FIELDNOTES

May 2025

 The Monthly Newsletter of 

St. Francis-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church

Malvern, Pennsylvania

Are We Expecting?

As I write this, Easter Sunday is well behind us, and the next big “holiday” - Mother’s Day - is drawing near. Of course, like other special days, different people honor Mother’s Day differently, and there is no right or wrong practice. Some remember their mother, long-since ushered into the hands of God. Some may offer thanks for that special someone who “mothered” them throughout their life. Maybe, at the very least, we can give thanks to God for a special person who endured the challenges and blessings of pregnancy to bring us into this world. In other words it’s a blessing, at some point, someone was “expecting” for us to be born.

Expectation is a normal part of pregnancy, but it may be a lost art in terms of faith. Especially in challenging times, the Church at large often seems more inclined to bemoan the struggle (or worse, cozy up to oppressive powers) rather than truly expect the inbreaking of the Kingdom of God. And yet the witness of faith throughout the Scriptures comes from prayerful people full of expectation. Hope and longing pregnant with trust in God’s faithfulness is a theme that runs like a raging wadi throughout the Bible. Abraham and Sarah, Hannah, the Psalmists, the Prophets, Mary, the mother of Jesus, Jesus himself (of course), St. Paul - all of these, and many others, fill the Scriptures with expectations for God. A belief that God will not stay still or silent. That God will act. The entire last book in the Bible, the Book of Revelation, was written and should be read with a spirit of expectation and hope, rather than (as is so often the case) worry and fear. Revelation, in fact, is the ultimate exclamation point on the shout proclaimed in the Gospels. God is with us!

Now, having given some context, and a very short summary of the roots of our faith, I want to ask: Are we expecting?

I’m not asking if you think, “everything will be OK?” Nor am I asking if you trust that, “All shall be well.” Those are sentiments that, taken out of context, sound more like fatalism or stoicism than Christian faith. Rather I’m asking if, through your faith, you expect something of God? Something, perhaps, like mercy, compassion, justice, or even judgment? Something that says the God we serve is not benign? Faithful expectation doesn’t demand of God, but neither does it keep God at a distance. Like the Saints of old, faith-filled expectation believes that God is poised for action, and because of that, such expectation is pregnant with hope and promise.

And when we’re pregnant, we get busy. We plan, and we change things. A welcome pregnancy is a time of preparation, of action. Whether we’re expecting the birth of a child, or the God of all creation to bring salvation, pregnancy asks something from us. The author of Hebrews, summing up the pregnancy of faith in the Old Testament Saints, encourages their readers - faithful Christians in difficult times - to put their hopes in action:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us. (Heb. 12:1)

As we move now from Easter toward the Feast of Pentecost (June 8), I pray that we’ll take time to ask ourselves if we’re pregnant. And if so, consider - How far along? What are our hopes for God’s presence and work? What is the character of our prayers? How faithfully,, as the writer of Hebrews says, are we running our race? And what do we need to “lay aside” so our hopes in God can soar even higher?

The blessing of Pentecost is that God’s Spirit now dwells with our spirit, nurturing inside of us new life and love and salvation for all of God’s people. The question, then, is whether or not we, like Mary, will be willing conduits for God’s grace. The question is, are we expecting?

Fr. Kevin+

Vestry Notes

April 8, 2025

Following the opening devotional prayer and reflection, Vestry reviewed the financial report provided by Lisa Buono which reflected positive income figures due largely to early payment on pledges. Some line items like ground maintenance (snow and ice management) and energy expenses were higher than budgeted for this period, but these costs will level off with warmer spring weather. Overall, the church’s financial condition is good.

Roberta Torian conducted a review of the status of our endowments. They are invested in stable funds that should not be affected badly by today’s volatile economy.

John Groch summarized progress on the Season of Creation (environmental) fair scheduled on September 27, 2025. A committee has been formed, an application form is available, four groups have already committed, with another two pending. Others will be invited in the coming weeks.

The Justice and Action Committee, led by Connie Scanga, has been mobilizing parishioners to action on a number of fronts, including a postcard-to-congresspersons writing session at Fr. Kevin’s home on April 18.

Vestry member of the month, John Groch, reported on conversations with ministry chairs he contacted during March. Chairs were very positive about the work of volunteers in their areas of church involvement. Some reported challenges they faced, but with optimism for growth.

The Landscape Committee received a favorable estimate for contract work in 2025 from Erich Meyer of Country Meadows Landscaping. The plan includes an element of pro bono work.



Roberta Torian has been helping to update the parish directory with current photos.

Fr. Kevin has applied for a D. Min. degree at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Also discussion has begun on renovation of both the library and the sanctuary/transept area of the church. Church renovation will be based on both theological and aesthetic principles.

