FIELDNOTES
December 2019 
 
The Monthly Newsletter of 
St. Francis-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church
 
689 Sugartown Road, Malvern, PA 19355
The Rev. Kevin Dellaria, Rector
610-647-0130
stfrancisfields.com
Like us on Facebook 
 
Our Vision:  
We aspire to be a growing community, worshiping together, celebrating our diversity & lay ministries, and offering God's healing love to all people.

Our Mission: 
We seek to foster spiritual growth & renewal while spreading God's message of love, healing and peace.


Christmas Services of Holy Eucharist
@ St. Francis-in-the-Fields
 
December 24 - Christmas Eve
 5:00 PM and 10:00 PM

December 25 - Christmas Day
10:00 AM

December 29 - The First Sunday of Christmas
ONE SERVICE ONLY
10:00 AM - Holy Eucharist with Lessons and Carols

Church Office Hours

The Church Office will be closed on the following days:

Tuesday, December 24
Wednesday, December 25
Thursday, December 26
Wednesday, January 1
Advent: Packing for the Full Adventure
 
Even as I write this, I'm in the midst of packing for a Thanksgiving getaway out near Altoona. We love visiting the state parks of Pennsylvania, staying in the cabins, and spending a few days playing games, taking walks, and just generally relaxing as a family. 
 
But of course, most trips of any length require some forethought, some planning, and some appropriate packing. What kind of trip is it going to be? Will the weather be warm or cold? (In this case, COLD!) Will you be eating out or cooking for yourself? With no TV, what will you bring for entertainment? The planning and packing is full of questions just like these, conscious or unconscious. And really, to be honest, that anticipation is half the fun.
 
And that's where a trip to central PA starts to look like Advent. The season of Advent is preparation for a journey. It's not just preparation for Christmas Day, or for the Christmas season, but for everything that comes after, and that's why a little preparation, a little planning, a little packing, goes a long way.
 
Advent isn't preparation for the birth of Christ as much as it's preparation for the life of Christ. Oh sure, we all stand and marvel at the manger on Christmas Eve, and rightly so. What a miraculous event! And if you're in my family, that's like the selfie we take before we pull away from our house. A great moment! . . . but it's just the start of the journey.
 
So don't spend Advent just preparing for Christmas. You didn't pack the car just to enjoy starting the engine. What hopes do you have for your life? What dreams do you feel called to that lie tended? Where do you need God to appear for you, and how do you need God to bless? And what does God expect of you?
 
Those questions - and ones like them - aren't questions that get answered on Christmas Day; they're not questions that get answered when the engine starts. They're questions that get answered along the rest of the adventure. On the banks of the Jordan. Along the shores of Galilee. In the streets of Capernaum and Jericho. And even on a hill outside of Jerusalem.
 
Advent is a time to think about how we will follow in the steps of Jesus - both liturgically, in the weeks and months that follow, as we walk with Jesus in Palestine, and really, as we ask Jesus to walk with us in our own life.
 
So take some time this Advent to pack for the adventure God gave you.
 
Fr. Kevin

Vestry Update

Vestry met on 10/15/19 and:
  1. Resolved that all available Capital Campaign funds and up to $20,000 from the Vanguard reserve account, if necessary, be used to pay-off the remaining mortgage before year end.
  2. Resolved that $4,000 of funds from the Churchyard Care Fund be used for tree removal.
  3. Reported that, due to flooding, a new hot water had been installed.
 
Vestry met on 11/12/19 and:
  1. Resolved that $6,000, from a parishioner gift, be used to re-carpet the Narthex, the corridor to the office area and stairs.
  2. Reviewed the proposed 2020 budget as prepared by the Finance Committee.
  3. Reported that the remaining mortgage was paid off on 11/12/19 from available Capital Campaign funds in the amount of $34,630.69.
  4. Reviewed the proposed distribution of Outreach funds before year end.
  5. Reported that electrical work had repaired and improved outdoor lighting in the parking lot area.
  6. Authorized an additional $3,700 of electrical work to further improve outdoor lighting in the parking lot area.
  7. Discussed upcoming Vestry vacancies and Convention nominees.

