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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
January 29 - Annual Parish Meeting
The Annual Parish Meeting of St. Francis will take place on Sunday, January 29th at 11 am. The meeting will be held both in-person and on Zoom. For those attending inperson, brunch will be provided by the Vestry. As per our custom, this meeting will include the election of new Vestry Members and Convention Delegates, an update on the finances of the parish, and reports from select committees.
The Annual Parish Meeting of St. Francis will take place on Sunday, January 29th at 11 am. The meeting will be held both in-person and on Zoom. For those attending inperson, brunch will be provided by the Vestry. As per our custom, this meeting will include the election of new Vestry Members and Convention Delegates, an update on the finances of the parish, and reports from select committees.
February 5: Blessing of the Candles
The Feast of Candlemas (February 2) commemorates the presentation of Christ in the Temple and the ritual purification of Mary, his mother, as recorded in Luke 2:22-40. (It also has particularly Pennsylvanian ties to what we call “Groundhog Day”.) It is customary on this day to bless candles that have been brought to church by parishioners. This year, St. Francis will celebrate Candlemas on Sunday, February 5th. We invite all in attendance to bring a special candle that day to receive a blessing for the year.
The Feast of Candlemas (February 2) commemorates the presentation of Christ in the Temple and the ritual purification of Mary, his mother, as recorded in Luke 2:22-40. (It also has particularly Pennsylvanian ties to what we call “Groundhog Day”.) It is customary on this day to bless candles that have been brought to church by parishioners. This year, St. Francis will celebrate Candlemas on Sunday, February 5th. We invite all in attendance to bring a special candle that day to receive a blessing for the year.
Shrove Tuesday (February 21) and Ash Wednesday (February 22)
The men’s group of St. Francis is pleased to announce the return of a traditional Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on Tuesday, February 21st. Watch the bulletin for more details. Ash Wednesday services will be held on Wednesday, February 22nd, at 12pm and 7pm. Make plans now to step into the holy season of Lent with boldness and commitment as we head toward Holy Week and Easter.
The men’s group of St. Francis is pleased to announce the return of a traditional Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on Tuesday, February 21st. Watch the bulletin for more details. Ash Wednesday services will be held on Wednesday, February 22nd, at 12pm and 7pm. Make plans now to step into the holy season of Lent with boldness and commitment as we head toward Holy Week and Easter.
February 25: “Flipboard” Lenten Workshop
Start your journey through Lent exploring the Spirit’s movement in your life with the power of images, led by Donna Dellaria, LPC. Join us for a day of reflection, creativity, and laughter. You will be guided to use collage to create a unique project showing your goals and hopes (think “vision board”) while also representing and offering up struggles and challenges you are working to overcome. This class is best enjoyed by individuals with little to no artistic talent! It will be held on Saturday, February 25th, from 10am to 2pm. A $25.00 fee covers supplies and lunch. Ages 15+ welcome. Space is limited. Call the Church office or text Donna Dellaria with any questions or to register.
Start your journey through Lent exploring the Spirit’s movement in your life with the power of images, led by Donna Dellaria, LPC. Join us for a day of reflection, creativity, and laughter. You will be guided to use collage to create a unique project showing your goals and hopes (think “vision board”) while also representing and offering up struggles and challenges you are working to overcome. This class is best enjoyed by individuals with little to no artistic talent! It will be held on Saturday, February 25th, from 10am to 2pm. A $25.00 fee covers supplies and lunch. Ages 15+ welcome. Space is limited. Call the Church office or text Donna Dellaria with any questions or to register.
Return to the Common Chalice
St. Francis will return to the use of the Common Chalice on the 1st Sunday in Lent, February 26, 2023, and the use of individual cups will be retired. As of that Sunday, those receiving the wine at Holy Eucharist may drink from the chalice or practice intinction (dipping the host in the wine). Separate chalices for drinking and intinction will be offered. While the current practice served our parish throughout the pandemic, it was intended only as a temporary measure. As Lent begins, St. Francis will resume the customary Episcopal practice, as many of our sister parishes have already done. We ask that all members continue to gauge their health on Sunday mornings and receive communion in a way that best considers the health and welfare of their neighbors.
St. Francis will return to the use of the Common Chalice on the 1st Sunday in Lent, February 26, 2023, and the use of individual cups will be retired. As of that Sunday, those receiving the wine at Holy Eucharist may drink from the chalice or practice intinction (dipping the host in the wine). Separate chalices for drinking and intinction will be offered. While the current practice served our parish throughout the pandemic, it was intended only as a temporary measure. As Lent begins, St. Francis will resume the customary Episcopal practice, as many of our sister parishes have already done. We ask that all members continue to gauge their health on Sunday mornings and receive communion in a way that best considers the health and welfare of their neighbors.
Return to the Common Chalice
Immigration Ministry Furniture collection for the refugee ministry will resume in mid-to-late-March. Due to a great deal of interest in the program, congregation members looking for other ways to assist refugees, either on a one-time or regular basis, are encouraged to visit the website of Nationalities Service Center (nscphila.org). The site provides opportunities to support individuals and families by purchasing household items or devices on "wish lists." Apartment preparation is also an option. Activities are described in terms of type of service, time commitment and location. If the service involves contact with children, police clearances will be required. Also, proof of COVID vaccination will be requested. The agency is currently addressing the needs of immigrants who have been bused to Philadelphia from other cities. Contact John Groch with any questions (610-547-3583).
