Weekly Programming

• Sunday Forum - State of the Vestry
• Children's Time during 9:30 service
• Youth Choir during Forum

Community Events

• Legacy of Racial Covenants
• Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
• December Book Club
• Bake and Craft Sale

Outreach

• ICA Update
• Loaves and Fishes

Announcements and Reports

• Katherine away this week
• All Saints
• Fall Cleanup
• Office Administrator
• Coffee Hour Hosts
• Giving Campaign
• Community Conversation
• Bridge Lessons
• Upcoming Community Forums

Have an announcement you would like to share in this weekly email?

Send it to office@stdavidsparish.org before noon on Tuesday to be featured.

Shalom and Salaam, let us stand in prayerful solidarity

with the people of the Holy Land.

Weekly Programming

Church this Sunday

This Sunday, October 29

Worship at 8 and 9:30

This Sunday's Community Forum

10:45-11:30

State of the Vestry

Please join us after the 9:30 service this Sunday for our twice a year State of the Vestry Community Forum. Your wardens, Allison and Diane, will provide an overview of what the Vestry has been up to and has planned for the next few months. There will be an update from the Endowment Committee and a review of the finances. We will leave plenty of time for questions.

Youth Choir

During Forum time, we will have Youth Choir! Children and Youth of all ages are invited to grab a snack and then come back to the Sanctuary to make some music with Roger and Anna from 10:45-11:30am.

If you would like an electronic copy of this year's Ministry Guide, click here 

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

Children’s Ministry

This Sunday we will have Children’s Time during the 9:30 service.

During the forum time, we will have Youth Choir in the Sanctuary with Roger and Anna!

Youth Ministry 

We will meet for Youth Group on Wednesday, November 1st from 6:45 to 8:30pm. Deacon Guy is joining us to talk about serving during Sunday worship as an acolyte!

Reflections on Halloween

Halloween, All Hallow’s Eve, All Saints Day, All Souls Day, Samhain, Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead - what do these special days have in common? This time of year in the Northern Hemisphere, we are seeing death all around us. Trees are dropping their leaves, preparing for a season of dormancy through the cold winter. It can be a beautiful time of year. It can also be a hard time of year as our minds and bodies have to function with less sunshine. 

In the Celtic celebration of Samhain, it is recognized that during this time of year, the veil that separates the living from the dead is thinned, and it’s a time to remember and celebrate ancestors. In Mexico, or in a Mexican household, a family might make an Ofrenda, which is Spanish for offering. This often looks like an altar with candles, pictures of passed loved ones, flowers, and the favorite foods of the deceased. 

On Halloween, we might dress up in costumes, maybe even wearing something spooky, or decorating with skeletons, graves, spiders, bats, or bubbling cauldrons. It’s the one time of year we decorate with death, and we celebrate…?

At St. David’s, on the Sunday after Halloween, you’ll see pictures of beloved people who have died, candles, and we will read their names in prayer. It’s a holy time of remembrance, sadness, yes, and also celebration. I am reminded that even while those I love who have passed seem so far away, during this time of year, they seem closer. Why? I’m not sure. But this closeness to death seems to be experienced throughout all creation. I wonder, what can we learn from these human traditions and from the traditions of trees? As followers of Christ, how might we dwell in the mysteries of life, death, and resurrection?

O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? – 1 Corinthians 15:55

Anna Belz-Brock

Children and Youth Minister

We are reopening the nursery on Sunday mornings, and the application to work in the nursery is now live. Minimum age requirement is 14 years old. This is a paid position, or it can count as volunteer hours.

See the Job Description Here and the Application Here. If you prefer a printed copy, grab one outside the Children and Youth Ministry office.

Deadline to apply is October 31st. We hope to have the nursery open during the 9:30 service and forum time, starting December 3rd. Nursery staff training day will be Saturday, December 2nd.

Please submit applications via email to klewis@stdavidsparish.org and abrock@stdavidsparish.org or mail/drop off applications to the church office in an envelope addressed to Katherine Lewis and Anna Belz-Brock.

