Anti-Racism Resources
April 3, 2020What’s happening at St. Francis
What's Happening at St. Francis
Upcoming Events
Outside and Inside Services
We are now holding weekly outdoor services of Holy Eucharist Sundays at 11:30 am. These services are limited to 40 attendees, and pre-registration is required. All safety protocols we followed for our summer services are in place: masking, social distancing, hand sanitizing, etc. The outdoor services are, of course, be subject to weather, and will be cancelled if needed. This service will be held weekly until the change of seasons makes it untenable.
In addition to that service, building on the work of our COVID-19 Safety Task Force and with approval of our Vestry and Bishop Gutierrez, we have re-started public, indoor worship Sundays at 10 am. Attendance at this service is limited to 30 people, appropriate safety protocols are in place, and pre-registration is required. This service will continue to be streamed live on the internet, and those attending should be aware that they may appear on camera.
We are now holding weekly outdoor services of Holy Eucharist Sundays at 11:30 am. These services are limited to 40 attendees, and pre-registration is required. All safety protocols we followed for our summer services are in place: masking, social distancing, hand sanitizing, etc. The outdoor services are, of course, be subject to weather, and will be cancelled if needed. This service will be held weekly until the change of seasons makes it untenable.
In addition to that service, building on the work of our COVID-19 Safety Task Force and with approval of our Vestry and Bishop Gutierrez, we have re-started public, indoor worship Sundays at 10 am. Attendance at this service is limited to 30 people, appropriate safety protocols are in place, and pre-registration is required. This service will continue to be streamed live on the internet, and those attending should be aware that they may appear on camera.
Lectionary Bible Study
Lectionary Bible Study meets on Wednesdays mornings at 10 am to pray and discuss the readings for the following Sunday. Anyone is invited to attend.
Currently, Bible Study is meeting remotely, using Zoom. Information about connecting to Zoom on Wednesday morning is sent to the parish a few days prior to the meeting and can also be found here. Dial-in is also available for those who wish to join without video.
Lectionary Bible Study meets on Wednesdays mornings at 10 am to pray and discuss the readings for the following Sunday. Anyone is invited to attend.
Currently, Bible Study is meeting remotely, using Zoom. Information about connecting to Zoom on Wednesday morning is sent to the parish a few days prior to the meeting and can also be found here. Dial-in is also available for those who wish to join without video.
Red Cross Blood Drive
St. Francis in the Fields Episcopal Church and the American Red Cross are hosting blood drive. Please join our lifesaving mission and schedule an appointment today!
Drive Details:
Site: St Francis in the Fields Episcopal Church
689 Sugartown Road, Malvern, PA, 19355
Parish Hall
Tuesday, October 27 and Wednesday, October 28, 2020
2 pm - 7 pm
Blood Program Leader Name: Caroline Keyser
To make an appointment for the St. Francis blood drive, click here.
The need for blood is constant and only volunteer donors can fulfill that need for patients in our community. Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every 2 to 3 seconds and most of us will need blood in our lifetime. Thank you for supporting the American Red Cross blood program!
St. Francis in the Fields Episcopal Church and the American Red Cross are hosting blood drive. Please join our lifesaving mission and schedule an appointment today!
Drive Details:
Site: St Francis in the Fields Episcopal Church
689 Sugartown Road, Malvern, PA, 19355
Parish Hall
Tuesday, October 27 and Wednesday, October 28, 2020
2 pm - 7 pm
Blood Program Leader Name: Caroline Keyser
To make an appointment for the St. Francis blood drive, click here.
The need for blood is constant and only volunteer donors can fulfill that need for patients in our community. Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every 2 to 3 seconds and most of us will need blood in our lifetime. Thank you for supporting the American Red Cross blood program!
Pickleball at St. Francis-in-the-Fields
Come one, come all, let's play Pickleball!
We are pleased to announce pickleball at St. Francis! The court is located on the parking lot behind the church.
