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This Sunday, April 26, 2026
The Fourth Sunday of Easter
8:00 and 9:30am Service of Holy Eucharist
Forum Time: AED Operation & Hands-Only CPR
with Minnetonka Fire Marshall, Sara Ahlquist
We continue to Facebook Livestream the Sunday 9:30 service and upload to YouTube.
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Upcoming Dates
- TODAY: Thursday, April 23 - Safe Church, Safe Communities Training
- TOMORROW: Friday, April 24 - Hats & Mittens: Free Yarn Event!
- Saturday, April 25
- Service of Confirmation & Reception at St. Mark's Cathedral, 10:00am
- Blessing of the Fields at Good Courage Farm
- Mill City String Quartet Concert, 3:00pm at St. David's
- Sunday, April 26 - AED Training with Guest Presenter: Minnetonka Fire Marshall
- Monday, April 27 - The Lunch Bunch: This is Us
- Tuesday, April 28
- Next Loaves & Fishes Date - Sign up in the Undercroft.
- Bible Women: Survivors, Resistors, Healers
- Thursday, April 30 - Prayer Vigil for Hennepin County Medical Center
- Sunday, May 3 - Newcomer Brunch
- Friday, May 8 - St. David's Annual Variety Show & Silent Auction Fundraiser
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A Message From Katherine
Dear Beloved of St. David's,
Thank you for your prayers and love as I have accompanied my father in his dying. I am deeply grateful that my sisters and I were able to be with him, and that we could also be together for the many tasks that follow a death. I am very sad, and yet this has also been a time of tremendous grace and blessing.
I will be away this weekend for his funeral. For those interested, here's a link to the obituary.
Thank you, too, to those who have stepped in to carry things while I've been away, especially Cathy and Mike, wardens, and our amazing staff.
May we remember that nothing at all can separate us from the love of God.
In Christ's love,
Katherine
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Saturday, April 25th - 10:00am
Service of Confirmation at St. Mark’s Cathedral
All are invited to witness the Confirmation of Cooper Hensley and Ally Carda and the Reception of Mary Stratton, Bruce Schnack, and Dayle Schnack, along with other confirmations and receptions throughout our diocese! If you are curious about confirmation or reception, feel free to contact abrock@stdavidsparish.org or klewis@stdavidsparish.org to learn more.
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Phishing/ Scam Awareness
Know the Signs & What to Do!
Please be aware that scam emails are targeting church communities across our diocese with increasing intensity. We have felt this in our own community with messages reaching parishioners that falsely claim to have been sent by Rev. Katherine Lewis, and in some cases the Wardens, Rev. Len, Rev. Lindsay, or other staff members.
We urge everyone to educate themselves on the common signs of scam messages, be vigilant, and please do not reply to any messages that you suspect may be a scam.
Here are some guidelines from US Cybersecurity experts:
Stay Safe with These Tips
1. Recognize - Look for these common signs:
- Incorrect email addresses or links, like amazan.com
- Untrusted or shortened URLs
- Urgent or emotionally appealing language, especially messages that claim dire consequences or that try to make you feel guilty for not complying or responding immediately
- Requests to purchase and send gift cards
- Requests to send personal and financial information
- Offers for "recovery" services
- A common sign used to be poor grammar or misspellings although in the era of artificial intelligence (AI) some emails will now have perfect grammar and spelling, so look out for the other signs.
2. Resist - If you suspect phishing, resist the temptation to click on links or attachments that seem too good to be true and may be trying to access your personal information.
3. Report - Report the phish to protect yourself and others. Typically, you’ll find options to report near the person’s email address or username. You can also report via the “report spam” button in the toolbar or settings.
4. Delete - Delete the message. Don’t reply or click on any attachment or link, including any “unsubscribe” link. Just delete it.
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April Vestry Update
The St. David's Vestry met on Monday evening, April 20 in the Jones Room. Cathy Schwichtenberg chaired. Present: Stephen Farro, Becky Sweely, Cyprian Troyer, Bonnie Boyd, Julia Handley, Ann Robinson, David Niles, Mike Sandsmark, Rita Hayek and Very Rev. Katherine Lewis.
The meeting began with dinner, an opening prayer by Mike Sandsmark and then some time spent "Dwelling in the Word" lead by Rev Katherine.
