St. Francis Weekly

March 25 - 31, 2026

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

Hello, Friends of St Francis!

Rector's Reflection: The Palm Sunday Donkey – "The Lord Needs It"

As part of my adventure in ministry, I started Trinity Church NYC's sanctuary for rescued donkeys in Northwest Connecticut. With Palm Sunday approaching, I wanted to share this poem from Mary Oliver and the above video that I made a few years ago about Jesus' donkey (co-starring the Trinity Sanctuary donkeys). See you at church during Holy Week.

Peace and blessings,

St. Francis News ...

A New Face: Meet Jean, St. Francis' New Administrative Assistant

A big welcome to Jean Argenti, our new administrative assistant! Monday was her first day at St. Francis. She’s excited to meet everyone and support our community’s life together. If you want to say hello in person, Jean will be working in the Meeting Room office every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Contemplative Prayer: Tuesdays through Mar. 31 11 a.m. to noon

Pause with us for contemplative prayer, guided by Anna V and Rev Joe, as we create space for silence, reflection, meditation and God’s grace.

Soup and Bread Gatherings: Wednesdays through March 25 in the Meeting Room

All are welcome to gather for prayer, a book discussion of The Amen Effect by Sharon Brous, and a simple, communal meal of homemade bread and soup every Wednesday at noon during Lent. There will be an evening gathering on Mar. 25 at 6 p.m.

The following chapters of The Amen Effect will be discussed:

Mar 25: Chapters 7-8
Mar 25 evening: Book Recap

Holy Week commemorates the final week of Jesus’ life, including his triumphal entry, crucifixion, and resurrection. All are welcome to participate in the Holy Week Services and gatherings. Click here for dates and times

Easter Sunday: April 5 at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.

The 8 a.m. Easter Sunday service in the Historic Church will be followed by a parish breakfast in the Meeting Room. The 10 a.m. service will be followed by an Easter Egg Hunt on the lawn outside the New Church.

To make an on-line donation for Easter Flowers or Music, please go to:

https://www.stfrancisstamford.org/give. If you’d prefer to give a donation via check, please make it out to St Francis and add 'Flowers' or ‘Music’ in the Memo section & send to: St Francis Church, 503 Old Long Ridge Road, Stamford, CT 06903 or leave it in the Donation basket at the New Church. Thanks for your generosity!

'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. 23 and Apr. 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. Please email Rev. Joe if you are interested in being formally received as an Episcopalian. Anyone is welcome to join here on Zoom.

... and beyond

Interfaith Seder March 26 at Tempel Sinai at 6:30 p.m.

All are welcome at an interfaith Seder at Temple Sinai at 458 Lakeside Drive in Stamford. Click here to register. The event is $18 and open to all.

The Interfaith Social Ministries Collaborative sponsors the Dignity Grows Project April 23 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.

Join St. Francis and five other faith communities on Thursday, April 23 at Temple Sinai, 458 Lakeside Dr, Stamford. We'll make hundreds of sandwiches for New Covenant Center and pack 700 hygiene bags for those in need. Enjoy light snacks and social time too! To sign up to volunteer or donate money click here. Please email Dawn R with questions.

Multimedia of the Week

Watch Rev Joe's Sunday sermon

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

We are very proud of the countless hours that Cathy and John volunteer to help fellow citizens with their taxes. Ralph gave a thoughtful reflection to the vestry. A great time was had at Orchestra Lumos' third concert at St Francis.