FIELDNOTES

April 2026

 The Monthly Newsletter of 

St. Francis-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church

Malvern, Pennsylvania

“Magic Eyes”

Many decades ago a curious new form of art began to appear that left many of us cross-eyed with frustration. You know the pictures I’m talking about. After all, most of us at one time or another stood for untold minutes in a bookstore staring blankly at the nearly indecipherable montage of tiny, repeated images, looking for the hidden 3D figure beneath. And, if you’re like me, you probably had one or two friends who could pick up the same illustration, gaze briefly at the page, and smugly describe in a matter of seconds that hidden figure with a kind of irritating and humiliating precision.

Through the years I’ve gotten better at seeing those images. With a great deal of practice, hours of patient bookstore dawdling, and more than a few self-inflicted headaches, I’ve learned what it takes for my eyes to see the image behind the image. I’ve taught myself how to engage these works with a particular kind of focus; how to let the visual distractions around me fade until only the object of my focus seems to exist. I’m not by any means an expert - and I can still drum up a healthy sense of nausea if I try too hard – but these days, more often than not, I can make those hidden pictures appear as if they were never really hidden in the first place.

Easter, I find, works in much the same way. We’re all familiar, of course, with the basics of Easter imagery: an empty cross, a rising sun, a misty tomb mysteriously lit. And if we abstract the event a little further, ever more visuals emerge: a field of lilies, a butterfly escaping its cocoon, a body dressed in white robes, hair dripping wet from the water of a river.

But look even deeper into the picture - adjust the eyes of the spirit to lay image on top of image, symbol on top of symbol - and something fresh and profound begins to emerge. The snapshots of historical events, so critical to telling the story, recede from the foreground. Like the dabs of an impressionist, the individual brushstrokes blend into a larger portrait. A moment of gazing, with a desire to see beyond the façade, is rewarded with a living image of Godly work; the zenith of divine art and creativity. And what we see in that moment, for all its importance, is not an empty cross, or a misty tomb, or even our resurrected Lord in glorious raiment. It is, instead, an image that’s both joyful and terrifying, hopeful and awe-inspiring. It’s an image, not of words, or data, or sentimental ideas, but of love expressed in corporeal reality. It is the resurrected, cleansed and commissioned Body of Christ, the Church. 

Whatever illustrations we want to give to that most sacred of mysteries, the simple, scriptural truth is that those who have been baptized into Christ are alive in Him (Rom. 6:4-11). And we are alive in Him, not simply to gawk in wonderment at an empty tomb, but to carry on the ministry of Christ, laboring – as Christ Himself would labor – to re-awaken every part of the world to intimate relationship with its Creator (Eph. 2:6; 2 Cor. 5:17-20).

And so we stare. We stand and gaze intently into the Easter picture because we know, intuitively, that the icon that rises boldly from that mysterious, barren tomb, is the true image of God. The image of God in which we were – and are – wonderfully created. And as we stare, the figure of the risen Christ reaches out from the page and grabs us, unexpectedly, to awaken us to our true vocation. We gape, momentarily, at this new and shocking reality. We shudder, perhaps, at this divine hand that holds us and pulls us, firmly but gently, into the awe-filled world of resurrected living. 

And, then, if we dare, we lose ourselves in the painting.

Happy Easter,

Fr. Kevin+

Services of Holy Week and Easter



Please plan on walking the Via Dolorosa (The Way of Suffering) with your St. Francis family this year, beginning with Palm Sunday, and continuing through the Triduum, the three days from the Last Supper through the Great Vigil of Easter.

           Thursday, April 2 – Maundy Thursday          Agape Feast @ 7pm (Parish Hall)

           Friday, April 3 – Good Friday                       Solemn Vigil @ 12pm (Nave)

           Saturday, April 4 – Holy Saturday                 Prayer Vigil @ 12pm (Cemetery)

           Saturday, April 4 (evening)                            Great Vigil of Easter @ 8pm (Nave)

Sunday, April 5 – Easter Sunday                  Holy Eucharist @ 8am & 10pm

April 5: Easter Egg Hunt and Church School

Easter egg hunt after the 10am service on Easter Sunday. All children are welcome and don’t forget your basket to collect eggs. 

