Pathway to Discipleship

Welcome to St. Francis in the Fields!  We are a community of faith that seeks to proclaim the good news of abundant life in Christ through ministries of inviting and welcoming those who are seeking and those who have found a relationship with the living Lord.  To that end we invite you to explore a "Pathway to Discipleship" that begins at our front door and extends throughout the community in worship, discipleship, and equipping for service and evangelism.  The journey begins now!

Be Our Guest - As  you visit and worship with us, you will make friends and find meaningful fellowship.  Here are some of the ways we hope to make you feel at home.

Greeters welcome you at every service, and are happy to answer any questions you may have, as well as introduce you to others.

Welcome Packet-visitors receive a welcomecalland a welcome packet in the mail.  This is our way of sharinginformation on programs, ministry, and membership.

Welcome coffees are held periodically during the Adult Education hour on Sunday mornings, andwill give you the opportunity to mingle with other newcomers, guests, and the parish ministry staff.

Make the Move - When the time is right for you, you will want to prayerfully consider membership at St. Francis in the Fields.  If you are already  an Episcopalian, we will simply need a letter  a of transfer from your previous Episcopal parish.  If you are not an Episcopalian, you will want to participate in preparation for confirmation.

Adult Confirmation Class -The adult confirmation class is offered each spring for eight weeks on Wednesday nights.  The class is a fun and informative way to learn about the history of the Episcopal Church, its relationship to the worldwide Anglican Communion, its values, and our common worship and sacraments. After completion of the Confirmation class, or when your letter of transfer arrives, you will be invited to be presented to the Bishop during his annual visit in the Spring. St. Francis in the Fields will be pleased and honored to accept your commitment of membership.

Stewardship-We will also invite you to enter into the life and ministry  of the community through a contribution of your time, talent and treasure.

Introduction to the Parish-Periodically, on a rolling basis, newcomers are invited to come forward during Sunday worship for a brief welcome and introduction to the parish.

Grow in Discipleship - As you worship with us and come to know others in the church, you’ll discover a profound need to cultivate a vibrant and ever deepening relationship with the living God Who reveals Himself to us through scripture, in the life of His Son, Jesus Christ, and through the ongoing ministry of the Holy Spirit.  Along with worship, we provide tools and encouragement for Christian formation. 

The Alpha Course is a ten week  introduction to the tenets and basic understanding of Christianity.  You’ll  learn what it means to follow Christ in an inviting, non-threatening environment with others who, like you, have questions and longings.

Adult Education on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings, as well as at other times offer Bible study, in-depth exploration of theological matters, and practical application of faith to common life experiences.

Small Group Ministry  opportunities are available for discussion of matters of faith within the context of a steady and mutually accountable group of friends.

Find a Place to Serve - We will help you discover God’s purpose for your life and to understand how He brings change to your life.  That remarkable journey may take you to serve God’s world in the parish and in the wider community.  Discover how God may be calling you to serve and how you are best suited to do so.

Spiritual Gifts Workshops are offered twice a year, and are the perfect way to understand how your unique qualities reflect God’s glory in the world.  You will also discover how these God-given gifts prepare you to serve in ministry.

St. Francis Volunteer Ministry is the place to find an ideal match for your spiritual and practical gifts.  St. Francis has many  parish activities and projects that rely on the generosity of spirit and talents of our parish members.  Our volunteer coordinator will help you find the most appropriate volunteer path while respecting your schedule and needs. 

Outreach Ministries at St. Francis in the Fields offer wide-ranging opportunities to serve beyond the parish.  Options include short-term mission trips to David, Kentucky or The Dominican Republic, as well as ministry in the wider metro community, such as Habitat for Humanity projects, Cabbage Patch Settlement House and Portland Elementary School tutoring program.

Share the Good News - Jesus has given each one of His disciples the power, the authority and the command to share the gospel to the ends of the earth so that others might come into the saving grace of his light .  Your pathway to discipleship at  St. Francis in the Fields is meant to lead you to a place where sharing your faith will come naturally and become an intrinsic facetof your life.

Share Your Faith Workshops are available periodically to teach you how tell others about your life as a Christian in a way that  is both comfortable and exciting. When you are convinced that being part ofa Christian community is an essential aspect of growing in  faith and finding meaning in your life, you will be enthusiastic about inviting others to share what you have experienced - and you will move along the pathway to spiritual maturity and a life of abundant blessing.