The next pickleball clinic will be held on Monday, October 26th from 4:30 to 6 pm. Instructions will be given on game rules and net set up and storage. Everyone is asked to wear a mask to the event and sign a waiver before you can play. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, please join us for some outdoor fun and fellowship!
Come one, come all, let's play Pickleball!
We are pleased to announce pickleball at St. Francis! The court is located on the parking lot behind the church.
The next pickleball clinic will be held on Monday, October 26th from 4:30 to 6 pm. Instructions will be given on game rules and net set up and storage. Everyone is asked to wear a mask to the event and sign a waiver before you can play. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, please join us for some outdoor fun and fellowship!
Invitation to Discussion
Dear Friends,
I invite you to join me and the Adult Christian Formation Committee of St. Francis in reading and discussing Howard Thurman's classic work, Jesus and the Disinherited.
A source of profound wisdom and challenging theological insight, Howard Thurman stands as one of the great philosophical mentors of the Civil Rights Movement. Disinherited, written in the late 1940's, is one of Thurman's most influential works, especially relevant in our contemporary context. Thurman's reading of the Gospels helps us begin to hear the message of those Gospels in a very different way by setting the words and teachings of Jesus in its original context of human suffering and liberation.
"Disinherited" is intelligent and penetrating, but it is also relatively short (132 pages) and accessible. The book is listed as one of the primary texts in the "Sacred Ground" anti-racism program of The Episcopal Church.
The discussion group will meet Thursdays, 1 to 2 pm, beginning October 22nd, in the St. Francis Courtyard (outside under the trees)
This is an in-person discussion group. We will run the discussion for 4 or 5 weeks, as necessary (not including Thanksgiving). In inclement weather, we will meet in the Narthex, practice social distancing and provide fresh air flow. Chairs will be provided. Please bring a mask.
Thanks and blessings,
Fr. Kevin+
Dear Friends,
I invite you to join me and the Adult Christian Formation Committee of St. Francis in reading and discussing Howard Thurman's classic work, Jesus and the Disinherited.
A source of profound wisdom and challenging theological insight, Howard Thurman stands as one of the great philosophical mentors of the Civil Rights Movement. Disinherited, written in the late 1940's, is one of Thurman's most influential works, especially relevant in our contemporary context. Thurman's reading of the Gospels helps us begin to hear the message of those Gospels in a very different way by setting the words and teachings of Jesus in its original context of human suffering and liberation.
"Disinherited" is intelligent and penetrating, but it is also relatively short (132 pages) and accessible. The book is listed as one of the primary texts in the "Sacred Ground" anti-racism program of The Episcopal Church.
The discussion group will meet Thursdays, 1 to 2 pm, beginning October 22nd, in the St. Francis Courtyard (outside under the trees)
This is an in-person discussion group. We will run the discussion for 4 or 5 weeks, as necessary (not including Thanksgiving). In inclement weather, we will meet in the Narthex, practice social distancing and provide fresh air flow. Chairs will be provided. Please bring a mask.
Thanks and blessings,
Fr. Kevin+
The Plan for Return: Living with COVID-19 (May 2020)
The Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania (DIOPA) has issued guidance to all constituent parishes regarding the re-opening process. To read the diocesan guidelines, click here.
The Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania (DIOPA) has issued guidance to all constituent parishes regarding the re-opening process. To read the diocesan guidelines, click here.
Forward Day by Day
The Forward Day by Day devotionals for August, September and October are available. To avoid unnecessary viral exposure, we are offering to mail copies to you. Forward Day by Day is available in regular or large print and there is a limited supply. Please email the church office at stfrancisfields@stfrancisfields.org if you would like to have one mailed to you, and please specify what size you need.
You may also stop by the church to pick up a copy. They will be on the table by the stairs in the Narthex.
For those comfortable with an electronic copy, several options for receiving Forward Day by Day directly via email, Facebook, etc., may be found by clicking HERE. The Daily Prayer and Meditation may also be read on-line by clicking HERE.
