St. Francis Weekly

November 4 - November 11, 2026

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

Hello, Friends of St Francis!

Rector's Reflection: A Saintly Playlist

We recently held a wonderful forum where parishioners came together to dream out loud about music at St. Francis. One thing was clear: Many of you see music as a holy sacrament.

During my sermon at the 10 a.m. All Saints Sunday service, I referred to one of my favorite songs by the Irish rock band U2. It’s called “Yahweh,” and it has always struck me as a beautiful prayer about what it means to be human and imperfect — and yet wonderfully capable of revealing God's love to our neighbors.

The song's lyrics offer God the broken, ordinary pieces of life, asking that they might be transformed into something holy.

Take this soul

Stranded in some skin and bones

Take this soul

And make it sing ...

Take these hands

Teach them what to carry

It's a reminder that God doesn't wait for us to become perfect before putting us to work. And that is at the heart of All Saints Day.

After the service, Rich Lee suggested another popular song that reminds us that we are the hopeful people who believe that God's love continues to take flesh through us — 1970's "Put Your Hand in the Hand" by Ocean.

A would also recommend my favorite version of "When the Saints Go Marching In" from Bruce Springsteen. And, of course, there is Sarah McLachlan's "Prayer of St. Francis."

What songs would be on your All Saints playlist? What songs remind you that we are God's hands, feet and heartbeat in this hungry world?

Stewardship 2027: Nurture and Growth

"What St. Francis Means to Me": Watch Audrey Roco and Bill Campbell's Testimonial

As part of St. Francis' 2027 stewardship campaign, parishioners are giving Sunday morning testimonials on what they love about our parish and why they give to the common life and mission of our faith family. Watch Audrey Roco and Bill Campbell's testimonial from last Sunday.

You can read the Wardens' stewardship letter here.

We invite you to prayerfully consider your financial pledge for 2027 and make your commitment to support all the things that make St. Francis a beacon of God's love, justice and hope in the greater Stamford area.

Pledge for 2027

St. Francis News ...

St. Francis Christmas Cards Are Back!

St. Francis will once again be selling Christmas cards this year! The cards feature a beautiful painting of our beloved Historic Church by artist and parishioner Terry Murphy on the front, with the inspiring words from John 1:5 inside: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” What a wonderful way to share the beauty of St. Francis and the hope and light of Christmas with family and friends near and far! Cards are available in packs of 10 for $15. To preorder your cards, please email Jean in the parish office at stfrancisstamford@gmail.com. A limited number of cards will also be available at Sunday services.

'Holy Living, Holy Dying' Forum: Sunday, Nov. 15, 11:15 a.m., New Church

Although it may be difficult to imagine or do, the process for planning for our end of life is a gift to family members and yourself. This gathering will be led by The Rev. Debra Slade and Rev. Joe after the 10 a.m. service on Nov. 15 in the New Church. Debra will discuss her work with hospital patients and families — and the questions and concerns about end-of-life decisions made at the time of death and prior to death. Joe and Debra will also guide us through the processes of making plans for a good and holy death, covering everything from how to make a funeral plan to creating important checklists to designating an executor to sharing personal data to thinking about your legacy of generosity. This planning will provide a lasting comfort to your family.

St. Francis Movie Club: 'The Holdovers' (2023), November 15 at 4 p.m.

The St. Francis Movie Club will meet on Sunday, November 15 at 4 p.m. in the Historic Church Meeting Room to discuss the 2023 drama, "The Holdovers" which is available for rental on streaming platforms such as Prime Video and Peacock.

St. Francis 80 Service with Bishop Mello: Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m., Historic Church

This year’s St. Francis’ 80 celebration continues as Bishop Jeffrey Mello will be our preacher and celebrant for a special evening service. November 17 is the official anniversary of the Historic Church being consecrated and St. Francis becoming part of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut. In honor of our parish’s rich history, the service will be held in the Historic Church on Old Long Ridge Road and will feature the “Rite I” Eucharistic liturgy that would have been celebrated in 1948. A reception will follow in the Meeting Room. Watch Bishop Mello's address to the 242nd Convention of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut.

Thanksgiving Day Service: November 26 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.

Taking Vestry Nominations

Vestry seats will open in January and we are looking for nominees. If you would like to discuss joining the vestry or nominate someone whose leadership in the parish has inspired you, please speak to Rev. Joe, Aleta or Joan or Email Rev. Joe. Nominees to be voted on at St. Francis’ Annual Meeting in January.

... and Beyond

A Night of Music to Benefit INTEMPO: Thursday, November 12 at 6:00 p.m.

INTEMPO is thrilled to host our Annual Fundraiser on Thursday, November 12, at The Village in Stamford. The evening will feature live music performed by INTEMPO’s inaugural Artist-in-Residence, Ashley Yoon, and INTEMPO students; remarks from CEO Lou Chen and Youth Council President Nate Caballeros; food and drinks; a silent auction; a live auction; and a paddle raise.

Founded in 2011, INTEMPO provides multicultural music education to children predominantly from immigrant communities. We serve over 600 children each year through our afterschool, summer, and partnership programs.

Tickets are $150. Click Here to buy tickets or to donate.

Location

The Village

4 Star Point

Stamford, Connecticut 06902

Discounted Oil Rates

for Parishioners from

Mitchell Oil

Our long-time oil provider, Mitchell Oil, is offering St. Francis parishioners special pricing protection plans for the coming heating season:

Prebuy: $5.299 per gallon
Fixed: $5.399 per gallon
Capped: $5.599 per gallon (Cap fee: $399 for customers using more than 1,000 gallons; $299 for customers using fewer than 1,000 gallons)

These rates include a $0.10-per-gallon discount off Mitchell Oil's regular rates and are subject to change.

To learn more or lock in your heating price for the coming season, contact Tim R. by email or phone

Thank you to Mitchell Oil for its continued service to our parish and support of MFM.