FIELDNOTES

September 2025

 The Monthly Newsletter of 

St. Francis-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church

Malvern, Pennsylvania

Why Creation?

For the second year in a row, and with the blessing of Bishop Gutierrez, St. Francis is honoring the “Season of Creation”. This liturgical season, celebrated from September 1 through the Feast of St. Francis (October 4*), started in the Orthodox Church in 1989, and is now observed by many Christian denominations around the world, including members of the worldwide Anglican Communion, of which the Episcopal Church is part. (Note: Being our Patronal Feast Day, we will celebrate St. Francis on Sunday, October 5.)

For several decades now, many Christian denominations have sought to respond to the growing ecological concerns of our age. The 80th General Convention of the Episcopal Church (2022) recognized climate change as an “all-encompassing crisis”, and called on our churches to “address the moral implications of climate change” in all possible ways. This resolution itself was the culmination and continuation of many years of study and theological reflection in the Episcopal Church, with calls for repentance and change within the practices of the Church itself.

At first, this all may sound strange. After all, “What has Rome to do with Athens?”, as we sometimes ask. But in truth, issues of ecology and ecclesiology (topics related to church bodiesans structure) are intimately connected, and our theological ruminations and practices as a church have historic ties to environmental harm. One particular example can help explain how a simple, seemingly unrelated theological issue can steer the Church toward nearly irreparable environmental harm.

There was a time in the history of the Church when the bread of the Eucharist had a closer and more direct connection to the bread of a common table. In the earliest years of the Church, bread was often baked in homes to be offered and shared in the congregation. This practice helped maintain a subtle but important relationship between worship and daily life, connecting the table of the Eucharist with the laity, the household, and the land from which the eucharistic elements were procured.

Over the centuries, however, as the practice of the Eucharist became increasingly “clericalized” and “sacralized” - that is, limited to its relationship with Clergy and elevated to the status of atoning sacrifice - the role of “commonality” and the connection it fostered between the land and the Church gave way to more complicated theological frameworks. “Changes in the philosophical approach to the consecration (transubstantiation) and changes in the appearance of the eucharistic elements (bread to wafers; removal of the common cup) were the result of, and fostered further changes in, the understanding of the relationship between humanity and the physical world.” ¹

In other words, as the Church made the Eucharist more and more “lofty” and untouchable for the Laity, it also disconnected it from its connection to the land. Theologically, the Earth itself was left behind until contemporary concerns led the Church as a whole to reconsider its “theology of ecology”. Which leads me back to the celebration of the “Season of Creation”, and the important place of this liturgical season in our congregational life.

There is an old saying in the Church: Lex orandi, lex credendi - “The Law of Prayer is the Law of Belief.” In other words, what we believe follows from what and how we pray. In order for the Church to repent of its long-standing theological disconnection from the Earth - a disconnection that led us, literally, to focus on heaven at the expense of Earth - we must consider how we pray. And common prayer, of course, is what we do best as Episcopalians.

God Bless,

Fr. Kevin+

¹ Dellaria, Kevin. "And of Thine Own Have We Given Thee": Environmental Awareness in the Offertory of Bread and Wine. Abilene, TX: Hardin-Simmons University, 2001^.

St. Francis Fair

A Celebration of Creation and Community

September 27, 2025

12:00pm to 4:00 pm.

St. Francis will be sponsoring a community fair featuring local groups that promote environmental and social awareness. Food banks, beekeepers, conservation agencies and farmers will inform the community about ways to serve those in need and maintain a sustainable environment and healthier community. Participants will offer literature, displays and activities, especially for children. Craft and food vendors will add to the fun and celebration! 



Besides promoting environmentally and socially conscious practices, the fair will provide exposure of St. Francis and our values to the local community. 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

There are a number of ways members of St. Francis can serve.

1.) Take a sign! (or several signs) - Yard Signs advertising the Fair are available in the Narthex. These can be placed in your yard, parks, road junctions, etc. PLEASE - take a sign and put it somewhere that people can see.

2.) Sign Up to Help - There are sign-up sheets in the Narthex. No job is too small. All help is appreciated.

THANK YOU for your support!

Coming This Fall from Adult Christian Ed!

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

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

·  Contemplative Eucharist – Kevin Dellaria will resume 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.

·  Introduction to the Enneagram – Donna & Kevin Dellaria will again offer this very popular series of classes in self-awareness and understanding of others.

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

·  Journey Small Group – Tom Ridington will guide us on a journey in embodied faith with Barbara Brown Taylor’s An Altar in the World on 2nd Wednesday 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!

September 6: Men’s Breakfast Fellowship

The monthly Men’s Fellowship Breakfast will be held on Saturday, September 6 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.

September 7: Worship in the Garden



Our series of 10am outdoor worship services continue on September 7, the first Sunday of the month, and will end with the Feast of St. Francis and Blessing of the Animals (October 5).

These services are subject to weather conditions. Our animal friends are always invited to worship with us on these special Sundays.

September 7: Contemplative Service

Beginning in September, 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, ending with Holy Eucharist.

Everyone is welcome!

September 14: Church School Begins!

Our Church School year is about to begin! 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.

September 14: Welcome Back Sunday



Also on that Sunday . . . Please Join us for the annual Welcome Back Ice Cream Social, after church in the Parish Hall.

September 16: 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 starting September 16^th, from 6pm - 8pm. 

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

September 20: Immigrant Prayer Service

On September 20, from 9am to 11am, we will hold a prayer service at St. Francis for all our immigrant and refugee siblings around the world, and in our own community.

Please mark your calendars and invite your friends to this important time of interactive prayer and reflection.

September 19: Book Group

On September 19, the Book Group will be discussing:

The Unkindness of Ravens by M.E. Hilliard

Greer Hogan is a librarian and an avid reader of murder mysteries. She also has a habit of stumbling upon murdered bodies. The first was her husband's, and the tragic loss led Greer to leave New York behind for a new start in the Village of Raven Hill. But her new home becomes less idyllic when she discovers her best friend sprawled dead on the floor of the library.

We meet at 7:30 p.m. in the library and welcome new members.

Book Group dates are: Oct. 17, Nov. 21, Jan. 17, 2026, Feb. 21, Mar. 21

October 7: 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, October 7.

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

Sign up for Fall Supper Six!

A sign-up sheet is in the narthex for the Fall 2025 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 September 21^st if you’d like to participate in the Fall Supper Six. Feel free to contact me at judyculver@comcast.net or 610-724-1322 if you have any questions. Thank you!

Brown Bag Lunch



St. Francis Church is delighted to host Captain Jeffrey Heim from the Willistown Township Police Department as our guest speaker on Tuesday, September 23, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.

We warmly invite you to save the date and join us for this special event, where Captain Heim and his officers are excited to connect with our community.

A light lunch will be offered, and we're eager to share this meaningful moment with you.

Thank you!

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, September 24 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