FIELDNOTES
May 2021
The Monthly Newsletter of
St. Francis-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church
689 Sugartown Road, Malvern, PA 19355
The Rev. Kevin Dellaria, Rector
The Rev. Diane E. Faison, Deacon
Mr. Joe Perry, Music Director
610-647-0130
stfrancisfields.org
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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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Re-Opening St. Francis: Next Steps
St. Francis Family and Friends: As I write this, my heart is full of praise and thanksgiving. We have done well. With the blessing of God, and with your wisdom, patience and faithfulness over the last 14 months, we have not only thus far successfully weathered the scourge of COVID-19, but - as you have read in various reports - we have even prospered and thrived as a community. This struggle is not over yet, of course. We must continue to be loving and vigilant for however long this virus is a threat. But we can rejoice that times are changing and people are beginning to feel a palpable sense of hope and relief.
With that in mind, it is time to take the next, gentle steps in re-opening St. Francis. To that end, our COVID-19 Safety Task Force (CSTF) recently met to consider the next major phase in our return to the practice of gathered Christian community that is so rich and rewarding in our parish. Immediately below, you will find the new list of protocols that will guide us as we reopen for indoor worship and expand outdoor flexibility. I hope every one of you will take advantage of the work the CSTF has done to provide a safe, physical space at St. Francis for worship and fellowship. You can thank them by attending a service of your choice at St. Francis when you feel the time is right for you and/or your family.
God’s peace and blessings,
Fr. Kevin+
St. Francis-in-the-Fields
Indoor & Outdoor COVID-19 Protocols
Effective May 9, 2021
The COVID-19 Safety Task Force (CSTF) of St. Francis met on April 27, 2021, to consider the easing of parish worship restrictions and move to a new phase of reopening. The group discussed current diocesan and CDC guidelines as they apply to the major areas of our parish life. The following updated protocols for indoor and outdoor worship were established, subject to change as needed.
I. Indoor Worship
- Indoor Worship will resume on May 9 following CDC and diocesan guidelines.
- Indoor services will continue to be streamed to Facebook and YouTube.
- Seating will initially be limited to roughly 30 people, including the worship team.
- Registration will be required.
- Masking and social-distancing will be required.
- Worship leaders will unmask for reading, liturgy, etc.
- Worship leaders (readers, etc.) are required to be fully vaccinated.
- Windows will be opened for ventilation before, during, and after the service.
- Indoor congregational singing is not allowed at this time.
- Unvaccinated adults, youth and children are encouraged to attend the outdoor service.
II. Outdoor Worship
- Services will be modified to reflect current CDC and diocesan guidelines.
- Attendance is no longer limited, and registration will no longer be required.
- Per CDC guidelines, masks and social distancing will still be required outdoors.
- Adult worship leaders may unmask for reading, liturgy, etc.
- Adult worship leaders (readers, etc.) are required to be fully vaccinated.
- Congregational singing will be allowed.
- Unmasked song leaders may be used at appropriate social distance.
- Service is subject to weather, and may be cancelled or moved as necessary.
- A service reminder and weather update will be sent on Saturday evenings.
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The link for SignUp Genius for Sunday, May 9 will be sent out next week. |
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Calendar
For the calendar of events, please click the link below to the website.
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Phase 2 Renovations Update
If you have been at St. Francis over the past month, you will likely have noticed our Warfel construction crew busily working on our renovations. If you have peeked inside, you may have seen their work in progress, which is moving along according to schedule. It’s so exciting to see the vision for our parish space coming to fruition! Below are some of the highlights:
- Glass has been installed at the entrance doors
- The partition walls and ceiling tracks have been removed in the lower level
- The majority of the electrical work has been completed
- HVAC work is underway; progress thus far includes placing a unit outside of the classroom
- area and installation of duct work, including framing and drywall.
As you would expect, we will be receiving some hefty invoices over the coming months, so it’s more important than ever to keep your capital campaign pledges current. We remain grateful for what we have received thus far, and appreciate your ongoing generosity to ensure we see Phase 2 through to completion!
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Drive-In Eucharist
Drive-In Eucharist is offered on Wednesdays at Noon and Sundays when the High School Youth Group meet. To be part of this short service, simply park in the St. Francis parking lot, stay in your car, and tune your radio to 92.7 FM. A bulletin will be provided to follow the service, and Fr. Kevin and/or Diane will bring communion to your car. All services are subject to weather.
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Pickleball
During the month of May, pickle ball will be set up in the parking lot from 5:00- 6:30 every Tuesday (weather permitting) for anyone interested in learning to play or sharpening their skills! All are welcome to join in the fun as we gather safely outside!
Sign-up Genius has been set up and there are slots for 8 people.
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Fellowship
Fellowship is looking for volunteers to join our committee. We need YOU to help us explore ways to gather together socially while staying safe during these uncertain times.
Please contact Suzanne Steinberg if you are interested in joining this amazing group!
610-608-0830
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Ushers & Greeters
Ushers and Greeters are needed for both Outdoor and Indoor services (beginning May 9). This is a distinguished and important ministry, and is even more important during this time of “gentle” re-opening. Your participation would be appreciated.
Please indicate if you would be an usher or greeter for outside services and/or indoor services.
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Lectionary Bible Study
Lectionary Bible Study meets on Wednesdays at 10 am on Zoom to pray and discuss the readings for the following Sunday. The Zoom link is on the website, www.stfrancisfields.com and is also sent out on a Constant Contact email to the congregation. All are welcome. |
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Missing Books
There are two books missing from the church library. The New Interpreter's Bible, A Commentary in Twelve Volumes. Volumes 8 and 9 are missing. If you borrowed them please return at your earliest convenience.
Thank you!
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Vestry Meeting
The next Vestry meeting is Tuesday, May 11 at 7 pm.
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The HS Youth Group will meet Sunday, May 16 from 5 till 6:30 p.m. The High School Youth Group will meet in the narthex. The meeting will be preceded by Holy Eucharist in the parking lot at 5 pm. All are invited to join us for Holy Eucharist.
Don't forget your journal and your mask!
Blessings
Deacon Diane
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Book Group
Friday, May 21, 7:30
His Truth is Marching On: John Lewis and the Power of Hope,
by Jon Meacham
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Vegetable Garden
The St. Francis Vegetable Garden provides hundreds of pounds of fresh produce each year for individuals and families in need. With spring now here, the gardening process is set to begin, and this important ministry is in desperate need of help. A couple of hours each week is all it takes to help our garden flourish, and the work can fit around your schedule. If you can help, please contact Mahala Renkey or the Church office.
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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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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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