St. Francis Weekly

November 26 - December 2, 2025

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

Hello, Friends of St Francis!

Rector’s Reflection: "Hoping Machine"

I know that Arlo Guthrie’s “Alice’s Restaurant” is considered a classic Thanksgiving anthem. But I’d like to talk about another Guthrie — and another song this week. Several people have asked about the musical meditation performed with a three-chords-and-the-truth vulnerability by a local high school student during Sunday night’s service. It was a Woody Guthrie song called “Hoping Machine.” Here's why I chose it -- and why it just might be the perfect non-Hymnal hymn for Advent's twilight. Click to read

Anthony P.'s Reflection for our Vestry Meeting: The Importance of Music

Music has always been an important part of my life. I learned early that I could not carry a tune, read music, remember lyrics, or play a musical instrument (all those notes, flats and G-Clefs were overwhelming). That did not stop music from becoming a core part of my evolving self. Music, and life, to me are about relationship – between one another, the people in the song, the instruments in play, and the composer and listener. Click to read

BELOVED: Generosity 2026

“God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.”

— 1 John 4:16

Jane and Rich gave an inspiring talk about "What St Francis Means to Us" highlighting how our parish is known for its outreach in Stamford.

We invite you to prayerfully consider your pledge for 2026 and make your commitment to St. Francis.

Pledge for 2026

Special Events and News

Our Pantry to Yours Food Collection through November 30

The Interfaith Social Ministries Collaborative is collecting non perishable items for The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County. Please bring food items to the church (or put in the green bin in front of the church) by November 30. Proteins such as tuna, peanut butter, and beans are desperately needed. Thank you!

Thanksgiving Day Service: November 27 at 10 a.m.

Our annual Thanksgiving Service with a Bread Altar will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day at the Historic Church. Let us come together to break bread and give thanks.

Common Ground at Ferguson Library December 3 from 5:30 - 7:45 p.m.

A panel of diverse faith leaders will explore the shared values that unite us across different beliefs and traditions in times of conflict, confrontation and chaos. Register here

St Francis Cookie Swap on December 12 from 1 - 3 p.m.

What's Christmas-time without cookies?! Bring your favorites (3 - 4 dozen, if you can) and an empty container to our Cookie Swap at Aleta’s house and you will take home a mixed batch of cookies to enjoy! A light lunch will be served. Click to RSVP to Aleta.

Multimedia of the Week

The Very Rev. Winnie Varghese, Dean of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, NYC, preached at Rev Joe's Installation Service on Sunday.

Lots of pictures to peruse! Thanks to Joe, Michele and the children of Godly Play for blessing the hats for P2P and to Michele for knitting them! The Polishing Committee and Lunch Bunch got together. Joe's Installation, with many former and new friends attending, was a highlight of this past week.

Click for more photos of the Installation Service