FIELDNOTES

December 2025

 The Monthly Newsletter of 

St. Francis-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church

Malvern, Pennsylvania

Upcoming Seasonal Events at St. Francis

Saturday, December 6:          Cookie Walk 9:00am

  “One Voice” Concert                       6:00pm

Sunday, December 7: Caroling Party (Lewis's House) 4:00pm

Friday, December 12:         Parish Christmas Party                       6:00pm

Wednesday, December 17:    Daytime Christmas Fellowship           12:00pm

Sunday, December 21:           Church School Christmas Pageant    10:00am

Wednesday, December 24:    Christmas Eve Services                      5:00pm & 11:00pm

Thursday, December 25:        Christmas Day Service                       9:00am

Sunday, December 28:           Christmas Lessons & Carols              10:00am

Saturday, January 3:               Open House @ the Dellarias              5:00pm

What Are We Waiting For?

Americans aren’t fond of waiting. Practically speaking, very little of what we need or want takes more than a few hours, at most, to obtain. If Wegmans doesn’t stock my favorite yogurt, I can find it at Giant or Acme. Rushed at lunch? I can skip the lines at Wawa and order that hoagie through an app on my phone. Need a song for the big dance? I can download it in an instant from any number of vendors. And what about that lime-green shag throw pillow? Yes, I can have that, too - shipped in two days from a distant warehouse from a popular. Even sooner if I’m willing to pay.

That’s our life. A life without waiting. And if, heaven forbid, we have to wait at all, we have a hundred ways to be “productive” as we do. At the very least, we can numb the boredom. But “waiting” has profound history within the story of the Scriptures. It’s a history born from the longing for restoration and renewal. God’s broken people, oppressed or scattered or enslaved, waited for the day when God would vindicate them. Over and over again they waited: In Egypt under Pharaoh, in between Judges, in captivity in Babylon, under oppression from Greece and Rome. No one could press a button, enter a code and satisfy the longing. Only God could come and save the people. So hope and expectation became the brushes of faith, and waiting became an art. The language of faithful waiting saturate the prayers of the Psalmist:

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14

I wait Wait for the Lord and keep His way, And He will exalt you to inherit the land;

When the wicked are cut off, you will see it.for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his

word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord . Psalm 37:34

I wait for the Lord, my soul does wait, And in His word do I hope. Psalm 130:5

Advent is a season that teaches us to wait. But rather than whipping out our cell phones or turning on the streaming service to pass the hours, this beautiful, liturgical time admonishes us to wait on the Lord; to direct our gaze to the God who loves and delivers. This Advent, I encourage us to discover again what it means to wait on God; to have hopes and expectations that only God can fulfill, and that don’t come neatly packaged with a two-day delivery guarantee.

In times of darkness, the world needs people who practiced in the art of Holy Waiting. Sometimes with rapture and joy, sometimes with grief and tears, but always with expectation. Always with hope.

May the Sun of Righteousness shine upon you and scatter the darkness from before your path.

Blessed Advent,

Fr. Kevin+

2026 Pledge Drive Reminder

Thanks to all members who have already submitted 2026 pledges. If you have not yet pledged, please do so ASAP! Discussions about the 2026 budget are already underway!

Thank you!

David Culver

Pledge Drive Chair

Vestry Meeting Report

November 11, 2025

Accounting Warden, Lisa Buono, reported that the church’s financial condition continues to remain strong. She noted cost categories that need to be monitored, such as increasing utility, building maintenance and landscaping expenses, so that adequate funds are provided in next year’s budget.

Finance Committee Chair, David Brooks, presented a draft of the 2026 budget, noting increases and decreases in anticipated expenses and income. Based on current results of the pledge campaign and past additional income patterns, the committee advises Vestry to approve the budget at its December meeting.

Rector’s Warden, Roberta Torian, reported that the Vestry member nominating committee has identified one candidate out of three that are needed to fill vacancies.

The Vestry Member of the Month, Kathy Schilling, reported that ministries are proceeding well.

Fr. Kevin informed Vestry of Gav Dellaria’s request for support of Engineers Without Borders, an organization that empowers impoverished communities around the world to address their infrastructure and sanitation needs. Gav will be approached about making an appeal to the congregation. 

