St. Francis Weekly

February 25 - March 3, 2026

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

Hello, Friends of St Francis!

Rector's Reflection: Showing Up

If you have 30 seconds, I invite you to watch the video above. One of the reasons I chose Rabbi Sharon Brous’ The Amen Effect as our Lenten Parish Read this year is because, page after page, I kept thinking: “This is what I see at St. Francis.” Brous writes about community as an act of love, creativity, and even resistance — a refusal to let isolation or cynicism have the last word. That feels very close to home. Read more.

Special Events and News

Meet The Rev. Meg Finnerud

Rev. Joe and Heidi will be on vacation next week. From the afternoon of March 1 through March 8, The Rev. Meg Finnerud will serve as a supply priest. She will preach and celebrate at both services on Sunday, March 8. If you need to reach Rev. Meg with an emergency pastoral need, email her at revmeg14@gmail.com or by phone at 919-302-0131.

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 in the Meeting Room

All are welcome to gather for prayer, a book discussion of The Amen Effect: Ancient Wisdom to Mend Our Broken Hearts and World by Sharon Brous, and a simple, communal meal of homemade bread and soup every Wednesday at noon during Lent. There will be two evening gatherings as well on Feb. 25 and Mar. 25 at 6 p.m.

Books are available for sale ($16) in the Church.

The following chapters of The Amen Effect will be discussed at each soup and bread gathering:

Feb 25 noon and evening sessions: Chapters 1-2
Mar 4: Chapter 3
Mar 11: Chapters 4-5
Mar 18: Chapter 6
Mar 25: Chapters 7-8
Mar 25 evening: Book Recap

'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.

Starting this Saturday... Join a free two session workshop on Conversations about Life, Loss and Hope at Stamford Church of Christ February 28 and March 7 from 9:30-11:30 a.m.

This workshop offers a caring space to reflect on end-of-life decisions, grief, and the sacred work of preparing ourselves and our loved ones. Register here to attend at Stamford Church of Christ, 1264 High Ridge Rd.

Free Blues and Beyond Concert on March 21 at FCC at 6:00 p.m.

First Congregational Church of Stamford is welcoming THE BLUES & BEYOND on Saturday March 21st, 2026 at 6 p.m. at 655 Stillwater Avenue, Stamford.

This is a FREE concert of music combined with a powerful exploration into the history of African American music in our country. RSVP here no later than Friday, March 20.

Orchestra Lumos Small Space Concert March 22 in the New Church from 3:00-4:30 p.m.

The music will be a great selection from Broadway including pieces by Gershwin, Porter, and Berstein along with some classics. Farmhouse Restaurant is graciously sponsoring the event and catering during intermission. Click here to purchase tickets.

Multimedia of the Week

Watch Sundays sermon by Rev. Joe

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

It was another busy week at St Francis as we were hit with another winter blast, Lent began with Ash Wednesday, the altar and chairs were moved in the sanctuary, the Threads for Warmth clothing collection ended, and the Vestry held its night prayer and monthly meeting. Thank you to all who participated in the activities!