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March 3, 2022What’s Happening at St. Francis-in-the-Fields
What's Happening at St. Francis-in-the-Fields
Special Events
Wreath & Poinsettia Sale
Thank you for your support of the St. Clares Wreath & Poinsettia Sale this year! Your purchase will be available for pickup on December 3 from 9 – 10:30 am in the Parish Hall. All the proceeds from the fundraiser go to parish needs or community outreach projects.
Thank you for your support of the St. Clares Wreath & Poinsettia Sale this year! Your purchase will be available for pickup on December 3 from 9 – 10:30 am in the Parish Hall. All the proceeds from the fundraiser go to parish needs or community outreach projects.
December 3: Cookie Walk
Calling all bakers! St. Francis' annual Cookie Walk will be held Saturday, December 3 at 9 am alongside the St. Clares Wreath & Poinsettia Sale pickup.
You can help in two ways:
1.) We need as many people as possible to bake cookies of all kinds. Please bring them BAGGED and LABELED to St. Francis BEFORE December 3rd.
2.) We need help putting out signs. This is one of our best fundraisers of the year and draws many people to St. Francis.
All proceeds will be donated to the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County. There will be a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the Narthex. Any questions, contact Michelle Samet.
Calling all bakers! St. Francis' annual Cookie Walk will be held Saturday, December 3 at 9 am alongside the St. Clares Wreath & Poinsettia Sale pickup.
You can help in two ways:
1.) We need as many people as possible to bake cookies of all kinds. Please bring them BAGGED and LABELED to St. Francis BEFORE December 3rd.
2.) We need help putting out signs. This is one of our best fundraisers of the year and draws many people to St. Francis.
All proceeds will be donated to the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County. There will be a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the Narthex. Any questions, contact Michelle Samet.
December 9: Let's Celebrate Christmas!
You are invited to a Festive Christmas Party on Friday, December 9 from 6 to 9 pm. Please dress in your finest and come for an evening of celebration during this holiday season! Food and beverages will be provided by the Fellowship Committee.
There is a sign-up sheet in the Narthex. Please sign up and indicate how many will attend. We hope everyone will join us for this final fellowship event of the year!
You are invited to a Festive Christmas Party on Friday, December 9 from 6 to 9 pm. Please dress in your finest and come for an evening of celebration during this holiday season! Food and beverages will be provided by the Fellowship Committee.
There is a sign-up sheet in the Narthex. Please sign up and indicate how many will attend. We hope everyone will join us for this final fellowship event of the year!
December 12: Red Cross Blood Drive
Register for the Red Cross Blood Drive at St. Francis on December 12! St. Francis is hosting our next blood drive with the American Red Cross on Monday, December 12 from 2-7 pm. Please consider donating blood to help patients in need in our community. If you are healthy and eligible, roll up your sleeve, book your appointment at www.redcrossblood.org (search: St. Francis Malvern) and become a part of the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross! Questions, contact Sue Lenkaitis.
Register for the Red Cross Blood Drive at St. Francis on December 12! St. Francis is hosting our next blood drive with the American Red Cross on Monday, December 12 from 2-7 pm. Please consider donating blood to help patients in need in our community. If you are healthy and eligible, roll up your sleeve, book your appointment at www.redcrossblood.org (search: St. Francis Malvern) and become a part of the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross! Questions, contact Sue Lenkaitis.
December 21 - Christmas Lunch Fellowship
St. Francis will host a Christmas Fellowship on Wednesday, December 21 from 12 to 2 pm in the Parish Hall. A light lunch and dessert will be served, and old-fashioned Christmas Carols will be sung! (There may even be a few door prizes!) Volunteers are needed to transport members who don't drive to and from the event. A sign-up sheet is in the Narthex. Bring a friend and celebrate the season!
St. Francis will host a Christmas Fellowship on Wednesday, December 21 from 12 to 2 pm in the Parish Hall. A light lunch and dessert will be served, and old-fashioned Christmas Carols will be sung! (There may even be a few door prizes!) Volunteers are needed to transport members who don't drive to and from the event. A sign-up sheet is in the Narthex. Bring a friend and celebrate the season!
Advent, Christmas, and New Year’s Services
The first Sunday of Advent is November 27. Holy Eucharist will be held each Sunday in Advent at 8 am and 10 am, and on Wednesdays following Lectionary Bible Study.
The Feast of the Nativity (Christmas) will be celebrated with Holy Eucharist on Saturday, December 24, at 5 pm and 10 pm, and Sunday, December 25 at 10 am only.
Sunday, January 1: Holy Eucharist at 10 am only. Our two-service schedule of 8am and 10am returns on Sunday, January 8, 2023.
The first Sunday of Advent is November 27. Holy Eucharist will be held each Sunday in Advent at 8 am and 10 am, and on Wednesdays following Lectionary Bible Study.
The Feast of the Nativity (Christmas) will be celebrated with Holy Eucharist on Saturday, December 24, at 5 pm and 10 pm, and Sunday, December 25 at 10 am only.
Sunday, January 1: Holy Eucharist at 10 am only. Our two-service schedule of 8am and 10am returns on Sunday, January 8, 2023.
