Important Worship Update
While it has been wonderful being in person, outdoors for worship the past two weeks, your Wardens and Rector continue to watch public health reports and have decided to err on the side of caution and temporarily shift our Sunday worship back to Zoom.
We'll meet this Sunday (and into the future) via Zoom:
9:30 AM
Morning Prayer
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86456069343
Meeting ID: 864 5606 9343
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,86456069343# US (Washington DC)
+13126266799,,86456069343# US (Chicago)
Thank you for your understanding and flexibility.
Loving God--Loving One Another
|
|
Beloved in Christ,
Yesterday morning I wept as I gathered with Healing Our City’s virtual prayer tent and listened to Imam Rami Nashahibi reflect on the tender, motherly, inexhaustible compassion of God. My heart, like all of yours, is so heavy, as a city that is already carrying so much is handed one more dose of sorrow and anger. As most of you know, on Sunday night Brooklyn Center police killed Daunte Wright, an unarmed Black man, during a traffic stop. Daunte’s killing resulted in a night of tense but largely peaceful protests, met with tear gas and less-lethal ammunition fired at protestors, and looting of Brooklyn Center shops. While we don’t know much about the circumstances of Daunte’s death, we do know that he was 20 years old and a beloved child of God.
There is a sickness in our society, a sickness that shows up over and over as deadly violence against Black and brown bodies by the very institutions and agencies that form the frame and foundation of our common life. This sickness, which infects every single one of us, cannot be rooted out by our good intentions, or more knowledge, or our own efforts. This sickness is a sin that possesses us and can only be healed by the divine mercy, our mother, the God of all compassion and peace. Our first call today is to join our sorrow, our tears, our anger, our longing for a better way to the voice of Isaiah who, when facing the systemic injustice in his own society, cried out to God: “Oh that you would tear open the heavens and come down. . .” (64:1) The transformation and healing we so desperately need asks for our whole lives, and our whole life together, and it must be grounded in daily lament, crying out for God to tear open the heavens and come down, and daily repentance, a commitment to letting the divine mercy break us open and thoroughly possess our sin-sick souls, so that each breath we are given might be an offering of God’s perfect love working through us.
As we continue to hold the trauma of these times, I commend to you again the incredible interfaith work being done by Healing Our City. Their morning prayer vigil, held every day at 8am, is a truly healing and restorative space. You can always find a recording of the vigil after the fact on their Facebook page if you cannot attend in real time.
Oh God, tear open the heavens and come down to the family of Daunte Wright today, to the city of Brooklyn Center today, to the Twin Cities today, to the state of Minnesota today, to all who have ever feared or been hurt by police or the prison system, to all Black and Indigenous and Latine people who are disproportionately targeted by the police. Oh God, tear open the heavens and come down to us today.
The Right Reverend Craig Loya
X Bishop
Episcopal Church in MN
|
|
First Wednesday Connect: An Appeal to Help Out at Home and Abroad
Thank you to all who attended our First Wednesday Connect last week. And thank you to our speakers, Craig Freeman and Sharon Engel. We learned a lot about Beacon and Mama Ada. St. David’s is accepting donations for both organizations until the end of the month.
An anonymous donor has offered to match up to $5,000 in donations to Beacon until the end of April. Let’s open our hearts and help both of these incredible charities!
|
|
Our Year of Wonders: Telling Our Stories
It was a powerful experience during Lent to hear story telling by parishioners, reflecting on their experiences during the pandemic. We wrapped up our series last night--thank you, LaMar Popp, for sharing your story. It was touching to hear about your year losing Nancy, but the love that endured between the two of you until the very end.
For a link to last night's recording:
https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/A_b2hXRdcFvGaO_uQur-CAlMayJDn4XvopRaPDhRQdT2ZV9LzdS1GJ2CX2GuIvQs.yIxbAxOVOe7iReIQ
Access Passcode: Nd3%k9px
Thank you, Nan Drake, for being our Zoom host throughout! And thank you to all of our presenters and participants!
|
|
State of the Parish
Mark your calendars and plan to join us for our State of the Parish presentation and discussion.
Sunday, May 2, 10:30 am
(following Morning Prayer at 9:30)
via Zoom
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86199183640
Agenda topics: Updates on staffing, a presentation of our Reopening Plan, a Financial Report and...the unveiling of our new, St. David's logo!
We hope you will join us!
|
|
|
|
Healing Our City
Virtual Prayer Tent
While the world is focused on Minneapolis and the trial of Derek Chauvin, we are invited to join our prayers to heal our city through a "virtual prayer tent".
|
|
Prayer Walk Sunday April 18th
St. David's parishioners have been invited to join Oasis church and other local congregations in a prayer walk this coming Saturday. The walk will begin and end in the Oasis Church parking lot. It will start at 12:30 with a time of prayer before we begin our prayer walk which will include prayer, a time of reflection, silence and silent prayer.
Join us if you are able to come. We are better together!
