St. Francis Weekly

December 10 - 16, 2025

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

Hello, Friends of St Francis!

Dawn R’s Reflection: I Love Christmas

I LOVE Christmas! I love the traditions, spirit, and Jesus’ family being the center of it all. One of my favorite Christmas songs is Amy Grant’s Heirlooms; she sings of family traditions and of Jesus’ importance in her life. Click to read more

BELOVED: Generosity 2026

We’re so grateful for everyone who has pledged to support St. Francis in 2026. If you haven’t yet made your pledge, there’s still time. We invite you to prayerfully consider your pledge for next year and make your commitment. Every pledge matters and helps our parish live out our mission to love God and neighbor.

Pledge for 2026

Special Events and News

St. Francis Lessons & Carols on December 14 at 5 p.m.

All are welcome for the annual Lessons and Carols candlelight service at the Historic Church. The evening offers beloved carols, timeless readings, the glow of candlelight, and the wonder of the Christmas story. Seating is limited, so arrive early. A reception will follow next door at the Parish Rectory.

Celebrating 25 Years at "2810" on December 21

On Sunday, December 21, during our 10 a.m. service, we will celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the New Church Building. During the liturgy, we’ll offer prayers of thanksgiving and honor the faithful work the people who dreamed, planned, sacrificed, and worked to bring this sacred space to life. A special coffee hour will follow the service.

St. Francis "Blue Christmas" Longest Night Service on December 21 at 5 p.m.

At a time of year when so many experience feelings of grief, loss, and hardship, St. Francis’ “Blue Christmas” Service on the longest night of the year in the Historic Church invites us into hope and healing through prayer, music, reflection, and anointing with holy oil. Bring whatever you’re carrying this season to this gentle, contemplative service.

Join us for the St. Francis Christmas services

Come all ye faithful! In addition to this weekend's Lessons and Carols and the Longest Night "Blue Christmas" service on Dec. 21, St. Francis' Advent and Christmas gatherings include the Christmas Eve concert and service (in the New Church), and the Christmas Day service. Click here to get the full details

Calling Volunteers: Ring the Bell for The Salvation Army

St. Francis Kettle Days, Dec. 20-21: In partnership with The Salvation Army as we approach Christmas, we are sponsoring a St. Francis Kettle Days on Saturday, December 20, and Sunday, December 21, at Acme Markets at 1201 High Ridge Road (at the Merritt Parkway). We are looking for volunteers from St. Francis for 2-hour shifts of bell ringing and collecting donations. All of the Saturday shifts have filled up, but we are still looking for volunteers for Sunday. It’s a joyful way to share and receive the holiday spirit. Every donation helps families living on the margins with food, utility bills, backpacks, summer camp, music lessons for kids, and much more. If you are interested or have questions, please contact Dom Gautrau at dgautrau@aol.com or 203-273-0662.

Other Days Through Dec. 27: If you can't make it on December 20, but have a few hours to volunteer for The Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign, Click to email Major Myron to set up a time to ring the bell.

St. Francis Cookie Swap on December 12 from 1 - 3 p.m.

What's Christmas-time without cookies?! Bring your favorites (3 - 4 dozen, if you can) and an empty container to our Cookie Swap at Aleta’s house and you will take home a mixed batch of cookies to enjoy! A light lunch will be served. The extra cookies will be served at the St Francis Reception following the Lessons and Carols service and given to New Covenant Center. Click to RSVP to Aleta.

St. Francis Book Group on December 14 from 11 a.m. - noon

Join the Book Group to discuss Listen to Me: The Women of the Bible Speak Out with the author Cordelia Frances Biddle joining by Zoom. Join here for Zoom or meet in the Church.

St. Francis Lunch Bunch on December 17 noon to 1 p.m.

Bring your lunch to the Meeting Room for food, fellowship and fun!

Longest Night Interfaith Memorial Service on December 18 from 4:00 to 6 p.m.

Gather for the annual Longest Night Interfaith Memorial Service to remember our neighbors: The Homeless, The Voiceless, and The Unseen. It will begin at 4:00 p.m. at Jackie Robinson Park of Fame. A procession will follow at 4:30 p.m. to Bethel AME Church, 150 Fairfield Ave., Stamford.

Multimedia of the Week

Watch Rev. Joe's Sunday sermon:

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

Click to listen to our former warden, Suzanne Stevens, share meaningful memories of times in the Historic Church.

Thanks to all who contributed non perishable items to the Lower Fairfield County Foodbank for the Interfaith Social Ministries Collaboration food collection. Kyle and Dawn R enjoyed ringing the bell and collecting donations for The Salvation Army! The 10 a.m. service was very busy!