Vestry considered policy regarding scattering of ashes in the cemetery and offering our grounds for burial of unclaimed ashes in local repositories. Also, Fr. Kevin updated Vestry on the reorganization of the library, which includes donating many books to local libraries and the Diocese.  

Adult Christian Ed!

Get ready for a rich variety of ways to grow in faith together. Check your church bulletin for more details on the following:

·  Lectionary Bible Study – led by Kevin Dellaria on Wednesday mornings at 10 am.

·  Contemplative Prayer – Kevin Dellaria will lead our biweekly Sunday evening prayer gatherings in silence and solitude.

·  Women's Small Group – with Meridith Ridington facilitating a study of the book of Ruth and related spiritual practices on the third Tuesday evening of the month.

·  Enneagram Grow Group – Donna & Kevin Dellaria will continue this monthly meeting for those who want to go deeper. Meets on first Tuesday evenings.

·  Watch your bulletins for further announcements with specific times, locations, and details for these and other new offerings in the coming months. We hope you will join us!

December 2: 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, December 2.

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

December 14: Men’s Breakfast Fellowship

Please note the change for December! The monthly Men’s Fellowship Breakfast will be held on Saturday, December 14 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.

December 6: Calling All Bakers!

The annual St. Francis Cookie Walk will be held this year on Saturday, December 6, from 9am to 11am, in the Parish Hall.

Elizabeth Darnel will be our leader for the event.

How can you help? By baking cookies, of course! Cookies can be baked and frozen in advance.

Label all cookies containers for allergens, gluten free, etc., before bringing them to the church. At the event, cookies will be separated by allergen for safety.

December 6: One Voice — Hope For The Holidays

The One Voice choir formed originally as the Malvern Community Choir, and currently rehearses at St. Francis. Under the direction of the talented and charismatic Renee Robinson-Way,

One Voice will bring songs of the season and songs of hope to St. Francis on Saturday, December 6 at 6PM. Special guest performances are probable!

The concert is free, but a free-will offering will be taken to benefit the choir and the Everett Beauregard Foundation, whose mission is to support the work of organizations focused on at-risk youth, especially those impacted by gun violence. 

Fellowship Meeting

There will be a meeting of the fellowship committee to plan the Festive Holiday evening party on December 12th and the Christmas Luncheon on December 17th. 

We will meet directly after church in the church school area on December 7th. 

All are welcome to join the planning meeting!

December 7: Christmas Caroling

Sherri Lewis and the Church School will be hosting our 2^nd Annual “All Church” Christmas Caroling event on Sunday, December 7, from 4pm to 6pm, at the Lewis home (8 Ridge Road, Malvern).

EXPERIENCED ADULT VOICES ARE NEEDED!

There will be a post-caroling party, so bring a snack to share!

December 9: Blood Drive

You can make a meaningful difference this holiday season! Won’t you please consider signing up for our last partner blood drive of 2025 on 12/9, 12-5pm at Willistown United Methodist Church? 

Whole blood donors, your donation helps save 3 lives; Power red donors, you help Save 6 + lives! All donors are greatly needed and appreciated!

Please sign up today at redcrossblood.org or use the QR Code on the flyer in the stairwell. Our drive code is SFxWUMC. 

I look forward to seeing you. My very best wishes for a joyful and healthy holiday season to you and your loved ones. With gratitude, Nancy.

December 12: Christmas Evening Party

The annual Festive Christmas Evening Party will be held on December 12th 6-8:30. 

This party is an opportunity to Mix and mingle in your holiday finery. (No dress code)

We will have appetizers beer, wine and non alcoholic drinks.

The only thing you need to bring is your selves! 

December: Church Farm School Why the Chimes Ring

Church Farm School invites you to the 100th anniversary of their Christmas Pageant, Why the Chimes Ring, a timeless holiday tale about the gifts we give and those we receive:

Fri 12/12 | 8:00pm | Chapel of the Atonement, 1001 E. Lincoln Hwy, Exton

Sat 12/13 | 3:00pm | Church of Saint Asaph, Bala Cynwyd

Sun 12/14 | 3:00pm | Chapel of the Atonement, 1001 E. Lincoln Hwy, Exton

You’re invited to a fireside chat with Head of School Dr. Troy Baker before Friday’s performance at 6:00pm.

