This Sunday, February 2, 2025


Feast of the Presentation

of Jesus in the Temple


8:00 and 9:30 service of Holy Eucharist


ICA in-gathering this Sunday

see information below


The Nursery will be open during the 9:30 service and forum time.


Forum: Social time


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


Image: Center Christ, by Lauren Wright Pittman

Sunday Bulletin

Worship Team Schedule

Feast of the Presentation

this Sunday


Each year on February 2, the church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple, also known as the Feast of the Purification, or Candlemas. It commemorates the presentation of Jesus and the purification of Mary in the Jerusalem Temple forty days after Jesus' birth, in accordance with the requirements of Jewish law.


In the account given in Luke 2:22-39, the presentation of Jesus is also the occasion of the meeting of Jesus with Simeon and Anna. Simeon's prayer of blessing, in which he refers to Jesus as “a light to enlighten the nations,” is the basis for the Nunc Dimittis, which is said or sung every evening at Compline.


Celebration of the feast dates from the fourth century in Jerusalem. It was introduced in Rome in the seventh century, where it included a procession with candles and the singing of the Nunc Dimittis. The celebration came to include the lighting and blessing of candles which were carried in procession, and so the day came to be known as “Candlemas.” 



We will begin our celebration with the “Candlemas Procession” – gathering in the narthex and then processing together into the sanctuary with candles.

This Sunday: The Peace Table 

11:45-1:15 - Confirmation Class/Youth Led Sunday liturgy planning. All Youth are invited to join us in the library to learn about worship and liturgy. Why do we worship? Does God need it, or do we? We will do some learning and discussion, and start doing some liturgy planning for youth led Sunday. This session is required for confirmation class students. Confirmation students - please fill out a liturgy reflection during church before class! Pizza will be served. 

 

Wednesday, Feb 5th: LIFT youth group at St. David's! 

Tatertot hotdish, some space to talk about all the stuff going on in the world, and a chance to have fun playing games with your friends! 6:30-8:30pm 

 

Sign up for Pre-YE – Middle School Retreat Feb 8-9th at St. Mary’s in St. Paul. Reconnect with friends from camp, see LIFT friends, and make new friends!



SAVE THE DATE:

Youth Led Sunday – March 2nd!

 

Here are the prep meetings for youth who want to be involved:

 

This Sunday, Feb 2nd 

11:45-1:15 - planning and learning about the liturgy – also counts as confirmation class #2 on worship and sacraments.

 

Wednesday, February 12th

6:30-7:30pm - more planning - picking music

Planning forum and snacks 7:30-8:30pm

 

Wednesday, February 26th - 

6:30-7:30 - music practice

Any other prep needed – 7:30-8:30pm

 

ECMN programming registration is live for Pre-YEDYEYouth Camp, and Family Camp


“Being Disciples”, by Rowan Williams… a short but powerful read 


In 2024 St. David’s offered a “congregational” read of the book, “The Truth at the Heart of the Lie,” by James Carroll, which was read and discussed by over twenty parishioners. This year’s book, “Being Disciples—Essentials of the Christian Life,” by the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, is intended to be a community-forming read inviting contemplation, sharing of stories, and transformation through active listening.



Our first discussion will be on Thursday, February 6th and will continue for the following three Thursday nights from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Kris Ferrario and Scott Clark will co-host the sessions and will develop questions for discussion. If you are planning to join this group, or have further questions, please contact Scott Clark. 


Discussion Questions: tinyurl.com/being-disciples


Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83472633027?pwd=3fDP9WbAPyZE3cezQ7mkeoo32FsITi.1

(Code: 022025)

See's Candy Sale to Support Youth Pilgrimage to Iceland 



Two of St. David's youth, Gavin Ferro and Emery Niles, will be participating in a Pilgrimage to Iceland this summer with youth from Trinity Excelsior. To raise funds to cover the costs of the trip for everyone, the group has organized a See's Candy fundraiser perfect for Valentine's Day. You get yummy See's chocolates, and a portion of the proceeds go towards trip costs for the Pilgrims and their chaperones. Just order from this link and the sweets will be sent directly to the address(es) you provide. If you don't want chocolate but want to support the pilgrimage, you can donate directly using this link. Thanks for your support!

Hats and Mittens Update


Hats & Mittens is a non-profit, all volunteer organization dedicated to providing a warmer winter for children and young adults in need. Hats & Mittens has donated close to a million sets of warm hats and mittens to young people since its founding in 1996. 

