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From a basic historical and theological perspective on the elements, there are several broad eucharistic traditions with which western Christians may be familiar (all of which have nuances that would require far more explanation). “Transubstantiation,” most commonly identified with the Roman Catholic tradition, takes the perspective that the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ, retaining only the appearance of bread and wine. “Consubstantiation,” associated with Martin Luther, understands the substances of the body/blood and the bread/wine to form a “union”, coexisting with one another in the sacred meal. Other churches, usually those associated with more protestant and “radical reformation” traditions, approach the meal itself as strictly a “memorial”. In these congregations, the elements typically have no special or mystical meaning in themselves. The value or sacredness of the meal is therefore contingent solely on the faith of those receiving.

In the Anglican tradition (as one might expect, given our historical position as the via media between Catholic and Protestant), none of the three perspectives above have been considered satisfactory, often leading our theologians to explain the Eucharist by way of the via negativa (defining it by what it is not). Nevertheless, through centuries of reflection, Anglicans (and therefore Episcopalians) have settled on a term that is appropriately vague, mysterious, and at the same time, useful. That term is “Real Presence”. 

What is “Real Presence,” you ask? What does that mean? It means, simply, that in the elements of bread and wine, over which the gathered Church prays “The Great Thanksgiving” (BCP 361, et al), Christ is “really and truly” present. We do not attempt to explain this in great detail, nor do we attempt to give it particular definition. What we acknowledge is that, in some special way, Christ is there; that through the Eucharistic prayer we pray something about this meal for which we gather and the elements we consume becomes different from other meals and other elements at other times. (For more information, see the Catechism entry for “The Holy Eucharist” on BCP 859).

What does this mean in practice? It means, first of all, that we honor this rite - as I mentioned earlier - as the central focus of our life and worship. It means that when we gather together for worship, even when we don’t share the meal, Holy Eucharist is not far from our minds. It means that, when we do share the meal, among other things we generally dress our Altar with particular care, and we handle the elements with deference and distinction. And this is done, not out of superstition (we aren’t trying to “get it right” so God won’t smite us!), but out of respect. By treating the elements as carefully and respectfully as possible, we remind ourselves that what we participate in is important and sacred.

Are there other ways to celebrate Holy Eucharist? Absolutely. By having our own customs and practices, are we saying that other traditions are less sacred or “invalid”? Absolutely not. While bishops and priests, ministers and theologians, may be rigid at times and bicker over particular details, when all is said and done this is the table of the Lord Jesus Christ. All who are hungry may eat, and all who are thirsty may drink. And I would stake my ordination on the truth that Jesus himself would turn no one away.

(Note: Fr. Kevin is writing a series of articles in 2022 on the distinctives of being Episcopalian. This month's topic on the Holy Eucharist was in response to a question from one of the many faithful members of St. Francis. If you have a topic or question you would like discussed or answered, please email Fr. Kevin at frkevin@stfrancisfields.org.)

Saint Francis will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo on Friday, May 6th. Please join us for dinner in the undercroft at 6:00 PM.

We will be serving a festive meal of chili with all the toppings, cornbread, and a special dessert! BYOB!

This event is for the whole family and we hope you will dress for the occasion!

A sign-up sheet can be found in the narthex.

Pickleball will be MONDAYS at 5 pm beginning on May 2. 

Pickleball will continue on Mondays weather permitting. 

The Giver of Stars, by Jojo Moyes

Based on a true story rooted in America’s past, The Giver of Stars is funny, heartbreaking, and enthralling. This is a richly rewarding novel of women’s friendship, of true love, and of what happens when we reach beyond our grasp for the great beyond.

May 20 and 21: Revival 2022 – “Revive and Come Alive in Jesus”

The Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania is hosting a revival at the Church of the Good Samaritan, Paoli, on Friday, May 20^th and Saturday, May 21^st, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The revival will be held outdoors and is rain or shine. The main stage is under a large tent.

What is a Revival? A revival is a gathering of Christians who come together for worship, music, inspiration and fellowship. It is marked by strong preaching and uplifting music and creates an opportunity for individuals to make commitment of faith or otherwise renew their relationship with Jesus Christ.

Why have a Revival? A revival will energize, motivate and awaken your spirits and invite you into a relationship with Jesus Christ. They can inspire a spiritual reawakening from a state of dormancy or stagnation and can mark a new beginning in an individual’s or church’s relationship with God.