Tickets are free but limited: Call 610.363.5333 or visit www.gocfs.net/pageant.

Backpack Project for Our Brother’s Place

A St. Francis holiday tradition is back! Personal articles most needed include: backpacks and warm winter clothing (such as jackets, socks). Other items needed include gloves, hats, scarves, blankets, and toiletries (toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shaving cream, shampoo, etc.).

PLEASE DO NOT WRAP GIFTS!  Collection bins are in the Narthex.  

The deadline for bringing your Backpack Project gifts to the Church is Sunday, December 14, 2025. 

If you would like more information, please contact Jim Crowley (crowleyjamesm@gmail.com).

Dec. 17: Deadline - Christmas Flowers

Flowers to decorate the church for Christmas in memory/thanksgiving/celebration of a person or event are available for a donation of $30. You can find the form in the Narthex, on the website or by calling the church office at 610-647-0130. The deadline for the donation and the form is Wednesday, December 17, 2025!

December 17: Christmas Luncheon

The Christmas Luncheon is going to be held Wednesday, December 17th at noon. 

This event was started as an option for those who do not want to drive at night but all are welcome to attend. 

We sing Christmas Carols and have a delicious lunch and play some games. There are door prizes of course! 

Join us for either or both events to celebrate with your St. Francis Family!

Nominated to Vestry

Tom Neely is a life-long Episcopalian. Born and raised in Chestnut Hill, he attended Chestnut Hill Academy and the University of Virginia, graduating in 1990 with a BA in English. Until recently he has been a cabinetmaker, but he just took a job at Vanguard and is enjoying learning about the financial industry, after having built many of its conference tables over the years.

Tom married Erin Neely in 2004, and they have two kids, Sarah and Fiona, who are recently retired acolytes now attending college. The family lives in Malvern Borough.

At St. Francis, Tom has in the past been a church school teacher, church school director, and he is now a member of the choir and a delegate to the Diocesan Convention.

Laura O’Brien

I have been an active member of St. Francis in the Fields since 1999, finding a warm, welcoming, and intergenerational community that has become central to my life. Over the years, I have served in many roles, including working in the nursery, teaching Sunday School, and serving as Church School Director. I have also been a member of the Fellowship Committee and Altar Guild, hosted coffee hour and Supper Six gatherings, co-led the high school youth group, and organized three summer mission trips. These experiences have deepened my commitment to service and faith.

My spiritual journey began in the Catholic tradition—I attended Catholic high school and was raised in a Catholic family. My mom began attending St. Francis in the mid-1990s, and through joining her at services, I discovered a faith community that resonated deeply with me. St. Francis became a special place for my family; my mother, Virginia Peckham, and I attended services together weekly, and both of my children were baptized here. They grew up in the church, serving as readers and acolytes. After many years at St. Francis, I was received into the Episcopal Church. My husband, Tom, and I were married here as well.

Professionally, I have worked as a pediatric speech-language pathologist for over 25 years, primarily in public schools, as well as in private practice. Before earning my master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology, I served as an Activities Director in a long-term care facility, focusing on programs for individuals with Alzheimer’s and memory loss. These experiences have shaped my understanding of communication, compassion, and community.

Outside of work, I enjoy family time, sewing, crocheting, and cooking. I have been described as a “doer”—someone more likely to lend a hand than dictate a way.

Why I feel called to serve:

I believe the vestry plays a vital role in nurturing the spiritual life and mission of our parish. My calling to serve comes from a deep sense of gratitude for the community that has supported me and my family for decades. I want to give back by helping St. Francis continue to be a place of welcome, growth, and service for all generations. My experience in education, leadership, and pastoral care has taught me the value of listening, collaboration, and action—qualities I hope to bring to the vestry as we discern how best to live out our faith together.

