FIELDNOTES

June 2026

 The Monthly Newsletter of 

St. Francis-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church

Malvern, Pennsylvania

Summer with St. Francis

Well, it’s finally here! Summer has arrived, and with it the usual changes in the life and habits of churches all over. I’ve heard fellow Clergy bemoan these seasonal changes in the past: People travelling. Less activity. More empty pews. Collections a little “lighter”. For some more “ascetic-leaning” priests, summer is no excuse for missing worship. But here’s what I, your humble Rector, want you to remember wherever you are this summer: The world is your Cathedral.

What does that mean exactly?

We have a wonderful, beautiful space here at St. Francis-in-the-Fields. We’re blessed with a gorgeous setting, a colorful, blooming meadow, and all sorts of animals and other creatures that share our property. And for us human-types, we have well-kept and comfortable facilities that we use and enjoy, and that help foster our spiritual growth.

But the congregation gathered in worship at the “church house” is not the only place where holiness and worship happen. In fact, I would argue it’s not the primary place where holiness and worship happen. Formal, congregational worship, and prayer, and Eucharist - all those things we do together on Sunday mornings - those are ways we come together to specifically and intentionally practice being people of faith. But the real value of the lessons and experiences we have in common worship is what we do when we’re apart.

So even if you don’t spend much of your summer at St. Francis, I hope you’ll spend it with St. Francis. I hope you’ll bring the spirit of St. Francis - of our community - and the abundant life of Jesus with you wherever you go. I hope you’ll carry things like love, respect, and compassion in your beach bag. I hope you have goodies like welcome and hospitality packed in your car. I hope you have a six-pack of peace and joy in the cooler, ready to share.

Because that’s who we are. It’s what we do. And you don’t need to be here to do all that. A good meal with friends can be a Eucharist. Watching your grandkids play in the sand can be a prayer. Jamming out to Taylor Swift (or for Diane, the Rolling Stones) can be songs of praise. A night at a ballpark, or watching the stars, or taking in a Broadway show, can be worship.

It’s all about the attitude we take from here - this community of St. Francis - and carry with us out there. If we see the world we travel as a Cathedral, filled with the wonders of God, it will be. And God will be everywhere, just waiting to be discovered in new and wonderful ways.

So go enjoy your summer. Get out and do something new. Or something old. Or something you love. Do it with a receptive heart and a generous spirit, and let God surprise you! And when you’re home, come to St. Francis and let’s worship together.

See you around!

Fr. Kevin+

Book Reviews

Run with the Horses: The Quest for Life at its Best by Eugene Peterson. “’How can I live faithfully while the world is crumbling around me?’ Written forty years ago, but still very relevant, Peterson explains how the prophet Jeremiah can guide us to living excellent lives”. Recommended by Meridith Ridington

Surrender to Love: Discovering the Heart of Christian Spirituality by David Benner. “Benner helps us to align our hearts and minds around the idea that God is for us and invites us to relax into the flow of the Spirit who surrounds and supports us. What I loved about this book is its reminder that God pursues us and invites us to surrender to love by saying “yes” to His “Yes!” to us. Recommended by Tom Ridington

The Ironic Christian's Companion by Patrick Henry. “Patrick served for years as the director of the Collegeville Institute, which promotes thoughtful dialogue both through its fellowships and its programs. His ability to listen and receive opinions from all sides of questions, then to ask the questions which push a dialogue forward is exhibited in this reflection on aspects of Christian experience”. Recommended by John Woodcock

The Cloister Walk by Kathleen Norris.  “This 'birthright' Protestant shares insights and practices observed and absorbed during extended stays among Benedictines”. Recommended by John Woodcock

Member Spotlight - Bob and Kristina Lange

If you attended the Pentecost service, you may remember Bob Lange as one of those willing to share a blessing that God provided to us. As you probably know, his grandmother Jane Gordon Fletcher, donated the land for St. Francis. The blessing he shared is that she and other older family members are credited with instilling in him a love of everything in the outdoors and nature, leading to his life long career in farming. Bob actually began his own farm stand at age 13 and operated it up through high school. After attending Colgate University for undergrad and a brief stint playing basketball, he knew in his heart farming was his destiny and went on to earn a Master’s degree in Agriculture from Penn State. He has run Sugartown Strawberries farm for many years. Bob is a life time Audubon member and enjoys photography. He also served as a Willistown Supervisor for 27 years.

Kristina and Bob have been married since 2024, but were together for about four years prior to that.  She was previously married, raising three children and holding several part time jobs, eventually getting her real estate license. A job offer at a title company in West Chester is what brought her to this area from Montgomery Country. Out of character for her, she perused an online dating site and found Bob’s profile quite intriguing, which obviously ended up working out quite well! Bob ended up convincing Kristina to leave her very stressful job and help him with running the farm – the best decision she ever made! Kristina also loves nature and plants in particular, with many houseplants and seasonal outdoor planters she tends to. On a 2024 trip through the Caribbean Islands, they decided it was time to tie the knot, and it just so happened Grenada proved to be the ideal location for a relatively spontaneous wedding. They both love to travel, but it’s been since that 2024 that they have been able to find the time.

