This Sunday, January 4th, 2026

The Second Sunday after Christmas

8:00 and 9:30am Service of Holy Eucharist

Forum Time: Social Time

We continue to Facebook Livestream the Sunday 9:30 service and upload to YouTube.

Sunday Bulletin

Worship Team Schedule

Upcoming Dates

- Sunday, January 4 - ICA Sunday

- Sunday, January 11 - Epiphany: One Service of Holy Eucharist at 9:30am

- Sunday, January 18 - Pre-Annual Meeting Budget Presentation, Save the Date!

- Sunday, January 25 - St. David's Annual Meeting, Save the Date!

It was a wonderful Christmas at St. David's!

Save the Dates: St. David's 2026 Budget Presentation and Annual Meeting

Sunday January 18, 10:45a in the Undercroft

2026 Budget Presentation       

Become acquainted with the 2026 financial plan along with other items that the congregation will vote on at the following week’s annual meeting.

Sunday January 25, 10:45a in the Undercroft

St. David’s Annual Meeting

An in-depth article, with links to documents, will be distributed in a future email outlining the topics to be reviewed, discussed, and voted on at this important congregational meeting. We will also celebrate the life of the church this past year 2025, along with a look forward to the year ahead-- St. David’s 2026. 

We invite you to come to both meetings to be better informed and share in fellowship with one another. Hope to see you all there.

David Niles, Senior Warden

Cathy Schwichtenberg, Junior Warden

• Baby Diapers - both large and small sizes
• Adult Winter Coats
• Winter Shoes – Hiking, Gym and Boots - All sizes/ ages
• Sweatshirts and Pants - All sizes
• Underwear- All sizes - Conservative and No Graphics
• Socks
• Kitchen Utensils
• Can Openers
• Pots and Pans
• Cookie Sheets and Baking Pans: 9x13 and 8x8
• Dish Sets
• Cereal Bowls and Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Toasters, Crock Pots, Coffee Makers
• Kitchen Towels, Oven Mitts, Washcloths and Sponges
• Bed Sheets
• Women’s Hygiene Products
• Razors, Shampoo, Soap, Body Wash, Toothpaste,
• Kid Toothbrushes
• Bath Towel Sets
• Shower Liners and Rings
• Basic Cleaning Products and Supplies
• Dollar Tree Gift Cards
• Toilet Paper
• Paper Towels
• Gallon and Quart Size Kitchen Storage Bags

December Vestry Update

The St. David's vestry met the evening of December 15. We began with a delicious soup and salad dinner prepared by Ann Robinson.

The meeting began with Dwelling in the Word with the text of Matthew 1:18-25.

The first discernment topic was to hear five proposals for endowment fund uses. They were:

• Peace Garden – Sidewalk/Stairs from ICA Sidewalk
• Peace Garden Redesign – Phase 1
• Automated Door Openers
• Bench off Regional Trail
• Consultant for Second Phase of Comprehensive Campus Initiative (CCI)

After discussion and discernment by the Vestry, the decision was made to proceed with the Automated Door Openers project with non-Endowment funds and to use a portion of the 2026 endowment distribution ($6,250) to engage the consultant for the second phase of the CCI project. This leaves $4,550 of 2026 endowment funds available for use - the Vestry wants to complete the second phase of the CCI project before deciding how the remaining funds will be spent.

The Vestry expressed its gratitude to all those who prepared and presented endowment proposals.

The second discernment topic was a review of the draft 2026 budget. The finance committee recommended a budget to the Vestry with a deficit of approximately $23,000. Most of the increase on the expense side is related to a full year of the Minister of Parish Life Position (2025 had ~9 months) and expected higher costs to hire a Minister of Finance compared to current pay. Some Vestry members expressed concern about putting forth a deficit budget to the Congregation. The Vestry will see the final proposed 2026 budget at its January meeting and will vote to recommend it to the congregation, who will vote on its approval at the annual meeting in January.  

Gratitudes and recognitions noted were to the following:

• Randy Schwichtenberg as convener of Art Committee for their work on the multiple art projects from the 2025 endowment spending
• Patti Jurkovich for organizing the annual advent Posada
• Dean Sather and Sara Leigh for their leadership with the annual bake and craft sale
• Susan Taylor for ISAIAH leadership

November's Vestry minutes (which can be found HERE) were approved, as were the November 2025 financials (which can be found HERE).

The Rector's Report (found HERE) and Wardens' Report (found HERE) were briefly discussed.

The application of Huldah Niles for Candidacy to the Diaconate was approved. 

The 2026 staff holiday schedule was approved.

The next Vestry meeting will be January 12.

Mike Sandsmark led a closing prayer.

Thanks,

-David

Wednesday, January 7th - LIFT at St. David’s 
6:30-8:30pm with dinner, faith five, and games!

Sunday January 11 | The After Party | Grades 6-12

The After Party RSVP

Let’s meet up at Grand Slam in Burnsville for Laser Tag! (Other activities include: Krazy Kars, Mini Golf & Xtreme Trampoline*Signed Waiver Required. Carpool from church or let us know if you are being dropped off or picked up from there! Youth will NEED MONEY FOR LUNCH at the Snack Bar. Your Youth Minister will reach out concerning any options to contribute to the cost of included activities. Youth are also welcome to bring money for activities that are not included.

Holiday Programming Break

Sunday morning children’s ministry - The Peace Table and Godly Play - will resume on Sunday, January 18th. The Nursery will remain staffed and open every Sunday.

Save the Date - Youth Led Sunday - February 8th!

Sign up:

ECMN Youth Camp 2026 - For current 5-11th graders

• Registration is open now!

Important Links:

2025-26 Children and Youth Registration Form

2025-26 C+Y Program Calendar

Minister of Finance Position is Open!

The position description and application instructions for our Minister of Finance Position have been posted on our website, Facebook, Instagram and on Indeed.com.

We thank you for sharing this opening with your networks and for any references you might provide. Interested applicants may email staffing@stdavidsparish.org to introduce themselves and share a resume and cover letter outlining their relevant experience.

We look forward to welcoming a new member to our staff team!

Holiday Office Hours

A reminder that the office is closed through Friday, January 2nd.

Hats & Mittens

Hats & Mittens is a non-profit organization that collects hats and mittens for children (infant through teenage years). Its goal is to ensure that children in the seven county metro area have access to hats and mittens and be warm while they learn, reach and grow. 

Through the winter months, St. David’s will be collecting warm hats, mittens/gloves and scarves in all sizes for infants through young adults. They can be new or gently used (but clean). There are Hats & Mittens boxes at the two south church entrances.  

Currently, Hats & Mittens is very low on mittens/gloves for ages 15-young adults. In addition, we are low on waterproof mittens/gloves & hats for ages 9-14 years and for infants and toddlers. Providing warmth for area children and youth is a wonderful, caring Christmas gift which will be truly appreciated.

You can help spread the warmth. 

ICA Update

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

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.

Upcoming Sunday Forums

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