St. Francis Weekly

January 14 - 20, 2026

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

Hello, Friends of St Francis!

Rector's Reflection: MLK from the 'Mountaintop'

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace…” – Isaiah 52

As we approach Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I want to share MLK's last speech – “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop.” It was in support of striking Memphis sanitation workers the night before his assassination. As our Sunday readings linger in the fierce, luminous poetry of Isaiah, it feels especially important to remember the role of prophets in extraordinary times. This speech is very much a self-aware sermon about sacrifice and courage for those of us who walk the Way of Jesus It’s not the soaring optimism of “I Have a Dream.” It is one of my favorite King speeches not because it is hopeful in an easy way, but because it is hopeful in an honest, grounding and defiant way. READ MORE.

Special Events and News

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, contact Rev. Joe at jrose@stfrancisstamford.org.

St Francis hike at Tod's Point, Greenwich January 17 10 a.m.

Join us for our winter hike at Tod's Point in Greenwich, CT, where we'll take in stunning coastal views of Long Island Sound. This is a rare opportunity to explore the area, as it's open to non-residents only during the winter months. After the hike, we'll head over to the Stamford Diner (135 Harvard Ave, Stamford) for lunch, coffee, or snacks. Address: 11 Tods Driftway, Old Greenwich, CT. Meet at the first parking lot on the left after passing the guardhouse.

St Francis Annual Meeting January 25 11 a.m. - noon

There will be only one church service on Sunday, Jan. 25, as we come together to worship as a community before our 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.

Peter Weber Memorial Service: Saturday, 2 p.m.

We will gather to celebrate the life of longtime St. Francis member Peter Weber with prayer, song and remembrances in the Historic Church on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 2 p.m. The service will be followed by a blessed committal in the Columbarium and a reception in the Meeting Room. Peter passed away on December 11, 2025, at the age of 84.

'King in the Wilderness' free documentary screening: Saturday, 12:30 p.m. Ferguson Library

On January 17 the Ferguson Library, 1 Public Plaza, will be screening the HBO documentary "King In the Wilderness," a film that follows Martin Luther King Jr. during the last years of his life, as told through personal stories of the people who were around him. Register here

Annual MLK Day Rally and March in Stamford

Celebrate MLK Day on Monday, Jan, 19, with the Stamford Community. The rally kicks off at Bethel AME, 150 Fairfield Ave., in Stamford at 10 a.m. The rally will be followed by a march through the streets of Stamford. The march concludes at the Yerwood Center.

Lunch Bunch Wednesday, January 21 at noon

All are welcome to join the St. Francis Lunch Bunch! Bring lunch to the Historic Church Meeting Room for food, fellowship, and fun!

Calling All Crocheters

During the Bilotti's recent home blessing, Rev. Joe really liked the Nativity set Claudia crocheted many years ago and suggested it would be wonderful to create a duplicate for the New Church. The original was made from three kits Claudia's grandmother gave her, complete with yarn, embroidery thread, stuffing, and instructions. After a bit of searching, she was thrilled to find those identical kits on Etsy and quickly purchased them. Now we’re looking for fellow crocheters to help bring this project to life! Claudia will be making Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. If you crochet and would be willing to create one or more of the Wise Men, the shepherd, or the sheep, we’d love your help. Please email claudia_bilotti@hotmail.com.

'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 over Zoom on March 9, 23 and April 6 and 20. 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 reach out to Rev. Joe at jrose@stfrancisstamford.org if you are interested in being formally received as an Episcopalian.

Generosity 2026: Thank You and a Friendly Nudge

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. We invite you to 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