ST. DAVID'S TOWN HALL FOLLOW-UP
Our program staff met recently to share what we heard and learned, and explore ways to meet particular needs of our church. Across many groups we heard similar themes, which include the following (not an exhaustive list):
- Desire for small groups and connection
- Importance of communion
- Desire for more neighborhood gatherings and Communion Groups
- Challenges of being a downtown church
- Acknowledging habits created during the pandemic
- Need for continued hybrid offerings
- Deep appreciation for our ability/willingness to have difficult conversations
- Appreciation of ministries including: music, inclusion/belonging, and community engagement
Thank you for your thoughtful comments and suggestions on what is important to you as a St. David’s parish.
Many parishioners mentioned how regular small-group offerings made a big impact. As one response, we are starting a new Bible study group in June called To-Gather. The group will meet Sundays at 10 a.m. during the formation hour. We hope you’ll consider joining and we look forward to debuting new and exciting offerings in the coming months.
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HOLY HIKES
We will hold liturgical hikes throughout the year to immerse ourselves in what John Muir called God’s “first temples.” Register for specific hike directions/instructions.
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PURSE FOR FATHER SANTI
The church's longstanding tradition is to collect a ‘purse’ from parishioners for our clergy as they depart St. David’s. If you would like to contribute to Father Santi’s ‘purse’, please write ‘Santi Rodriguez’ in the memo line on your check or online donation. Contact Eric Malnassy with any questions. Thank you.
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WOMEN'S RETREAT
June 17-19, Mo-Ranch, Texas Hill Country
The theme of this year’s retreat, led by Pastor Angela, is the use of poetry as a way to encounter the divine and express our faith. Single occupancy is $375 and $250 for double occupancy. Meals and lodging are included in the cost for the weekend. Space is limited, scholarships are available.
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St. David's Director of Communications
Lori Blewett at Polly Bond Awards.
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Episcopal Communicator Board Members
Photos: Andrew Morehead
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St. David’s won six Polly Bond awards for excellence in church communication at the 2022 Episcopal Communicators conference in Savannah, GA.
More than 150 submissions across 18 categories were independently judged by well-respected and experienced communications professionals outside of organization membership. The best submissions in each category receive awards. Lori Blewett attended the conference, May 3-5, and was also elected to the Episcopal Communicator Board during the Polly Bond Awards Ceremony.
St. David’s work was recognized in the following categories:
GENERAL EXCELLENCE
General Excellence categories are judged for the broad effort of a publication or media tool, rather than a specific issue or piece. For most of these categories, that means a full year’s worth of work, with entries offering several samples to judge to publication or tool.
Best Email Newsletter / Award of Merit: St. David's at a Glance | Holt Haley-Walker and St. David's Communications Team
Best Campaign / Honorable Mention: St. David’s Pride | St. David’s Communications Team
INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES
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YOUTH FORMATION
THIS Sunday, May 22, at 10 a.m., the final formation meeting of the semester. Formation will resume on Sunday, Aug. 21.
All youth are invited to come worship together at 11:15 a.m. in Historic Church and celebrate our graduating seniors.
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YOUTH SUMMER MISSION EXPERIENCE
Friday, July 8, 3 p.m. – Sunday, July 10 (after worship)
Youth grades 6-12 will gather at St. David's for all your favorite parts of a mission trip (minus the travel):
- goofy games with friends
- late-night bonding
- serving our neighbors
- sleeping on air mattresses
- snacks
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SUMMER CAMPS AT ST. DAVID'S |
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SUNDAY CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
THIS Sunday, 10-11 a.m., 1st Floor or Zoom is the final formation meeting of the semester. Join us for Summer Camp and VBS (see above)
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Childcare is provided every Sunday from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for children ages 2 months through 3 years of age. First floor, Room 115. Temperature checks and a brief health form will be required. Questions? Contact Childcare Coordinator Laura Lancaster Faulk
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SUMMER ONE CHURCH ONE BOOK
Meets Sundays at Church, starting June 12
(Groups will meet at 10 a.m. in multiple locations)
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NEW GROUP: READING THE BIBLE TO-GATHER
Meets Sundays, starting June 12
10 a.m. Guild Parlor
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WEDNESDAY PARISH DINNER
There will be no dinner on May 25 (due to outside event)
5:30-6:30 p.m., Sumners Hall
Gather with friends when you come to church for Bible study, choir rehearsals, youth meetings, and other Wednesday evening church events. The last Wednesday dinner of the season will be June 8, so Chef Ray can go on a well-deserved summer vacation!
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WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY
6:30-7:30 p.m., Vestry/Zoom
Study the parables of Jesus, taking into account their original context and what they mean for us today.
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Eric Malnassy, Director of Stewardship and Planned Giving |
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Thank you for your generosity to God and St. David's Episcopal Church. Your gifts support our mission-critical ministries.
MAIL TO 301 E. 8th Street, Austin, Texas 78701.
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RAMP BUILD TEAM
May 21, 8 a.m. Offsite
A monthly ministry to build wheelchair ramps for people with mobility issues who are economically disadvantaged. All are welcome to help. Email to join [email protected].
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LAUNDRY LOVE
May 26: SpinZone Laundry
A time of fellowship and fun centered around making the task of doing laundry less burdensome! Volunteers meet at SpinZone Laundry at 5 p.m. on the last Thursday of the month, hand out supplies; serve food, and visit with participants. Contact [email protected].
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Environmental Guild Help plan environmental stewardship projects. Meets quarterly, next meeting: TBD
EpiscoPals 7 p.m., Thursdays, in person at various locations. 20-something to 30-something fellowship
Laundry Love 5-6 p.m. Offsite, last Thursdays, next date: May 26
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The Middle Place This group will take a break for the summer after May 22 and will resume on Aug. 21
Anyone looking for some Sunday lunchtime fellowship is welcome to attend this gathering!
St. Agnes Guild: 9:30-11 a.m., last Saturdays, Guild Parlor, learn to knit for those in need, next meetings: May 28, June 25, July 30, Aug. 27, Sept. 24
Ramp Build 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Offsite. Next date: May 21
Women's Group 12:30 p.m., Sundays, Sumners Hall and Zoom, next meeting: May 22
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LGBTQ+ CAREGIVER CONFERENCE |
Saturday, June 11, 8:30 a.m. to Noon
This free event is designed to help family caregivers discover local resources, learn new skills to meet the needs of their caregiving situation, and connect with other caregivers and local experts on aging.
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