 

St. David’s will be collecting warm hats, mittens and scarves for children here in our metro community during the winter months. Many thanks for all the items that have already been donated. The need is ongoing. 

 

Right now, the greatest need is for warm mittens for ages 5 up to young adult. Water proof mittens are particularly appreciated. In addition, new or gently used (& clean) hats and scarves/neck warmers are needed. 

 

There are Hats & Mittens collection boxes at the two south church entrances. Hope you can help out. 


Remerciements sincères à St. David’s Episcopal

pour un merveilleux dîner communautaire!

Heartfelt thanks to St. David’s Episcopal

for a wonderful community dinner!


Dear St. David’s Episcopal Community,


I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your partnership in hosting our recent community dinner. Your generous donation of $419 not only covered the expenses of the event but will also help alleviate our supply and food budget shortfall. We are deeply thankful for your kindness and support.


A special thank you goes to Mr. David Niles, who helped organize this beautiful and fun event, as well as to Mrs. Diane Curley, who took stunning pictures to create lasting memories of the evening. We also want to express our appreciation to everyone who brought delicious side dishes and desserts, which added so much flavor and joy to the evening.


This year’s community dinner had a delightful Francophone theme, celebrating the vibrant cultures and cuisines of French-speaking countries. The music in French added so much meaning to the evening, and it was wonderful to see everyone coming together to glorify His holy name (Son saint nom). It was truly a beautiful way to unite in fellowship and faith.

I would also like to extend my gratitude to Mr. David Pearson and Mr. Randy Schwichtenberg, our incredibly supportive landlords. You both continuously go above and beyond to meet our needs, and we truly appreciate your care and dedication.


Rev. Katherine once shared her hope that this could one day be a permanent home for us, and as we celebrated our 5th year this past fall, we are filled with gratitude to be part of this wonderful community. It takes the entire St. David’s family to make Mes Amis French School feel so welcomed and at home. We truly feel the love of God through your actions, and that is a blessing beyond words.


Visit us online at www.mesamisfrenchschool.org!

As a token of appreciation, mention Dieu to receive 5% off your next tuition.


Que Dieu vous garde et soit avec vous!

(May God keep you and be with you!)


With deep appreciation,


Rose Mingo-Holtz and Mes Amis French School

St. David's Annual Meeting Held January 26


Once a year, the congregation of St. David's gathers for its annual meeting. This past Sunday, January 26, the annual meeting for 2025 was held. The Very Rev. Katherine Lewis presided over the meeting.


The meeting began with an opening prayer. Following the approval of last year's annual meeting minutes, outgoing Senior Warden Diane Curley reflected on the past year with a photographic slideshow. She also expressed thanks to the people of St. David's, our clergy and staff, the Vestry, and lay ministry leaders throughout the congregation.


Elections to lay leadership positions followed. David Niles and Cathy Schwichtenberg were elected as Senior and Junior Warden, respectively. Bonnie Boyd and Mike Sandsmark were elected to three-year terms on the Vestry, and Scott Clark was elected to a three-year term as Diocesan Representative. Nan Drake and Julia Handley were elected to one-year terms as Diocesan Representative Alternates. Stephen Ferro was elected as Treasurer for a one-year term. It was noted that Rita Hayek would be taking over as Vestry Clerk after many years of faithful service by Kay Turner.


Stephen Ferro, treasurer, reviewed 2024 financials. Through the abundant generosity of St. David's Parishioners and prudent expense management, augmented tremendously by office volunteers during the current office administrator vacancy, St. David's ended 2024 with a roughly $31,000 surplus.


Diane Curley presented on a church artwork project that will be funded by the first-ever distribution from the Cornerstone Endowment Fund of St. David's.


Steve Johnson, head of the finance committee, reviewed the 2025 financial plan (budget), which was approved by the Congregation.


Katherine Lewis reflected with gratitude on the St. David's community, using the imagery of a compass.


David Niles looked to the year ahead, inviting people to be the light of Christ in the world.


Katherine Lewis presented two awards - the Abraham and Sarah hospitality award to the office volunteers (Marilyn Clark, Vida Edmond, Kimberle Lopac, Mary Mann, Jane Sandsmark) and the St. Matthias award to Kay Turner.


The annual meeting closed with prayer.


Thanks to all who attended the meeting!