If you are bringing children to the 10am service on Easter Sunday, there will be a special church school event during the service.

We will read the Easter story, watch a short video about the Easter story and do a craft. Children will come up during announcements to join their families for communion. 

Confirmation

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. The Diocese has scheduled a Deanery-wide Confirmation service on June 6, and St. Francis is planning to take part.

If you are interested in attending a Confirmation class in preparation for the next opportunity to be confirmed, please contact Fr. Kevin or the Parish Office.

March 10, 2026

Accounting Warden, Lisa Buono, reported that lower Sunday plate collections are being offset by stronger than expected pledge payments. Building maintenance and utility costs are over budget, but, overall, the church’s financial condition remains strong.

Before leading a reflection on our parish’s mission, Fr. Kevin reviewed national Episcopal Church membership and Sunday attendance statistics over the past decade. National membership has declined about 20% and Sunday worship attendance has declined about 30%. St. Francis’ membership has increased 12% over the same period, but attendance has decreased over 30%. COVID accounts for some of this decline. Interestingly, financial contributions are trending slightly upward despite decreasing attendance.

Most of the meeting was devoted to assessing four elements related to our parish’s mission as a worshiping community: strengths of our worship experience, areas where our worship can be even stronger, opportunities that are available for such enhancement and societal challenges to a better worship experience. Considerations included the welcoming nature of our worship, exploration of a more diverse worship experience, the increasing need in our society for meaningful worship, and the expectations of an entertainment-seeking culture. 

Vestry Member of the Month, John Groch, reported that ministries are proceeding well. Areas of note regarding the cemetery are the growing popularity of cremation and the need for expansion of the columbarium and standardization of requirements. The meadow remains a positive enhancement of our property, but faces needs related to water run-off and signage to increase community enjoyment of the meadow. The security committee plans CPR/AED refresher training. The grounds committee has arranged for an engineer’s site plan and a comprehensive landscaping plan to be implemented over the next few years.

2026 Pledge Drive: We Surpassed our Goal!



Thank you, members of St. Francis-in-the-Fields, for your response to the 2026 Pledge Drive. We surpassed our goal of $354,000 by receiving pledge commitments of more than $356,000 - and I still expect we'll receive more pledges in coming weeks.

Incidentally, the $356,000+ in pledge commitments is a record high for our parish.

Thank you again!

David Culver

2026 Pledge Drive Chair

Book Review: Thirst by Mary Oliver

Regarded by many as “America’s poet” over the last quarter century, Mary Oliver was a prolific producer of verse that expands our appreciation of nature and our understanding of the mystery of God’s engagement with creation. Of her twenty-seven books of poetry that include winners of the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry and a National Book Award, my favorite among them is Thirst (2006). 

Thirst includes forty-two poems celebrating nature, poking fun at her dog Percy, and exploring how engagement with the world touches on eternity within us with such memorable lines as these:

“My work is loving the world… Let me keep my mind on what matters, which is my work, which is mostly standing still and learning to be astonished.” (Messenger)

“Oh Lord, what a lesson you send me as I stand listening to your rattling, swamp-loving chat singing of his simple, leafy life—how I would like to sing to you all night in the dark just like that.” (The Chat)

And my favorite:

“It doesn’t have to be the blue iris, it could be weeds in a vacant lot, or a few small stones; just pay attention; then patch a few words together and don’t try to make them elaborate; this isn’t a contest but a doorway into thanks, and a silence in which another voice may speak.” (Praying)

If you are looking for a book that resonates with the deep mysteries of life and wonders within you while celebrating some of its simple, silly pleasures, I highly recommend Thirst. Should you choose to sit with it awhile, it is likely to become a trusted friend and a traveling companion that you return to journey with time and again.   

