St. Francis Weekly

August 13 - August 19, 2025

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

Hello, Friends of St Francis!

The Journey To Our New Rector

From our first conversation to a unanimous Vestry vote, every step felt guided by God’s hand. Discover how Rev. Joe became our new Rector. Click here to read more

Special Events

Updates to the Parish Directory By August 22

Please check the following link to see if you need to update your photos or information in the Parish Directory. Email Claudia B. by August 22 ONLY IF you have changes. Click for directory

Hike at Bartlett Arboretum - Saturday, August 23rd at 10:00 AM

Our next hike will be at the renowned Bartlett Arboretum. Covering 90 acres, this stunning property is celebrated for its diverse collection of trees, plants, and meticulously curated gardens. The address is 151 Brookdale Rd, Stamford, CT. We will meet in front of the Homestead Building Visitor Center.

Join us after the hike for lunch/coffee/snacks at the Parkway Diner at 1066 High Ridge Rd, Stamford.

Wednesdays with Linda

Would you like to meet with Pastor Linda? She is available at St. Francis on August 27, September 3, and 24.

Click to email her to set up an appointment. We are so grateful for Linda's willingness to engage with us in so many different ways!

New Prayer Shawl Companion Printout

Our Prayer Shawl Group recently adopted an excerpt from the book The New Prayer Shawl Companion. They will be including a printout Click to read with each prayer shawl. As the book explains, "The Prayer Shawl Ministry itself represents the fact that there are people

pulling for you – people who may not even know you, but who are willing to help and give you hope in times of distress."

Miles for a Mission 5K Run/Walk and Dogapolooza on September 21 9:00 AM at the New Church

Click here to register and find information about the race.

Click here to volunteer the weekend of the race.

Stamford News - 2035 Comprehensive Plan

The Comprehensive Plan for the City of Stamford is a once-in-a-decade opportunity to assess the city's current conditions, ask critical questions about its future, and establish a strategic framework for achieving Stamford's 2035 goals as defined by its residents and local government. It is an ongoing, interactive process shaped by community engagement. Citizens of Stamford's input plays a vital role - public feedback at every stage helps the city to refine the plan so it best reflects the residents' priorities and Stamford's shared vision for the future. Informed by land use best practices and shaped through robust community and stakeholder input, the plan will serve as a North Star for Stamford's development through 2035, as guided by a series of goals and action items.

Click for plan

Residents may provide feedback at a public meeting of the Planning Board at two public hearings on Tuesday, September 2 (virtual) and Tuesday, September 16 (in-person at the 4th floor cafeteria at the Government Center).

Mid-Week Meditation

The Goo Goo Dolls put on a great concert in Bridgeport last week. Hope, peace, and faith are important themes in their song Better Days.

I need someplace simple where we could live

And something only you can give

And that's faith and trust and peace while we're alive

And the one poor child that saved this world

And there's 10 million more who probably could

If we all just stopped and said a prayer for them

So take these words

And sing out loud

'Cause everyone is forgiven now

'Cause tonight's the night the world begins again

I wish everyone was loved tonight

And somehow stop this endless fight

Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days Click to listen

Would you like to share a spiritual or inspirational reflection?

Please email it to: dawnerandall@aol.com

Fairgate Farm: Get to know our 2025 Miles for a Mission Partner

Fun Fairgate Farm Facts:

"In July it was finally time to harvest our garlic! Cloves were planted in the field last October and November and covered with straw so they could be protected over the winter. Once harvested, the garlic has been curing in one of our sheds. Curing garlic helps dry out the layers so they can be stored for a long period of time without rotting. These pungent little bulbs are now available at our farmstand! We will be saving a large portion of bulbs to re-plant this fall, so come get some of the limited supply we have while it lasts!" (from Fairgate Farm newsletter)

Click here to donate to Miles for a Mission

Sheila says:

The Farm is open to volunteers and visitors Tuesdays 9-noon and 4-7 pm, Wednesdays 9-noon, and Thursdays and Saturday 8am-1 pm.
Join the Yoga on the Farm Classes at 11 am on Aug 23rd, Sept 6th, Sept 20th, and Oct 4th. All classes are free as part of the Farm's educational mission. The website provides more information: "Connect with nature around you as your yogi guides you through yoga stretches and restorative movement. All ages are welcome! Weather permitting, we will gather among the field rows on the farm. Chairs will be provided for mobility-limited folks. Yoga mats will also be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own!"
Join The Pink Frequency class, Saturday, August 23 at noon for a gathering for movement, music, and healing energy. Yoga mats are provided or you may bring your own.
On August 28th join the Farmer’s Kitchen: Botanical Creations with Alchemist Anna at 5:30 pm.
Click to register for classes

Sheila loves to educate people about the farm and has lots of great stories and information to share. Please ask her about it!

Multimedia of the Week

Click for Sermon

This week we volunteered and bought delicious produce at Fairgate Farm! Some of the fresh food we purchased were garlic, corn, swiss chard, dandelion greens, and tomatoes! We caught Sheila in the act of watering the veggies in the greenhouses and appreciate that she picked our tomatoes. We also enjoyed talking with patrons about our upcoming Miles for a Mission 5K and Dogapolooza to benefit the Farm.