The Feast of Pentecost is one of the Principal Feasts of the Christian calendar. It is the celebration of the coming of the Holy Spirit, sometimes referred to as the "Birthday of the Church". Mark your calendars to join us this Pentecost for a very special Sunday indeed! That day will include:

Youth Led Worship & Senior Sermon

Acolyte Recognition

Holy Baptism

This is going to be fun one! So watch for more infomation in the days ahead. Hope to see you there!

Mark your calendars! On June 18^th, St. Francis will return to sing the National Anthem before the start of the R-Phils home game against the Portland Sea Dogs.

This year we will be joined by members of our sister parish, St. Peter’s in the Great Valley.

Game time is 6:45. Tickets will be $12.00. A sign-up sheet is now available in the Narthex. Please make checks payable to “St. Francis,” with “Ballgame” in the memo line. If you pay cash, please put it in an envelope with your name, number of tickets, and contact information.

Deadline to sign up and make your payment is May 15^th.

Sabbatical Committee Update: Parish Renewal Activity Survey Results

The Planning Committee would like to thank everyone who responded to the recent survey to gather input on what types of renewal activities the congregation might pursue during Fr. Kevin’s 2023 sabbatical. We collected 41 responses overall, and while on the low side, those who participated provided very useful information. As a reminder, part of the grant which has been applied for will not only help fund Kevin’s expenses, but may allocate funds to sustain and renew the parish during his absence. The survey results and themes for our renewal are summarized below.

Regarding congregation participation in a project that parallels Fr. Kevin’s photo journaling, 70% indicated they would be interested. During the summer of 2023, those interested may capture photos illustrating how God is reflected in work, industry, nature, music, or play which will then be made into a collage that shares our individual inspirations.

Inviting guest speakers to St. Francis is something 88% of those who replied are interested in. A top theme is the desire to learn more about other religions. Our goal is to invite speakers from our local Jewish and Islamic communities to share their spiritual practices and cultures. This would be paired with an informal fellowship event featuring light ethnic cuisine.

Lastly, many have indicated a strong desire to ensure fellowship remains a top priority during Kevin’s absence, especially given the past few years of its absence due to COVID. Movie night, group singing, and good old-fashioned pot-luck meals were common among replies. Additionally, there is definite interest in embracing nature through a guided bird walk as well as a visit to a local horticultural center.

The Planning Committee will strive to include as many of these activities as are feasible in our planning and will continue to keep you updated on the status of the grant application, which we will know the results of by August 2022.

Sabbatical Planning Committee Members: Jane Brooks, Mike Burke, Don Jenkins, Fr. Kevin, Nancy Needhammer, Joe Perry, Jill Quinn, John Woodcock (Pastoral Consultant) and Shirley Warren (Chair).

THANK YOU!! You have been more than generous and Mother Sherry and the residents of Thistle Hills greatly appreciate your donations.

Furniture in good condition is being collected for the Afghan refugees. Please contact John Groch for more information at 610-547-3583.

St. Francis-in-the-Fields Calendar 

St. Francis is in need of volunteers who can transport members who cannot or do not drive to and from worship on Sunday mornings.

Typically, drivers work on a 4 or 6 week rotation, assisting members who live in communities such as Bellingham and Dunwoody.

If you are interested and able to assist, please contact Shirley Warren or Fr. Kevin.

We need people/families/couples to host and set up. Please consider being the host/hostess of a coffee hour.

If you are interested, please contact Sue Kelly at 267-304-2419 or tkelly1839@aol.com. 

See you in church and coffee hour!! Thanks, Sue

Thanks for the terrific response to our Facebook and Instagram efforts! People as far away as California are commenting on our content! Keep it up!!

Snap those photos, jot down an email, do your thing and help us let the world know what St Francis is all about!

"As we work to create light for others, we naturally light our own way." (Mary Rademacher)

Contact Eileen Jenkins at (610) 639-8721 or eileenjenk@gmail with any questions.

Circle of Friends is a pastoral care ministry of note writing (birthday, get well, thank you, encouragement, etc.)

The Circle of Friends will meet in person on Wednesday, May 25 at 6:30 pm. We hope you will join us!

For more information please contact Sherri Lewis.

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.

The form for dedicating Altar Flowers can be found on our parish website, www.stfrancisfields.com.

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.

St. Francis-in-the-Fields is a parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania, a member of The Episcopal Church, and part of the worldwide Anglican Communion.