FIELDNOTES
August 2022
The Monthly Newsletter of
St. Francis-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church
Malvern, Pennsylvania
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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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Confirmation
Note: Fr. Kevin is writing a series of articles in 2022 on what it means to be Episcopalian. If you have a topic or question you would like discussed or answered, please email Fr. Kevin at frkevin@stfrancisfields.org.
Of the seven Sacraments and Sacramental Rites of the Episcopal Church, Confirmation may truly be the most mysterious. In the Catechism of the Book of Common Prayer, Confirmation is described as follows:
Confirmation is the rite in which we express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a Bishop. It is required of those to be confirmed that they have been baptized, are sufficiently instructed in the Christian Faith, are penitent for their sins, and are ready to affirm their confession of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (Book of Common Prayer, 60)
With that definition in mind, it should be no surprise that Confirmation was, in the past, considered the “completion” of baptism. Not so long ago, in fact, Confirmation of one’s faith in the presence of a Bishop was required to receive Communion in the Episcopal Church. But that hasn’t been the case for many years now, and for the last few decades, Baptism has (rightly) been accepted theologically as full and complete immersion into the Body of Christ, the Church.
Because of that shift in thinking, in more recent years Confirmation has been designated a “rite seeking a theology”. The unsettled nature of this Sacramental Rite, coupled with the concern for a “mature commitment” expressed by those who were baptized as infants, has unfortunately typecast Confirmation in many minds as a practice appropriate almost exclusively for youth (teenagers, specifically). In many minds, that is, the practice has simply become a “rite of passage”; a kind of Christian Bar or Bat Mitzvah, but lacking the essential communal responsibilities and expectations that accompanies the rite in the Jewish community.
That said, I believe the opportunity is present to reclaim Confirmation, not as a completion of the rite of Baptism, nor as a Christianized “rite of passage” for young teenagers, but as a practice that helps move a baptized person (youth or adult) from the individual, salvific tones of Baptism into the more “functional” expectations of corporate participation. Confirmation, that is, should take the baptized believer and “confer” upon them - at their choice - the formal responsibility of participating in the lay leadership, councils, and ministries of the Church.
Is that a tall order? Yes. Does it require growth and maturity after Baptism? Absolutely. But it would also require the Church to make a vital adjustment: Confirmands would no longer be seen as the “end” of something (Baptism), but as the beginning of something (Lay Leaders). Done with care and intention, whether the Confirmand is an adult or a youth, Confirmation would mean an intentional commitment to worship, education, and service, or, as we say in the Baptismal Covenant, to the “Apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to the prayers.”
While some aspects and ideas about Confirmation may be changing, at its core the Sacramental Rite of Confirmation still reflects the need and intention that it originally conveyed: Those who are baptized, having made a public profession of faith, are expected to take on the mantle of that faith in the congregation of believers. Like anything else, this is a journey of learning, experience, and growth. Confirmation recognizes that a person is ready to take that journey. It does not "complete" our Baptism, which is a full and complete expression of God's grace. But it can - and should - help propel us into a Christian life that is active and engaged.
This fall, an “Inquirer’s Class” will be offered (see below) for anyone interested in learning more about the basics of the Christian faith as lived out in the Episcopal Church. In preparation for a future visit from our Bishop, this class will serve to meet the requirements for Confirmation. Everyone is invited to attend these classes. Non-baptized Any baptized member of St. Francis (or a non-member who desires to join) who has not undergone the rite of Confirmation is encouraged to join the class (in-person or virtual). An “Inquirer’s Class” for youth is also being developed.
Blessings,
Fr. Kevin+
Inquirer's Class (Tentative Schedule): Each Sunday morning from 9:00am to 9:30am, October 9 - December 11 (10 Weeks). Topics covered will include the history of the Episcopal Church, the place of the Bible and the Book of Common Prayer, the liturgical cycle, the Sacraments and Catechism, Episcopal Church polity, and being an active and engaged Episcopalian.
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Update on the progress of Thistle Hills.
Thistle Hills is growing well as a safe space for women to come in off the streets, begin the healing process and work on transforming their lives. We have developed partnerships with Certified Recovery Support Specialists who come to the house to support our women in their recovery. We have discovered that art therapy, in various forms, has a positive, healing effect and we are pleased to be partnering with AHHAH (Arts Holding Hands and Hearts) and Be ReZilient, who also offers trauma informed coaching.
There are currently two women living in our beautiful home and we are ready to welcome two more. Our residents have commented many times on how much their home is appreciated - no institutional feel and an environment conducive to recovery and healing.
We are currently exploring a social enterprise concept that may involve making pottery! Stay tuned as we live into this possibility.
This past Monday, July 25, the Daily Local News ran an article about how our Chester County Library System is posting information advertising the National Human Trafficking hotline in their restrooms. Thank you Chester County Library System!
