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FIELDNOTES
The Monthly Newsletter of
St. Francis-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church
689 Sugartown Road, Malvern, PA 19355
The Rev. Kevin Dellaria, Rector
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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.
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A Pageant for the Ages:
The Other Birth Narrative
Did you know there are three stories of Jesus's birth in the New Testament? The one we are most familiar with is Luke, the birth narratives with heavenly choirs, glorious angels, shepherds in the field, and baby Jesus sleeping peacefully in a manger. Less well know is Matthew, the story from which we get the image of the three kings, or "wise men". (No, there probably weren't three. And they weren't kings, but rather more like astrologers. But I digress...) In it's full length, Matthew's story is a much darker tale than Luke's. The most "heavenly" you get are angelic appearances in Joseph's dreams, and the whole tale is couched in a context of oppression and violence A far cry from the children's pageants with which most of us are familiar! But then there's Revelation 12 and 13, and what I might call "Apocalyptic Comedy".
Revelation can be daunting, but sit down sometime and read chapters 12 and 13 together. This particular vision set (one of several), with all its strange imagery, is a birth narrative of mythic proportions. The story beings with a Dragon - no doubt a really scary dragon - who appears on the scene chasing a pregnant woman, with the intention of devouring her and her child. Despite the scary premise, if you read closely, you'll notice the problem is that every time the Dragon gets close, the woman slips away. First, she is protected by God in the wilderness while her child is taken to heaven. Later, she is carried away by an eagle. And yet a third time, the earth itself comes to her aid. Meanwhile, in the midst of all this stomping about, we're also told that the Dragon has lost his place in heaven. A bad day indeed!
After the woman gets away the third time, the Dragon decides he's going to go after the rest of her children instead. But there is a problem: He realizes that, as big and scary a Dragon as he is, he still can't defeat the kiddos alone (much less the woman!). Looking for help, he stomps away to the beach and calls a couple of buddies, the Beast and the False Prophet (Rev. 13). In classic apocalytic fashion, these are pretty "colorful" characters. Goofy, you might even say. The first creature, "The Beast", is a hodge-podge of animals almost haphazardly stuck together, and with a wound on it's head (already been beaten once?). The other, the "False Prophet", is essentially nothing but a puppet, who may have some power, but only uses it to deceive people into following the Beast.
In short, you have two losers (the Dragon and the Beast) and their lackey (the False Prophet) who make up the "Unholy Trinity" of this short vision. By telling the tale in this way, the writer of Revelation unmasks the "principalities and powers" that seem to be running the world (as in Matthew's birth story), and portrays them as practically powerless among those who are willing to discern. Who, after all, upon hearing that story in Revelation, would take these powers seriously? But of course, that's John's point. Despite the absurdity of these satanic "Three Stooges", there are still people who will fall for the deception. The Dragon is a loser, and his buddies no smarter than Laurel and Hardy, but that doesn't mean they aren't dangerous.
Finally, in Revelation 13:18, John ties it all together with a passage whose seeming mystery has launched countless commentaries and suppositions, along with plenty of scary books and movies. "This calls for wisdom: let anyone with understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a person. Its number is six hundred sixty-six." In other words, John says, if you're smart, DO THE MATH! There's nothing very special about these guys at all. Just plain old human sin dressed in scary clothes.
Don't ever say the Bible isn't interesting.
Merry Christmas!
Fr. Kevin
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 My family and I would like to express our appreciation for the cards and gifts shared with us this Christmas, and for all your graciousness in letting us take a little time away. We are so thankful to God that we are part of this loving church family! May you have a glorious New Year's Day, and I look forward to seeing all of you as we start this new decade.
Merry Christmas, and Happy 2020!
Fr. Kevin
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 Vestry Update
Vestry met on 12/10/19 and:
- Reviewed the role of a deacon in the Episcopal Church as presented by The Rev. Jeff Moretzsohn, an Archdeacon in the Diocese of Pennsylvania.
- Reviewed and approved the 2020 budget as prepared by the Finance Committee.
- Received an update on the condition of the Churchyard and the tree removal previously approved.
- Reviewed the Profit and Loss Statement prepared as of 11/30/19.
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Important Parish Dates in 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.
January 26
Annual Parish Meeting: Eucharist at 9 am; Meeting at 10 am
February 21-23 St. Francis Art Show & Musical Revue
February 26 Ash Wednesday
April 5-11 Holy Week
April 12 Easter Sunday
May 31 The Day of Pentecost
June 28 - July 3 St. Francis Youth Group Mission Trip
September 13 Welcome Back Sunday
October 4 St. Francis Day and Blessing of the Animals
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 Brown Bag Lunch
February BBL and Tour of 9-1-1 Emergency Center
The Brown Bag Lunch, scheduled for Tuesday, January 7 is CANCELLED. However, we will resume on Tuesday, February 4 with a very important safety topic - "Fall Prevention".