Oasis church address:
11901 Excelsior Blvd.
Minnetonka, MN
|
|
ICA Update
ICA food collection this weekend
It’s the third weekend of the month and that means we are collecting items for the ICA.
Current ICA needs include:
-sugar and oil
-ground coffee and K-cups
-cereal and oatmeal
-paper towels
Of course, any other items you wish to donate are always welcome. Please leave your donations at the church’s east entrance anytime this weekend through Sunday.
More food giveaway pop-ups are scheduled.
We know there has been an increase in food insecurity since the onset of the COVID pandemic. Many of our neighbors are facing food insecurity for the first time. Please read this eye-opening quote from a March 2021 pop-up food recipient - “I never knew what food insecurity was until I started going to ICA and I finally had enough to eat. Now, having enough food gives me a sense of relief and I no longer have food insecurity.”
The interest in and success of the recent pop-up food giveaways has prompted the ICA to host weekly pop-ups every Friday through May 28. These events offer a simple way to access food while providing a sense of anonymity. In additions to getting food into people’s hands, a secondary goal is to introduce them to ICA and the breadth of additional services ICA can provide. Boxes with non-perishable foods as well as produce, dairy, eggs and protein are given out at the giveaways.
The pop-up food giveaways are scheduled every Friday, starting this week on April 16th through May 28th, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 715 Minnetonka Mills Road, Hopkins. If you know anyone that may be experiencing food insecurity right now, please let them know about this opportunity for free food.
Round-ups really do make a difference.
As you may recall, you were encouraged to round-up at the register your purchases last month at Driskill’s in Hopkins and at Lakewinds in Minnetonka. This was part of the Minnesota Foodshare March Campaign. A whopping $9632 was donated to ICA in this easy way! Thanks to everyone who “rounded-up” last month. It really will make a difference!
|
|
ECMN Youth: 6 Summer Camps |
|
|
|
The Episcopal Church in Minnesota has a rich history of providing camping opportunities for young people. Camp is a transformational opportunity for kids and youth to step away from the everyday, and immerse themselves in something new and different. Its the immersion that’s truly transformational and unforgettable. Our six current programs are supported by strong lay and clergy, who are often past campers. We look forward to continued growth and development in years to come.
Each of these camping programs are dreamed, planned, run, and prayed for by a great team of lay and clergy volunteers. Join us this summer! Find out more by contacting your Missioner for Children, Youth and Camp, Sarah Barnett at sarah.b@episcopalmn.org.
|
|
St. David's Wonder Women Happy Hour
April 22 at 5:30 PM
|
This is informal and focused on connecting and conversation. Get your favorite HH beverage – water, tea, wine, cocktail; plug in, log on, we will be waiting for you! Please join us for whatever timing works for you – come later or stop in early to say hi for 15 minutes. We will be happy to get you for whatever works for your schedule.
Next Thursday, April 22 @ 5:30 PM for one hour
Or Telephone：
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location)：
US: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 558 8656 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782
Meeting ID: 926 6373 1979
|
|
|
|
Once again, we are organizing a team to ride in the annual Bike MS: Twin Cities. For those who don’t know, we ride in support of our own Dan Beckmann, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2018. Through early detection and the miracles of modern science, Dan is still able to live a busy work and family life while balancing the impacts of MS. So much progress with medicine and treatment has been made, but there is still work to be done.
Dan will be the first to tell you that the ride isn’t about him. The goal is to help find a cure for all!
Date: May 16, 2021
Time: 8:00 a.m.
Location: The Lab – Brewery
767 N Eusitis St.
Suite 115
St. Paul, MN 551
Routes: Includes both 15 mile and 40 mile options
Minimum Age: 12
Registration Fee*: $51 before May 4th
$70 Last minute before May 16th
*Will need to raise a minimum $50 on top of the registration fee to be eligible for the ride.
You can sign up for the team here. Our team name is Beckmann’s Bike Brigade and email Chris Carda if you would like a team shirt for the ride: Please email Chris, Chris.Carda@westwoodps.com, by Thursday, April 15, indicating t-shirt size if you would like a team shirt. If you can’t ride, but would like to donate, you can do that too by clicking here.
St. David's riders who have registered so far: Dan Beckmann, Chris Carda, Cliff Crockford, Katherine Lewis. Join these riders and others...or perhaps donate to support them in their fundraising goals!
|
|
For 60 years, St. David’s Center has made a tremendous difference in the lives of thousands of children. Our 32nd annual Make Them Shine Gala is a celebration of our mission, our life-changing services, and the children and families who feel the impact of St. David's Center every day.
Join St. David’s Center CEO Julie Sjordal and hosts Rena Sarigianopoulos and Eric Perkins virtually from 7:00-7:45 p.m. on Saturday, May 15. You and more than 1,000 members of our community will learn more about St. David's Center, participate in our exciting auctions, and have an opportunity to support our families. Tickets to the gala are free, and all are welcome to attend. Please join us!
|
|
Leading Beyond the Blizzard with Bishop Loya
Online Gatherings, Tuesdays at 2:00 PM
|
|
These gatherings, hosted by Bishop Loya, are held weekly on Tuesdays at 2:00 PM for clergy and lay faith community leaders. This is a time to stay in relationship with one another, and learn and grow together. Click here to register.
