FIELDNOTES

March 2026

 The Monthly Newsletter of 

St. Francis-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church

Malvern, Pennsylvania

Why Rest?

Rest is something we don’t do very well, and I mean that all up and down the “rest” spectrum. Many people overperform, leaving little time for rest and relaxation. When given the opportunity to rest, they often don’t know how to disconnect. The hyper-functioning executive is a bit of a cliche, but very real all the same. It happens in ministry, too. Some years ago, Holy Cross Monastery in West Park, NY, chose to eliminate their public wifi signal because clergy, ostensibly coming for a period of rest and retreat, couldn’t help but fill their time with Zoom meetings!

In the west, especially in America, our bodies crave rest, but the old “Protestant ethic” still holds a powerful sway. There is always something to be done. One more task to complete. “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” It’s no surprise, then, that rest and relaxation have become their own billion-dollar industry. And there are teachers and gurus - and I’m thankful for them - who make their living teaching us how to disconnect from work and find our joy again.

This is the wisdom behind the idea of Sabbath. Although in the larger scheme of the Scriptures the concept of Sabbath is more than just downtime, at its root lies the very simple call to rest. To stop pressing. To rejuvenate ourselves. Work is a blessing when the gifts and talents God gave us help shape the world toward the divine vision. Rest - Sabbath - is the pause we take to breath deeply and enjoy the view.

Why is this on my mind? Because if we’re not careful, especially for Episcopalians, Lent can become a time when we overdo it. Six weeks of wearing ourselves out in the pious race toward the resurrection. Instead, maybe Lent should be received as a time to pause and take stock. Maybe we need more rest during Lent, not less. Maybe we need to take on fewer tasks, sleep a little more, take more breaks. As a culture, I believe, laziness is not really our problem. It’s a work-rest cycle that’s out-of-balance. Lent is a good time to put rest - and work - back where they belong.

Don’t have a Lenten “discipline” yet? Maybe this is a good place to start. Just find five minutes each day to give to yourself. Lie on the couch. Walk in the sun. Sit back and listen to some good music. Let yourself rest. Without burden or guilt. Give it to yourself as a gift, and then see where it goes.

Be blessed, my beloved.

Fr. Kevin+

Services of Holy Week and Easter



Holy Week is right around the corner! 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.

           Sunday, March 29 – Palm Sunday               Holy Eucharist @ 10am (Nave)

Choir Concert @ 4pm (Nave)

           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

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.

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

Vestry Meeting Report

February 10, 2026

Accounting Warden, Lisa Buono, reported a sound financial condition with strong pledge receipts to date.

Fr. Kevin reviewed Vestry training opportunities and key roles and expectations of Vestry members. He also described the Planning Oversight Committee which will monitor and help coordinate all committee activities and help to support and enhance volunteer efforts by parishioners.

Vestry discussed a proposal to replace kitchen dishes. For the time being, no action will be taken. Events requiring heavy use of plateware will utilize rented dishes or paper products to avoid time-consuming use of the kitchen’s single dishwasher.

Vestry Member of the Month, Sue Nangle, reported that ministries are proceeding well.

Adult Christian Education – February in Review



In February, John Woodcock led several of us on a Zoom-based tour through four classic stories by Flannery O’Connor (1925–1964). O’Connor described herself as a Catholic Christian writer determined to awaken readers who had grown complacent about life in the United States. To do this, she created characters some critics labeled “grotesque” and placed them in unsettling situations. Through discomfort, she sought to break through what she saw as a cultural blindness to deeper spiritual realities.

O’Connor wrote with deep conviction about good and evil, and about the persistent presence of grace—even in circumstances that appear absurd. Her stories rely on simple, concrete details to reveal the mysterious movement of the divine in everyday life. Each week, we reflected on her striking insight: “All human nature vigorously resists grace because grace changes us and the change is painful.” It was a month of rich and lively discussions. If you’d like to dive into O’Connor’s distinctive vision of faith and life, you might begin by reading from her collection, Selected Stories.

