The Dove: May, June, July 2022 by StDavidsRadnor

The Dove PUBLISHED FOR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS OF ST. DAVID’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Summer: May, June & July 2022 Knitting Ministry Impact

Eastertide Through Ordinary Time

Camps and Retreats: Formation Intensified

Creation Care, Julip Run, and Gardens

Walk Beside Me: A Stephen Ministry Story

The Arboretum and Spiritual Renewal

Plus: Holy Week & Easter Photos and Coming Events

Growing in Faith “Listen! A sower went out to sow seeds...” — Matthew 13:3 Dear people of St. David’s, We pray that you and yours are safe and well and that you are finding moments to enjoy the beauty of the world around us and the beauty of our community, St. David’s Church. All the beauty of the world around us and all the beauty that we know here, at St. David’s started out with someone or something sowing seeds and God giving the growth. Whether it is flowers or vegetables or trees, whether it is the wonder of worshiping together or helping someone in need or welcoming someone new to St. David’s, it all starts with seeds of nature or seeds of faith. When the seeds are shared and planted, new life emerges and there is beauty and wonder and love. This issue of the DOVE is all about the results of seeds that were planted and seeds that are being planted and what happens when God gives growth to the seeds we plant. God sows seeds of love and faith and goodness, and we do too. We are a community of seed sowers. We sow seeds of love and companionship with our prayer shawls and Stephen Ministry. We sow seeds of faith among our children and youth through Vacation Bible School, Summer Music Camp, and the Youth Mission Trip. We sow seeds of beauty and care in the Arboretum, Julip Run, and the gardens for our own enjoyment, for the good of God’s creation, and to feed those in need. I hope you enjoy this issue of the DOVE and that it inspires all of us to allow God to plant seeds of faith and love in our lives and for us to take up our ministry of planting seeds in the lives of others. For, when we plant those seeds of faith, God always gives growth. Grace and Peace,

The Rev. W. Frank Allen, Rector

ST. DAVID’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 763 S. Valley Forge Road, Wayne, PA 19087 610.688.7947 | www.stdavidschurch.org

THE DOVE | SUMMER | MAY, JUNE, JULY 2022

Pastoral Care: Knitting Ministry

My Mother’s Prayer Shawl By Leslie Robertshaw

y mother is always cold. Especially her hands - now frail and shaking – the same hands that molded my youth. These hands are the hands of a working woman: the sturdy hands of a mother who raised five children, kept an impeccable home, who cooked and cleaned and served three meals a day to her family. These hands held the steering wheel to the car that drove me to every dance lesson, art lesson, and music lesson. They tenderly held my own hands to help me learn to walk or to cross a street, to squeeze encouragement, or simply to just hold. Now, these same hands clutch mine for support – to stand, to remember a word, to remember who I am. I brought my mother a blanket from St. David’s; a beautiful multi patterned

5X7 blanket knit by someone from the Needlework’s guild. This ministry is composed of 8 women, led by Theresa Baldwin, which last year knit 8 prayer shawls, 75 hats, and over 97 prayer squares for the Pastoral Commission at St. David’s. I appreciate how much work went into this blanket; it took 80,640 stitches to complete! Someone put forth such effort without the expectation of recognition or acknowledgement. This witness is the very definition of grace; a generous, free, and unmerited act of faith, and faith matters. The blanket envelops my mother’s body and keeps warm those beautiful hands that hold my most cherished childhood memories. My mother may have lost some of her words, but always says, “I love my blanket and my blanket loves me.” God bless the individual who made this blanket - you made a difference. Thank you for making my mother happy and thank you for keeping her warm.

Do you work with yarn, either knitting or crocheting? You can join the Needleworks Guild by contacting ministry organizer Theresa Baldwin by email at tpoteetebaldwin@gmail.com or by phone at 610.331.1810 or contact The Rev. Elizabeth Colton at lcolton@stdavidschurch.org or 610.688.7947 x218.

THE DOVE | SUMMER | MAY, JUNE, JULY 2022

April 17, 2022 May 26, 2022

June 5, 2022

What is Pentecost?

“The Day of Pentecost is one of my favorite feast days of the Church year. Many educators, me among them, consider the day of Pentecost and the receiving of the Holy Spirit by the disciples, the “birthday of the Church.” It is the gift of the Holy Spirit that makes it possible for the disciples to become apostles who spread the Good News throughout the world and throughout the ages. The on-going gift of the Spirit continues to help us spread the news and become apostles in our time and place. And that is worth celebrating!” From: It’s Pentecost, Let’s Party! 4 Ways to Celebrate at Church by Elizabeth Windsor in Building Faith (buildfaith.org) May 17, 2012 blog post. Red is the color of the Holy Spirit and is the liturgical color of the day on the Feast of Pentecost. Many churches encourage congregants to wear red on this day Symbols of the day include wind, doves, and fire to represent the tounges of fire in Acts 2.

What’s so Ordinary about Ordinary Time?