Carol Forte

Carol's career spanned 35+ years working as a professional fundraiser with several nonprofit organizations, helping to advance their annual, major gift and capital campaign initiatives. These organizations included Schultz & Williams, Penn Medicine, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Swarthmore College, and Bryn Mawr College. Carol earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rosemont College, magna cum laude, and was a member of the Gertrude Kistler Honor Society. As a volunteer, Carol has been active in the Providence Animal Center (volunteer and Board member) and the Home of the Sparrow in Exton.. Carol has been active at St. Francis since 2024, and serves in the Circle of Friends, the Flower Guild, the Garden Guild, the Justice & Action Committee, and the women's Small Group Study.

Book Group

The next book group will be meeting on January 16, 2026. 

We will be discussing The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett. 

The Vignes twin sisters who grew up in a small southern black community ran away at the age of 16. As adults everything in their lives is very different  One lives with her black daughter in the town she once tried to escape. The other passes for white and her husband knows nothing of her past. Although separated by many miles and many lies, the fates of the twins remain intertwined.

Speakers for the 2026 Brown Bag Lunch

1. Chester County History Center

The Life and Art of Horace Pippin. Whether discussing his art or his life, Horace Pippin defies easy description. Born in West Chester in 1888, he grew up in New York before returning to his hometown after marrying Jennie Wade Giles in 1920. His life was heavily influenced by severe emotional and physical wounds he sustained during service in World War I, which motivated him to express his pain through his entirely self-taught art. Between 1938 and his death in 1946

Tuesday, January 27

2. Vision Corps

Natanya Sortland (CEO)

Founded in 1926, Vision Corps is among the oldest and largest non-profit organizations in PA. Every day, we help individuals with vision loss gain independence.

Tuesday, February 24

3. Meredith Whitnah

Meredith is a Sociologist who studies how religion either supports or challenges inequality and violence. She authored “Faith and the Fragility of Justice,” and she is the daughter of The Rev. John Whitnah.

Tuesday, March 24

4. Dr. Troy M. Baker

Installed as Head of School at Church Farm School.

Tuesday, April 28

5. Connie Black

Vacation Travel Logs

Tuesday, May 26

6.. Helen & Larry Schroepfers

Trips to Greece, Turkey, and other countries. Presentation on the highlights of these trips.

Tuesday, Sept. 22 (tentative)

7. Chester County Library System

Overview of The Chester County Library System

Tuesday, Oct. 27 (tentative)

8. Stephen Godsall-Myers

Presentation on “Freedom Trails and Tales.” A Canadian trip that explored Women's Rights in Seneca Falls and the Underground Railroad in the South, as well as Ontario and the Ojibwa Indians in the Upper Midwest. NOTE: Steve presented at BBL in 2024, “A Civil Rights Journey.”

Hold for 2027.

BBL will pause operations in June, July, and August.

Church Farm School

Winter is coming! Hats and gloves would be greatly appreciated.

The Griffin Clothes Closet could also use the following items: black and brown belts (small and medium), deodorant, body wash, and plastic bar soap containers (they have a lot of bars of soap).  

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

Contemplative Service

Fr. Kevin will offer a service of contemplative prayer on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month, 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!

Children ages (roughly) 3 to 5^th grade are invited to come downstairs at 10am on the 2^nd and 4^th Sundays of the month for stories, songs, and activities.

Children will return to the service during the announcements.

We will focus this year on growing our wonderful church school, and developing our children and youth ministries for the years to come.

If you would like to help, please contact Sherri Lewis or Father Kevin.

Women’s Small Group Gathering



A women’s small group will begin meeting this fall using the book of Ruth as our guide. You are invited to our time together - as a structured gathering that will incorporate spiritual practices such as journaling, silence, labyrinth, prayer and more. 

This small group will be limited to 15 women. We’ll meet in the St. Francis Sanctuary on the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 6pm - 8pm. 

Please reach out to Meridith Ridington if you are interested in learning more. mridington@gmail.com; Text/call 610-883-3499

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

The Circle of Friends will meet in person, in the library, on Wednesday, November 26 at 5:30 pm.

If you are unable to join us in person but would still like to participate, 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-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

 Diane Faison, Parish Administrator & Deacon

Joe Perry, Music Director