High School Youth Group Happenings - Fall 2019
 
Fall seems to be a hectic time for most kids with the startup of school, new classes, after school sports/activities and part time jobs! We have a lot of competition but are very grateful that these teens find the time to meet twice a month for YG dinners and discussions.   Good job parents!  
 
Sept/Oct: we committed to our next mission trip in Eastern Shores, VA! This year we are trying something new and having our 8th graders going into 9th grade next year join us.
 
November:   they had a little fun at Grand Slam and played laser tag and mini golf.
They also spent a night shopping at Shoprite and Acme food markets for Thanksgiving items. We made it a competition to see who could get the most food items for only $50. Team Shoprite won! Actually, both teams won because we were able to donate 70 pounds worth of holiday food items to the West Chester Food Cupboard!  
 
December 1: the high school and middle school groups will come together to make gingerbread houses and getting into the Christmas spirit!



Important Parish Dates in 2019/2020
 
A list of some important upcoming dates for St. Francis, as currently scheduled. Always check parish bulletins, etc., for updated information on service times and events.
    
Wed., Dec. 4           Circle of Friends, 6 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 7             Wreath Sale and Cookie Walk
Sun., Dec. 15          Las Posadas 
Tues., Dec. 24        Christmas Eve services at 5 pm and 10 pm
Wed., Dec. 25         Christmas Day service at 10 am
Sun., Dec. 29          One Service @ 10 am: Christmas Lessons & Carols
Fri., Jan. 10              Annual Reports due to the office!
Sun. Jan. 26             One service at 9 am followed by Annual Meeting 
Brown Bag Lunch

We welcome Janet Zeis from Home of the Sparrow to the Brown Bag Lunch on Tuesday, December 3 Noon-1PM. Janet is a longtime volunteer who can speak passionately about the organization's mission - preventing women and children in Chester County from ever experiencing the trauma of homelessness.
 
In one of the wealthiest counties in the Commonwealth and in the U.S., it is hard to fathom that there are people in our community who fear they will not have a place to sleep at night. Home of the Sparrow is effective at helping reduce the number of women and children who suddenly find themselves just days away from having no place to live.
 
For over 25 years, Home of the Sparrow has delivered safe, affordable housing options, rental assistance, eviction prevention dollars, and access to other programming for vulnerable women and children facing homelessness in Chester County.  Their programs are unique, satisfy an un-met need and continue to effectively work in tandem with various strategies. Among the women served are two groups that are often ignored - women over 55 and women who have been involved in the justice system. Home of the Sparrow's Pre-Senior Bridge Housing and "WRAP" programs are specifically and thoughtfully designed to help these women find dignity and achieve self-sufficiency. How do women find themselves on the brink of homelessness? For the "working poor," the line between stable housing and homelessness is razor thin because it takes so little to topple a precarious budget that is already barely meeting expenses. A car repair, illness, death of a partner are just a few ways that women - who are likely in your lives right now - can lose everything in less than 30 days, on average.
 
We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, December 3 Noon-1PM to learn more about a well-regarded and important organization that has been working steadily and quietly in our County for a quarter century. Thank you.
 

Circle of Friends
 
Circle of Friends meet every 1st Wednesday of each month. "The Circle" is a pastoral ministry of card-writing and encouragement. All supplies are provided. Anyone is invited to participate.
 
Next meeting is December 4, 6 to 7:30 pm.
Alternative Christmas
 
Please consider getting some gift cards from our annual Alternative Christmas fund raising drive for local charities. With an Alternative Christmas gift card you honor your loved ones, families, friends and others, and you make a difference in the lives of people in our community.  
 
This year Alternative Christmas will be in the Narthex after the 8:00 and before and after the 10:00 services on these Sundays: December 8, 15, and 22.   
 
We accept cash and checks, provide receipts, and all the money goes directly to the charities we support:  The West Chester Food Cupboard, Volunteer English Program, Safe Harbor of Chester County, Home of the Sparrow, Community Volunteers in Medicine, Saint Francis-in-the-Fields Youth Group, and Domestic Violence Center of Chester County.  
 