The Forward Day by Day devotionals for August, September and October are available. To avoid unnecessary viral exposure, we are offering to mail copies to you. Forward Day by Day is available in regular or large print and there is a limited supply. Please email the church office at stfrancisfields@stfrancisfields.org if you would like to have one mailed to you, and please specify what size you need.
You may also stop by the church to pick up a copy. They will be on the table by the stairs in the Narthex.
For those comfortable with an electronic copy, several options for receiving Forward Day by Day directly via email, Facebook, etc., may be found by clicking HERE. The Daily Prayer and Meditation may also be read on-line by clicking HERE.
St. Francis-in-the-Fields Library
Need something to read? With the libraries closed due to the pandemic, please remember that the church has a wonderful library with many books to choose from. Please feel free to come over and check out a book. Call Diane in the church office at 610-647-0130 or email at stfrancisfields@stfrancisfields.org to schedule a time to come over.
Office hours are Monday thru Friday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
We look forward to having you come over to choose a book or two! Happy Reading!!
Need something to read? With the libraries closed due to the pandemic, please remember that the church has a wonderful library with many books to choose from. Please feel free to come over and check out a book. Call Diane in the church office at 610-647-0130 or email at stfrancisfields@stfrancisfields.org to schedule a time to come over.
Office hours are Monday thru Friday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
We look forward to having you come over to choose a book or two! Happy Reading!!
Remote Giving
St. Francis continues to function during the pandemic, offering livestream worship, conference call meetings, online Bible studies and (physically distant) pastoral care. Keeping our parish connected, and building community however we can, is a top priority. However, we also know that, during this crisis, many are facing unexpected financial challenges.
If you can continue your pledge or regular giving during this period, it is much appreciated. If financial constraints make giving or maintaining your pledge a hardship for you or your family, that is completely understandable.
For giving, personal checks and online bank transactions are still accepted. Also, for convenience, an online giving option is now on the front page of our website (stfrancisfields.org). Just look for the "Give" button toward the bottom of the page. Or you can go to tithe.ly, click on "give online" and search for St. Francis-in-the-Fields.
Finally, if any individual or family finds themselves in a particular hardship, please contact Fr. Kevin. Assistance may be available through the Rector's Discretionary Fund.
St. Francis continues to function during the pandemic, offering livestream worship, conference call meetings, online Bible studies and (physically distant) pastoral care. Keeping our parish connected, and building community however we can, is a top priority. However, we also know that, during this crisis, many are facing unexpected financial challenges.
If you can continue your pledge or regular giving during this period, it is much appreciated. If financial constraints make giving or maintaining your pledge a hardship for you or your family, that is completely understandable.
For giving, personal checks and online bank transactions are still accepted. Also, for convenience, an online giving option is now on the front page of our website (stfrancisfields.org). Just look for the "Give" button toward the bottom of the page. Or you can go to tithe.ly, click on "give online" and search for St. Francis-in-the-Fields.
Finally, if any individual or family finds themselves in a particular hardship, please contact Fr. Kevin. Assistance may be available through the Rector's Discretionary Fund.
Circle of Friends
Circle of Friends is a pastoral ministry of card-writing and encouragement that meets every 1st Wednesday of each month. All supplies are provided. Anyone is invited to participate.
During this period of physical distancing, "The Circle" is meeting remotely, preparing notes from the safety of home. Thank you to everyone who shares in this ministry.
Circle of Friends is a pastoral ministry of card-writing and encouragement that meets every 1st Wednesday of each month. All supplies are provided. Anyone is invited to participate.
During this period of physical distancing, "The Circle" is meeting remotely, preparing notes from the safety of home. Thank you to everyone who shares in this ministry.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Prayer shawls are available in the library for pastoral use. Each one has a cross sewn on the bottom and a card with information about St. Francis on one side and a prayer on the other side: "May you who receives this shawl be cradled in hope, kept in joy, graced with peace and wrapped in love. Blessed Be!"
If you want to give a shawl to someone in need, please take one. Let Barbara Pearse or the church office know that you have done so to help them keep track of the number of shawls available. We can always use more shawls! If you have one to donate, please contact Barbara for the cross and card to attach to the shawl.