January 6: Open House at the Dellarias
The Dellarias will be hosting a come-and-go event at their home on Friday, January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany. Watch for more information coming soon!
The Dellarias will be hosting a come-and-go event at their home on Friday, January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany. Watch for more information coming soon!
Sight & Sound: Moses
Sight & Sound Theater in Lancaster offers theatrical productions of biblical stories that are stunning in scope. Fr. Kevin is gauging interest on taking a church group this spring. No date has been chosen, but tickets run from $74 to $89 for adults, and $39 for children 3 – 12. If might be interested in going, please put your name on the “Interested” sheet in the Narthex. If there is enough interest, you will be contacted soon. Thanks!
Sight & Sound Theater in Lancaster offers theatrical productions of biblical stories that are stunning in scope. Fr. Kevin is gauging interest on taking a church group this spring. No date has been chosen, but tickets run from $74 to $89 for adults, and $39 for children 3 – 12. If might be interested in going, please put your name on the “Interested” sheet in the Narthex. If there is enough interest, you will be contacted soon. Thanks!
Weekly Events
Pickleball
We are closing the pickleball season at St. Francis with a fellowship event on Monday, November 28 from 5 to 7 pm. Please bring an appetizer to share and a beverage of your choice. Looking forward to seeing everyone on the court!
To sign up to play, please click here. For more information, contact Suzanne Steinberg.
We are closing the pickleball season at St. Francis with a fellowship event on Monday, November 28 from 5 to 7 pm. Please bring an appetizer to share and a beverage of your choice. Looking forward to seeing everyone on the court!
To sign up to play, please click here. For more information, contact Suzanne Steinberg.
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. Bible Study is currently meeting only via Zoom. Links to Zoom are sent out weekly via email.
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. Bible Study is currently meeting only via Zoom. Links to Zoom are sent out weekly via email.
Discipleship Class
• Inquirer’s Class: Sunday mornings from 9 to 9:30, October 9 to December 12 (10 weeks), a.k.a. “Episcopal 101”
A broad look at the history, practices, and polity of the Episcopal Church, and why the Episcopal approach to Christianity has something valuable to offer to the world. Newcomers to the Episcopal Church and/or St. Francis are strongly encouraged to attend. This class will meet the requirements for adults seeking Confirmation or Reception in the Episcopal Church at the next Episcopal visitation (date to be determined). This program will be presented in a hybrid and recorded format.
• Inquirer’s Class: Sunday mornings from 9 to 9:30, October 9 to December 12 (10 weeks), a.k.a. “Episcopal 101”
A broad look at the history, practices, and polity of the Episcopal Church, and why the Episcopal approach to Christianity has something valuable to offer to the world. Newcomers to the Episcopal Church and/or St. Francis are strongly encouraged to attend. This class will meet the requirements for adults seeking Confirmation or Reception in the Episcopal Church at the next Episcopal visitation (date to be determined). This program will be presented in a hybrid and recorded format.
The Enneagram Journey
• The Enneagram Journey: Sundays, 11:30am to 1:30pm, November 6 – February 12 (12 Sundays)
The Enneagram is a powerful tool with ancient roots that offers insight into personality, spiritual struggles, temptations and motivations, and most of all, relationships with others. This is a great course for couples and individuals alike. For more information, contact Fr. Kevin or Donna Dellaria. Class is limited to 15 participants. Lunch is provided.
• The Enneagram Journey: Sundays, 11:30am to 1:30pm, November 6 – February 12 (12 Sundays)
The Enneagram is a powerful tool with ancient roots that offers insight into personality, spiritual struggles, temptations and motivations, and most of all, relationships with others. This is a great course for couples and individuals alike. For more information, contact Fr. Kevin or Donna Dellaria. Class is limited to 15 participants. Lunch is provided.
Monthly Events
Book Group
Book Group meets monthly, usually on the third Friday of the month, at 7:30 pm in the church library. The book for Friday, November 18 is Caleb's Crossing by Geraldine Brooks. For more information, click here or contact Elizabeth Pitt.
Book Group meets monthly, usually on the third Friday of the month, at 7:30 pm in the church library. The book for Friday, November 18 is Caleb's Crossing by Geraldine Brooks. For more information, click here or contact Elizabeth Pitt.
Circle of Friends
Circle of Friends is a pastoral care ministry of note writing (birthday, get well, thank you, encouragement, etc.) The next Circle of Friends will meet in person in the church library, on Wednesday, November 30 at 5:30 pm.
If you are unable to join us in person but would still like to participate, please contact Sue Lenkaitis. Packets can be prepared for pickup or delivery as needed. Additionally, if you know someone who would benefit from a note of encouragement, well wishes or any other message from our ministry, please contact Sue and we will add them to our list. We want to ensure we're reaching those who need it most.
Circle of Friends is a pastoral care ministry of note writing (birthday, get well, thank you, encouragement, etc.) The next Circle of Friends will meet in person in the church library, on Wednesday, November 30 at 5:30 pm.
