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
May 3 and May 31: Confirmation Class
In the Episcopal Church, Confirmation is “the sacramental rite in which the candidates express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop’ (BCP, p. 860).” All mature Episcopalians are expected to affirm their faith through the rite of Confirmation. A Confirmation Service is being held on June 6 at Church Farm School. In preparation, Fr. Kevin will hold a simple, two-part Confirmation Class on May 3 and May 31 at 11:20 am in the Library.
May 18: Kitchen Clean-up
On Monday, May 18 at 6 pm, we will be getting together to clean and straighten the kitchen cabinets. We welcome any support that we can get. Please bring a stepladder if you have one. Email Sarah McGovern if you would like to help at sarah.mcgovern6@gmail.com.
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.
May 31: Annual Picnic
Celebrate the start of summer with our annual Parish Picnic, immediately after the service on Sunday, May 31! The Men’s Group will fire up the grill with hot dogs, hamburgers, and a few vegetarian options. Please help fill the table with your favorite potluck dish: Last names A-I: salads; J-R: fruit; S-Z: desserts. Come for the food, stay for the games, laughter, and fellowship – everyone is welcome to join the fun. A sign-up sheet will be posted in the Narthex soon.
Saturday, June 6: Brandywine Deanery Convocation and Confirmation Service - Church Farm School
On June 6 at 10:30am, please make plans to attend this special service of our Deanery in the beautiful Chapel of the Atonement at Church Farm School in Exton. As Dean of the Brandywine Deanery, Fr. Kevin will be preaching, with Bishop Gutierrez celebrating Holy Eucharist. This is a wonderful opportunity for Episcopalians from the 14 congregations in our Deanery to share common worship together and celebrate our Confirmands.
June 23: Red Cross Blood Drive
Our next Red Cross Blood Drive is on Tuesday, June 23 from 2 - 7 pm. Please watch for the flyer to schedule an appointment, or visit redcrossblood.org and use our drive code SFXWUMC, to schedule your next donation. Together we can make a difference!
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!
July 13 - July 16: Vacation Bible School
This year Vacation Bible School is on July 13 to July 16, 9 to 11:30 am. We are excited to announce our program from Concordia Supply titled “Emerald Crossing”. Children ages 4 thru 5th grade are welcome to join us. If you have a child older than 5th grade who would like to volunteer to help with crafts and games, we would love their help. Registration forms will be available soon.
In a world filled with worry, chaos, and confusion, it is essential for kids to know there is a God who cares for them. At Emerald Crossing VBS, kids will journey through Ireland's green, lush landscapes while exploring the powerful words of Psalm 23. Kids will explore the life of the shepherd-king David and will learn how to cross from anxiety to peace, from fear to faith, and from uncertainty to a firm foundation in God's Word through a relationship with the Good Shepherd. Get your VBS passport ready and join the adventure through the rolling, sheep-covered hills of Ireland.
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 April 17 at 1 pm in the Library. The book for April is The Librarian of Burned Books by Brianna Labuskes.
For any questions about Book Group, please contact Elizabeth Pitt.
Brown Bag Lunch
Almost 30 years ago, Connie Black (Scanga) set off for Wellington, New Zealand, where she lived, worked, and cherished her three-and-a-half years of exploring the Antipodes. When she returned to Malvern, she brought back a strong case of the travel bug—and since then, she's spent many summers uncovering new corners of the world. Connie is excited to share highlights from her journeys. Bring your lunch on May 26 and arrive at 11:45 am so our program can being promptly at noon. Come join us in the Parish Hall!
Enneagram Growth Group
The “EGG” meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month, from 6 to 8 pm, at the home of Kevin & Donna Dellaria. This monthly group meets to go beyond basic Enneagram theory through group discussion and reflection. The next meeting is on June 2. Everyone with interest and some experience with the Enneagram is welcome.
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 June 6. 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 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
The group meets in the library on Sunday evenings at 6 pm. The service includes simple prayers and singing, with 20 minutes of Centering Prayer. Everyone is welcome.
Lectionary Bible Study
Lectionary Bible Study meets weekly at 10 am, in-person and on Zoom, to discuss the readings for the upcoming Sunday. Holy Eucharist follows at 11:15 am. A weekly email link is sent out for those who desire to attend virtually.