Community Events

The Legacy of Racial Covenants:

The Enduring Impact on Twin Cities Area Housing

Saturday, November 18, 3-5pm

Luther Seminary, Olson Campus Center, 2481 Como Avenue, St. Paul

Although the overt practice of Racial Covenants that excluded home ownership based on race ended decades ago, its impact can still be seen today in the housing configuration of neighborhoods across the Twin Cities. 

The Community Conversations project will share the status of such covenants, the negative impact they have on communities today, and what’s being done to address these issues. Hear from the University of Minnesota’s ‘Mapping Prejudice’ & St. Catherine’s ‘Welcoming Dear Neighbor?’ projects to learn what’s happening across the Twin Cities.

This is a part of the ongoing Community Conversation series hosted by the Ecumenical Consortium, made up of Holy Trinity, St. Paul; St. Matthew's, St. Paul; Hamline Church, and Luther Seminary.

Register here

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service: Gratitude as a Grounding Practice

Sunday, November 19, 7:00 pm

St. David's has the honor of hosting the annual Interfaith Thanksgiving service, a collaborative service with neighboring congregations: Mills Church, Bet Shalom Congregation, and Spirit of Peace Community. Our theme this year is "Gratitude as a Grounding Practice".

The schedule that evening:

5:30 - choirs gather for a light meal

6:00 - choir rehearsal

7:00 - service, followed by a reception in the undercroft

A freewill offering will be collected to benefit the ICA.

For information or to volunteer to help with hospitality, please contact the Rev. Katherine Lewis, klewis@stdavidsparish.org or Minister of Music Roger Stratton, rstratton@stdavidsparish.org.

Please note: There will be no Thanksgiving Eve service this year.

St David’s Book Club News

by Cathy Schwichtenberg

The St. David’s Book Club will be discussing Neither Wolf Nor Dog by Kent Nerburn on Tuesday, December 5 from 6:30 pm – 7:55 pm.  

Meeting Link: December Book Club

The heart of the Native American experience: In this 1996 Minnesota Book Award winner, Kent Nerburn draws the reader deep into the world of an Indian elder known only as Dan. It's a world of Indian towns, white roadside cafes, and abandoned roads that swirl with the memories of the Ghost Dance and Sitting Bull.

Readers meet vivid characters like Jumbo, a 400-pound mechanic, and Annie, an 80-year-old Lakota woman living in a log cabin. Threading through the book is the story of two men struggling to find a common voice. Neither Wolf nor Dog takes readers to the heart of the Native American experience. As the story unfolds, Dan speaks eloquently on the difference between land and property, the power of silence, and the selling of sacred ceremonies. ~Hclib.org

We have an interesting line-up of selections this year and invite all St. David’s parishioners to participate. We usually meet via Zoom on the first Tuesday of every other month from 6:30 – 7:55. Here is this year’s schedule – please join us!

Attention Bakers and Crafters!

The annual Bake and Craft Sale will be Sunday, December 10th, after the service. It's time to work on those craft items and start stocking up on baking supplies!

Questions? Contact Sara Leigh at leigh.sara@gmail.com.

Thank you!

Sara

Outreach

ICA Update

ICA Update 10/26/23

Plan ahead for ICA Sunday on November 5th

School has been in session for almost two months now. It is well known that adequate nutrition is an essential component for successful learning by children. People shopping at ICA will find a nice variety of healthy foods for their families.  In addition, ICA now has four markets and resource centers, which are fully stocked, in four local schools (Hopkins West Junior High, Gatewood Elementary, Alice Smith Elementary and Minnetonka High School).

Kids love to snack and having healthy snacks available to them is important. For the upcoming ICA Sunday, please consider focusing your food donations on School Snacks. 

