunday sermon, I saw some raised eyebrows when I referred to the Holy Spirit as "she." After the service, some of you asked why I decided to refer to the third person of the Holy Trinity in the feminine. One parishioner asked: "Where can I find proof of that in the Bible?" Just so you don’t think I was toying with heresy, or was simply trying to be provocative, let me assure you that the feminine nature of the Holy Spirit is indeed Biblical, even if it's often overlooked. How we speak about the presence of God matters, and I think it’s important to talk about where historical patriarchy has flattened or buried our understanding of the Divine. Read more.

St. Francis News ...

Save the Date: St. Francis 80th Anniversary Service and Parish Picnic on Sunday, June 7

One Service at 10 a.m.: Historic Church, 503 Old Long Ridge Road, on June 7 at 10 a.m.

Annual Parish Picnic at 11 a.m.: The New Church, 2810 Long Ridge Road.

Picnic Sign Up

This year, we will be serving sub sandwiches. If you can bring a side dish or beverage to the picnic, help with setup or cleanup, please sign up using the button above.

Coffee Hour Volunteers Needed

Coffee Hour runs on, well, coffee – and on our community sharing the work. If you would be willing to help set up or clean up Coffee Hour – or even pick up our weekly tray of bagels and muffins at LaRocca’s on your way to church (or bring your own food) – use the sign-up link below.

Volunteer for Coffee Hour

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.

St. Francis Hike at Harbor Point, Saturday, May 30 @ 10 a.m.

Join us for an "urban hike" thru Stamford's Kosciuszko Park. We'll stroll the boardwalk, enjoy Long Island Sound views, and explore one of Stamford's most walkable and fast-changing neighborhoods - filled with parks, marinas and great restaurants. Meet at the free parking lot at the corner of Washington Blvd. and Atlantic St. - across from the Sound End Fire Department at 215 Washington Blvd. Afterwards, anyone interested can enjoy a bite by the water.

Please review the Parish Directory and report any changes!

We are in the process of updating the Parish Directory. If you have a digital or paper copy of the directory, please take a moment to review the current directory for any outdated information. If you would like to add or change a photo, you can do that as well. If you are new to St. Francis, we would be delighted to include your information in the directory. The directory is an important tool for keeping us connected as a community. If you would like a copy of the latest (DRAFT) directory, please email Cathy Ostuw.

... and Beyond

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!

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.