St. Francis Weekly

January 7 - 13, 2026

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

Hello, Friends of St Francis!

Dawn R's Reflection: Lessons from Common Ground

I attended a Common Ground interfaith gathering at the Ferguson Library in December. It was a clergy-led discussion by leaders of different faiths where each reflected on the same Bible texts and shared how their faith communities put their beliefs into action. The two selected texts were Leviticus 19:34 and Matthew 25:40-45. (Both passages teach that treating strangers and the vulnerable with compassion and justice is a moral duty, and that how we care for those in need reflects our faith and responsibility before God.) Read more

Special Events and News

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, contact Rev. Joe at jrose@stfrancisstamford.org.

St Francis Movie Discussion January 11 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Watch Remains of the Day ahead of time and join us for a lively discussion in the meeting room. All are welcome!

St Francis hike at Tod's Point, Greenwich January 17 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.

King in the Wilderness free documentary screening January 17 12:30 p.m. Ferguson Library, 1 Public Plaza

On January 17 the Ferguson Library will be screening the HBO documentary King In the Wilderness, a film that follows Martin Luther King Jr. during the last years of his life, as told through personal stories of the people who were around him. Register here

Annual MLK Jr Day January 19 Rally 10 a.m. MLK March 11 a.m.

Celebrate MLK Day with the Stamford Community. The rally kicks off at Bethel AME, 150 Fairfield Ave., at 10 a.m. immediately followed by a march through the streets of Stamford. The march concludes at the Yerwood Center.

'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 starting in March. 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 the Rt. Rev. Jeffrey Mello, Bishop of Connecticut, in May. Reception is for anyone who has been baptized and confirmed in another denomination; confirmation is for anyone who has been baptized. Please reach out to Rev. Joe at jrose@stfrancisstamford.org if you are interested in being formally received as an Episcopalian.

Generosity 2026: Thank You and a Friendly Nudge

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

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 on Zoom.

Multimedia of the Week

Watch Rev. Joe's Sunday sermon:

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

As usual, there is a lot of people giving of themselves within, and outside of St. Francis. Several people shoveled before Sunday services a few weeks ago after the snowstorm; thank you, also, to the Long Ridge Fire Station for helping to plow our driveway! We love when the Godly Play kids help with the Eucharist. Thanks to all those who helped with the Pacific House dinner and at B1C food distribution.