In honor of World Day Against Trafficking, please consider making a donation to Thistle Hills. We are "growing well" and YOU are an important part of that growth. You may donate through our website or send a check payable to Thistle Hills, 323 E. Lincoln Highway, Coatesville, PA 19320. Your donation will directly impact the lives of our residents and we need your financial support to help keep our vision alive. Thank you!
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Escape Room
The Youth Groups from St. Peter's in the Great Valley and St. Francis-in-the-Fields shared an evening together and solved clues in an escape room in West Chester. Afterwards we enjoyed pizza at Lorenzo's.
We hope to continue our collaboration with St. Peter's Youth Group beginning in the fall.
Fun was had by all!!
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Refugee Program
During the past year, the Refugee Program has completed four apartment set-ups in collaboration with Nationalities Service Center. The first three apartments provided homes for Afghan families with up to five members. Two of these apartment set-ups were fully funded by parishioners. Donated items included bed linens, bathroom and kitchen/dining supplies and cleaning equipment, valued at $500 per home.
One parishioner is also providing English tutoring to a 10-year-old Afghan boy. As reported earlier, 40 pieces of furniture were provided by St. Francis parishioners and friends in the spring furniture drive.
Another drive is planned in the fall. A parishioner provided transportation for one of the families to Newark, N.J., where the five-member family was scheduled to appear at an immigration authority hearing. The most recent apartment set-up provided a home for two Sudanese refugees.
During the apartment preparations, a newly-housed Afghan man appeared at the door and invited the volunteers to tea in his apartment in the same building. He had been a translator in Afghanistan and escaped with his wife, three children and his mother on a transport plane during the evacuation last summer.
John Groch
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Fill the Bus
A few weeks ago a flyer was sent to the congregation to ask for supplies and donations for ECS Philadelphia, Fill the Bus - Back to School Event. That information was incorrect. Here is the correct information.
Here are the links to make the donations or you may send a check directly to ECS!
Thank you for helping the Outreach Committee with this endeavor!
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Worship in the Garden
St. Francis has beautiful grounds that are lovingly cared for, and a connection to the land we inhabit. We want to highlight and celebrate that connection in both worship and service.
So please mark your calendars and join us for outdoor worship at 10am on August 7, September 4, and October 2 (St. Francis Day).
These services will be live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube.
Helpers will be needed for both setup and cleanup. In the event of inclement weather, we will worship in the Nave.
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Summer Bible Study: The Letter to the Romans
Fr. Kevin’s short summer Bible Study on Paul’s letter to the Romans wraps up next Sunday morning, August 7, from 9 to 9:30am.
Recordings of the study can be found on Facebook and YouTube.
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Welcome Back Sunday
Welcome Back Sunday is September 11.
We will be serving ice cream following the service and hope you’ll enjoy us for a scoop or two!
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Blood Drive, Sept. 15 - Mark Your Calendar!
After a brief hiatus, St. Francis will host an upcoming blood drive with the American Red Cross in September. Mark your calendar and consider donating blood to help patients in need in our community.
Drive Details:
Site: St Francis in the Fields Episcopal Church
Address: 689 Sugartown Road, Malvern, PA, 19355
Room: The Undercroft
Date: Thursday, September 15, 2022
Time: 2 PM - 7 PM
The need for blood is constant. Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every 2 to 3 seconds and most of us will need blood in our lifetime.
For information, contact Sue Lenkaitis.
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Pickleball!
Pickleball is MONDAYS at 5 pm, weather permitting.
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Book Group
The book discussion group will take a break and resume our discussions in September with Born A Crime, by Trevor Noah.
Enjoy your summer reading. Let us know if you read a book you would like to discuss with the group when we’re back in the fall
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Facebook and Instagram!
DON'T BE SHY! Would you like to share something about yourself, a fun fact about our church or anything in between?
Please contact Noel Dutton to be featured on our church social media.
This is a fun and easy way to connect our parish members!
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Circle of Friends
Circle of Friends is a pastoral care ministry of note writing (birthday, get well, thank you, encouragement, etc.)
The Circle of Friends will meet in person on Wednesday, August 24 at 5:30 pm. We hope you will join us!
For more information please contact Sherri Lewis.
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Lectionary Bible Study
The study will resume its hybrid format (in-person and via Zoom) on August 17.
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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.
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Calendar
For the calendar of events, please click the link below to the website.
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St. Francis-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church
689 Sugartown Road
Malvern, PA 19355
610-647-0130
stfrancisfields@stfrancisfields.org
stfrancisfields.org
The Rev. Kevin Dellaria, Rector
The Rev. Diane E. Faison, Deacon & Parish Administrator
Mr. Joe Perry, Music Director
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Want to know more about us?
St. Francis-in-the-Fields is an active parish, even during COVID-19. For more information about our worship, outreach, and other ministries, visit our parish website, www.stfrancisfields.org. Our monthly parish newsletter, Fieldnotes, may be found by clicking HERE. Stay current on events by following our parish on Facebook.
Our Global Communion
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St. Francis-in-the-Fields | 610-647-0130 | 689 Sugartown Road, Malvern, PA 19355 |
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