What ICA needs with this focus includes:

• 1 oz. pretzels
• .75 oz Goldfish
• 1 oz. baked chips
• Applesauce
• Nut-free breakfast bars

Other current ICA needs include: oatmeal, kid-friendly cereal, canned meals, boxed noodles, feminine hygiene items, laundry soap, dog and cat food. And,of course, anything else you wish to donate is always welcome. If you prefer to donate funds to ICA, you can drop a check made out to ICA in the Sunday collection plate or donate online using the poster at each church entrance or at www.icafoodshelf.com., clicking on the Donate section. Thank you for however you choose to support ICA.

Some Interesting ICA Facts

1. Of the food given out by ICA, one-third is donated, one-third comes from food rescue partners (such as Cub Foods, Great Harvest Bread Company, Lakewinds Food Co-op, Lunds & Byerlys, Target, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods & others), and the final third is purchased by ICA. It is anticipated that ICA will need $250,000 to cover food costs in the upcoming fiscal year.
2. Did you know that ICA offers one month of rental support for those in need?
3. Seniors are the fastest growing group accessing ICA resources!

Holiday Food Program

For over 20 years, ICA has given away turkeys and all the fixings to many families in our community. You are invited to help our neighbors in need this holiday season. Each $25 donation will provide the gift of a holiday meal to one local family. Please consider participating in the Holiday Food Program this year.  It is anticipated about 1000 turkeys will be given away. The turkey giveaway will be on Saturday, November 18th at the K-Tel location.  In addition, turkeys will be available through the mobile food shelf, home deliveries and at regular food appointments before Thanksgiving. There is a limit of one turkey per household.

You can participate in a few different ways: 

1. Stop by the Minnetonka Cub Foods at Highway 7 & 101 this Friday (10/27) or Saturday (10/28) or the following Friday (11/3) or Saturday (11/4). Volunteers will be handing out turkey certificates, which will allow shoppers to donate $25 for a holiday meal when they check out at the regular registers. Certificates can be picked up between 10 am & 5 pm.
2. Members of the St. David’s ICA team will be in the narthex after Sunday services the first two Sundays in November, selling $25 turkey certificates.
3. You can also simply donate online at www.icafoodshhelf.org/turkey. In the donor section, be sure to select “St. David’s” in the congregation section.

ICA is in need of volunteers to help staff the table at Cub Foods the next 2 weekends as well as on the turkey & fixings distribution day: Saturday, November 18th,  If you are interested in helping, go to the ICA website www.icafoodshelf. From the menu, choose Events, Upcoming Events and choose ICA Coupon Sales or Holiday Food Giveaway. It is a rewarding, yet easy way, to volunteer a bit of your time for your community.

Loaves and Fishes

Loaves and Fishes

Four Volunteers are needed for each date. Two for cooking with the L&F coordinator from 3:00-5:00 and two to package and serve from 4:30 to 6:30. 

Upcoming dates:

• October 31
• November 14
• November 27
• December 12

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

See the May 25th weekly news for full update.

The Rev. Katherine Lewis is away this week to attend a Credo Conference in Oakhurst, CA, sponsored and underwritten by the Episcopal Church's Church Pension Fund. The Rev. Lindsay Freeman will be our preacher and celebrant this Sunday.

Clergy are invited and encouraged to attend a Credo session every 10 years. The last Credo Conference Katherine attended was at an Episcopal retreat center on the east coast of North Caroline in August 2011, which was interrupted by Hurricaine Irene, forcing participants to evacuate mid way through their time together.

Since 1997, CREDO conferences have provided clergy with a multifaceted wellness experience that many have described as life-changing. Through exploration of the four component areas – Spiritual, Vocational, Financial, and Physical/Psychological health – CREDO conference participants explore ways to support personal well-being, a healthy life, and vibrant ministry. A CREDO conference helps clergy examine their health, replenish their spirit, and rediscover the passion that first animated their call to ministry. 

For more information, you may click here.

The Book of the Names of the Dead

At the 9:30 service on All Saints Sunday, November 5, we will read the Necrology, a listing of those we love who have died. It is fitting to do this on the day we celebrate the communion of saints, the mystical connection between the living and the dead.

We invite you to place the names of those you would like remembered in the Book of the Names of the Dead, located in the All Saints Columbarium Chapel.

