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
Upcoming Seasonal Events at St. Francis
Wednesday, December 17: Daytime Christmas Fellowship, 12 noon
Sunday, December 21: Church School Christmas Pageant, 10 am
Wednesday, December 24: Christmas Eve Services, 5 pm and 11 pm
Thursday, December 25: Christmas Day Service, 9 am
Sunday, December 28: Christmas Lessons & Carols, 10 am
Saturday, January 3: Open House at the Dellarias, 5 pm
Backpack Project for Our Brother’s Place
A St. Francis holiday tradition is back! Personal articles most needed include: backpacks and warm winter clothing (such as jackets, socks). Other items needed include gloves, hats, scarves, blankets, and toiletries (toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shaving cream, shampoo, etc.). PLEASE DO NOT WRAP GIFTS! Collection bins are in the Narthex. The deadline for bringing your Backpack Project gifts to the Church is Sunday, December 14. If you would like more information, please contact Jim Crowley at crowleyjamesm@gmail.com.
December 14: Outreach Meeting
There will be a meeting of the Outreach Committee on Sunday, December 14, immediately after church. All are welcome!
December 17: Christmas Luncheon
The parish Christmas Luncheon is on Wednesday, December 17 at 12 noon in the Parish Hall. This event was started as an option for those who do not want to drive at night, but all are welcome to attend. We sing Christmas carols, have a delicious lunch and play some games. There are door prizes of course! Join us to celebrate with your St. Francis family!
Christmas Flowers
Flowers to decorate the church for Christmas in memory/thanksgiving/celebration of a person or event are available for a donation of $30.00. You can find the Christmas flowers form in the Narthex, on the website or by calling the church office at 610-647-0130. The deadline for the donation and the form is Wednesday, December 17.
December 19: Decorating for Christmas
Help is needed decorating the interior of the church on Friday, December 19 at 6pm. This will include hanging the large wreath in the back of the Nave, along with creating the manger scene in the sanctuary and the Children's Christmas tree in the Narthex. Please the Parish Office or Sarah McGovern if you are able to help. Additional decorating will take place on December 21 after worship and coffee hour.
January 17: New Year “Flip Board” Workshop
Start your journey through Lent exploring the Spirit’s movement in your life with the power of images. 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. (Shhh! Don’t tell, but this class is best enjoyed by individuals with little to no artistic talent.) $30.00/person. Ages 15+ welcome. Space is limited. Contact the church office or Donna Dellaria with any questions or to register.
January 25: Annual Meeting
Our Annual Parish Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, January 25, 2026. Committee Chairs are encouraged to prepare a written report to be included in the meeting booklet. The deadline for reports is Monday, January 12, 2026.
Monthly Events
Book Group
The next Book Group meeting is January 17 at 7:30 pm in the Library. We will be discussing The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett.
Upcoming Book Group dates are: January 17, February 21, and March 21. For any questions about Book Group, please contact Elizabeth Pitt.
Brown Bag Lunch
The next Brown Bag Lunch scheduled for January 27, 2026. Our speaker from the West Chester History Center will be discussing the life and art of Horace Pippin. Bring your lunch and arrive at 11:45 am so our program can being promptly at noon. Come join us in the Parish Hall!
Circle of Friends
The Circle of Friends will meet in the church library on Wednesday, November 26 at 5:30 pm. If you are unable to join us in person but would still like to participate, packets can be prepared for pickup or delivery as needed. Please contact Shelley Steel with any questions.
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 meeing is on Tuesday, January 6 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 December 9. Please let Tom know if you have any questions or 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 December 13. All men of St. Francis are welcome to attend.
Women’s Small Group Gathering
A women’s small group is meeting this fall using the book of Ruth as our guide. You are invited to our time together as a structured gathering that will incorporate spiritual practices such as journaling, silence, labyrinth, prayer and more. This small group is limited to 15 women. We meet in the Sanctuary on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. The next meeting is on December 16 from 6 to 8 pm. Please reach out to Meridith Ridington if you are interested in learning more.
Semi-Monthly Events
Contemplative Prayer
Beginning in September, Fr. Kevin will offer a service of contemplative prayer on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month, from 6 to 7 pm. This quiet, reflective service, gathered “in the round” will include Taizé-inspired songs, easy Psalm chanting, and periods of Centering Prayer, ending with Holy Eucharist. Everyone is welcome!
Church School
Children ages (roughly) 3 to 5th grade are invited to come downstairs at 10 am on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month for stories, songs, and activities. Children will return to the service during the announcements. We will focus this year on growing our wonderful church school, and developing our children and youth ministries for the years to come. If you would like to help, please contact Sherri Lewis or Father Kevin.
Weekly Events
Lectionary Bible Study
Our weekly Lectionary Bible Study meets on Wednesdays at 10 am to pray and discuss the readings for the following Sunday. Bible Study is in-person in the church library and virtual via Zoom. Holy Eucharist follows the Bible Study. To join virtually, see the weekly email sent to your inbox.
NOTE: Bible Study is on hiatus until January 7, 2026.
Book Study: A Testament of Devotion by Thomas Kelly
A classic text in spirituality, Thomas Kelly's book is not strictly focused on Advent, and yet its inspiration and themes are deeply reflective of the season. His vision of a simple but vibrant spiritual life has encouraged many in their walk with Christ.
Book conversations will be led by Tom Ridington and Fr. Kevin for five Sundays at 11:20 am, starting on November 30. Grab your coffee and a sweet and join us in the library. Copies of the book are available in the Narthex.