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Poem by Wendell Berry, Sept. 1962
Image Credit: NASA
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Dear Beloved,
Thank you all so much for your flexibility with worship this year. I know there have been many different forms of worship and each brings its own challenges. It was also difficult to get a taste of outdoor worship and then have that taken away. I wanted to let you know that your Wardens and Rector did not make that decision lightly. We take the health of our parishioners very seriously. It was March when we made the decision to worship outside together and the infection rate at the time was 3.5%. The CDC states that an infection rate above 5% is cause for concern. In April the infection rate jumped up to over 7% and this gave your leaders pause. We also found out that 3 people who attended our outdoor worship on April 11 had been directly exposed to Covid and were unaware until after attending our service. There were 45 people in attendance that day and 3 of them had been directly exposed. Those people have since tested negative but this was enough to convince us we needed to hold off on outdoor worship just a bit longer. We wanted to give time for more people to be fully vaccinated if they so choose and give the weather a chance to warm up a bit.
We have been keeping an eye on the infection rate and it does seem to be going back down to that 5% range. So we are pleased to announce that we are planning outdoor worship for Pentecost Sunday, May 23! It is our intention to keep the weekly service outdoors from that point on but we will all need to stay flexible if cases surge again. And please keep in mind that worshiping in a large group outdoors is a risk, even with masks. We also recognize the longing for us all to gather together and we honor that. For those that don’t feel safe attending, we will still be live streaming the service on Facebook and then uploading it to YouTube.
I’m incredibly grateful to Katherine for leading us through the wilderness. The highest priority for all of us has been to hold our beloved congregation together safely in any way we are able whether it’s YouTube, Zoom, or worshiping outside. Technology may fail us often but ultimately it has made it possible for a lot of us to stay connected and I’m very grateful.
We hope you’ll join us for Pentecost if you’re able at 9:30am on Sunday, May 23 on the St. David’s grounds, Live on Facebook, or later on YouTube. We love you no matter where your body will be. Come, Holy Spirit, come!
With Love,
Huldah Niles, Sr. Warden
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State of the Parish Recording |
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Did you miss last Sunday's State of the Parish meeting? We've got you covered! You can watch it by clicking here:https://youtu.be/puETnAbb3F4
We kept this video unlisted since our financials and new logo were discussed. Thanks to all who presented and all who attended. What a great community we have!
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First Wednesday Connect:
Cornerstone Endowment Committee Update
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What does “legacy” mean to you? How are you planning for your legacy? What do you see as St. David’s legacy? How does St. David’s legacy play into your plan?
These questions were discussed in this month’s First Wednesday Connect, led by Endowment Committee Chair, Robby Stokes.
Robby started with the history of St. David’s Cornerstone Endowment. Since the original bequest in 2013, the Endowment has grown to $315,446 in gifts (as of March 31, 2021) with an additional 16 pledges of future gifts. The total value of the Endowment has grown to a current amount of $414,731.
Because St. David’s members have been generous and the fund has performed well, the Endowment is in a better place than we imagined. Today, the endowment committee is increasingly looking at when is the appropriate time to start distributing funds.
Looking forward, the Endowment is focused on the future needs of St. David’s and focusing on long-term giving. As Committee Chair, Robby encouraged everyone to think about including St. David’s endowment in your legacy planning.
Please feel free to contact any member of the committee if you have questions or concerns. Our sincere thanks for your financial and prayerful support of St. David’s!
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Endowment Committee members:
Robby Stokes
Vida Edmond
Jeff Handley
Stephen Ferro
Bill Jacobs
John Galich (Vestry Representative)
Huldah Niles (Sr. Warden)
Cathy Schwichtenberg (Treasurer)
Katherine Lewis
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Damien Hirst, The Kingdom of the Father |
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Join us this Sunday for
Morning Prayer via Zoom
9:30 AM
We'll gather for Morning Prayer this Sunday at 9:30 AM, via Zoom. The Zoom room will open at 9 am for people who wish to join in early. The service will be recorded and placed on our YouTube Channel around mid-day on Sunday. Here is the service from last week if you missed it.
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Join Zoom Meeting
Or call:
312-626-6799
Meeting ID: 892 4253 0384
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Children and Youth Minister Search
We are gathering input from current families and the congregation at large to inform the process and hiring. Please take a few minutes to fill out our survey before May 16th. Surveys were sent from our REALM database from Shea Brendalen. Please check your "junk" or "other" mailbox if you do not see your email.
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Forward Day by Day Booklets
Available for Pickup
Forward Day by Day is a booklet of daily inspirational meditations reflecting on a specific Bible passage, chosen from the daily lectionary readings as listed in the Revised Common Lectionary or the Daily Office from the Episcopal Church's Book of Common Prayer.
Please stop by church outside the West entrance if you would like to pick one up for the months of May through July.
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West Metro Mission Area Gathering Invitation |
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One of the recurring themes that came out of the discernment committees is that mission areas are crucial for conducting experiments in discipleship, innovation, vitality, and story-sharing. We are called to be Christians together, and that means getting outside our faith community's walls and finding out what our nearest Episcopalian neighbors are up to.
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Pop-up Food Giveaways Will Continue through May
Between 100 and 140 families have received food every Friday at the pop-up food giveaways since late March. In addition to a box of non-perishable foods, those who come are also given wonderful fresh produce, dairy, eggs and proteins. These events offer folks an easy way to access food anonymously (names are not requested) while also introducing them to the ICA and services it provides.
If you know anyone who might be currently experiencing food insecurity, please let them know about this great opportunity for free food. The pop-up food giveaways are scheduled every Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 715 Minnetonka Mills Road in Hopkins.
