St. Francis Weekly

April 8 - 14, 2026

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

Hello, Friends of St Francis!

Rev. Joe's Reflection: St. Francis at 80 – Honoring Our Past, Embracing Our Future

Beloved,

This Easter season, as we proclaim, “Christ is risen,” we also say, "Happy 80th birthday, St. Francis!"

In the life and history of the Jesus Movement, 80 years is both a quick heartbeat and a holy echo. And this year, we are celebrating this anniversary for our beloved parish with joy, reflection, and dreaming out loud.

Psalm 90 proclaims that God has “been our dwelling place in all generations.” Long before any of us arrived, God was already here – gathering, sustaining, calling. And across eight decades, through seasons of joy and challenge, war and peace, sunshine and hurricanes, certainty and change, that same faithful presence has held St. Francis together as a beacon of God’s love, hope, and justice. Keep reading to see how we will honor the past and embrace the future.

St. Francis News ...

RESCHEDULED - St. Francis Hike at Cove Island Park, Stamford on Saturday, April 25. (NO HIKE ON APRIL 11)

Join us for a spring hike at Cove Island Park in Stamford, where we’ll enjoy beautiful waterfront views, walking trails, and good company along the Long Island Sound. Come stretch your legs, get outside, and see if spring finally decides to make an appearance. The park's address is 1125 Cove Road, Stamford, and we will meet in the main parking lot near the park entrance.

Contemplative Prayer: Tuesdays, 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 in the Meeting Room of the Historic Church.

St. Francis Lunch Bunch on Wednesday, April 15 at noon

Bring your lunch to the Historic Church Meeting Room for food, fellowship, and fun! All are welcome!

St. Francis Movie Discussion on Sunday, April 19 4 - 5 p.m.

It's a double feature! Watch The Bucket List (YouTube, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Vudu) and The Life List (Netflix) ahead of time and join us for a lively discussion in the Meeting Room.

Bishop's Visit on Sunday, April 26

The Rt. Rev. Laura Ahrens, suffragan bishop of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut, will join St. Francis on April 26. Bishop Ahrens will preach and celebrate. Eight members of St. Francis will be received and confirmed as Episcopalians during at the 10 a.m. service.

... and beyond

The Interfaith Social Ministries Collaborative sponsors the Dignity Grows Project April 23 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.

Join St. Francis and five other faith communities on Thursday, April 23 at Temple Sinai, 458 Lakeside Dr, Stamford. We'll make hundreds of sandwiches for New Covenant Center and pack 700 hygiene bags for those in need. Enjoy light snacks and social time too! To sign up to volunteer or donate money click here. Please email Dawn R. with questions.

Edrice Lewis Viechweg Scholarship Fund Collection

Edrice Lewis Viechweg, former St. Francis deacon, will be making her annual trip to St. Kitts and Nevis to deliver uniforms, shoes, socks, school supplies, and more to students facing financial barriers. Every gift, no matter the size, directly helps a child continue their education. If you would like to donate, please make your check payable to Edrice Viechweg and mail it to her at: 18 Elton Court, Norwalk, CT 06851. Thank you in advance!

Multimedia of the Week

Watch Rev Joe's Easter Sunday sermon

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

Food distribution is even better in the sunshine and warm temperatures! Thanks to "the gang" of Rich, Patricia, Dawn and Kicky for showing up!

Thank you to Rev. Joe who created a meaningful Holy Week for St Francis including the Tenebrae service, Stations of the Cross, Good Friday and Easter services. Thanks to Betsy and Beazie for organizing the delicious Easter breakfast at the meeting room and to Heidi for facilitating coffee hour and the Easter Egg Hunt! We are grateful for everyone who helped and participated in these gatherings. Click here to see more pictures of Holy Week!