Immigration Ministry Furniture collection for the refugee ministry will resume in mid-to-late-March. Due to a great deal of interest in the program, congregation members looking for other ways to assist refugees, either on a one-time or regular basis, are encouraged to visit the website of Nationalities Service Center (nscphila.org). The site provides opportunities to support individuals and families by purchasing household items or devices on "wish lists." Apartment preparation is also an option. Activities are described in terms of type of service, time commitment and location. If the service involves contact with children, police clearances will be required. Also, proof of COVID vaccination will be requested. The agency is currently addressing the needs of immigrants who have been bused to Philadelphia from other cities. Contact John Groch with any questions (610-547-3583).
Weekly Events
Discipleship: The Book of Revelation
With its vivid descriptions and colorful characters, the Revelation to St. John has long been a source of misunderstanding, confusion, and fear. But in reality, Revelation presents an encouraging and hopeful message to followers of Jesus Christ, especially for those living in difficult times. Join with Fr. Kevin at 9 am on Sundays beginning January 8 and going through May as we peel away the mystery of this last book of the Bible, uncovering its background and interpretation as we learn to apply its meaning to our lives. This study will be both in-person, and streamed live on Facebook and YouTube.
NOTE: no class on january 29.
With its vivid descriptions and colorful characters, the Revelation to St. John has long been a source of misunderstanding, confusion, and fear. But in reality, Revelation presents an encouraging and hopeful message to followers of Jesus Christ, especially for those living in difficult times. Join with Fr. Kevin at 9 am on Sundays beginning January 8 and going through May as we peel away the mystery of this last book of the Bible, uncovering its background and interpretation as we learn to apply its meaning to our lives. This study will be both in-person, and streamed live on Facebook and YouTube.
NOTE: no class on january 29.
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.
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.
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
The Book Group meeting for February will be on Friday, February 17 at 7 pm in the church library. (Note time change)
We will be watching the movie "Just Mercy."
For any questions about Book Group, please contact Elizabeth Pitt.
The Book Group meeting for February will be on Friday, February 17 at 7 pm in the church library. (Note time change)
We will be watching the movie "Just Mercy."
For any questions about Book Group, please contact Elizabeth Pitt.
Brown Bag Lunch
The next Brown Bag Lunch is on February 7 at noon when Barbara Rivers and her husband, Greg Kopia, will share photos and talk about their trip to Kenya last August. They visited conservancies where rescued animals are nurtured, and safari parks where the animals are protected and able to thrive in their natural environment.
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. 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 is on February 7 at noon when Barbara Rivers and her husband, Greg Kopia, will share photos and talk about their trip to Kenya last August. They visited conservancies where rescued animals are nurtured, and safari parks where the animals are protected and able to thrive in their natural environment.
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. We are looking for presenters for 2023, so if you are interested, please contact Shirley Warren, Meridith Ridington or Esther Underhill.
Circle of Friends
Circle of Friends is a pastoral care ministry of note writing (birthday, get well, thank you, encouragement, etc.) The next meeting of Circle of Friends will be held in the church library on Wednesday, February 22 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 meeting of Circle of Friends will be held in the church library on Wednesday, February 22 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.
Notices
Sacred Bread Guild
Do you like to bake bread? Baking bread for Holy Eucharist was, for many centuries, a craft undertaken by members of the local church. The bread that was offered truly represented the “life and labor” of the parish. In the coming weeks, St. Francis is looking to transition from mass-produced wafers to parishioner-made bread. The recipes used will be simple, and the process of baking infused with prayer. The loaves can be frozen, stored, and thawed. If you would like to become part of the new Sacred Bread Guild, please contact Fr. Kevin. Gluten-free wafers will continue to be available.
Do you like to bake bread? Baking bread for Holy Eucharist was, for many centuries, a craft undertaken by members of the local church. The bread that was offered truly represented the “life and labor” of the parish. In the coming weeks, St. Francis is looking to transition from mass-produced wafers to parishioner-made bread. The recipes used will be simple, and the process of baking infused with prayer. The loaves can be frozen, stored, and thawed. If you would like to become part of the new Sacred Bread Guild, please contact Fr. Kevin. Gluten-free wafers will continue to be available.
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.
Safety and Security Reminder
As mentioned in the October 2022 Fieldnotes, the Safety and Security Committee completed all the work outlined under the Non-Profit Security Grant Program, and St. Francis has been fully reimbursed. A complete list of accomplishments is in the Fieldnotes.
As a reminder, all three Exterior Entry doors (#1, 4, and 8) can be prescheduled to auto-unlock and lock at specified times. So if you have upcoming meetings, events, activities, etc., please get in touch with the Parish Office at 610-647-0130 to schedule the door(s) as appropriate. Please do not hesitate to contact Shirley or Everett Warren with any questions.
As mentioned in the October 2022 Fieldnotes, the Safety and Security Committee completed all the work outlined under the Non-Profit Security Grant Program, and St. Francis has been fully reimbursed. A complete list of accomplishments is in the Fieldnotes.
As a reminder, all three Exterior Entry doors (#1, 4, and 8) can be prescheduled to auto-unlock and lock at specified times. So if you have upcoming meetings, events, activities, etc., please get in touch with the Parish Office at 610-647-0130 to schedule the door(s) as appropriate. Please do not hesitate to contact Shirley or Everett Warren with any questions.
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.
