COVID-19 Protocols, Information and Resources
March 1, 2022
Practicing Love: Reminders and Tips for Healthy Church Gatherings
December 31, 2022What’s Happening at St. Francis-in-the-Fields
What's Happening at St. Francis-in-the-Fields
Special Events
March 12: Birth and Continuity: A Buddhist View
St. Francis will be hosting this presentation on birth and birth rituals on March 12 at 7 pm, which is next in a series organized by the Interfaith Action Community of Chester County. The presenter is the Ven. Amy Miller, who was ordained in 2000 after working as a political fund-raiser, a staffer for Mother Jones magazine, and a hospice counselor during the AIDS epidemic. Fr. Kevin and the Rev. John Woodcock have also been presenters in this series. All are welcome.
Sign up for Spring Supper Six!
A sign-up sheet is in the narthex for the Spring 2026 Supper Six. Supper Six is designed to help parish members get better acquainted with one another and to give new members a way to meet other members. Participants are placed into groups of six, with one person or couple hosting an evening of dinner and fellowship at their house, on a date agreed upon by the group. A new member is invited to join the group. If you are able, please volunteer
to be one of the hosts. Please sign up by Sunday, March 22 if you’d like to participate in the Spring Supper Six. Feel free to contact Judy Culver at jkculver26@gmail.com or 610-724-1322 if you have any questions. Thank you!
Sundays in March: Adult Discipleship - Savior
Do you know the different theories of the “atonement”? The crucifixion of Christ is the central event in Christian theology, but there are differing thoughts on what that means. On Sundays in March, Fr. Kevin will summarize these theories, looking at how they appear in the New Testament and the Book of Common Prayer. 11:20 am to 12:00 pm in the Library.
Beginning March 17: Women’s Small Group Opportunity
The Women’s Small Group offers a warm and supportive space for meaningful fellowship, Scripture, and spiritual growth, and is welcoming new members as it reconvenes this spring. Please consider joining us March 17, April 21, and May 19 from 5:45–8 pm; light refreshments are provided. Contact Meridith Ridington (mridington@gmail.com or 610-883-3499) by March 13 to learn more or reserve your spot.
Services of Holy Week and Easter
Holy Week is right around the corner! Please plan on walking the Via Dolorosa (The Way of Suffering) with your St. Francis family this year, beginning with Palm Sunday, and continuing through the Triduum, the three days from the Last Supper through the Great Vigil of Easter.
Sunday, March 29 at 10 am: Palm Sunday Holy Eucharist
Sunday, March 29 at 4 pm: Palm Sunday Choir Performance
Thursday, April 2 at 7 pm: Maundy Thursday Agape Feast - Parish Hall
Friday, April 3 at 12 noon: Good Friday Solemn Vigil - Nave
Saturday, April 4 at 12 noon: Holy Saturday Prayer Vigil - Church Cemetery
Saturday, April 4 at 8 pm: Great Vigil of Easter - Nave
Sunday, April 5 at 8 am and 10 am: Easter Sunday Holy Eucharist
Saturday, May 30: Hands‑Only CPR and AED Training
During a cardiac emergency, every second counts, yet most Americans feel unprepared to help. Would you, a family member, or a friend be able to respond appropriately if someone suddenly collapsed? Join us on May 30 from 9 - 11:35 am for a practical, confidence‑building session on Hands‑Only CPR, a simple, effective technique that does not require mouth‑to‑mouth breathing. You’ll learn how to take quick, lifesaving action while reducing fear and hesitation in emergencies.
This training also includes:
- A demonstration of how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
- Education on the early signs and symptoms of a heart attack
- Guidance that empowers you to respond calmly and effectively when it matters most
A sign-up sheet will be posted in the Narthex in April, and the class is limited to 20 participants.
July 11: Celebration of Father Kevin’s 10th Anniversary at St Francis
Sunday, July 12 will mark the 10th anniversary of Father Kevin’s first Sunday at St. Francis. In thanksgiving for Father Kevin’s 10-year ministry with us, there will be a party at church on Saturday, July 11 from 5 to 8 pm. Please mark your calendars!
