Anti-Racism Resources
April 3, 2020News and Notes – what’s happening at St. Francis
News and Notes
Upcoming Events
Outside and Inside Services
Beginning Sunday, September 13th, we will hold weekly, outdoor services of Holy Eucharist at 11:30 am. These services will be limited to 40 attendees, and pre-registration is required. All safety protocols we have been following for our summer services will still be in place: masking, social distancing, hand sanitizing, etc. This outdoor service will, 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 will re-start public, indoor worship beginning Sunday, September 20th at 10 am. Attendance at this service will be limited to 30 people, appropriate safety protocols will be 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.
Beginning Sunday, September 13th, we will hold weekly, outdoor services of Holy Eucharist at 11:30 am. These services will be limited to 40 attendees, and pre-registration is required. All safety protocols we have been following for our summer services will still be in place: masking, social distancing, hand sanitizing, etc. This outdoor service will, 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 will re-start public, indoor worship beginning Sunday, September 20th at 10 am. Attendance at this service will be limited to 30 people, appropriate safety protocols will be 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.
A Fellowship Gathering
We are pleased to provide four opportunities to come together with members of our St. Francis family. We will hold an Ice Cream Social and Donation Event which will benefit the West Chester Food Cupboard on:
- September 21 at 6:30 pm
- September 23 at 3 pm
- September 29 at 6:30 pm
- October 1 at 3:00 pm
Please wear a mask. Bring your own beverage and a donation of a personal care item. The West Chester Food Cupboard is in need of personal care items such as soap, razors, toothpaste, etc.
Ice cream will be provided, and chairs will be spaced 6 feet apart in the courtyard area. If you are not comfortable meeting in person but would still like to make a donation, you can drive into the parking lot and someone will be there to greet you and accept your donation.
Please sign up through Sign Up Genius as space will be limited to 25 people for each date. We are excited for these opportunities to come together and look forward to seeing you!
We are pleased to provide four opportunities to come together with members of our St. Francis family. We will hold an Ice Cream Social and Donation Event which will benefit the West Chester Food Cupboard on:
- September 21 at 6:30 pm
- September 23 at 3 pm
- September 29 at 6:30 pm
- October 1 at 3:00 pm
Please wear a mask. Bring your own beverage and a donation of a personal care item. The West Chester Food Cupboard is in need of personal care items such as soap, razors, toothpaste, etc.
Ice cream will be provided, and chairs will be spaced 6 feet apart in the courtyard area. If you are not comfortable meeting in person but would still like to make a donation, you can drive into the parking lot and someone will be there to greet you and accept your donation.
Please sign up through Sign Up Genius as space will be limited to 25 people for each date. We are excited for these opportunities to come together and look forward to seeing you!
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.
Discipleship: Lenten Studies at St. Francis
NOTE: The Sunday night Lenten program has been postponed.
Get Your House in Order - Every person eventually takes the same mysterious journey. In this fun, interactive program, we will look at the practical matters of preparing for death. What legal documents should have you have in place? What do others need to know about our wishes? What burial options are available? Also, how is the Episcopal Burial Service constructed? What are the options? What readings should I choose? What hymns? Answering these questions in advance can be a tremendous blessing to your family in a time of great emotional and mental stress. The last meeting will be a workshop to plan our own funeral service! A light supper of soup & salad will be provided. A sign-up sheet is in the Narthex.
- Caring Hands: Understanding Hospice care. Guest Speaker: Bobbi Castellan, Hospice Care Specialist
- The Last Celebration: Episcopal Burials and the Book of Common Prayer. Includes a Funeral Music Sing-Along with Joe Perry!
- Final Things Workshop: Plan your funeral over dinner with friends! Forms will be provided to choose readings, hymns, and other important details. Copies will be made and kept on file in the St. Francis Office.
NOTE: The Sunday night Lenten program has been postponed.
Get Your House in Order - Every person eventually takes the same mysterious journey. In this fun, interactive program, we will look at the practical matters of preparing for death. What legal documents should have you have in place? What do others need to know about our wishes? What burial options are available? Also, how is the Episcopal Burial Service constructed? What are the options? What readings should I choose? What hymns? Answering these questions in advance can be a tremendous blessing to your family in a time of great emotional and mental stress. The last meeting will be a workshop to plan our own funeral service! A light supper of soup & salad will be provided. A sign-up sheet is in the Narthex.
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.