During the Sunday morning Rector’s Hour following worship, a group of SFF parishioners read and discussed Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1963 “Letter from Birmingham Jail”. Together, we explored how this historic document—written 63 years ago—continues to speak powerfully to our present moment. In particular, we reflected on the ways churches respond to injustice and how they might engage (or fail to engage) the status quo. If you’re interested in learning more, MLK’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” is easily attainable at no cost from many university and civil rights websites.



Please consider taking advantage of one of our March offerings. More information about the Wednesday morning Lenten Book Study, the Sunday evening Contemplative Prayer time, and the monthly Women’s Small Group are included in this newsletter. 

Book Review: Chasing Francis: A Pilgrim’s Tale

by Ian Morgan Cron

A few months ago, an Episcopalian friend told me how he had begun to appreciate his Roman Catholic roots and reconcile with his deeply religious mother after years of estrangement due to his departure for Protestantism. The unexpected bridge between this mother and son was the book, Chasing Francis. That revelation made me curious to know more.

Best known for his work on the Enneagram, Episcopal priest and author Ian Morgan Cron turns here to fiction—though the story may feel real for modern Christians. If you love the Church yet sometimes struggle with how it acts, then this book may be for you.

Cron tells the story of a depleted pastor who retreats to a relative in Italy after a very public unraveling of his ministry. There, he discovers the life and witness of Francis of Assisi, whose radical devotion to Jesus reshaped Christianity in his own day. Rather than a critique of contemporary church culture, Cron offers us something more beneficial: an invitation to a pilgrimage. He invites his readers to consider whether church renewal comes not through sharper branding, tighter management, or larger platforms, but rather through the humility, simplicity, joy, and embodied love that was the hallmark of St. Francis’ ministry.

This is not a new book, but its message is timeless. Chasing Francis is especially well-suited for church ministry and volunteer leaders, people wrestling with disillusionment, and anyone longing to develop deeper spiritual roots. It also serves as an introduction to the relevance of St. Francis for today.

What I appreciated most is how the story reframes success. It reminds us that the Church’s vitality is not dependent on cultural dominance, but on faithful witness. It also suggests that struggle—even grief over what seems lost—can eventually become an invitation to renewal.

Chasing Francis is best read at deliberate speed. Finishing it is not a check the box exercise. Rather, it is pondering the question: What would it mean for me to follow Jesus simply, courageously, and joyfully again?

-Tom Ridington, Adult Christian Education

New Member Spotlight - Lyette & Bruce Richards

Have you had a chance to meet Lyette and Bruce Richards? Definitely make a point to chat with them soon and get to know this energetic couple! They have been attending St. Francis for a little over a year, and came to know about us in a rather circuitous way. When sharing their interest in finding a local Episcopal church, they turned to a close friend who lives nearby, who is also a close friend of Suzanne Steinberg’s sister Heidi Lee. Given their love of animals and the outdoors, it was suggested they check us out, and it has been quite a good fit! 

Bruce and Lyette both love Cape May, and that is where they met through a mutual friend. It was only a short time before Bruce popped the question by arranging seashells for Lyette to view from her deck. She of course said yes! They have a 24-year-old daughter named Alexa May named after – you guessed it – Cape May! She lives in New York, but attends St. Francis when home visiting. 

The Richards are very fitness oriented, playing pickleball as well as tennis (Lyette) and biking (Bruce.) They both love dogs and previously owned two pups. They have been to the Westminster Dog Show many times, helping out a friend who shows. Although they don’t currently have a pup of their own, they are members of Ardrossan Beagles through Radnor Hunt. On certain Sundays, they attend “Beagling” events, watching the dog pack chase rabbits around the estate.

Before retiring, Lyette worked in the clinical pharmacology industry (mostly with Pfizer) putting her MS in Biology to use managing early phase drug trials for central nervous system illnesses. Bruce worked in procurement in both the chemical and medical device industries, ending with Johnson and Johnson.

So, what is it that has kept the Richards at St. Francis? They both cited the warmth they felt from our friendly parish, the amazing David Culver, and of course Rev Kev! They have already made several good friends and look forward to helping on a committee or two in the coming year. Hope you have the pleasure of meeting them on a future Sunday! 