Tom Ridington, Adult Christian Education

St. Francis is most fortunate that Frances and Paul Supina visited 8 months ago and have been coming regularly ever since! They had recently moved to Hersheys Mill to be closer to their son living in Malvern. Paul reported the location, music, the warmth of the congregation, and Rev. Dellaria’s focus on outreach and fellowship were the main attractions!

Paul and Frances met in California and have been married for 62 years and have 2 sons. Their adventures together began when Paul joined the Air Force and played trumpet in the band. Paul had many foreign posts. After discharge, Paul had a career with NCR Corporation in mainframe computer sales. Frances also worked as a hospital admissions administrator and a Hospice volunteer. She is also a fine watercolor artist. Paul has been a pilot since 1979, and has owned private planes.

In 1995, they retired in Boone, NC. The next adventure took them to Nome, Alaska. Paul worked for Bering Strait Community Partnership in much needed programs to combat teen substance abuse and early teen pregnancy. His job required traveling to many remote villages. Frances volunteered at the adult day care center. They returned to NC for a short while and then were recruited to Galena, Alaska, where Paul was a flight instructor at a vocational school. Pilots are in short supply in the bush areas of the state where towns could only be connected by air travel. Frances worked at a preschool daycare facility. After enjoying 3 years in the bush, they decided to permanently relocate to Wasilla, Alaska where they lived for 12 years before moving to Hersheys Mill.

Needless to say we are pleased the Supina’s adventures have brought them here, so we can enjoy learning more about them!!

Ministry Volunteer Needed:

Church School Teachers

St. Francis is in need of Church School teachers! Our Church School program is active and growing under its wonderful Director, Sherri Lewis. But she needs help! Our Storymakers NYC curriculum is flexible, creative, and requires little preparation from volunteers. And our kids LOVE it! If you would like to see what it's like, please consider joining Sherri one of the upcoming Church School Sundays. Your help on any Sunday would be much appreciated!

If you would be willing to provide this important and needed ministry, please contact Sherri Lewis, Deacon Diane, or Fr. Kevin. Thanks!

Ministry Volunteer Needed:

Children's Room Manager

St. Francis needs someone to help keep our Children's Room (in the office hallway) safe, clean, and stocked with supplies. The Children's Room Manager's job would include putting up toys, straightening books, checking on diapers/wipes/snack supplies, and otherwise keeping an eye on the needs of the room. This job does NOT involve watching children. If you have an eye for organization and a sense of the needs of others, this is an easy job for you! If you would be willing to provide this important and needed ministry, please contact Deacon Diane or Fr. Kevin. Thanks!

April 7: Enneagram Growth Group

The Enneagram Growth Group meets on the 1^st Tuesdays of each month, from 6pm to 8pm, at the Dellaria residence in Paoli. The next meeting is Tuesday, April 7.

The FULL "Enneagram Journey" is starts on Feb. 15! See the announcement below for more information.

For more information, contact Fr. Kevin or Donna Dellaria (donnadellaria@gmail.com)

April 11: Men’s Breakfast Fellowship

The monthly Men’s Fellowship Breakfast will be held on Saturday, April 11 at 9:00am, at the West Chester Diner (1147 West Chester Pike). This is BYOB (“Bring Your Own Bucks”).

All men of St. Francis are welcome to attend.

Book Group

On April 17, the book group will be discussing The Librarian of Burned Books by Brianna Labuskes, a World War II era novel about three women who believe in the power of books to triumph over the darkest moments of war.

In 1933 American writer Althea James goes to Berlin on a cultural exchange program.

She sees the glamour of Berlin, but then is shown the realities by a group of resisters.

Hannah Brecht discovers in 1936 that the City of Light is no refuge from the anti-Semitism and Nazi sympathizers she thought she left behind. 

After the war, Vivian Childs, whose husband was killed by the Nazis, is fighting against a powerful senator’s attempts to censor the Armed Service Editions, portable paperbacks that are shipped to soldiers overseas. In her battle against censorship, Viv knows just how much they mean to the men through the letters she receives—including the last one she got from Edward.