Prayer shawls are available in the library for pastoral use. Each one has a cross sewn on the bottom and a card with information about St. Francis on one side and a prayer on the other side: "May you who receives this shawl be cradled in hope, kept in joy, graced with peace and wrapped in love. Blessed Be!"
If you want to give a shawl to someone in need, please take one. Let Barbara Pearse or the church office know that you have done so to help them keep track of the number of shawls available. We can always use more shawls! If you have one to donate, please contact Barbara for the cross and card to attach to the shawl.
How can you CONNECT with St. Francis?
by Cindy Claffey, IWC Committee
The Invite-Welcome-Connect Committee encourages you to consider how you can connect with St. Francis by joining a ministry or group. Opportunities abound for members, new and old, to get involved with the social, spiritual and service activities of our parish.
The IWC Committee has published a directory of ministries, which includes short descriptions of many groups within the parish, along with time commitments, contact information, and any training or background expectations. Look for this publication on the Welcome Table and the information table at the top of the steps in the Narthex. Or click here for Easy Opportunities To Get Involved.
by Cindy Claffey, IWC Committee
The Invite-Welcome-Connect Committee encourages you to consider how you can connect with St. Francis by joining a ministry or group. Opportunities abound for members, new and old, to get involved with the social, spiritual and service activities of our parish.
The IWC Committee has published a directory of ministries, which includes short descriptions of many groups within the parish, along with time commitments, contact information, and any training or background expectations. Look for this publication on the Welcome Table and the information table at the top of the steps in the Narthex. Or click here for Easy Opportunities To Get Involved.
Flowers on the Altar at St. Francis
Please help support the flower fund by remembering and celebrating people in your lives. It may be someone who is deceased, or someone celebrating a special event. After the 10 am Sunday service, we break down the altar flowers into bouquets that are delivered to those who are sick or need the smiles that flowers bring.
The flower donation is $50 for a week. Click here for the form to complete (or pick up a form at the back of the church) so we can acknowledge and celebrate your gift and people. For more information, please contact Sheila Rees.
Please help support the flower fund by remembering and celebrating people in your lives. It may be someone who is deceased, or someone celebrating a special event. After the 10 am Sunday service, we break down the altar flowers into bouquets that are delivered to those who are sick or need the smiles that flowers bring.
The flower donation is $50 for a week. Click here for the form to complete (or pick up a form at the back of the church) so we can acknowledge and celebrate your gift and people. For more information, please contact Sheila Rees.
Church Emails
Are you receiving the weekly Parish News that gets emailed to all parishioners each Friday? Do you receive the Fieldnotes newsletter each month? Are you receiving all the Special Anouncement emails? All these emails come via Constant Contact from St. Francis. If you are not receiving these emails, please contact Diane in the Parish Office at 610-647-0130. If you use Gmail, you may find the Constant Contact emails in your Promotions folder.
Are you receiving the weekly Parish News that gets emailed to all parishioners each Friday? Do you receive the Fieldnotes newsletter each month? Are you receiving all the Special Anouncement emails? All these emails come via Constant Contact from St. Francis. If you are not receiving these emails, please contact Diane in the Parish Office at 610-647-0130. If you use Gmail, you may find the Constant Contact emails in your Promotions folder.
Pictorial Directory
Have you had your picture taken for the online pictorial directory? Having your picture in the directory is a great help for old and new members alike. It connects names and faces, increases involvement, and helps avoid some awkward and embarrassing moments!
If you have not had your picture taken for the online directory, please see David Brooks or Fr. Kevin. If you do not have access to the directory, please contact the parish office.
Have you had your picture taken for the online pictorial directory? Having your picture in the directory is a great help for old and new members alike. It connects names and faces, increases involvement, and helps avoid some awkward and embarrassing moments!
If you have not had your picture taken for the online directory, please see David Brooks or Fr. Kevin. If you do not have access to the directory, please contact the parish office.