August 1: St. Francis “Night at the Ballpark”
Mark your calendar! Our summer tradition of fun with the Reading Fightin' Phils at FirstEnergy Stadium in Reading takes place this year on Saturday, August 1. As usual, St. Francis has been invited to sing the National Anthem on the field before the game. Tickets will go on sale later in the year..
Monthly Events
Book Group
The next Book Group meeting is March 21 at 1 pm in the Library.
For any questions about Book Group, please contact Elizabeth Pitt.
Brown Bag Lunch
Join us on Tuesday, March 24 when our speaker, Meredith Whitnah, will share insights from her new book, Faith and the Fragility of Justice, which examines how Christians in South Africa have responded to injustice and violence. Bring your lunch and arrive at 11:45 am so our program can being promptly at noon. Come join us in the Parish Hall!
Enneagram Growth Group
For those interested in going deeper in their Enneagram work, a monthly Enneagram Growth Group is held on at the home of Fr. Kevin and Donna Dellaria on the first Tuesday of the month. The next meeting is on Tuesday, April 7 from 6 - 8 pm. Anyone familiar with the Enneagram is invited to attend.
Journey Small Group
Join Tom Ridington as we journey together through Barbara Brown Taylor’s An Altar in the World. This small group will be a chance to slow down, notice God’s presence in everyday life, and encourage one another along the way. The Journey Small Group meets monthly on the second Wednesday of the month through April 8, 2026. The next meeting is on March 11. Please let Tom know if you are interested in journeying with him: mtr19355@gmail.com or 610-937-7816.
Men's Fellowship Breakfast
The Men's Fellowship Breakfast is held monthly on the first Saturday of the month at 9 am at the West Chester Diner, 1147 West Chester Pike, West Chester. This is a BYOB ("Bring Your Own Bucks") event. The next breakfast is on April 4, 2026. All men of St. Francis are welcome to attend.
Women’s Small Group Opportunity
The Women’s Small Group offers a warm and supportive space for meaningful fellowship, Scripture, and spiritual growth, and is welcoming new members as it reconvenes this spring. Please consider joining us March 17, April 21, and May 19 from 5:45–8 pm; light refreshments are provided. Contact Meridith Ridington (mridington@gmail.com or 610-883-3499) by March 13 to learn more or reserve your spot.
Semi-Monthly Events
Church School
Church School meets on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month during the Sunday morning service. Children then join their parents in the sanctuary for Holy Eucharist. Our Church School uses the StoryMakers NYC curriculum, encouraging children to use their imagination to explore the world of the Bible through activities, crafts, and storytelling. We welcome your children and/or grandchildren to be part of our growing group of young disciples! Our Church School leader is Sherri Lewis.
Weekly Events
Sunday Night Contemplative Prayer
Our Contemplative Prayer circle will be held in the Library each Sunday night during Lent, beginning at 6:10 pm. The service includes simple Psalm chanting followed by 20 minutes of Centering Prayer. Everyone is welcome.
Beginning February 15: The Enneagram Journey
For 12 weeks on Sundays from 4 - 6 pm. Through the Enneagram, you come to know yourself better, and learn to understand and connect with others in deeper and more meaningful ways. This is the full course of The Enneagram Journey, using videos from noted Enneagram teacher Suzanne Stabile. The class includes video and discussion. A simple soup supper is provided. This is a great course for couples and individuals alike. Cost: $50.00. To register or for more information, contact Fr. Kevin or Donna Dellaria (donnadellaria@gmail.com).
Lectionary Bible Study
Our Lenten study begins on Wednesday, February 25 at 10 am with The Study of Savior: What the Bible Says about the Cross by Magrey R. DeVega. It will be held each Wednesday from February 25 to April 1. The book is available through most booksellers. Fr. Kevin will also offer a summary of the study on Sunday mornings from March 1 – 29, from 11:30 am to 12 noon in the Library.