St. Francis Weekly

January 28 - February 3, 2026

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

Hello, Friends of St Francis!

Patricia's Vestry Reflection: Patricia and Prayer

I begin with the familiar story of Martha and Mary from the Gospel of Luke:

Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. Read more

Special Events and News

St Francis Annual Meeting: Feb. 15, 11 a.m.

There will be only one church service on Sunday, Feb. 15, as we come together to worship as a community before our rescheduled Annual Meeting. The Rector, Wardens and committees will present their reports. The Unsung Hero/Heroine will be recognized, and the following will be approved and voted on: the Parish List, the Minutes of the 2025 Annual Meeting, the 2026 Budget, and the slate of officers and new vestry class. We look forward to seeing everyone in person or on Zoom.

If you are unable to attend the meeting, you may declare a proxy. Email Dawn R to do so or download the form here. Proxy forms must be returned to Dawn by 5 p.m. on February 12.

St Francis Hike at Tod's Point, Greenwich on Feb. 14, 10 a.m.

Join the St. Francis Hiking Club as we experience the coastal beauty of Tod's Point in Greenwich, CT, with its panoramic views of Long Island Sound. The park is open to non-residents in winter and this is a chance for an exclusive opportunity to explore. We will gather for lunch/coffee/snacks at the Stamford Diner, 135 Harvard Ave. in Stamford. Address: 11 Tods Driftway, Old Greenwich, CT. Meet at the first parking lot on the left after passing the guardhouse.

Contemplative Prayer: Tuesdays at 11 a.m.

During Lent, from Feb. 24 to March 31, all are welcome to join Rev. Joe and Anna Villalon for Contemplative Prayer on Tuesdays at 11 a.m. in the Meeting Room. These silent, stillness-focused gatherings will create space and time for resting in God's presence in ways that moves beyond words and invites people into a deeper, intimate union with the divine. All are welcome – no experience necessary.

Soup and Bread Gatherings: Wednesdays Feb. 25 -Mar. 25

All are welcome to gather for prayer, a book discussion (see book details below), and a simple, communal meal of homemade bread and soup every Wednesday at noon during Lent from Feb. 25 through Mar. 25 in the Meeting Room. Rev. Joe will lead a brief discussion on our Lenten Parish Read, The Amen Effect, at each gathering. For those whose work schedule don’t allow them to join at noon, two additional gatherings will be held on Feb. 25 and Mar. 25 at 6 p.m.

Lenten Parish Read: The Amen Effect

During Lent, you're invited to join the Parish Read: The Amen Effect: Ancient Wisdom to Mend Our Broken Hearts and World by Sharon Brous. This acclaimed book makes the case that the spiritual work of our time is to find our way to one another and create deep connections in all life's seasons. During Bread and Soup Gatherings, Rev. Joe will lead a discussion on how the book's themes relate to community at St. Francis. The book is widely available for purchase, including a $5 Kindle version, and library borrowing.

Calling All Crocheters

If you crochet and would like to help bring this Nativity set to life, please email Claudia.

New Covenant Center Threads of Warmth Clothing Drive through Feb. 22

The Interfaith Social Ministry Collaborative is collecting new underwear and socks and gently used sweatpants, sweatshirts, sweaters, long and short sleeve tee shirts, jeans and blankets. Please bring your items to the New Church by Feb. 22. Sign up here if you can help with sorting, transportation or distribution Feb. 26 - 27. Email Dawn R. with questions.

Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18

From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the intersection of Long Ridge Road and Old Long Ridge Road, Rev. Joe will offer "ashes to go." At 12 p.m., there will be a service at the Historic Church. At 7 p.m., there will be a combined service at St. John's Lutheran Church, where Rev. Joe will preach.

'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 Mar. 9, 23 and Apr. 6, 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. They will provide preparation for those seeking to be formally received into the Episcopal Church by Bishop Laura Ahrens on May 16 at St. Mark's New Canaan. Reception is for anyone who has been baptized and confirmed in another denomination; confirmation is for anyone who has been baptized. Please email Rev. Joe if you are interested in being formally received as an Episcopalian.

Epiphany Home Blessings

During the season of Epiphany, Rev. Joe will be offering home blessings to St. Francis parishioners. In the church, Epiphany is the traditional season of home blessings, symbolizing the Magi’s visit, inviting God’s light, peace, and presence into our homes for the year. A home blessing can be a simple, prayerful moment or include the traditional “chalking of the door” and Eucharist. Whether it's a house or an apartment, this gathering is intended to make your home a sacred space, a refuge of peace, hope and joy, where Christ is a daily guest. If you would like to schedule a house blessing from now until Shrove Tuesday, Feb. 17, email Rev. Joe.

Generosity 2026: A Gentle Nudge (We are SO close!)

We’re so grateful for everyone who has pledged to support St. Francis in 2026. We are so close to meeting our stewardship goal, allowing us to budget for the new year. If you haven’t yet made your pledge, there’s still time. Please prayerfully consider your giving for this year and make your commitment. Every pledge matters and helps our parish live out our mission to love God and neighbor.

Pledge for 2026