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!

Ministry Volunteer Needed:

Fieldnotes General Editor

St. Francis is looking for someone to help provide oversight of our monthly newsletter, Fieldnotes. This important form of communication for the parish - which you're reading right now! - is undergoing a few changes, and it would be a blessing to have one person who could help cast the vision and bring it all together. The General Editor's job would include everything from approving the overall format to identifying topics of interest and finding interested writers. If you enjoy graphic design, or have ever wanted to try your skills as a journalist and publisher, this may be the job for you! If you would be willing to provide this important and needed ministry, please contact Deacon Diane or Fr. Kevin. Thanks!

March 3: 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, March 3.

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)

March 7: Men’s Breakfast Fellowship

The monthly Men’s Fellowship Breakfast will be held on Saturday, March 7 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.

March 12: Birth and Continuity - A Buddhist view

Thursday, Mar. 12^th @ 7PM – Birth and continuity: a Buddhist view. St. Francis will be hosting this presentation on birth and birth rituals, next in a series organized by the Interfaith Action Community of Chester County. Fr. Kevin has been a presenter in the series. 

The presenter, Venerable Amy Miller, notes: In Buddhist thought, birth is understood as the continuation of a process rather than a single starting point. 

All are welcome, as the IAC offers these presentations to enable greater understanding of our various faith traditions. Ven. Amy Miller was ordained in 2000 after working as a political fund-raiser, a staffer for Mother Jones magazine, and a hospice counsellor during the AIDs epidemic. 

Women’s small group opportunity



Following a brief pause, the Women’s Small Group is welcoming new members as it reconvenes from March through May 2026. Here is what participants shared about their experience during the first part of the year together.

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 March 17, 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) before March 13 if you are interested in attending or would like to learn more about this opportunity.

Sign up for Spring Supper Six!

A sign-up sheet is in the narthex for the Spring 2026 Supper Six.  

Supper Six is designed to help parish members get better acquainted with one another and to give new members a way to meet other members. Participants are placed into groups of six, with one person or couple hosting an evening of dinner and fellowship at their house, on a date agreed upon by the group.  A new member is invited to join the group. 

In the Supper Six format, the host (couple or individual) provides the main course, and the others in the group provide an appetizer, salad, dessert, etc.; whatever your group decides to do. The main thing is to just have fun.

If you are able, please volunteer to be one of the hosts. Please sign up by Sunday, March 22 if you’d like to participate in the Spring Supper Six. Feel free to contact me at jkculver26@gmail.com or 610-724-1322 if you have any questions. Thank you!

Judy Culver

Brown Bag Lunch

Tuesday, March 24, Noon-1:00 PM

Dr. Meredith Whitnah



How do our theological commitments matter for how we live out our faith? At this BBL, sociologist Meredith Whitnah will share insights about this question from her new book, Faith and the Fragility of Justice, which examines how Christians in South Africa have responded to injustice and violence. The book takes a deep dive into the public discourse of three Protestant Christian South African organizations that had been adamant about a theological mandate to challenge the racist system of apartheid, but have varied in their responses to gender-based violence in the democracy.

On this Tuesday before Holy Week, Meredith will focus on one of the three organizations, in particular—a group that powerfully drew on the narrative of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection to respond to the tumult and violence around them. As we discern how to live faithfully in our own context, prepare to be both challenged and inspired to bear witness to the transforming power of Jesus’ death and resurrection.



Meredith is a sociologist, teacher, and speaker, as well as a lifelong Episcopalian. She and her husband, Chris, were married at St Francis in December 2024, and they visit whenever they can. She is delighted for this opportunity to return to St. Francis to share about her work.

This is an opportunity to learn from and about Christians in a different time and place, to hear some fun stories about the process of writing a book, and to be inspired and encouraged to make a difference in our own contexts.

Books will be available for purchase at $20, and Meredith will be delighted to sign a copy for you.

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, March 25.



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