St. Francis Weekly

January 21 - 27, 2026

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

Hello, Friends of St Francis!

Rector's Reflection: Our Shared Life, 'Spiritual Strength' and the Annual Meeting

For those who heard Sunday’s sermon on Psalm 40 and prophetic witness, here's the U2 song “40” that I mentioned. I touched on my "issues" with the modern English translation of this psalm, which focuses on "waiting patiently" for God. I prefer the immediacy of Hebrew scholar Robert Alter's translation, which is more faithful to the ancient poetry. It reads like lived prayer, an immediate dialogue between human and God in the wilderness:

"I urgently hoped for the LORD.

God bent down toward me and heard my voice."

And so this is not passive waiting, but urgent hope – the kind that cries out, that sings, because it trusts God is always close enough to hear. Hope that refuses silence. Hope that believes our wild God is already bending toward us in the dust and noise of this wild world.

May that urgent hope take root in you: hope that speaks when it must, sings when it can, and loves wastefully when it's needed. And may the God who hears every cry meet you with mercy, courage, and a new song for the road ahead.

Blessings and peace,

Special Events and News

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 Join here 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. tomorrow, January 22.

Lunch Bunch Happening TODAY Wednesday, January 21 at noon

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

St Francis hike at Tod's Point, Greenwich Saturday, January 24 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.

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 Lenten 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.

Wednesday Lenten Soup and Bread Fellowship: Feb. 25-March 25

All are welcome to gather for prayer, a book discussion, and a simple, communal meal of homemade bread and soup every Wednesday during Lent. These gatherings will be held at noon every Wednesday from Feb. 25 through March 25 in the Historic Church Meeting Room. Rev. Joe will lead a brief discussion on our Lenten Parish Read, The Amen Effect, at each gathering. For those whose work schedule don’t allow them to join the noon meals, an additional 6 p.m. gathering will be held on Feb. 25 and March 25.

Calling All Crocheters

Many thanks to Aleta S. for volunteering to crochet some of the figures! We would love to have one or two more crocheters join this project. If you crochet and would like to help bring this Nativity set to life, please email Claudia.

New Covenant Center Threads of Warmth Clothing Drive through Februay 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 Church by February 22. Sign up here if you can help with sorting, transportation or distribution Feb. 26 - 27. Email Dawn R. with questions.

Hope and Resilience: A Community Dialogue on ICE in Stamford, Tomorrow Night

On Thursday at 6:00 p.m., SNUI (Stamford Norwalk United with Immigrants) and Bethel AME Church will host a gathering to explore how federal ICE enforcement is affecting our communities and how people of faith can respond with courage, care and peaceful, prophetic witness. The Episcopal Church stands firm in the Way of Jesus, which teaches that every person bears God’s image, regardless of immigration status, and that government policies causing fear, family separation, and harm to the vulnerable violate our commitments to mercy and justice. At St. Francis, we are called to learn, pray, and stand in solidarity with the oppressed and the marginalized. Your voice is needed for this essential discussion! The in-person SNUI gathering will take place at Bethel AME Church, 150 Fairfield Ave., Stamford, or you can Join here. Please email Dawn R with questions.

'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 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 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 email Rev. Joe if you are interested in being formally received as an Episcopalian.

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, email Rev. Joe.

Generosity 2026: A Gentle Nudge (We are SO close!)

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

Multimedia of the Week

Watch Rev. Joe's Sunday sermon:

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

St Francis celebrated MLK Day at a rally at Bethel AME church, a March through Stamford, and at Moral Monday at the courthouse. Thanks to Patricia for providing the Vestry reflection, Jim and Frank for their beautiful music and Heidi for beautifully reading!