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Do you plant a home garden?
Consider growing an extra row for ICA! If you have extra produce as the growing season progresses or would be willing to grow a bit more, the food shelf would welcome your extra produce. You can drop of fresh produce at the ICA’s K-Tel location by Shady Oak Lake. Donation hours for drop-off will be listed here once growing season is in full swing or you can find the hours on the ICA website.
Annual Spring Bazaar for the next two weeks
Back by popular demand, you are invited to come to the annual Spring Bazaar. In addition to the items listed on the ICA website, you will also find household goods, toys, various accessories, pet care items, etc. (Personal note: I always find a few useful things to purchase).The Bazaar is located in the basement at ICA’s St. David’s location. Come around to the back entrance of the building to enter.
Following Covid precautions, ICA is limiting the number of persons inside at any time. Each person who plans to check out the Bazaar must sign up in advance (including children). Masks will be required at all times. You can sign up at icafoodshelf.org under Events, then ICA Bazaar. Shopping in person will be available on Monday 5/10, Wednesday 5/12, Friday 5/14, Tuesday 5/18, Thursday 5/20 & Saturday 5/22.
ICA turns 50 this June!
Since 1971, ICA has grown from a small food and clothing program to now offering a variety of food programs, homelessness prevention (assistance with rent and utility bills), employment services and case management. Today, ICA serves over 5,500 people annually and has almost 750 active volunteers. This amazing growth has been made possible by donors, volunteers and many others who have worked on ICA’s behalf over the years.
You are invited to attend ICA’s Anniversary Community Celebration on Saturday, June 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at their K-Tel location (11588 K-Tel Drive, Minnetonka). You will have the opportunity to tour the food shelf and learn more about ICA’s programs. The celebration will include live music, cake, ice cream, door prizes and more. Do stop by and take part in the celebration.
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Vaccine Clinic Tomorrow at Destiny Hill Church |
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Mill City Quartet Concert |
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Have you been missing the Music @ St. David's series? The Mill City String Quartet recently filmed and released a concert for the St. Cloud Chamber Music Society. They filmed in the sanctuary at St. David's.
It is a concert celebrating Black composers. The quartet members each describe one of the four pieces and the composers. Then they perform! It's a great way to spend an evening.
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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".
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The Bike MS:Twin Cities Ride 2021 |
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**UPDATED- New date and time:
Saturday, May 15th @ 9:00am**
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The Bike MS:Twin Cities Ride have decided not to hold the event this year in person, due to COVID-19 concerns for such a large event. We continue to be committed to supporting Dan Beckmann of St. David’s and raising funds for MS research, so we've decided to carry on and hold our own event on Saturday May 15th, as part of the Beckmann's Bike Brigade (BBB). While we won't get to be with the rest of the Twin Cities teams in person, we can gather for our own smaller ride and support the cause. We will be outside, honor social distancing and wear masks. This doesn't affect our proceeds and fundraising. It actually provides the opportunity for more folks to informally join the ride (no more age restrictions!) and simply donate to the team without paying a registration fee.
This will be pretty informal. Simply email Chris Carda at chris.carda@westwoodps.com before the event for planning (the day before is not too late!)
When: Saturday, May 15th, 9:00am (rain date Sunday, May 16th, 9:00am)
Where: Westwood Professional Services Parking Lot
12701 Whitewater Drive, Minnetonka, MN (SE side of building)
We will take the Minnesota River Bluffs LRT Regional Trail to the southwest for about 7.5 miles to Lake Riley and then turn around and go back (15ish miles total). We're planning to grab donuts for all upon our completion of the ride (so make sure you let Chris know how many will be coming in your group). The trail is hard-packed gravel, so plan accordingly with your bike.
St. David riders so far include:
Beckmann family
Carda family
Vonnie and Marcus Fiedler
Rev. Katherine Lewis
Cliff Crockford
Hope to see you there!
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ECMN Youth: 6 Summer Camps |
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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.
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St. David's Wonder Women Happy Hour
Today at 5:30 PM
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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.
Today @ 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
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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!
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Leading Beyond the Blizzard with Bishop Loya
Online Gatherings, Tuesdays at 2:00 PM
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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. |
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Bible Study on Tuesdays: Perfect Time to Join in as we Start a New Book
We have just completed our study of the Book of Acts. What a good time for those of you who haven’t been able to join us before to start now. We will begin the study of 1 and 2 Peter on Tuesday led by the Rev. Katherine Lewis. We start with prayer at 11:00am and end with Noonday Prayer for a very profitable hour of learning and connecting.
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
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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
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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
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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.
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Pastoral Care Line: 952-767-0891 |
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To add someone to the prayers, please contact the Rev. Katherine Lewis at klewis@stdavidsparish.org or office@stdavidsparish.org
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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), Ralph Carter (friend of Norma Walton), Jack Cork (friend of Nina Strommen), Laurie Domeier (friend of the Harvala family), 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), Larry Minthorn (father of Huldah NIles), George Montgomery, Janice Lord Mott (Dwight Lord's sister), David Niles, Frankee Oleson (friend of Beth Harvey), David Pearson, Marty Scott, Amara Strande (daughter of the Rev. Dana Strande), Margaret Tengstrom (daughter of friend of Debbie Brown), Deanie Tiddy (friend of Holly Lamond) and Sandy Williams (friend of Nina Strommen),
We pray for the whole human family knit together in suffering and fear during the coronavirus pandemic; for the sick and the dying, especially Veloys Washington (sister of Edris Washington), 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 Andrew Brown, Jr., Daunte Wright and Ma'Khia Bryant. We pray for their families 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.
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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.
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COVID-19 Resources Available
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