St. Francis Weekly

April 1 - 7, 2026

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

Hello, Friends of St Francis!

A Reflection by Aleta S.: The Firehouse Trees

Shortly after the heavy, fierce rain storm that recently went through our neighborhood knocking down trees and power lines, I was walking my dog by the local fire station. The streets everywhere were filled with debris yet I was surprised to see a huge mess of fallen branches and limbs right next to the Fire House. Wait, trees by the Fire house? Honestly, for all the years I’ve walked the road, I saw the trees but didn’t see them. Now, after the storm? The ravaged mess of two trees, a poor massive pine and a maple

tree commanded all attention. Keep reading.

St. Francis News ...

We are journeying through Holy Week, which commemorates the final week of Jesus’ life. All are welcome to participate in the Holy Week Services and gatherings as we walk path to the Cross together.

* TENEBRAE: SERVICE OF THE SHADOWS at the Historic Church on April 1 at 6:00 PM

* MAUNDY THURSDAY: HOLY COMMUNION & FOOT WASHING at St John's Lutheran Church on April 2 at 7:00 PM (Rev. Joe will preach)

* MAUNDY THURSDAY: ALTAR OF THE REPOSE at the Historic Church on April 2 starting at 8:00 PM thru the night

* GOOD FRIDAY: STATIONS OF THE CROSS featuring the poetry of Padraig O' Tuama at the Historic Church on April 3 at 11:00 AM

* GOOD FRIDAY at the Historic Church on April 3 at Noon

* GREAT EASTER VIGIL at St John's Lutheran Church on April 4 at 7:00 PM

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

8 a.m.: The Easter Sunday service in the Historic Church will be followed by a Parish Breakfast in the Meeting Room. If you would like to bring something to the Easter breakfast, please email Beazie L. or Betsy A.

10 a.m.: The 10 a.m. service in the New Church will be followed by a special Coffee Hour and an Easter Egg Hunt on the lawn outside the New Church.

To make an on-line donation for Easter Flowers or Music, please go to:

https://www.stfrancisstamford.org/give. If you’d prefer to give a donation via check, please make it out to St Francis and add 'Flowers' or ‘Music’ in the Memo section & send to: St Francis Church, 503 Old Long Ridge Road, Stamford, CT 06903 or leave it in the Donation basket at the New Church. Thanks for your generosity!

'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 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 here on Zoom.

Contemplative Prayer: Tuesdays, 11 a.m.

Gather for contemplative prayer, guided by Anna V. as we create space for silence, reflection, meditation and God’s grace in the Historic Church Meeting Room.

St. Francis Hike at Cove Island Park, Stamford on Saturday, April 11 at 10:00 a.m.

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.

Bishop's Visit on Sunday, April 26

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

... 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.

Multimedia of the Week

Watch Rev Joe's Sunday sermon

Please note: Friday is usually Rev. Joe's sabbath day. He will be taking next Monday off to rest after Holy Week.

On Tuesday, Rev. Joe ran into some familiar faces at the diocese's annual renewal of ordination vows for Connecticut clergy at Christ Church Cathedral in Hartford. Meanwhile, last week, Rev. Joe read during the Interfaith Supper at Temple Sinai, where we were reminded that there are no strangers when we are in communion with each other. Special thanks to the following: Betsy for buying the palms, those who beautify our altars and all who participated in the Palm Sunday services. Mary Kate, Anthony, Heidi, Jim, and Nancy beautifully read the Passion. Thanks to Jane, Aleta, Patricia and Claudia for polishing the silver!

Click here to read more about last week's Orchestra Lumos concert and to see additional photos.