Contact Jan or Dana Pizarro  with any questions.


Vestry Meeting 

Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at 7 p.m.


Book Club
 
There is no Book Discussion in December
 
Friday, January 17, 7:30
 
The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels, Jon Meacham
 
Cookie Walk
 
Calling all bakers! St. Francis' annual Cookie Walk will be held Saturday, December 7 alongside the St. Clares Wreath and Poinsettia Sale in the undercroft. Please look for the sign up sheet in the Narthex.   
 
Thanks to your generosity last year, we were able to donate an astounding $1,600 to the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County! We hope to make a similar impact this year, as well.  
 
Please contact Michelle Samet with any questions.  

Acolyte Training

Acolyte training for all new and current acolytes will take place in the church right after the 10:00 AM service on all Sundays through December 8, 2019; there will be no training on December 1, 2019. Training will last for about 45 minutes each Sunday.   Training is a not just for new acolytes. We want current acolytes of all ages and experience to attend training sessions to brush up on their skills, take on new duties and to help train the new and younger acolytes. This is another opportunity to serve!
 
Mrs. Donna Dellaria
Dr. David Brooks
Mr. Harold Vanasse 
Backpack Project Gifts Needed for Our Brother's Place
 
 
Members of the St. Francis parish family are again being asked to remember the homeless people who seek shelter and a way to improve their lives at Our Brother's Place, a unit of the Bethesda Project in Philadelphia, as you do your Christmas shopping. St. Francis has supported this very important outreach program for over 25 years, and the needs of those who are helped are as great as they have ever been.
 
Personal articles most needed include: backpacks or duffel bags, winter jackets and rain ponchos (all size Large or Extra-large), flannel shirts, sweaters, sweat pants and sweat shirts, underwear (especiallylong-johns), warm socks, knitcaps, scarves, gloves or mittens, and sneakers (size 9 to 12). Also needed are towels, deodorant, anti-bacterial soap, canned coffee and sugar packets, as well as cleaning supplies such as liquid dishwashing detergent, Pine Sol with lemon, bleach and liquid toilet bowl cleaner.
 
PLEASE DO NOT WRAP GIFTS! A collection bin will be placed in the Narthex beginning Sunday, November 17th. The deadline for bringing your Backpack Project gifts to the Church is Sunday, December 15th. If you would like more information regarding this very meaningful Christmas outreach project, please contact Jim Borum.

Many thanks!


Las Posadas has deep roots in Latin American cultures
 
A Hispanic Christmas tradition will come to life on the grounds of St. Francis on the evening of December 15. Members of the choir, together with parishioners of all ages, will celebrate Las Posadas ("The Inns"), commemorating Mary and Joseph's journey through the streets of Bethlehem, looking for a suitable place for Jesus's birth. Parishioners are encouraged to bring guests to this lively festivity.
 
Weather permitting, all participants, led by children dressed in costume as Mary, Joseph and other pilgrims, will process outside from door to door of the church. Just like the young couple in the Bible, they will be denied entry at each stop. At the final door, they are welcomed into the church hall for feasting and fun. Minister of Music Joe Perry and members of the choir process as well, singing and playing music along the journey.
 
Las Posadas is celebrated in towns across Mexico and Guatemala in mid-December, as part of the preparation for Jesus' birth on Christmas day. Many communities throughout Texas and the southwest have adopted the tradition. Las Posadas typically takes place over nine nights, with different families or community centers hosting each night. The St. Francis event will only be held one night - Sunday, December 15 from 6-8 p.m.
 
Fr. Kevin and his wife Donna, both Texas natives, initiated the tradition at St. Francis two years ago, and it has quickly become an anticipated Christmas event each December.
 
"Las Posadas is a lively way to embrace the season. It's a bit of different perspective, arising from a different culture. Rather than being observers of a play, we all share in the travails of Mary and Joseph as they walk the streets of Bethlehem facing ridicule and rejection, and we all likewise share in their joy as they are finally welcomed and embraced," Fr. Kevin said. "Our years of participating in Las Posadas in South Texas as a young family are filled with memories of multiple peoples and cultures coming together for a night of singing, feasting, celebrating, all in the name of Christ."
 
