St. Francis Weekly

December 17 - 23, 2025

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

Hello, Friends of St Francis!

Rector's Reflection: The Longest Night and the Healing of 'Blue Christmas'

This time of year has a way of pressing on our tender spots. It stirs the deep places. For me, it brings an ache as I light a candle for my grandfather, John, who took me sledding as a boy in Washington’s Cascade foothills.

Even as the world sparkles with Christmas lights and constant fa-la-la-la-la-la energy, I find profound beauty in the slow, gentle hymn "Creator of the Stars at Night." I also find hope in this line from a Mary Oliver poem: “Someone I loved once gave me a box full of darkness. It took me years to understand that this, too, was a gift.”

On Sunday night, I invite you to accept St. Francis’ “Blue Christmas” Longest Night service as a gift, too. Read more

BELOVED: Generosity 2026

We’re so grateful for everyone who has pledged to support St. Francis in 2026. If you haven’t yet made your pledge, there’s still time. We invite you to prayerfully consider your pledge for next year and make your commitment. Every pledge matters and helps our parish live out our mission to love God and neighbor.

Pledge for 2026

Special Events and News

Celebrating 25 Years at "2810" on December 21

On Sunday, December 21, during our 10 a.m. service, we will celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the New Church Building. During the liturgy, we’ll offer prayers of thanksgiving and honor the faithful work the people who dreamed, planned, sacrificed, and worked to bring this sacred space to life. A special coffee hour will follow the service.

St. Francis "Blue Christmas" Longest Night Service on December 21 at 5 p.m.

At a time of year when so many experience feelings of grief, loss, and hardship, St. Francis’ “Blue Christmas” Service on the longest night of the year in the Historic Church invites us into hope and healing through prayer, music, reflection, and anointing with holy oil. Bring whatever you’re carrying this season to this gentle, contemplative service.

Join us for the St. Francis Christmas services

Come all ye faithful! In addition to this weekend's Lessons and Carols and the Longest Night "Blue Christmas" service on Dec. 21, St. Francis' Advent and Christmas gatherings include the Christmas Eve concert and service (in the New Church), and the Christmas Day service. Click here to get the full details

Calling Volunteers: Ring the Bell for The Salvation Army

St. Francis Kettle Days, Dec. 19-20: THANK YOU ST. FRANCIS! All shifts for our St. Francis/Salvation Army Red Kettle Day on Saturday, Dec. 20 have been filled. We are adding another day on Friday, Dec. 19 for any other interested volunteers to serve 2-hour shifts. Kettle Days take place at Acme Market at 1201 High Ridge Road (at the Merritt Parkway). It’s a joyful way to share and receive the holiday spirit. Every donation collected helps families living on the margins with food, utility bills, backpacks, summer camp, music lessons for kids, and much more. If you are interested or have questions, please contact Dom Gautrau at dgautrau@aol.com or 203-273-0662.

Other Days Through Dec. 27: If you can't make it on December 19 or 20, but have a few hours to volunteer for The Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign, Click to email Major Myron to set up a time to ring the bell.

TODAY - St. Francis Lunch Bunch noon to 1 p.m.

Bring your lunch to the Meeting Room for food, fellowship and fun!

$21,500 in Outreach grants have been awarded

St. Francis awarded grants to the 14 inspiring nonprofit organizations who applied. These organizations serve the most vulnerable and underserved in Stamford and nearby communities. Click here to see the list of recipients.

Longest Night Interfaith Memorial Service on December 18 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Gather for the annual Longest Night Interfaith Memorial Service to remember our neighbors: The Homeless, The Voiceless, and The Unseen. It will begin at 4:00 p.m. at Jackie Robinson Park of Fame. A procession will follow to Bethel AME Church, 150 Fairfield Ave., Stamford.

Multimedia of the Week

Watch Rev. Joe's Sunday sermon:

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

The gang distributing food at B1C on a very cold day! Dawn R printing bulletins. Terry giving the reflection during Vestry's Night Prayer, Cookie Swap, Lessons and Carols, and the joyful reception at the Rectory. What a great week at St. Francis.