St. Francis Weekly

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

Hello, Friends of St Francis!

Claudia B: On Figure Skating & the Olympics

While filling in for Dawn R and John C stewarding the Wednesday email, Claudia B took the opportunity to talk about her love of Figure Skating and the Olympics which just happened to start last Friday.

If you don’t already know this about me: I am a passionate fan of figure skating and the Olympics! It all started with my parents . . . Read more

Special Events and News

St Francis Annual Meeting: This Sunday at 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. The documents are available on the website on the Parishioners' tab (password: stfrancis) Click Here. We look forward to seeing everyone in-person or on Zoom (click this link to Join 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.

Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18

From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. near the intersection of Old Long Ridge Road and 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.

New Covenant Center Threads of Warmth Clothing Drive thru 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.

Contemplative Prayer: Tuesdays, Feb. 24-Mar. 31, 11 a.m.

All are welcome to join Rev. Joe and Anna Villalon for Contemplative Prayer on Tuesdays 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. No experience necessary!

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

Click to sign up to bring soup and desserts to the gatherings.

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. (See book details below.) For those whose work schedule doesn’t allow them to join at noon, two additional gatherings will be held on Feb. 25 and Mar. 25 at 6 p.m. 

These are the chapters of The Amen Effect that will be discussed at each soup and bread gathering:

• Feb 25: Chapters 1-2
• Feb 25 night: Chapters 1-2
• Mar 4: Chapter 3
• Mar 11: Chapters 4-5
• Mar 18: Chapter 6
• Mar 25: Chapters 7-8
• Mar 25 night: Book Recap

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.

Help Us Share Comfort Through Prayer Shawls

Over the years, the Prayer Shawlers have heard many stories about how receiving a shawl brought comfort and meaning. This article by Rayellen Sparks Casey offers a beautiful glimpse into that experience from a recipient’s perspective: Do you by any chance own a prayer shawl?

"I have been given several prayer shawls over the years at times of difficulty, and I cherish them. I take seriously the claim of the makers that every stitch was a prayer Read More

Do you have a loved one who could benefit from the comforting embrace of a prayer shawl? Our Prayer Shawl Ministry offers shawls, scarves and blankets in a variety of styles and colors. Please click the link: Request a Prayer Shawl

'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 April 26 at St. Francis. 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. 

Generosity 2026: We made it to 100%!

We’re so grateful for everyone who has pledged to support St. Francis in 2026. If you haven’t yet made your pledge, 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.

Multimedia of the Week

Watch Rev. Joe's Sunday sermon:

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

An Anniversary Blessing

It may have been VERY cold outside, but we were all filled with warmth inside as Rev. Joe blessed Amory and Billy on their 12th wedding anniversary!

Future Events

(for current week's events, see email: Sunday Notes/Weekly Offering)

Friday (February 13)

12:30 - 2 p.m.

Food Distribution at Bethel AME Church

(150 Fairfield Avenue, Stamford)

Saturday (February 14)

10 a.m.

Hike at Tod's Point

(11 Tods Driftway, Old Greenwich)

Sunday (January 25)

11 a.m. - noon

Annual Meeting

(New Church and Join here)

Sunday (February 15)

4 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Movie Discussion

Crossing Delancey

(Meeting Room)

Wednesday (February 18)

9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Ashes to Go

(Intersection of Long Ridge and Old Long Ridge Rds)

Wednesday (February 18)

noon - 1 p.m.

Ash Wednesday with Eucharist

(Historic Church)

Wednesday (February 18)

7 p.m. - 8 p.m.

St Francis/St John's Lutheran Ash Wednesday Service

(St John's Lutheran Church, 884 Newfield Ave, Stamford)

Thursday (February 19)

6 p.m.

Vestry Meeting

(Meeting Room)

Sunday (February 22)

11 a.m. - noon

Book Group

Riley Hill

(New Church and Virtual - Join here)

Every Tuesday (February 24 - March 31)

11 a.m. - noon

Contemplative Prayer

(Meeting Room)

Every Wednesday (February 25 - March 25)

noon - 1 p.m.

Soup & Bread Gathering

(Meeting Room)

TWO Wednesdays (February 25 & March 25)

6 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Soup & Bread Gathering

(Meeting Room)

Friday (February 27)

12:30 - 2 p.m.

Food Distribution at Bethel AME Church

(150 Fairfield Avenue, Stamford)

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