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans. Falls threaten seniors' safety and independence and generate enormous economic and personal costs.
- One in four Americans aged 65+ falls each year.
- Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall; every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall.
- Falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults.
- Falls result in more than 2.8 million injuries treated in emergency departments annually, including over 800,000 hospitalizations and more than 27,000 deaths.
- In 2015, the total cost of fall injuries was $50 billion. Medicare and Medicaid shouldered 75% of these costs.
- The financial toll for older adult falls is expected to increase as the population ages and may reach $67.7 billion by 2020.
Jim Herlihey (Chester County Hospital) will be our presenter on Tuesday, February 4. Please feel free to share information with others who may benefit from this presentation.
Thursday, February 6, Noon-1:30PM
- At the October BBL, Amy Amer (Chester County Emergency Department) spoke about The Importance of Smart911 Registration. Several parishioners expressed an interest in touring the 9-1-1 Emergency Center, which is located on Westtown Road, West Chester. The tour is scheduled for Thursday, February 6 Noon-1:30PM. A signup sheet will be posted in the Narthex.
Please add these two important events to your calendar and we look forward to seeing you on February 4 at noon. Thank you.
Shirley Warren, Chair of BBL
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Circle of Friends
Circle of Friends meets
every 1st Wednesday of the month. "The Circle" is a pastoral ministry of card-writing and encouragement. All supplies are provided. Anyone is invited to participate.
Next meeting is
January 8, 6 to 7:30 pm.
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Vestry Meeting
Tuesday,
January 14, 2019 at 7 p.m.
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 Book Club
Friday, January 17, 7:30 pm
The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels,
Jon Meacham
The Soul of America
is Jon Meacham's declaration of his faith in America. By chronicling the nation's struggles from revolutionary times to current day, he makes the argument that America has faced division before-and not only survived it but thrived. This book stands as a testament to our choice-a reminder that the country has a history of returning to its core values of freedom and equality after enduring periods of distraction and turmoil.
Meacham tells us we've been here before and can find our way out, urging readers to enter the arena, avoid tribalism, respect facts and listen to history.
Friday, February 14, 6:30 pm
Pizza & Video night
Bring something to share if you wish. We'll split the cost of the pizza.
The video we will watch and hope to discuss is "The Way." The video will start promptly. We will eat while we watch in order to allow time for discussion.
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Parish thanked for Backpack Project
Gifts for Philadelphia Homeless
The Outreach Committee again thanks the many caring St. Francis parishioners who supported the recent
Backpack Project
for Our Brothers' Place in Philadelphia, continuing a tradition started over 25 years ago. Our parishioners' generosity again provided a large volume of warm clothing and personal supplies.
I feel very fortunate to be able meet and talk with some of those people directly impacted, and I want to pass along how truly grateful they are to receive these gifts.
Thank you very much!
Jim Borum
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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 in West Chester.
Registration for the upcoming interfaith MLK Day of Service can be done online beginning
January 3, 2020. The web site is:
https://stpaulsbaptist.org/.
This year's activities for children under 6 with parents include arts and crafts for veterans and first responders, and early childhood activities focused on health. Activities for people over age 7 include: learning to knit baby caps, visiting nursing homes, storytelling for children, preparing meal packets for seniors and first responders, fixing up nurseries and possibly a school (painting, clean up, etc.), and a food drive, among others. Other projects are being organized as well. Lunch is provided to volunteers.
This is an exciting activity that only requires us to show up, no pre-work is involved, and we'll get to meet people from other churches in the area such as the Unitarians. 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
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 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!!
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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.
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Art & Music Festival
The 2020 Art Show and Music Festival will be held on
February 21, 22 and 23.
The proceeds of this show will benefit Darlington Arts Center and the West Chester Food Cupboard. Artists are submitting their works through an online submission process called Entrythingy and have until January 15 to get their entries in. Our musical director, Joe Perry, has musical talent lined up and is busy rehearsing for Saturday's musical revue.
There is plenty of time left to get your artwork entered, to sign up as a sponsor, or to be a volunteer during the event . Last year we had over 40 artists displaying 120 pieces of art. The revue was a great success with Joe putting together talent from within St. Francis as well as throughout neighboring communities.
Tickets for Friday & Saturday nights' events will go on sale at the beginning of February. We are looking to making this the best Festival yet as Darlington Arts Center & West Chester Food Cupboard are very worthy recipients of our proceeds.
Please contact Karen Richards for any additional information.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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
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 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
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Fieldnotes Deadline - February
The deadline for the February Fieldnotes is
Monday, January 20, 2019!
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Calendar 
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