New Member Orientation: April 19

New Member Welcome: April 26

Are you a new member of St. Francis, or would you like to be? A New Member Orientation class will be held in the LIbrary on Sunday, April 19 at 9:00 a.m. This one-session event will look at the history and structure of our parish.

The following Sunday - April 26 - we will serve our New Member Breakfast at 9:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall - and then hold a Welcome Liturgy during the 10:00 a.m. service.

Please contact David Culver - dculverr0203@gmail.com; 610-724-0954 - or Fr. Kevin for more information.

Women’s small group opportunity



The women consistently described the group as a warm and welcoming community where authentic relationships flourish. They valued the opportunity for meaningful fellowship, open sharing, and mutual encouragement. Through thoughtful study of Scripture—such as their recent journey through the Book of Ruth—members experienced spiritual enrichment, renewed wonder at God’s Word, and a deeper awareness of the Holy Spirit’s presence. The group provided space to slow down, reflect, and listen to one another’s insights, fostering both personal faith growth and practical application of biblical truth in everyday life. Above all, participants cherished the sisterhood, shared wisdom, and supportive environment that helped them grow in faith together.

Women’s small group will meet April 21, and May 19 from 5:45 pm – 8 pm. Light refreshments are included. We currently have several spots open for additional women to join us. Please contact Meridith Ridington (mridington@gmail.com or 610-883-3499) for more information.

April 28: Brown Bag Lunch

Dr. Troy Baker, Church Farm School’s fifth head of school in 108 years, began his role in July 2025, bringing extensive experience in faith-based and independent school education. He served as Upper School Director at Breck School in Minnesota, an Episcopal PreK-12 college preparatory school, where he led innovative academic programs and collaborated with key stakeholders to foster a culture of continuous improvement. Before Breck, he spent six years at Pace Academy in Atlanta, GA, as Director of Student Life and Director of Athletics, and seven years as Director of Athletics at Lausanne College School in Memphis, TN. Throughout his career, Dr. Baker has demonstrated a strong commitment to developing and implementing progressive policies that promote a safe and supportive learning environment, build and retain a high-performing faculty, drive enrollment, and strengthen collaborative partnerships while ensuring equitable access to academic opportunities.

CFS was established in 1918 and is based in Exton. It is an Episcopal boarding and day school that provides bright, underserved boys with access to a challenging college-preparatory education, regardless of their financial background. Every CFS graduate attends college, and the school’s alumni persistence rate of 98% greatly exceeds the national average. CFS grants over $6 million in scholarships each year. It is an EITC/OSTC Scholarship Organization, and donations through this program help support their strategic goal of increasing PA student enrollment. We thank St. Francis-in-the-Fields for this speaking opportunity and for many years of support and partnership.

Please add this presentation to your calendar, share it with your friends and neighbors, and plan to join us on Tuesday, April 28th at noon.

SAVE THE DATE

Saturday, May 30, 2026 • 9:00–10:15 AM

Hands‑Only CPR + 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 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:

Ø A demonstration of how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

Ø Education on the early signs and symptoms of a heart attack

Ø Guidance that empowers you to respond calmly and effectively when it matters most

SAVE THE DATE and plan to attend—your readiness could save a life. A sign-up sheet will be posted in the Narthex in April, and the class is limited to 20 participants. Thank you!

Church Farm School

Spring is around the corner!

The Griffin Clothes Closet could use the following items: 

Raincoats, socks, caps and boots. They can also use sport jackets, black and brown shoes, both casual and dress, black and brown belts (small and medium), deodorant, body wash, toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Donated items can be put in the bin located in the narthex.

Thank you!

For more information about donating please contact:

Cindy VanHefter cvanhefter@gmail.com.

August 9 – 14: Cross Roads Family Camp

Are you looking for a faith-based summer camp opportunity? Bring your whole family to enjoy the awesome perks of summer camp: fun activities, learning, nature, worship, and time for reflection.

Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center is a joint venture of the of the New Jersey Synod of the ELCA and the Episcopal Diocese of Newark.

Fr. Kevin and his family enjoyed a week of vacation at Cross Roads in 2025, and will be returning for Family Camp week in 2026.