Did you know that Bob and Kristina also made an independent film, “Hayride to Hell?” The inspiration was the Haunted Hayrides the farm previously provided each fall, with one goal being creation of an endowment for the farm’s future. The “Hayride to Hell,” however, did not end well for the participants, each being someone who had wronged the farmer. They wrote the script themselves, with guidance from a local film director, and actually secured quite notable horror genre talent, including the actor who played Jason in “Friday the 13^th!”   A sequel may be in the works that includes Fr. Kevin.

Bob attended St. Francis from school age until 2000, when he decided to take a break. What brought him back is quite fortuitous. A member happened to be at the farm stand in 2024 and mentioned that St. Francis was holding an Election Eve prayer service and suggested that he and Kristina attend. They did so, felt a renewed spiritual connection, and have been attending regularly now ever since. Kristina has a Catholic background and is thrilled to have found St. Francis. With a focus on nature and our warmth, she says it’s just the right fit. We are so glad to have Bob back in the fold after his hiatus, and we welcome Kristina as a newer member. 

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!

June 2: Enneagram Growth Group

The “EGG” meets on the 1^st Tuesday of each month, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, at the home of Kevin & Donna Dellaria.

This monthly group meets to go beyond basic Enneagram theory through group discussion and reflection.

Everyone with interest and some experience with the Enneagram is welcome.

Brown Bag Lunch – Summer Break

Brown Bag Lunch wrapped up the spring session with a wonderful presentation by Connie Black, who generously shared her travel stories from her adventures around the world. We had 29 attendees, and we're excited to plan another session in the fall to continue with part two.

Please note: Due to adverse weather in January, the Chester County History Center’s presentation, “The Life and Art of Horace Pippin: A Real and Rare Genius,” has been rescheduled to Tuesday, October 27. Please reserve the date, come explore the story of a distinguished local figure, and find inspiration.

As in previous years, our Brown Bag Lunch will take a brief break during June, July, and August. We will resume on Tuesday, September 22, with an engaging presentation by Helen and Larry Schroepfers about their European travels. Don't forget to mark your calendar! We look forward to reconnecting with everyone then.

 Wishing you a fun, safe, and sunny summer.

Shirley Warren, Cindy VanHefter, and Sheila Rees: Brown Bag Ministry Team.

Brandywine Deanery Confirmation, Reception,

and Affirmation of Vows Service



Saturday, June 6, 11 am

Brandywine Deanery Convocation & Confirmation Service at Church Farm School.

Please make plans to attend this special service of our Deanery in the beautiful Chapel of the Atonement at Church Farm School in Exton.

As Dean of the Brandywine Deanery, Fr. Kevin will be preaching, with Bishop Gutierrez celebrating Holy Eucharist.

This is wonderful opportunity for Episcopalians from the 14 congregations in our Deanery to share common worship together and celebrate our Confirmands.

Wednesday, June 10, 6:30pm

Sacred Bread Baking

Baking bread for use at the Eucharist is a wonderful and quiet way to serve at St. Francis.

If you are interested in learning, or serve on the team and would like a refresher, please join us for this evening workshop in the St. Francis Kitchen, led by Sarah McGovern.

June 13: Men’s Breakfast Fellowship

The monthly Men’s Fellowship Breakfast will be held on Saturday, June 13 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.

Red Cross Blood Drive

Please consider signing up for our next St. Francis Blood Drive Tuesday, June 23, 2-7 pm. (Donors receive a $15 e-gift card & a chance to win a $7,500 prize.)

Look for the flyer at the bottom of our stairs for details and scan the QR code to make an appointment. Or visit redcrossblood.org and use our joint drive Id (SFXWUMC), and select an appointment time. 

Together we can make a meaningful difference and save more lives!  

Please call Nancy Orlando if you have any questions 484-757-4040. 

Summer Fellowship Hour

Volunteers are needed to supply lemonade and/or iced tea and snacks after the 10 a.m. service for July and August. There is a sign-up sheet in the narthex.

Vacation Bible School

July 13-16 from 9:00 am to 11:30 am

This summer we are excited to announce our program from Concordia Supply titled “Emerald Crossing”. Children ages 4 thru 5^th grade are welcome to join us.

If you have a child older than 5^th grade who would like to volunteer to help with crafts and games we would love their help. Registration forms will be available soon.

In a world filled with worry, chaos, and confusion, it is essential for kids to know there is a God who cares for them. At Emerald Crossing VBS, kids will journey through Ireland's green, lush landscapes while exploring the powerful words of Psalm 23. Kids will explore the life of the shepherd-king David and will learn how to cross from anxiety to peace, from fear to faith, and from uncertainty to a firm foundation in God's Word through a relationship with the Good Shepherd. Get your VBS passport ready and join the adventure through the rolling, sheep-covered hills of Ireland

Church School!

Our last day of church school will be Sunday June 14^th.

Contemplative Service

Fr. Kevin will offer a service of contemplative prayer each Sunday 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!

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.

Book Group

The next meeting for Book Group will be on September 18 at

1 p.m. in the library. 

We will be reading The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Murray. The daughter of former slaves Mary McLeod Bethune refuses to back down when white supremacists try to stop her work. She marches as an activist and educator, as her reputation grows, she becomes a celebrity. 



Eleanor Roosevelt is eager to meet Mary as they are drawn together due to their shared belief in women’s rights and the power of education.

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.

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!

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