St. Francis Weekly

September 17 - September 23, 2025

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

Hello, Friends of St Francis!

We recently visited our 50th state! Travel helps expand my mind and broaden my perspective. In today's fractured world, I unconsciously, or perhaps consciously, visited the Midwest with certain expectations of others. I had erected barriers due to stereotypes about citizens in some of our states. What I found were helpful, kind, hospitable, and thoughtful citizens who enjoy sports and good food — just like me! It is a delightful reminder that by continuing to open my mind through new experiences and places, I can better understand my fellow Americans. God dwells within each of us, and we all have value. We may hold different religious and political viewpoints, but we also have much in common.

At St. Francis, something we value and have in common is outreach to those in need. THIS SUNDAY is our Miles for a Mission Race and Dogapolooza Event. Remember, there is no 10:00 service. The MFM Committee has been working with Fairgate Farm throughout the last six months, and we need your help to pull off this fun and amazing event! Please see the links below to participate or volunteer for Race Day.

Special Events and News

THIS Thursday, September 18 6:00 - 7:30 PM join a Discussion on Hate Crimes at UCONN Stamford

Free parking is available across the street at 1194 Washington Blvd. Click to register

Hike at Helen Altshul Preserve

Saturday, September 27 @ 10 AM

All are welcome to join our next hike at the nearby Helen Altshul Preserve, which offers meandering trails through pristine woodlands, meadows, and glacial rock formations.

Directions to the Helen Altshul Preserve from St. Francis:

•Travel south on Long Ridge Rd. for 2 miles

•Turn right on Sawmill Rd. and travel for 1 mile

•Turn right on Mill Stream Rd. We will meet at the cul-de-sac at the end

of Mill Stream Rd.

Volunteer at St. John's Lutheran Pumpkin Patch September 27 through October 31

On Saturday, September 27, we will unload a semi-truck of pumpkins for St. John's Lutheran Pumpkin Patch at 9:00 am. If you have a wheelbarrow, please bring it and wear gloves to handle the pumpkins. You can also staff the pumpkin patch from 3:00 - 6:00 pm from September 28 - October 31. Click here to volunteer. All of the funds raised are given to Building One Community, Kids In Crisis, and Future Five.

Blessing of the Animals, for the Feast of St. Francis, Sunday, October 5 3:00 - 3:30 PM at St. Francis Church

In lieu of the blessing of animals during the 8:00 and 10:00 services, join in the Blessing of the Animals at the Church at 3:00 pm on October 5th. See the flyer for more details!

Excellent Offer on Oil from Mitchell for St. Francis Parishioners

Thank you to Dom Gatreau, who sent us the following message: As many of you are aware, Mitchell Oil has been successfully servicing our oil and propane needs over the last few years. In addition to the three church buildings, they have also made discounts ($.10 per gallon) available to any parishioner who uses their service. This year they are offering a $.20 per gallon discount for a fixed price contract of $3.099 per gallon to all of St. Francis. Plus, there are additional discounts for prepay. If you are interested, please contact our Mitchell representative, Tom Rescigno, at twr@nemitchell.com, or 203 297-2990 to discuss your needs for propane or oil. Tom has been overseeing our account since the beginning and is a pleasure to work with. This is a good time to lock in your heating price for the upcoming season!

Thank you to Mitchell Oil for being a sponsor of MFM for several years!

THE RACE IS THIS WEEK! Miles for a Mission 5K Run/Walk and Dogapolooza on September 21st at 9:00 am at the Church

Click to register for the race and for more information.

Click to volunteer to help the weekend of the race.

Mid-Week Meditation

Read more about The Value of a Human Person by Henri Nouwen. "Do we dare to look at weakness as an opportunity to become fruitful?"

This sign was at the University of Oklahoma Episcopal Church's Student Center in Norman, OK.

Would you like to share a spiritual or inspirational reflection?

Please email it to: dawnerandall@aol.com

Fairgate Farm: Get to know our 2025 Miles for a Mission Partner

Fun Fairgate Farm Facts:

When it’s said that Fairgate Farm is “volunteer powered”, we mean that our volunteers are essential to the Farm and are integral to its mission. Each year, thousands of volunteer hours are logged by individuals, corporations, schools and community groups. Farm volunteers engage in all types of important activities. As the season begins, we are coaxing planting beds back to life with no-till soil management practices, spreading beneficial compost, and gently planting seedlings grown in our greenhouse. As the season progresses, we are planting, nurturing and harvesting produce that is shared with our volunteers and greater Stamford community. And if digging in the dirt isn’t your thing, we are always looking for musicians to play at our festivals and farm market, artists to lend their talents throughout the farm, and professionals to use their skills guest teaching cooking, nutrition, yoga, meditation, and other health-focused classes. There are countless ways that you can make a difference! (from the Fairgate Farm website)

Click here to donate to Miles for a Mission

Come see Sheila and meet Fairgate Farmers Pete and Liz, staffer Christine, and volunteer Sondra at the Race. They are extremely appreciative of our Parish's efforts to raise money for their Farm. Likewise, we are grateful for them growing and providing healthy food for the Stamford community.

Multimedia of the Week

Click to listen to Sermon

"God searches for us when our lostness is so deep, so tangled, that we cannot even pretend to look for God. And still, God finds us." Click to read sermon