Visitors are invited to attend the Las Posadas celebration. Bring the whole family to this lively, interactive way to experience a miraculous story.
 
Las Posadas December 15, 6-8 p.m. at St. Francis-In-The-Fields


Martin Luther King Day of Service

For over 20 years churches and civic organizations in Chester County have come together to do community service on the Martin Luther King Day of Service holiday.
The Chester County coordinator is St. Paul's Baptist Church in West Chester, which is a member of Global Citizen of Philadelphia, an umbrella organization for the MLK Day of Service in New Jersey and Southeastern Pennsylvania. Other Chester County church partners include the Unitarian Church of West Chester and Holy Trinity (Episcopal) Church West Chester.

Last year's activities included learning to knit and make hats for babies, making meals for first responders, reading to children at Gaudenzia House, visiting nursing homes, "shelf shedding" at the West Chester Library, and more.

For the 2019 Day of Service students from Tredyffrin Township, Boy Scout troops and every church on Market St. in West Chester participated - 600 people in all!
 
More project information and online sign up will be available in January.
 
Please join the Outreach Committee and consider joining our neighbors (and making new friends)  for this activity and help make a positive impact on our County.
 
The Outreach Committee

Annual Meeting
Our Annual Parish Meeting and Vestry Election will be held on Sunday, January 26, after worship. One service of Holy Eucharist will be held that morning at 9:00 a.m. The state of the parish, ministries report and other presentations will be made.
 
The deadline for committee reports is Friday, January 10. ALL reports are due to the office that day or they will not be included in the Annual Report. Please respect the deadline!!

Vestry Candidates


Cindy Claffey - My husband, Doug, and I joined St. Francis in 1998, as parents with three young children. In 2001, we a moved way and returned to St. Francis in 2005. I am an English teacher at Stetson Middle School in the West Chester Area School District. I am completing my first term on Vestry, during which I have served as Clerk (Secretary) and been actively engaged in the Invite-Welcome-Connect ministry.

Our children, now all college graduates, attended Church School for many years, were confirmed at St. Francis, and were very active in the youth group and mission trips. To me, St. Francis embodies faith, family, friendship, and a deep respect for the world around us. I welcome the opportunity to serve on the Vestry at this exciting time in the Parish.


My name is Brian Friedrich and my wife and I have been members of St. Francis since 2005. I am an Internal Medicine specialist and have practiced medicine for 33 years. I have been a member of the Invite Welcome Connect committee for the last 3 years and have also been a member of Vestry. Carrie and I enjoy our time at St. Francis and the many friendships we have made. 



Sherri Lewis - I was raised Episcopalian and went to church off and on in my youth. I did not belong to a church in early adulthood but once I had children I wanted to introduce religion to them. I started coming to St. Francis in 1999 and my daughter attended church school. I eventually started teaching church school and was Church School Co-Director for several years and still enjoy teaching as needed. I had the opportunity to go on the mission trip in 2010 when my daughter was a senior. It was an amazing experience and I will always cherish the memories. I currently serve on the Altar Guild, Safety Committee and IWC. My faith and spirituality have grown over the years and are an important part of my life. I enjoy attending adult education and other activities that are offered at St. Francis. I live in Malvern with my husband, Scott and son, Connor. I am excited about the arrival of my first grandchild who is due in January. I am honored to be nominated to the vestry.

 
John Stearns - John and Katy Stearns have been members of St Francis in the Fields for over five years.  While living in East Goshen for over 40 years raising four sons, they now enjoy being near seven grandchildren.  John brings marketing and business strategy skills to IWC based on 20 years with Scott Paper and 30 years in business consulting and professional education focusing on business relevance.  John and Katy both are serving as Greeters. John also is an Usher.and Katy participates on the Outreach Vestry.  Additionally, John has worked with Tony Fernandes on the Greeter segment of IWC.  
   
 
Suzanne Steinberg - My children and I joined St Francis in 1990. Since that time, I have served on a search committee at two different times, each on a journey to find a choir director, been a faithful member of the St Francis Choir, and served a 3 year term on vestry as Fellowship Liaison. As a recently retired special education teacher, I'm looking forward to serving once again on vestry.
 