In addition, we will continue our tradition of honoring those parishioners from St. David's who have died over the course of the last year. This honoring will take place with a special display in the Columbarium All Saints' Chapel on November 5.  

Leaf Raking and Fall Cleanup

Do you like to rake leaves? Even if you don't like to, St. David's Building and Grounds needs your help on Saturday, November 4 at 9:00 a.m. We have leaves to rake and there are a few tasks to complete inside the Church.

Coffee and doughnuts will be served in the Undercroft! Everyone is welcome. 

Now Hiring: Office Administrator at St. David's

We are now receiving applications for the role of Office Administrator, a key position that keeps our mission and ministries alive and thriving. The new Office Administrator will work in the office, 25-30 hours per week. Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to staffing@stdavidsparish.org. A link to the job description can be found here

Thank you, Vida Edmond, for filling in as our interim office administrator during this time of transition! Note: applicants must not be members of the congregation.

Please spread the word through your connections and networks!

Coffee hour hosts needed!

Please check the signup sheet in the Narthex the next time you enjoy coffee hour. There are numerous opportunities to serve in November and December.

There’s a nice assortment of treats in the freezer which you can use to make it really easy! We all love coffee hour and we all say thank you for stepping up!

Sharon

They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit. - Jeremiah 17:8

St. David’s Giving Campaign Update

Last Sunday, October 22, we heard an inspiring witness talk from Scott Clark. Much thanks Scott, for sharing your story with us.

We are now into week 3 of our Giving Campaign and so far, we have received 38 pledges out of a possible 90, therefore 42% have been returned. We still have a way to go with about one and a half weeks until the campaign's completion.  Thanks to those who have pledged thus far, and we hope to hear from the rest of you soon.

We have already started 2024 budget planning and are very aware that costs for 2024 are going to be higher.....i.e., health insurance premiums, a necessary new copier lease, and building insurance premiums just to name a few! Plus, note that our expenses in 2023 have already been running ahead of 2022 expenses by 6%. If you are able to increase your pledge this year, it will help us a great deal, in efforts to help keep up with the inflation we have all been experiencing. 

Please know that your pledges are kept in strict confidence with only our rector, Katherine, and our bookkeeper, Shea, knowing this information.

The campaign will continue through Sunday, November 5, culminating in a celebration after the 9:30 worship service. We ask for your prayers for a successful Giving Campaign and your participation as you are able.

If you have any questions, please contact Diane Curley, Jr Warden at dcurley@stdavidsparish.org. If you need a pledge packet, we have extra ones located in the Narthex, Undercroft, and church office. 

Also, if you need information on your past pledging, please contact our Bookkeeper Shea Brendalen at sbrendalen@stdavidsparish.org.

Regards, 

Diane Curley

Jr. Warden, St David’s Episcopal Church

Cathy Schwichtenberg

Treasurer, St David's Episcopal Church

November 19 Forum – Getting to Know Each Other

Please plan to attend the forum on November 19 where the Newcomer Team (Debbie Emmerich, Ann Robinson and Cathy Schwichtenberg) will host a fun conversation activity to help us get to know one another more deeply. 

This replaces the Newcomers Brunch previously scheduled for this date. Most of our Newcomers aren’t available that day! The brunch will be rescheduled for next spring. 

Bridge Lessons Anyone?

We have had a couple of requests for more bridge lessons and wonder if others are interested too. There are several options:

1. Bridge for Beginners
2. Bidding Refresher for folks who have some bridge experience.
3. Common Bridge Conventions for folks who have already mastered basic bidding strategies.

We are considering an all-day Saturday class or could do evening classes for several weeks. Please contact Susan Taylor (ss2taylor@comcast.net or 952-944-7241) if you are interested in bridge lessons and indicate your preferences. 

Oct-Nov

October 29 - State of the Vestry

November 5 - Giving Campaign Celebration

November 12 - Safety and Security in our Church, The Rev. Tim Kingsley

November 19 - Community Conversation

November 26 - Social Time (Thanksgiving Weekend)

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.