Our Vestry Visitor this month was Anna Belz-Brock, Minister of Children and Youth. Anna shared with the Vestry her wish for more intergenerational activities for the parish which the Vestry briefly discussed. Anna, as one of the co-leaders of the Safety Team, also brought walkie talkies to demonstrate to the members of the Vestry who serve as Vestry Hosts on Sundays.
The Vestry Discernment Topic this month was to finalize the 2026 Vestry Goals. These will be shared with the congregation at the "Word with the Wardens Forum" on May 17th.
The Vestry reviewed and approved the Treasurer's Report. Finances are in good shape and a full report will be shared at the Word with the Wardens on May 17th.
The Vestry reviewed the peer audit of Financial practices which was conducted through ECMN with another parish in the diocese. Cathy Schwichtenberg represented St. David's for this audit. One of the outcomes of the audit was the recommendation to have a rotating team of individuals to count offering each Sunday. David Niles will be working to recruit individuals for this duty.
The Vestry approved Standing Committee Rosters for the Buildings and Grounds Committee and the Finance Committee.
The Vestry approved the document: "Role of the Safety Team". The Vestry also approved a bid for the installation of automatic door openers for the main doors entering the Narthex.
The Vestry also endorsed the participation of St. David's in "Hopkins Pride Festival on June 14.
The meeting closed with a prayer led by Rev. Katherine.
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Today - Safe Church Training: Levels 2-4
Safe Church is the standardized program in the Episcopal Church for safeguarding the dignity of every human being. Safe Church policy requires all ministry leaders, paid church staff, keyholders, and anyone who works with children, youth, or vulnerable adults to complete levels of Safe Church training as detailed below,
- Level 1 - Key-holders
- Levels 1-2 - Vestry members and ministry leaders
- Levels 1-3 - Anyone who leads or participates in ministries alongside minors
- Levels 1-4 - Anyone who volunteers with vulnerable adults through pastoral care ministries.
Safe Church training must be renewed every 3 years. The certification process also includes a background check, also to be renewed every 3 years.
Today, we'll meet in the Jones Room of the ICA Building to offer the following in-person Safe Church training sessions,
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Thurs. April 23 at 6:00-8:30pm - Levels 2-4
We invite you to join us and bring a bag-dinner if you so choose!
If you have any questions, please contact Carol Johnson: 612-419-9727 or caroltwokat@gmail.com.
Safe Church training can also be taken online. To receive instructions, please contact Julia at the office email. Learners opting to take the course virtually should complete their training by April 30th.
*Hard copies of background check forms will be provided at the training.
Questions & RSVP: Please email Carol Johnson at caroltwokat@gmail.com OR Julia at office@stdavidsparish.org.
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Yarn Giveaway - Friday, April 24 from 9:00-12:00
Who needs yarn? Hats & Mittens has some beautiful yarn to share! Stop by the warehouse this Friday, April 24 between 9am and 12 noon to grab some yarn for your next hat, mittens or scarf project. The warehouse is located at 10903 Excelsior Boulevard in Hopkins. It’s in the back of the building housing Citizens Independent Bank. Do stop by if you’re interested!
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Sat. April 25th - Mill City String Quartet Concert
Saturday, April 25, 2026
3:00 PM
St. David's Episcopal Church
Join the Mill City String Quartet for an eclectic and captivating concert featuring works by Wynton Marsalis, Anton Webern, and Caroline Shaw. From jazz-inspired rhythms to sweeping romanticism and echoes of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, this program offers a rich tapestry of sound and style. With something for every musical taste, it’s the perfect way to welcome the beauty and renewal of spring!
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Rogation - Blessing of Fields at Good Courage Farm
Saturday April 25
Good Courage Farm - In Hutchinson, Minnesota at 21161 York Road.
10:00 am-12:00 noon, with refreshments and learning opportunities
Come join friends new and old for Rogation at Good Courage Farm, and participate in the ancient tradition of blessing the fields.
"Rogation" comes from the Latin, rogare, which means to ask. For more than a thousand years, this day in the church year has been set aside to ask God for good weather, satisfying work, and a bountiful harvest.