 
Candidates for Delegates to Deanery and Diocesan Convention
 
 
David Brooks and his family have been attending St. Francis since 1986.   David has served three terms on the vestry including two years as Rector's Warden. He has chaired a number of committees including Stewardship, Finance and Discernment.   David has taught Sunday School including Confirmation Class and serves as one of the Acolyte Leaders.   David is retiring from J&J where he has worked for eleven years in Business Development. Previously he was a Vice President in drug discovery at GSK. 

 
Nancy Needhammer - I have been involved in numerous activities over the years including being senior warden, accounting warden and head of several finance committees.  Outreach has always been a priority.  At St. Francis I am enjoying being on the Outreach and Art & Music Festival Committees.  I am looking forward to representing St. Francis at the Diocesan Convention for the next three years.
Art & Music Festival Save the Date

The 2020 St. Francis Art & Music Festival will take place Friday, February 21 through Sunday, February 23.  
 
Stay tuned for more information.
 

Volunteers Needed

Thank you Sue and Tim Kelly, Judy Culver and Everett Warren, volunteers who have signed up to drive two parishioners who currently reside at Arbour Square. This is very much appreciated.

However, I am looking for one more volunteer so that each family will only have to drive once per month.

If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity, please contact Shirley Warren.

Here are the basis responsibilities of the volunteers 1) monthly commitment to drive 2) contact the parishioners to confirm they will be going to church and 3) pickup and return parishioners back to Arbour Square.

Thank you.

1201 Ward Avenue
West Chester, PA 19380
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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. When done properly this can save a considerable amount of federal tax, and this is especially true under the new tax laws.

To learn more please ask your investment advisor, or see Mike Quinn with any questions.


Holy Land Pilgrimage

March 12-25, 2020
 
Save the date for this Bishop-led pilgrimage. Interested people should email The Rev. Matthew Dayton-Welch at [email protected] to register or inquire with questions.  
 
Travel package costs are still being finalized.

Welcome to Amazon Smile!

Do you love to shop on Amazon? If so, please consider selecting the St. Francis smile account before you begin your shopping.   Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchases to the parish. The Vestry approved designating this money for Outreach during the coming year.
 


Wear your name tag for a chance to win a mug!

Get in on the fun on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. by wearing your name tag during the service and coffee hour and placing it in one of the small buckets at each door on your way out.  Diane will draw a name on Monday and announce the winner in the Friday Parish News!  
 
 
Bible Study 
 
Lectionary Bible Study meets on Wednesdays at 10 am to pray and discuss the readings for the following Sunday. Holy Eucharist follows the study. Anyone is invited to attend.
 

Church Farm School

Greatly needed at this time are: Men's sweaters (S, M & L); Men's winter jackets (S, M & L); Belts (black & brown, size 32 34, 36 & 38); winter hats, winter gloves. PLEASE remember these are BOYS - 9-12th grade. Items can be left under the coat rack in the narthex.  
 
Thank you for your donations.  
 
Contact Sheila Rees with any questions.

Donate Your Time and Talent

Want to get personally involved?  If you are over the age of 18 and want to donate your time and talent to the 100% volunteer team at the West Chester Food Cupboard, please email Charlotte Cain at [email protected].
 
Money and food is welcome too, because no one should go hungry.
 
Thank you!
 
610-344-3175
 
431 S. Bolmar Street, West Chester, PA  19382
Altar Flowers

Did you know that you can dedicate the Sunday Altar Flowers in honor of a friend or family member, in remembrance of a loved one, or for some other special recognition? Altar Flower dedications are just $50.00, and helps provide a fresh arrangement each week. The form for dedicating Altar Flowers can be found on our parish website at: https://stfrancisfields.com/wp-content/uploads/Altar-Flowers-Dedication-form.jpg

Fieldnotes Deadline - January

The deadline for the January Fieldnotes is  
Monday, December 23, 2019!
Calendar

For the calendar of events, please click the link below to the website.

St. Francis-in-the-Fields Calendar