If you are unable to join us in person but would still like to participate, please contact Sue Lenkaitis. Packets can be prepared for pickup or delivery as needed. Additionally, if you know someone who would benefit from a note of encouragement, well wishes or any other message from our ministry, please contact Sue and we will add them to our list. We want to ensure we're reaching those who need it most.
December 6: Brown Bag Lunch
The next Brown Bag Lunch meeting is on Tuesday, December 6 from noon to 1 pm. The speaker is Tracy Behringer from Chester County Hospital. She will speak about mental health. This is an in-person session with a Zoom option for those who are unable to attend in person.
The BBL ministry was created in 2018 to allow members of St. Francis or outside speakers to present on an educational topic, a favorite hobby, or a vacation trip, etc. These sessions are scheduled on the first Tuesday of each month from noon to 1pm. Prior to COVID, we hosted 15 sessions with presenters from the congregation, local community, and the nonprofit sector.
The Committee will re-assess the program after the December session for any COVID related concerns or internal changes that need to be made. If there are no changes or concerns, sessions will continue frpm February through June 2023. We are looking for presenters for 2023 so if you are interested, please contact Shirley Warren, Meridith Ridington or Esther Underhill.
The next Brown Bag Lunch meeting is on Tuesday, December 6 from noon to 1 pm. The speaker is Tracy Behringer from Chester County Hospital. She will speak about mental health. This is an in-person session with a Zoom option for those who are unable to attend in person.
The BBL ministry was created in 2018 to allow members of St. Francis or outside speakers to present on an educational topic, a favorite hobby, or a vacation trip, etc. These sessions are scheduled on the first Tuesday of each month from noon to 1pm. Prior to COVID, we hosted 15 sessions with presenters from the congregation, local community, and the nonprofit sector.
The Committee will re-assess the program after the December session for any COVID related concerns or internal changes that need to be made. If there are no changes or concerns, sessions will continue frpm February through June 2023. We are looking for presenters for 2023 so if you are interested, please contact Shirley Warren, Meridith Ridington or Esther Underhill.
Social Media Team Members Needed!
As the Invite Ministry, we are always looking for opportunities to expand our outreach to get the name of St. Francis-in-the-Fields into the community. We’ve been increasing our presence on Facebook and Instagram in the past year to let more people know what a wonderful parish we are, and to consider coming to visit! If you are on Facebook or Instagram, please consider becoming part of the team that posts on behalf of St. Francis. Our goal is to recruit people who could post once a week about something related to church or church activities. It’s very easy to do, and we can give you plenty of support for topics and pictures. It’s a great way to help the church, right from your own computer, tablet or phone! If interested, please contact Cindy Claffey or Fr. Kevin.
As the Invite Ministry, we are always looking for opportunities to expand our outreach to get the name of St. Francis-in-the-Fields into the community. We’ve been increasing our presence on Facebook and Instagram in the past year to let more people know what a wonderful parish we are, and to consider coming to visit! If you are on Facebook or Instagram, please consider becoming part of the team that posts on behalf of St. Francis. Our goal is to recruit people who could post once a week about something related to church or church activities. It’s very easy to do, and we can give you plenty of support for topics and pictures. It’s a great way to help the church, right from your own computer, tablet or phone! If interested, please contact Cindy Claffey or Fr. Kevin.
Bearing Oblations: An Easy and Important Ministry
The role of Oblation Bearer is brief, simple, and important: they bring the offerings of wine and bread to the Altar before Eucharist. A sign-up sheet to serve as OB is in the Narthex, along with printed instructions. When your Sunday comes, the Ushers will be glad to guide you in this quick, simple, but important moment in our worship service. Please consider signing up for an upcoming Sunday.
The role of Oblation Bearer is brief, simple, and important: they bring the offerings of wine and bread to the Altar before Eucharist. A sign-up sheet to serve as OB is in the Narthex, along with printed instructions. When your Sunday comes, the Ushers will be glad to guide you in this quick, simple, but important moment in our worship service. Please consider signing up for an upcoming Sunday.
Serving Opportunity: Ministry of Signs
St. Francis needs a small team of volunteers who can help manage our new marquee sign out front. The work includes taking down old messages and putting up new ones (usually on a weekly basis), along with managing our inventory of letters. Fr. Kevin and Deacon Diane can help craft the messages, but we need volunteers who can change the message board in a timely fashion. This is an important, "behind-the-scenes" ministry of communication. Expect the work to take 30 to 45 minutes per message change. Knowing your ABC's is a plus! If interested, please contact Fr. Kevin or the Parish Office.
St. Francis needs a small team of volunteers who can help manage our new marquee sign out front. The work includes taking down old messages and putting up new ones (usually on a weekly basis), along with managing our inventory of letters. Fr. Kevin and Deacon Diane can help craft the messages, but we need volunteers who can change the message board in a timely fashion. This is an important, "behind-the-scenes" ministry of communication. Expect the work to take 30 to 45 minutes per message change. Knowing your ABC's is a plus! If interested, please contact Fr. Kevin or the Parish Office.
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.
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 donation for altar flowers on a Sunday is $50.00. 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.
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 donation for altar flowers on a Sunday is $50.00. 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.
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.