If you miss a gathering, you can find recordings from each week by clicking here. |
|
|
|
|
Bible Study on Tuesdays
We are studying of the book of Acts with the Rev. Katherine Lewis as our leader and Sharon Engel as our convener. We begin Tuesday mornings at 11:00 AM with prayer and end with Noonday Prayer, plan to join us for a very profitable hour.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 872 7467 2774
Passcode: Study
Dial by Phone
+1 646 558 8656
+1 301 715 8592
+1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 872 7467 2774
Passcode: 544920
|
|
|
|
Compline Held Nightly at 8:00 PM – Join Us!
Compline, is a brief service of nighttime prayers, lasting no longer than about 10 minutes, this is a wonderful ritual for before bedtime. Please join us any night at 8:00 PM.
On Wednesdays Compline is led by children and intended for those of all ages (for some adults, it's their favorite service of the week!) using the the children's book Candlewalk by Karin Hosinger Sherman. The book is available through Church Publishing and Amazon.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 852 2267 7461
Passcode: Pn2CjY
Dial by Phone: +1 312 626 6799; Meeting ID: 852 2267 7461; Passcode: 516860
|
|
Start your Saturday morning with prayerful reflection.
Join morning prayer on Saturday beginning at 7:45 AM. This service will last approximately 15 minutes. You can read along with the prayer on your screen.
You can access the service through following the link on your computer, tablet or smartphone.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 220 814 0673 Passcode: rWDY6k
Dial by phone: 312-626-6799 Meeting ID: 220 814 0673 Passcode: 576819
If you have any questions, please call or text Paul Smejkal at 952.270.6762
|
|
|
|
In this time of the coronavirus pandemic, the need to reach our most vulnerable parishioners has been great. Our 11 person Pastoral Care Team has stepped up to the plate and has been regularly calling around 24 St. David's members and families to share in remote fellowship, prayer, and conversation to determine if we, as a community, could help address any of their unmet needs. We are pleased to report that virtually all of these parishioners are doing well so far and have their basic needs met by their facilities and/or family. They are in good spirits and continue to remain resilient in the face of isolation and uncertainty.
If you find yourself in need of food or other resources, please contact:
or:
and we will assist you in finding solutions.
|
|
Pastoral Care Line: 952-767-0891 |
|
|
|
Prayers and Passages
We pray for those who are sick or suffering, especially, Richard Austin (father of Holly Lamond), Ted Berktold (stepfather of Andy Harvala), Jim Boyes (friend of Cliff Crockford), Marie Brewer (cousin of Patti Jurkovich), Michele Byers (friend of Beth Harvey's sister), William Cadwell (son of Philip Cadwell), Jack Cork (friend of Nina Strommen), Christina Dorr Drake (daughter-in-law of Nan and Guy Drake), Lina Maria Fajardo (niece of Pam Schroeder's sister), Dan Greer (nephew of LaMar Popp), Allison Hatcher, Ann Henjum (daughter of Bob Triebenbach), Jessie (sister of friend of Holly Lamond), Annie Jones (friend of Holly Lamond), Jerry Knox (friend of Beth Harvey), Joan MacDonald, Kay McMaster (friend of Holly Lamond), The Meager Family (aunt's family of Paul Kuyper), Michele (niece of Patsy Beck), George Montgomery, David Niles, Frankee Oleson (friend of Beth Harvey), David Pearson, Amara Strande (daughter of the Rev. Dana Strande), Margaret Tengstrom (daughter of friend of Debbie Brown), Deanie Tiddy (friend of Holly Lamond), Sandy Williams (friend of Nina Strommen), Lindsey (friend of Judy Roggow), Laurie Domeier (friend of the Harvala family) and Ralph Carter (friend of Norma Walton).
We pray for the whole human family knit together in suffering and fear during the coronavirus pandemic; for the sick and the dying, especially Richard Edmond (cousin of Tom Edmond), for caregivers, medical researchers, teachers, students, the fearful, anxious and lonely. We pray for the swift and effective distribution of the vaccine.
We grieve the death of Daunte Wright and pray for his family and for our whole human family as we work to undo the sin of racism.
We pray for all who suffer or serve in war.
We pray for all who have been born.
We pray in thanksgiving for all the blessings of this life.
We pray for those serving in the military, Will Culliton, Aprille Lopac, and Kaelyn Wahlberg.
We pray for those who have died from COVID-19.
|
|
Phases of Re-Gathering in ECMN
Guidelines and Planning Resource Document
ECMN has released the 3rd iteration of the ECMN Re-Gathering Planning Document on August 18th. The updates to this document center on the newly outlined plan for faith communities to move to gathering in person in faith community buildings in the months to come.
To be clear, there is no expectation that faith communities can/should/must return to their buildings.
|
|
|
|
COVID-19 Resources Available
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