We'll "beat the bounds", processing around the farm to pray for God's blessing on orchards, vineyards, animals, and people, singing the Psalms, and offering incense. Bring friends and family to enjoy a morning on the farm, visiting the animals and learning about the crops. Bring seeds from home and we'll bless them for your own garden. Kids welcome, and transportation available on-farm for those with mobility needs.
Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather, as we'll be outdoors most of the time!
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Safety Presentation - Sunday, April 26
Responding to Cardiac Medical Emergencies
-with Minnetonka Fire Marshall, Sara Ahlquist
On Sunday, April 26th , St David’s forum will be led by Sara Ahlquist, Minnetonka Deputy Fire Marshal. Sara will be teaching us the new way to respond to someone in cardiac arrest. Sara states, “Knowing how to perform CPR the right way is one of the tools we should all have in our toolkit.” Hands-only CPR, notifying 911, and operating AEDs will be discussed and demonstrated as she teaches us all about it. We will also have actual hands-on opportunities to practice both hands-only CPR and AED operation with a mannequin.
Note, this is not an American Heart Association certification course. It is an educational class geared towards the lay person/bystander and their CPR /AED response. We encourage the whole parish to attend, especially the safety team, ushers, staff, and nursery crew. These skills will serve all well in our many life’s venues.
Be well, everyone, and we hope to see you there.
St. David’s Safety Team
763-232-9412 (Diane) for any questions
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Sunday, April 26th - The Peace Table
During the 9:30am service, children ages 7-11 process out during the song of praise for a lesson and activity and return to the Sanctuary for communion distribution.
LIFT will meet again on Wednesday, May 6th at St. David’s!
Save-the-Date: Friday, June 5th - PRIDE Party and Overnight for youth grades 6-12.
Sign up:
ECMN Youth Camp 2026 - For current 5-11th graders
Important Links:
2025-26 Children and Youth Registration Form
2025-26 C+Y Program Calendar
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In light of the current day, what do these women have to teach us?
Current political dynamics may be new to some of us — or not. But what about Bible women, our spiritual ancestors, who lived thousands of years ago? How did their faith and actions play a part in God’s story and how might they give us strength and courage today?
Read their stories and come be part of the conversation!
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April 14: Survivors
Rahab
Deborah and Jael
Abigail
Bathsheba
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April 21: Resisters
Midwives Shiprah and Puah
The Woman of Tekoa
The Samaritan Woman
Pilate’s Wife
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April 28: Healers
Servant Girl of Namaan’s Wife
Mary and Martha
Peter’s Mother-in-Law
Unnamed Anointing Woman
Mary Magdalene
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The Lunch Bunch: This is Us - Monday, April 27
Join St. David's women for our second meeting of "The Lunch Bunch" on Monday April 27th from 11:30-1:30. Bring a bag lunch and enjoy time for fellowship with one another in the St. David's Library.
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Loaves & Fishes at Hope Presbyterian
Join us as we prepare and serve meals to those in need. We invite you to prayerfully consider joining in this vital ministry, serving as the hands and feet of Christ.
Upcoming Dates:
- Tuesday, April 28
- Tuesday, May 26
Details:
- Prep is 2:45-5:00.pm
- Serving is 4:45-6:00pm
- All meals are served to go from Door #5.
Location: Hope Presbyterian Richfield
7132 Portland Ave, Richfield, MN 55423
*Loaves and Fishes serves approximately 120 meals from this site.
To sign up you can email or text Sue or Basil Owen or use the sign up sheet in the Undercroft.
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ISAIAH Update
Hennepin County Medical Center Prayer Vigil – April 30
Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) — Minnesota’s largest safety net hospital — is on the brink of financial collapse. Treating 115,000+ patients annually, including 95,000 in the emergency department, HCMC provides care that no other hospital can, serving as our state’s main trauma center. Our ability to get the care we need shouldn’t depend on income or insurance. Join us on April 30 for a 24-Hour Prayer Vigil outside HCMC, where we call on our elected officials to save this critical resource for every Minnesotan.
Learn more:
Thursday, April 30, 2026 10:00 AM - Friday, May 1, 2026 10:00 AM CT
Hennepin County Medical Center, 730 S 8th St, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Sign up for a time slot here.