New Member Spotlight: Meet Carol Forte

Carol first found St. Francis while driving down Sugartown Road, and decided to visit us for Christmas Eve Worship a few years ago. She was raised Roman Catholic, and after attending a parish in Media for a number of years, was looking for a change. She found our Episcopal service similar enough to feel comfortable. Over time Carol began to attend more frequently and loved how welcoming we are, our impressive music, and the more intimate feeling our parish offers over larger churches.  Carol officially joined St. Francis in 2024!

Originally from upstate, Carol found her way to the Philadelphia area through her then husband while he attended Penn Veterinary School. She has two children (a son and daughter) and 3 grandsons. For most of her career, Carol was a professional fundraising consultant. Her clients were primarily in the Arts, Healthcare, or Conservation areas, and she also guided Church of the Redeemer in Bryn Mawr on their Capital Campaign.

Retiring from her busy career in 2022, Carol knew exactly how she wanted to spend her newly found time. Her passion is serving the disadvantaged, including the homeless and homeless companion animals. She is on the board at the Providence Animal Center in Media, is President of their Foundation, and works with Home of the Sparrow in Exton. Aside from her volunteer work, Carol enjoys gardening, reading and music. She has recently joined the garden team, and looks forward to working in other ministry areas as well. If you have not yet had the pleasure to chat with Carol, please look for her and say hello! 

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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.

May 3: Men’s Breakfast Fellowship

The monthly Men’s Fellowship Breakfast will be held on Saturday, May 3 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.

May 6: 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, May 6.

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

May 16: Book Group

In May we will be discussing The Violin Conspiracy by Slocum. Your thoughts about future books are always welcome.

Church School

Church School dates are May 11 & 25. Church School is the 2nd and 4th Sunday in the month.

Ages are Kindergarten through 5th grade.

May 11 & 18: Adult Formation:

The Nicene Creed – History, Mystery and Myth

This two-session presentation will consider the political and theological background behind the Council of Nicea and the formulation of the Nicene Creed. What controversies were resolved, why was Emperor Constantine involved and why were certain specific terms used? 

Following the history lesson, participants will engage in personal reflection and interactive dialogue about the Creed's meaning for them.

In the library beginning at 8:45 am.

New Member Welcome

St. Francis is growing! Since last fall, we have had quite a few baptisms (with two more coming up this Sunday!), and a number of new members have joined the church. If you have been attending St. Francis-in-the-Fields and would like to make it your church home, you are invited to a New Member Breakfast and New Member Welcome on Sunday, May 18.

Anyone wishing to join St. Francis is invited to participate in the New Member Welcome during the 10:00 service on May 18. They are also invited to attend a New Member Breakfast prior to the service in the Parish Hall at 9:00. This is an informal opportunity to chat with Father Kevin, other new members and members of the Newcomers Committee.

If you are interested in joining St. Francis, please contact David Culver at dculver0203@gmail.com or 610-724-0954.

May 18: Sustainable Activism

On Sunday, May 18, after worship, Fr. Kevin will lead a presentation and discussion of the book Micro Activism, by Omkari Williams.

Williams offers a simple set of guidelines for people who want to be civically engaged without feeling overwhelmed or suffering burnout.

The presentation will take place in the Parish Hall as part of the work of the Justice and Action Committee of St. Francis.

May 20: Election Day

There is no such thing as an unimportant election. Do you have a plan? Do you know the candidates and issues on your ballot?

Take time now to prepare to do your civic duty. Fr. Kevin will host a pre-election prayers service on the evening of Monday, May 19.

(Please note: St. Francis is a polling place and the Parish Hall will be occupied on Election Day.)

BROWN BAG LUNCH

Brown Bag Lunch – May 27, 2025

Brown Bag Lunch, which is scheduled for Tuesday, May 27, at Noon, will feature Stephen and Jean Godsall-Myers, our guest speakers. They will take us on a “A Civil Rights Journey,” which they have shared many times with different communities, including churches. Please mark your calendar and join us.

In the summer of 2021, Jean and Stephen Godsall-Myers returned to our country’s racial history. The itinerary included the Eastern Shore of Maryland, (Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass); Wilmington, NC, where white Democrats violently overthrew a fusion government in 1898; a visit to Columbia, SC, and its Civil Rights Heritage; a stop in Tuskegee to recall the Airmen and the tragic syphilis study; time in the Civil Rights ‘triangle’ of Montgomery, Selma and Birmingham, AL, and retracing the historic Selma to Montgomery March. From there it was on to Nashville, TN, home of Fisk University and student-led sit-ins, then east to Clinton, TN (first court-ordered desegregated high school); Hardy, VA (site of plantation where Booker T. Washington was born); Farmville, VA (home of the high school that was part of Brown vs. Board of Education case) and Harpers Ferry (site of John Brown’s raid). The trip ended on a celebratory note in Lansdale and its Juneteenth celebration.