Now Hiring: Minister of Parish Life

St. David’s parish is seeking a person to join our team as office administrator in a position entitled Minister of Parish Life.


See the position description here,


Applicants are asked send an email with their name, contact information, resume, and brief note about what makes them a good candidate to: staffing@stdavidsparish.org.


Please spread the word through your connections and networks!





ICA Sunday at St.David’s this Sunday


This Sunday, February 2, is the first Sunday of the month and, thus, St. David’s ICA Sunday. As was suggested in last week’s Weekly News, please consider donating in terms of a meal for a family. Some examples might be:

* spaghetti sauce, pasta & canned vegetables 

* a couple cans of soup, box of crackers & large can of fruit

Also needed right now are personal care items such as shampoo, deodorant & sanitary pads

 

These are just suggestions. Anything you would like to donate is always welcome. Bring your items to church this Sunday or drop them off at your convenience in one of the ICA baskets located at the church entrances. 

 

While food donations help bring in supplies for immediate use, a financial donation to ICA helps ensure the shelves can be well stocked. A check made out to ICA can be dropped in the Sunday collection plate. You can also go online at www.icafoodshelf.org, choose Donate from the menu & follow the prompts. Thank you for supporting ICA. 



Loaves and Fishes


Pease join us as we prepare and serve delicious meals for those in need


February 11th

February 24th

March 11th

March 24th




Please contact Sue or Basil Owen to sign up or sign up in the Undercroft. Sue’s cell is 612-716-1945. Basil’s cell is 612-716-0683 or email at bowen3@fastmail.com.


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.


Saturday Morning Prayer at St. David's 7:45 AM
Monday Morning Meditation at Oratory Room 9:00 AM
Tuesday Bible Study at 11:00 AM
Compline held each night at 8:00 PM

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

To add someone to the prayers, please contact

the office

office@stdavidsparish.org

or

The Rev. Katherine Lewis

klewis@stdavidsparish.org



We will include all individuals in the prayers list for four consecutive weeks, and then they will be removed from the list. If the prayer need is ongoing, please reach out and we will keep their names on the list. If anyone's prayer need is shorter than four weeks, please also note that. This way we will keep all prayer lists updated and recent.

Prayers and Passages

We pray for healing of body, mind or spirit for those we love, especially Bobbie (mother of Nancy Mark), Ron Brown, Carol Burchett, (sister of Sharon Engel), Kay Cady (friend of Joanne Allan, Maureen Golden and Susan Taylor), Jess Carter (friend of Vonnie Fiedler), Joanne Downs (friend of Virginia Haggart and Ned Sorley), Marge Haggart (Virginia Haggart's mother), Linda Halley (mother of Laura Hensley), Martha Hatcher, Sharon Herpers, Tracy Johnson, Tom Lutz, David Maass (brother of Bill Jacobs), Marilyn Molnar (friend of Anne Monteith), Nicki Notermann (cousin of Steph Pederson), Gervaye Parent, David Pearson, Amy Phung (daughter of Jeff and Laura Ronbeck), Lisa Popp (daughter of LaMar Popp), Jon Prescott (friend of Virginia Haggart and Ned Sorley), Shirley Rinde (Virginia Haggart's aunt), Ned Sorley, and BobTriebenbach.


We pray for those who have died, especially Jean Scheu, Jean Stark (friend of Joanne Allan), and the victims of the airplane and helicopter crash in Washington, DC.


We pray in thanksgiving for the myriad gifts offered by people of color as we celebrate Black History Month.


We pray for our country, for immigrants and refugees, and for the safety of the most vulnerable among us. We pray for the people of Israel, Gaza and Ukraine and all impacted by war and strife. We pray for all affected by gun violence, climate change, tornadoes, earthquakes and other disasters. We pray for all first responders and for hospital staff and all who help in times of tragedy.


For the world and its leaders, our nation and its people.

 

We pray for an end to racism and all systems of oppression.

 

We pray for those serving in the military, especially Aprille Mulvaney.

 

COVID-19 Resources Available


The Episcopal Church Click here

ECMN COVID-19 Response Resources Page Click here

Websites


St. David's Episcopal Church: http://www.stdavidsparish.org


St. David's Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdWtyWv6KQL0fA5ewDDy_xQ 


The Episcopal Church in Minnesota: http://www.episcopalmn.org


The Lectionary Page-Lectionary Readings: http://www.lectionarypage.net


The Episcopal Church: http://www.episcopalchurch.org