Thank you all so much for such a warm and wonderful welcome back this Sunday. It was such a joy to celebrate Pentecost and Baptisms with you! (Heads up: we will be doing more baptisms on July 17th if you want to join in.)
I am so grateful to Saint David’s for my sabbatical. It was a time of deep rest and work for me. I did do a bit of traveling in March, Adin and I went to Amsterdam for a week, and I took a road trip to Arizona. And then for April and May I rested. I slept and journaled. I worked with my spiritual director. I processed a lot of grief that had gotten derailed by the pandemic. I cut off from social media and the news. I read light fiction and slept some more.
The theme that developed for me during my time away was Gentle Curiosity. I wanted to discover who I am at this particular season of my life by stepping away from some of the roles and responsibilities that I inhabit.
I do not know that I am “done” with all my grief and trauma, or that I managed to undo the effects of the pandemic, but I do know that I am well rested and more grounded. I do know that I have learned a lot over the past three months about who I am and how I function right now. I have seen some of my own patterns and habits with an uncomfortable clarity.
The practice of Gentle Curiosity for me has meant watching myself and the choices I make, instead of then telling myself the usual stories, to simply observe, like being Jane Goodall to my own soul. And now my hope is to bring some of that spirit back to Saint David’s. I am curious how it was for you all when I was away. What did you do? What did you not do? What was the same? What was different? And moving forward—I would love for all of us to be curious about our church and about how our community functions. Not with a critical or problem solving spirit, but with Gentle Curiosity. And I invite each and every one of you to bring a soft and inquisitive tone to your lives as well. To your faith and work and family, to the stories you are sure of, to stories you are hearing for the first time.
The point of this practice is not coming up with answers but developing compassion for ourselves and others. It is slowing and becoming aware of what kind of creatures we truly are and discovering what we need to thrive.
New Stuff
Koinonia Small Groups
Are you interested in sharing a meal for a few months with a small group from Saint David’s? The Koinonia Small Groups are an opportunity to foster fellowship and friendship. We’ll create groups of 6-8 individuals or 3-4 families from those who sign up. We’ll try to match you with people of different ages or tenure at Saint David’s or with families with children of similar ages. The more who sign up, the more options are available for creating groups.
The groups will meet to share a meal four times over the next four or five months. The location of the meal rotates among the members of the group. The host usually provides the main dish with salads, desserts, etc. brought by the other participants. Dinner is a great meal to share, but hosts can also choose to have a brunch, lunch, coffee/tea, or “cocktail hour” gathering in lieu of dinner. Other venues besides members’ homes are also fine. In good weather, you could even meet in a park for a picnic.
Please sign up by June 19. We’ll let you know your groups by July 1. If you want to participate but don't feel comfortable meeting in person, we'll also create a group that can get together via Zoom.
Why are we calling these Koinonia groups? Koinonia (coy-non-ee’-ah) is a New Testament Greek word that means communion, joint participation, and fellowship.
For more information or to sign up, contact Wendy Beth Oliver at wendybeth.oliver@att.net or 206-707-1300. There will also be a signup sheet after services.
Children’s Ministries Coordinator Summer Vacation
Cleo Mozena, our Children's Ministry Coordinator, is taking time off from her work here at Saint David's to rest, relax, and rejuvenate this summer. Her time off will start after Pentecost and go through August 2022. During this time, there will be no Godly Play. Cleo and Vivian will attend church throughout the summer as parishioners. If you have any questions or concerns, please email Cleo at kids@saintdavidpdx.org.
Not New, Still Important
Erin will be out of the office from June 3rd thru June 19th.
The request deadline for supply orders, reimbursement checks, building scheduling, and anything else only Erin can handle is TODAY. Erin-specific requests made after May 25th will be handled after June 19th. Thank you for your cooperation.
Join Education for Ministry
Do you have questions about your faith? Education for Ministry (EfM) provides a way for people to work through those questions. This four-year course of study provides the framework for small, mentored groups to connect faith to their daily lives through reading and discussion. Reach out to Cindy Marvin at 99cindywho@gmail.com or any current EfM member to learn how you can enroll for Fall 2022!
Lay Eucharistic Ministers
Come be part of this (altar) party! Our fabulous St. David’s clergy is a great group of people to work with, ever forgiving of the imperfect. If you have even a tiny inkling that you would like to explore this opportunity, please contact Madeline Moore at madmoore47@gmail.com or 503-502-0405 or speak to Deacon Tracy.
The Red Wagon Ministry
If your heart is moved and you would like to help us serve our unhoused neighbors in ways that they find loving and support, please email cassandracole90@gmail.com to talk about donations to the wagon and volunteer opportunities!
Hybrid Worship Tech Team
No experience necessary. Volunteers needed for both Zoom & in-person. If you are able to join the team that makes Sunday hybrid worship happen, please email Saint David's tech team at techsaintdavids@gmail.com
Gardening and Grounds
Are you a visionary gardener? Are you just getting started growing things? The Building & Grounds Committee wants to hear from you! We would love gardeners of all levels to join us for regular gardening parties to take care of Saint David's grounds. Questions? Contact Junior Warden, Rachel Klein, at juniorwarden@saintdavidpdx.org
Regular Haps
Sunday Hybrid Church Service - 10am each Sunday on Zoom & In-person
Wednesdays at 6:30pm in the Parish Hall: Choir!
Come, all those willing to make some joyful noise! Please bring your proof of vaccination to the first night you attend; we remain masked while singing. Questions? Email Finn at music@saintdavidpdx.org.
Thursdays at 6:30pm on Zoom: Book deep dive with AJ
This session's book is The Church Cracked Open by Stephanie Spellers. Email AJ with questions: aj@saintdavidpdx.org. Zoom link / Meeting ID: 898 0333 3036 / Passcode: 866707
Fridays, noon-12:08.46, weather permitting: Say Their Names
We will gather as a community committed to racial justice and hear their names and ring the bell to honor each beloved person who was killed. Please gather near the church steps by 11:55am.
Mondays- Saturdays at 9am: Morning Prayer on Zoom
We read scripture, pray, and are done by 9:30. All we welcome! Please join us! Zoom link / Meeting ID: 793 652 410 / Passcode: 188410
Are you interested in sharing a meal for a few months with a small group from Saint David’s? The Koinonia Small Groups are an opportunity to foster fellowship and friendship. We’ll create groups of 6-8 individuals or 3-4 families from those who sign up. We’ll try to match you with people of different ages or tenure at Saint David’s or with families with children of similar ages. The more who sign up, the more options are available for creating groups.
Children’s Ministries Coordinator Summer Vacation
