St. Francis Weekly

June 3 - June 9, 2026

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

Hello, Friends of St Francis!

Cathy O.'s Reflection: "At the End of the Day: A Mirror of Questions"

During May's vestry meeting, Cathy O. read Irish poet and philosopher John O'Donohue's "At the End of the Day: A Mirror of Questions," which invites readers into self-reflection on their daily journeys. As Cathy said, asking yourself all 22 questions in the poem daily may be difficult to do. But focusing on two or three on any given day can be a rich spiritual exercise.

What dreams did I create last night?

Where did my eyes linger today?

Where was I blind?

Where was I hurt without anyone noticing?

What did I learn today?

What did I read?

What new thoughts visited me?

What differences did I notice in those closest to me?

Whom did I neglect?

Where did I neglect myself?

What did I begin today that might endure?

How were my conversations?

What did I do today for the poor and the excluded?

Did I remember the dead today?

When could I have exposed myself to the risk of something different?

Where did I allow myself to receive love?

With whom today did I feel most myself?

What reached me today? How did it imprint?

Who saw me today?

What visitations hd I from the past and from the future?

What did I avoid today?

From the evidence – why was I given this day?

St. Francis News ...

St. Francis 80th Anniversary Service and Parish Picnic on Sunday

One Service at 10 a.m.: Historic Church, 503 Old Long Ridge Road, on June 7 at 10 a.m.

Annual Parish Picnic at 11 a.m.: The New Church, 2810 Long Ridge Road.

June St. Francis Movie Club: 'Waking Ned Devine,' June 14 at 4 p.m.

The St. Francis Movie Club will meet on Sunday, June 14, at 4 p.m. in the Historic Church Meeting Room to discuss the 1998 comedy "Waking Ned Devine," which is available for rental on streaming platforms such as Amazon, Apple TV or YouTube.

Longest Day: Defiant Joy Service, June 21, 7 p.m., Historic Church Fire Pit

Join us on the Summer Solstice on Sunday, June 21, at 7 p.m. around the fire pit behind the Historic Church for our Longest Day service — a time of prayer, music, reflection, and defiant joy. In these exhausting and uncertain times, it can be hard to recognize the holy acts of joy and hope burning brightly around and among us. So bring your stories and what is bringing you joy to this service of gratitude in the first light of summer.

America at 250: Independence Day Prayer Service, 10 a.m., July 4, Historic Church

As the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, St. Francis will hold a communitywide Independence Day prayer service at 10 a.m. in the Historic Church on July 4. Faith communities around the city are invited to join in a sacred hour of prayer, reflecting on our shared civic values, and celebrating our hopes for the nation, especially for people of faith who celebrate the spiritual tapestry of the American family.

Please review the Parish Directory and report any changes!

We are in the process of updating the Parish Directory. If you have a digital or paper copy of the directory, please take a moment to review the current directory for any outdated information. If you would like to add or change a photo, you can do that as well. If you are new to St. Francis, we would be delighted to include your information in the directory. The directory is an important tool for keeping us connected as a community. If you would like a copy of the latest (DRAFT) directory, please email Cathy Ostuw.

... and Beyond

The Interfaith Social Ministry Collaborative is in need of donations

The Interfaith Social Ministry Collaborative is collecting food, personal and baby items, and cash donations to help our immigrant neighbors in need. Please see the flyer for more details and return items by June 21 to the new church. Email dawnerandall@aol.com with questions. Your support is deeply appreciated!

Interfaith Sit and Knit: Saturday, June 13, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Stamford

A time of knitting simple beginner-friendly dishcloths to be paired with donated dish soap. Participants may also bring their own knitting project to work on. For those completing the dishcloth project, yarn will be provided along with a limited supply of knitting needles. Bring your own size 7–8 needles and a lawn chair for extra comfort. If you don't know how to knit or crochet, there will be plenty of people to help you learn!

Volunteers Needed for the 12th annual Back to School Shop, Sunday, July 26

About 200 volunteers are needed to help up to 400 elementary school children from low-income families shop for brand new school clothes and supplies. Sign up for a 4-hour morning or afternoon shift as a personal shopper, shoe fitter or one of many other positions, to help make this event a success for the children and families who are counting on us. Register here. There are also volunteer needs for Saturday to help set up the shop and late Sunday to break it down.