Phase 2 Renovations Information
September 1, 2020What’s happening at St. Francis
What's Happening at St. Francis
Upcoming Events
7:30 pm: virtual Book Group meeting
10 am: Holy Eucharist Rite II livestreamed on Facebook Live and YouTube
5 pm: Drive-in Eucharist in church parking lot
7 pm: Vestry meeting via Zoom
10 am: Lectionary Bible Study via Zoom
12 noon: Drive-in Eucharist in church parking lot
10 am: Holy Eucharist Rite II livestreamed on Facebook Live and YouTube
5 pm: Drive-in Eucharist in church parking lot
Drive-in Eucharist
Drive-In Eucharist will be Wednesdays at noon and Sundays at 5 pm.
To be part of this short service, simply park in the St. Francis parking lot, stay in your car, and tune your car radio to 92.7 FM. A bulletin will be provided to follow the service, and Fr. Kevin and/or Diane will bring communion to your car. All services are subject to weather.
Drive-In Eucharist will be Wednesdays at noon and Sundays at 5 pm.
To be part of this short service, simply park in the St. Francis parking lot, stay in your car, and tune your car radio to 92.7 FM. A bulletin will be provided to follow the service, and Fr. Kevin and/or Diane will bring communion to your car. All services are subject to weather.
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.
Parables: Stories for Life in God's World: Virtual Study, Led by Fr. Kevin
What is a parable? How do parables teach us about God and God's kingdom? Jesus' parables are some of the most memorable moments in the Gospels, and Jesus used parables for many of his most important teachings. Learning the key ideas of parables, and knowing how they are constructed, can open up their meaning in powerful, life-changing ways.
Please join Fr. Kevin as he leads a study and discussion of the parables of Jesus in seven, one-hour, virtual sessions, beginning February 14th. A workbook with short, weekly readings will be used in the study. To sign up, email the parish office at stfrancisfields@stfrancisfields.org. Sign-ups are due by January 31st, so workbooks can be ordered in time for class.
Sundays, February 14 - March 28 (7 sessions)
11:45 to 12:45 on Zoom
$20 donations accepted to cover workbook expenses
What is a parable? How do parables teach us about God and God's kingdom? Jesus' parables are some of the most memorable moments in the Gospels, and Jesus used parables for many of his most important teachings. Learning the key ideas of parables, and knowing how they are constructed, can open up their meaning in powerful, life-changing ways.
Please join Fr. Kevin as he leads a study and discussion of the parables of Jesus in seven, one-hour, virtual sessions, beginning February 14th. A workbook with short, weekly readings will be used in the study. To sign up, email the parish office at stfrancisfields@stfrancisfields.org. Sign-ups are due by January 31st, so workbooks can be ordered in time for class.
Sundays, February 14 - March 28 (7 sessions)
11:45 to 12:45 on Zoom
$20 donations accepted to cover workbook expenses
Virtual Annual Meeting and Nominees for Office
The Annual Parish Meeting of St. Francis will be held on Sunday, January 31st, beginning at 11:00 am. The meeting will be held virtually using Zoom to allow for participant interaction. To provide security for the meeting, registration will be required. Please watch for an email from the parish with a link to Sign-Up Genius. Use that to register yourself and any members of your household who will be attending. You may also call or email the church to register. A few days prior to the meeting, a Zoom link will be sent out to those who have registered. A YouTube stream of the meeting will also be available. However, those watching via YouTube will not be able to interact in the meeting. It is important that as many people as possible attend via Zoom.
Our slate of nominees for Vestry is as follows: Jill Quinn (for a 2nd, 3-year term), Don Jenkins, Sue Lenkaitis, and Mike Burke. Our nominee to serve a new, 3-year term as Representative and Delegate is Ted Wingfield. Blessings and praise to God for all the wonderful leaders in our parish!
The Annual Parish Meeting of St. Francis will be held on Sunday, January 31st, beginning at 11:00 am. The meeting will be held virtually using Zoom to allow for participant interaction. To provide security for the meeting, registration will be required. Please watch for an email from the parish with a link to Sign-Up Genius. Use that to register yourself and any members of your household who will be attending. You may also call or email the church to register. A few days prior to the meeting, a Zoom link will be sent out to those who have registered. A YouTube stream of the meeting will also be available. However, those watching via YouTube will not be able to interact in the meeting. It is important that as many people as possible attend via Zoom.
Our slate of nominees for Vestry is as follows: Jill Quinn (for a 2nd, 3-year term), Don Jenkins, Sue Lenkaitis, and Mike Burke. Our nominee to serve a new, 3-year term as Representative and Delegate is Ted Wingfield. Blessings and praise to God for all the wonderful leaders in our parish!
Qualified Charitable Distribution
Have you heard of the Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)?
The tax laws are confusing to most of us, but there is one rule that should definitely be understood by anyone age 70 ½ or older. The QCD rule allows an individual to make donations directly from their IRA accounts to the church, without having to pay tax on the distribution. A donation done this way can save a considerable amount of federal tax, and this is especially true under the new tax laws. To learn more please see Mike Quinn with any questions.
Have you heard of the Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)?
The tax laws are confusing to most of us, but there is one rule that should definitely be understood by anyone age 70 ½ or older. The QCD rule allows an individual to make donations directly from their IRA accounts to the church, without having to pay tax on the distribution. A donation done this way can save a considerable amount of federal tax, and this is especially true under the new tax laws. To learn more please see Mike Quinn with any questions.
Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania Covid Update (November 2020)
The Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania (DIOPA) has issued guidance to all constituent parishes regarding Covid-19. To read the diocesan guidelines, go to https://www.diopa.org/news/covid-update-11-14-20.
The Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania (DIOPA) has issued guidance to all constituent parishes regarding Covid-19. To read the diocesan guidelines, go to https://www.diopa.org/news/covid-update-11-14-20.
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.