For more information, visit https://www.crossroadsretreat.com.

Contemplative Service

Fr. Kevin will offer a service of contemplative prayer each Sunday in Lent, from 6pm to 7pm. This quiet, reflective service, gathered “in the round” will include Taizé-inspired songs, easy Psalm chanting, and periods of Centering Prayer. Everyone is welcome!

Church School!

Our Church School for kids through 6^th grade meets on the 2^nd and 4^th Sundays until summer. (February 8 and 22).

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 Mrs. Sherri Lewis.

Weekly Lectionary Bible Study

This weekly study group meets both in-person and on Zoom Wednesdays at 10 am to discuss the readings for the upcoming Sunday.

Those who attend in-person gather after for a brief service of Holy Eucharist.

A weekly email link is sent out for those who desire to attend virtually.

Help Support our Mission!

Please scan the QR code to make a donation to St. Francis.

Thank you for your support!

To save money on fees, please

do NOT use this feature for your monthly pledge

Let us take your picture!

Our pictorial directory is a great resource that helps members put together faces and names. However, many of our newer members don’t have their pictures in the directory, and many of our longer-term members need to update their pictures.

After service on Sundays, please allow Roberta Torian or David Brooks take your photo to put in our updated member directory.

Join the Front Sign Ministry!

One of the most effective ways we catch the eyes of those driving by is by changing our front sign almost every week. It’s an easy task that has a big impact, and we need more people to help.

If you can give an hour every couple of months, join the Front Sign Ministry team! See Fr. Kevin for details. Your help would be much appreciated!

Circle of Friends

Wednesday, April 22.



Packets can be prepared for pickup or delivery as needed. 

Please contact Shelley Steel at 610-299-3963 or shelleybsteel@gmail.com.

ALL Meetings, Events, and Repairs



PLEASE call (610-647-0130) or email (stfrancisfields@stfrancisfields.org) Diane Faison in the church office to schedule ANY events at the church!

Doing this helps prevent scheduling conflicts.

Thistle Hills House 2025

Thank you for your recent donations!

The women at the Thistle Hills House are very grateful but

supplies are still needed!

We are still collecting for Thistle Hills House in Coatesville.

When shopping, take the list with you and throw something extra in the cart! Anything you can give would be greatly appreciated by the women who live at Thistle Hills House!

Please be as generous as you can!

A list of needs is in the Narthex and below!

Much appreciated!!

Altar Flowers

Honor a loved one or celebrate a special occasion by signing up for our weekly flower memorials. For a donation of $50, your dedication will help adorn our altar with beautiful flowers during the service your choice and will brighten the life of a shut in.

To reserve a date, please use the book in the back of the church, find the date of your choice and fill in. Entries in pencil are only for one year and entries in pen will be considered permanent and reoccurring.  

Your generosity and remembrance will be a blessing to our parish community.

Thank you for your support! Pamela Hudson, 484-787-6669 

St. Francis "Night at the Ballpark"!

Saturday, August 1 @ 6:45pm

Last but not least - mark your calendars! Our summer tradition of fun at FirstEnergy Stadium in "Baseballtown" (Reading, PA) happens this year on Saturday, August 1st. 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.

And in VERY important and related news . . . pitchers and catchers report for Spring Training in less than two weeks!

Click HERE for an inspirational video!

1000 Books Before Kindergarten

Here's GREAT new challenge for parents and grandparents! Help your kids read 1000 books before Kingdergarten. Any book will do! Read the same book 1000 times! (or dont...) The point is to get kids reading! Sign up now at the Tredyffrin or Paoli Libraries, or sign-up online by clicking HERE!

Fr. Kevin is a member of the Trefyffrin & Paoli Library Board

St. Francis-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church

689 Sugartown Road

Malvern, PA 19355

610-647-0130

stfrancisfields@stfrancisfields.org

stfrancisfields.org

The Very Rev. Kevin Dellaria, Rector

The Rev. Diane E. Faison, Deacon & Parish Administrator

Mr. Joseph Perry, Minister of Music