St. Francis Weekly

August 6 - August 12, 2025

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

Hello, Friends of St Francis!

John L. Bell's hymn, The Summons, reminds us that God lives within us and we within God. Click to listen

"Let me turn and follow you

And never be the same.

In your company I'll go

Where your love and footsteps show.

Thus I'll move and live and grow

In you and you in me."

If you watch the famous and grueling Le Tour de France bike race every July, you witness strategy, power, teamwork, courage, and resilience. Amongst the devastating crashes, mountaintop finishes, and dangerous descents, there is intense competition but also great sportsmanship. Oftentimes, when a lead rider crashes or has a mechanical issue, the peloton (main group of riders) slows down to wait for him to catch up to the group. To see such generosity in a highly competitive sport is baffling but so refreshing! The riders show grace and respect for their competitor so as not to take advantage of someone in distress.

Do we do this in our daily lives? Do we remember, as Bell suggests in his hymn, that God lives within each of us and us in God? Jesus modeled how to be fair, understanding, faithful, and kind in our interactions with others.

Special Events

LAST CHANCE - Interfaith Social Justice Collaborative Backpack and School Supply Collection for B1C - through August 10th

Please join the Interfaith Social Ministry Collaborative in providing school supplies and backpacks for 45 elementary students connected with B1C. There are three ways to participate:

Donate money for backpacks,
Buy a box of school supplies from Amazon,
Buy specific items needed to fill a backpack. Click for flyer.

The money should be donated or supplies brought to the new Church by Sunday, August 10th. Thank you so much!

Updates to the Parish Directory August 22

Please check the following link to see if you need to update your information in the Parish Directory. Email Claudia B. by August 22 ONLY IF you have changes. Click for directory

Wednesdays with Linda

Would you like to meet with Pastor Linda? She is available at St. Francis on August 13, 27, September 3, and 24.

Click to email her to set up an appointment. We are so grateful for Linda's willingness to engage with us in so many different ways!

Landscaping this Saturday

Meet at the Church to help beautify the St. Francis campus on August 9th from 9:00 - 11:00 am. Any amount of help is appreciated!

Celebration of Jamaican Independence at

St. John's Episcopal, Stamford on August 10th

Stamford News - 2035 Comprehensive Plan

The Comprehensive Plan for the City of Stamford is a once-in-a-decade opportunity to assess the city's current conditions, ask critical questions about its future, and establish a strategic framework for achieving Stamford's 2035 goals as defined by its residents and local government. It is an ongoing, interactive process shaped by community engagement. Citizens of Stamford's input plays a vital role - public feedback at every stage helps the city to refine the plan so it best reflects the residents' priorities and Stamford's shared vision for the future. Informed by land use best practices and shaped through robust community and stakeholder input, the plan will serve as a North Star for Stamford's development through 2035, as guided by a series of goals and action items.

Click for plan

Residents may provide feedback at a public meeting of the Planning Board on Tuesday, August 12, and at two public hearings on Tuesday, September 2 (virtual) and Tuesday, September 16 (in-person at the 4th floor cafeteria at the Government Center).

Mid-Week Meditation

Prayer by Richard Rohr

Loving God, we love how you love us. We love how you free us. We love what you have given and created to surround us. Help us to recognize, and to rejoice in, what has been given, even in the midst of what is not given.

Brian M gave an impromptu "sermon" during a Sunday Service about finding peace and joy at St. Francis. Thank you, Brian! Click to watch

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:

Fairgate Farm will be selling produce at the Farmer's Market at Veteran's Park this Saturday, August 9.
The Farm is a healthy food and healthy mind outlet.
The Farm provides a 24/7 sidewalk accessible hub where people can get free food and books. Stop by to find a treasure!

Click here to donate to Miles for a Mission

Sheila says:

The Farm is looking for volunteers for harvesting Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings.
Join the Yoga on the Farm Classes at 11 am on Aug 9th, Aug 23rd, Sept 6th, Sept 20th, and Oct 4th. All classes are free as part of the Farm's educational mission. The website provides more information: "Connect with nature around you as your yogi guides you through yoga stretches and restorative movement. All ages are welcome! Weather permitting, we will gather among the field rows on the farm. Chairs will be provided for mobility-limited folks. Yoga mats will also be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own!"
There is a Movement (Zumba) class at the Farm following Yoga this Saturday, August 9.
On August 12th there is a work and learn class on Harvesting Herbs from 5:00 - 7:00 pm.
On August 28th join the Farmer’s Kitchen: Botanical Creations with Alchemist Anna at 5:30 pm.
Click to register for classes