Race Class Gender Narrative Training - May 8
Our work advancing a narrative that cultivates multiracial solidarity, wins support for our issues, and advances a vision of government that can truly work for everyone across race, place, and faith is more important than ever. Join Faith in Minnesota, our sibling organization, for an upcoming virtual Race Class Gender Narrative training and learn how to craft winning messages on the issues closest to your heart.
Fri. May 8 from 11:15 AM - 1 PM Virtual. Register here
For more information about ISAIAH and Faith in Minnesota, or to receive their newsletter, contact Susan Taylor at ss2taylor@comcast.net.
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Next ICA Sunday - May 3
The next ICA Sunday at St. David’s will be on May 3. The following items are currently running low at the Food Shelf:
* pasta & tomato sauce
* apple & cranberry juice
* Rice-a-Roni
* size 6 diapers
* baby wipes
* laundry pods
* cleaning supplies such as dish soap, Lysol wipes, floor cleaner
The list above are suggestions. However, ICA appreciates anything you wish to donate. You can drop off your donations in one of the ICA baskets located at the church entrances.
Our mission: To create a healthy and stable community for all
Our vision: A community where everyone has the resources to thrive
Our belief: ICA’s presence in our communities makes our neighborhoods more stable and secure
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St. David's Annual Variety Show - Friday, May 8
Invite your family, friends and neighbors to join us for our annual Variety Show and Silent Auction FUNdraiser! A fun event for all ages with great food, a spring themed silent auction and a variety of acts guaranteed to entertain and delight all!
Date & Time: Friday, May 8th at 5:30pm
Location: St. David’s Episcopal Church, 13000 St. David’s Road, Minnetonka, Minnesota
Tickets: On sale in at the door: $15.00 each (children under 5 free)
We welcome soloists and groups to share their talent with us (limit 4 minutes – maximum 20 acts). Sign up sheets are located in the Undercroft, or you can email office@stdavidsparish.org.
We will gratefully accept a few spring/summer themed items or baskets our Silent Auction.
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Auction Item Ideas: Garden baskets, Gift Cards to Menards, Home Depot or any local nursery or plant store. Books, Beach Baskets, etc – anything that represents fun in the sun.
Questions: Contact Karin Lindquist at 612-251-2259 or Lindquist.karin@hotmail.com or Julia at office@stdavidsparish.org.
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Some St. George's News
Dear Friends,
Bishop Loya will conduct a service of deconsecration of St. George's Church on May 13, with the time to be announced soon.
A deconsecration service is a sacred and meaningful occasion in which we give thanks for the ministry, worship, and community that have been nurtured in this space for nearly 80 years. It is a time to honor the past, acknowledge the present, and entrust the future to God’s care.
All are welcome to attend: former members, members of our new parish, St. David’s, and friends and family to join us for this special service as we gather in prayer, remembrance, and hope.
Additional details will be shared as they become available. Please keep this date in your calendar and in your prayers.
Faithfully,
Jane Jacobson
Additional Note - Plan St. George's Endowment
The ECMN Trustees have approved a plan to distribute the financial assets of St. George’s Endowment to St. David’s. The Vestry will continue working with the Diocese to develop a thoughtful plan for how these funds will be used.
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Spring Clean-up - Sign-up in the Undercroft!
Saturday May 16th 9:00-1:00pm
Mark your calendars! Spring cleanup day is Saturday, May 16th from 9:00am-1:00pm. Come for all or part of the time. A sign-up sheet is located in the Undercroft. Thank you for considering!
- Buildings & Grounds Team
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Prayers for our Migrant Family & Neighbors
As people of faith, we ground ourselves in the promises of God. ECMN has provided these prayer resources available here.
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Have an announcement you would like to share in this weekly email?
Send it to office@stdavidsparish.org before 9:00 am on Wednesday to be featured.
| | | April 26 | Safety Team Presentation | | May 3 | Newcomer Brunch | | May 10 | Mother's Day - Social Time | | May 17 | Word with the Wardens | | | What else is going on at St. David's? | | Want to view the full calendar for the week? Click here to view the St. David's website complete with a calendar to keep you updated on events and offerings! Scroll all the way to the bottom to view it. | | Pastoral Care Line: 952-767-0891 | | | | |
