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FIELDNOTES
July 2020  
 
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.org
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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.

Dear St. Francis Family,

I hope this abbreviated July edition of Fieldnotes finds you well. Although July is usually a quiet month in our parish, the reality is that despite the continuing threat of COVID-19, mission and ministry at St. Francis is bustling with activity. This month in our parish, we are:
  • Re-starting public services of Holy Eucharist
  • Beginning the ongoing work of anti-racism
  • Continuing to develop our remodeling plans
  • Taking action to improve our audio/visual and streaming abilities
  • Studying Paul's letter to the Philippians
  • Welcoming and incorporating a new staff position (Deacon)
  • Regularly evaluating our virus response
  • Responding to pastoral needs
  • Making plans for the fall
As you can see, even though we are (mostly) still physically apart, we are nonetheless active and engaged. In these exceptional and often stressful times, we are learning how to grow and respond to the leading of God's spirit, that our "love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment" (Phil. 1:9). 

Even in the slow, summer months - even during these "COVID" months - there are always ways to plug in to life at St. Francis. If you want to be involved, please send me an email or give me a call. 

Blessings to all,

Fr. Kevin Dellaria
 
Holy Eucharist & SignUpGenius

Our first week of return to public worship has been a tremendous success. We've had good turnout and great feedback. Attendees have reported feeling very safe in the outdoor environment with the protocols and procedures we have in place. Thank you to everyone who has helped make this happen!

We are using SignUpGenius to register people for the Outside Eucharist.  Please remember that the total limit for gathering is 20, including clergy, and only sign-up for one of the services in a week so other people will have a chance to attend.
 
Please remember that you are to wear your masks, practice social distancing (6 ft. between you another person) and use hand sanitizer. Masks will be provided if you don't have one and hand sanitizer will be available. Ushers will direct you where you are to sit when you get to the church courtyard. In case of inclement weather, Holy Eucharist will be cancelled.   
 
A separate email will be sent with the dates and links to sign-up each week.   
 
We hope to see you and share in the Eucharist.
 

Our Graduates!!  (continued)
Congratulations!!


Maria Colon is graduating from West Chester East High School and plans to attend Penn State Schreyers Honors College in University Park, pursuing a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.












Charlotte Ackerman is graduating from E. N. Peirce Middle School moving on to B. Reed Henderson High School. She received Honor Roll all four Quarters.

"Virtual" Bible Study 
 
Lectionary Bible Study will not be held during the month of July. 
 
Vestry Update

The St. Francis-in-the-Fields Vestry met via Go-To-Meeting on May 12. Topics of discussion included:
  • Announcement that our parish received a federal loan through the CARES Act (Paycheck Protection Plan) which will help cover some payroll, pension and healthcare costs for a 2 ½ month period. The intent being to convert the loan to a grant by providing timely documentation as to how the funds were used.
  • Gratitude that parishioners continue to be faithful in paying annual pledges and fulfilling capital campaign pledges.
  • Discussion of re-opening in-person Worship in the upcoming month.
  • Reports from Vestry Liaisons for "community building" related ministries:
    • Outreach (Anne Crowley)
    • Fellowship (Suzanne Steinberg)
    • IWC (John Stearns)
    • Signage (Brian Friedrich)
    • Pastoral Care (Sherri Lewis)
    • Fr. Kevin addressed his plan to begin programming regarding issues of race relations and racial reconciliation. More information will be coming soon.
    • Announcement that Diane Faison has been formally installed as a Deacon in our parish.
Per Parish bylaws, no meeting will be held in July. The next Vestry meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 11.

Remote Giving

St. Francis continues to function during the pandemic, offering livestream worship, conference call meetings, online Bible studies and (physically distant) pastoral care. We continue to meet our financial commitments to our staff, our property and service providers, and the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania. Keeping our parish connected and building our community however we can is a top priority. However, we also know that, during this crisis, many are facing unexpected financial challenges. 
 
If you can continue your pledge or regular giving during this period, it is much appreciated. If financial constraints make giving or maintaining your pledge a hardship for you or your family, that is completely understandable.
 
For giving, personal checks and online bank transactions are still accepted. Also, for your convenience, an online giving option is now on the front page of our website (stfrancisfields.org). Just look for the "Give" button toward the bottom of the page.
Circle of Friends
 
Circle of Friends is a  pastoral ministry of card-writing and encouragement that  meets  every 1st Wednesday
of each month. All supplies are provided. Anyone is invited to participate. During this period of physical distancing, "The Circle" is meeting remotely, preparing notes from the safety of home. Thank you to everyone who shares in this ministry.
Here is contact information for the West Chester Food Cupboard:
 
431 S. Bolmar St., West Chester, PA  19382
610-344-3175

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

New Email Address!

The parish office at St. Francis-in-the-Fields now has a new email address.  Please start using this email when contacting the church office.  The old one will be phased out.

New email address:    [email protected]
Fieldnotes Deadline - August

The deadline for the August Fieldnotes is  
Monday, July 17, 2020!. 
Calendar

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

St. Francis-in-the-Fields Calendar