With a PowerPoint presentation and stories, Jean and Stephen will share their impressions from a humbling and sobering journey.

We look forward to seeing you on May 27. Attendees are encouraged to arrive by 11:45 AM to allow mingling time and get their lunch and beverage, so we can promptly start at noon.

PLEASE NOTE: Brown Bag Lunch will take a hiatus in June, July, and August. It will return on September 23 with a presentation by the Diocese of PA on “Gun Violence.” Thank you.

BBL Ministry Team: Shirley Warren, Cindy VanHefter, and Sheila Rees

May 28: Red Cross Blood Drive

Our next drive is here on: WEDNESDAY, 5/28/25, 2-7PM. It’s super easy to make an appointment; find the sign posted in the stairwell, scan the QR code w your phone camera, push the yellow line, and select your time!

Together we can make a meaningful difference and help save lives. Call or text Nancy with questions 484-757-4040. 

June 1: Acolyte Breakfast and Recognitions

Calling all Acolytes! On Sunday, June 1, at 8am, our Acolytes and their families will gather for breakfast at the West Chester Dinner on Route 3.

Then, at the 10am service (outdoors), ALL of our Acolytes will be recognized and thanked for their service.

Please make plans now to attend.

June 1: Outdoor Service Series Begins

Our series of 10am outdoor worship services will begin this year on June 1 and 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.

Play Ball! Join us for the Reading Phils on July 20^th!

This summer, St. Francis will once again “take the field” in Reading to sing the National Anthem! Join us on July 20 (game time 5:15pm) for a night of great minor league baseball, as the “Fightin’ Phils” host the Portland Sea Dogs.

Those who want to sing will gather to practice prior to the game.

Tickets are $15.00/each. To order yours, contact the parish office, Fr. Kevin or Diane.

Payments can be made by check, cash, or electronically.

Vacation Bible School July 28 to July 31

We hope you can join us for VBS at St. Francis Monday July 28^th thru Thursday July 31^st from 9:00am to 11:30am. Children age 4 to 5^th grade are welcome. Our program is again from Grow Curriculum and is titled Step Right Up”. Registration forms will be available soon. Any questions please contact Sherri Lewis.

Come one! Come all! Step Right Up and see the marvelous wonders waiting for you at our carnival! Carnivals are more than a place for enteratinment - they're an invitation to see something extraordinary. The best part? Everyone is invited! In this four-day series, kids will explore how Jesus, like a great carnival barker, calls out to us to show us something wonderful. In these four lessons, we'll discover how Jesus invites us to use the gifts God gave us, show God's love to someone new, thank God for forgiveness, and share God's story with everyone!

What Are Your Spiritual Gifts?

Pentecost is coming! Pentecost is the celebration of the sending of the Holy Spirit upon the Church, the body of Christ. Have you ever considered the gifts the Holy Spirit has given YOU for service?

Beginning Sunday, May 11, you can pick up and complete a “Spiritual Gifts Assessment.” This quick and easy tool will help you discern your gifts for service both in the church and the community.

And be present each Sunday through Pentecost for Fr. Kevin’s upcoming sermon series: The Church, the Spirit, and YOU!

West Chester Food Cupboard

The recent delivery to West Chester Food Cupboard collected in the Narthex totaled 83 pounds. Thank you for your donations!

Our next BIG collection Sunday for WCFC is May 18, and our focus for that Sunday is CANNED MEAT and CANNED FISH.

Please bring these items to St. Francis on or before that Sunday. Federal food assistance has been slashed for WCFC and other essential services around the country.

Please give generously!

Join the Garden Team!

The St. Francis Garden Team needs help!  If you enjoy the outdoors and would like to help care for our lovely flower gardens, then consider this ministry. 

The duties mainly include watering during assigned weeks during the summer months and attending a few working sessions to do maintenance (weeding, deadheading, pruning etc.)  

We also need a few people to be the overseer for specific garden areas.  This would entail deciding what to plant and ensuring the general upkeep of the area over the growing months. 

If you are interested and/or have questions, please reach out to Jill Quinn at 610-888-7409.

Office of Government Relations

Vote Faithfully

In a democracy, voting rights are fundamental to the dignity of every citizen, and the free practice of that right is necessary for the establishment of justice.

November midterm elections are for local offices. These frequently have the most effect on our daily lives. The May 20 election is “only the primaries.” However, it is an opportunity to voice your preferences for local offices such as school board members, as well as state and local Judges. It might also determine who is on the ballot in November.  

 https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/office-government-relations/



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, May 28 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.

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!!

Ministry to Refugees

Nationalities Service Center is increasing its efforts to serve as many refugees as possible and is in need of sofas, upholstered chairs and kitchen tables and chairs. 

Please send photos to John Groch at 610-547-3583. 

NSC has many volunteer opportunities (nscphila.org).

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