Ordinary Time is the longest liturgical season, running between the Feast of Pentecost and Advent. In this context, “ordinary” refers to “ordinal numbers”, an indication of how we keep track of time in this season. We also understand Ordinary Time in terms of it being the season when we focus on living out the meaning of Christ’s resurrection, and the life of faith as modern-day disciples, in our ordinary, every-day lives. The color of the season is green, which is why it is also called the “great, green, growing season” in Godly Play and other places – when we grow into and live out our life of faith. 4

THE DOVE | SUMMER | MAY, JUNE, JULY 2022

Summer Opportunities for

More...

Go deeper into that sense of sacred and loving community, unlike anywhere else. BY EMILY GIVEN Something unmistakable happens when we gather together. It is a sacred sharing of space that shows us what it means to be a community, connected to one another through the love of Christ. We see glimpses of it during worship, within formation groups, and even as we go out into the world to serve others. Those glimpses often leave us wanting more. St. David’s is offering three opportunities of “more” this summer. Vacation Bible School, Music Camp, and Youth Mission ‘22 to Kentucky provide children and youth the place to go deeper into that sense of sacred and loving community, unlike anywhere else.

choose activities that provide the chance to let the Work of God sink in, it will bear the most beautiful fruit in the life of your family. I invite you to make these opportunities a priority this summer. Without a doubt, there are a zillion different things that compete for your time. I understand because I’m a parent, too. I also know that nothing is more important than fostering a life of faith, hope, and love with your children. Let us join you on that journey!

This extended proximity to one another is the perfect soil for the stories of God to root themselves within us so that we can be renewed and transformed. These condensed offerings allow them to be completely immersed in the experience for a longer period of time. What we know about these experiences is that they shape us more deeply than many of the others do. This extended proximity to one another is the perfect soil for the stories of God to root themselves within us so that we can be renewed and transformed. Establishing a solid faith base as early as possible is key to continuing a life of faith into adulthood. When you intentionally

To learn more, contact Emily Given at egiven@stdavidschurch.org or 610.688.7947 To register for Vacation Bible School and Music Camp, visit stdavidschurch.org/2022camps/ To be an adult volunteer, visit stdavidschurch.org/event/volunteer-for2022-vacation-bible-school-music-camp/ To make a gift toward Mission Trip scholarships, please visit scan the QR code at the right using your phone’s camera.

THE DOVE | SUMMER | MAY, JUNE, JULY 2022

Julip Run

How St. David’s stream supports creation care

BY P. TIMOTHY PHELPS

THE DOVE | SUMMER | MAY, JUNE, JULY 2022

Recently, I had the opportunity to take a local resident and family member, Dr. Kate Goddard, on a tour of St. David’s stream, Julip Run. She had never seen this stream and was astounded with its beauty and ecology. She is an Associate Professor of Biology at Ursinus College, an active board member at the Darby Creek Valley Association and a member of Easttown’s Environmental Advisory Council, so she knew what she was looking at. She pointed out, “The springs on this property that feed this creek are helping to fill the ocean.”

streams, or runs, that feed the Little Darby Creek that junctions near The Willows Park and then eventually runs into Darby Creek. Darby Creek feeds into the John Heinz Refuge before it enters the Delaware River, Delaware Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean. Due to the topography of our region, with its ridge line along Conestoga Road, the

low spot in the valley and that fresh water is percolating up through the creek. During our walk, Kate pointed out that our property is a true microcosm of the whole Darby Creek: woodlands, meadow, wet meadow, and wetlands. Our oak trees, of which there are several, support over 534 species of butterflies and moths, and our meadow feeds the insects in the wetlands; we watched them buzz overhead. She turned over several rocks in the creek and pointed out the various insects that are living and breeding in our stream. She also pointed out several invasive and non-native species of plants that have taken hold in our stream banks, wet meadow, and wetlands area.

Our oak trees, of which there are several, support over 534 species of butterflies and moths.

RECENT HISTORY In the fall of 2018, Derron LaBrake, a wetlands ecologist and fellow Episcopalian, gave a presentation to the Men’s Fellowship on the history and ecology of the Darby Creek. He showed how our section of Julip Run forms part of the Darby Creek Watershed. He pointed out that what we do upstream has tremendous impact on downstream, especially in places like Darby Borough. Julip Run is one of several small

water on the north side flows into either Trout Creek or Valley Creek, then into the Schuylkill River. The south side of the ridgeline flows into the Little Darby or Darby Creek, making Lancaster Avenue the headwaters. Julip Run begins approximately one-half mile west of the Church’s property line. When we stand on the Church’s stone bridge facing upstream, we begin to appreciate the contour of our property and realize that we are standing near the low point between the Dittmar Park and the Harrison Estate development. Further down the stream near the Valley Forge Road bridge, we find watercress in the stream, which shows us this is another

DOING THE WORK Since LaBrake’s presentation, the Men’s Fellowship has been working along the stream bank and in the wetlands. We are implementing a long-term plan that aims to eradicate the invasive species and foster the growth of native plants, shrubs, and trees. Last fall, the nonnative cattails that have invaded the wetlands were trimmed of their seed heads and were then professionally sprayed. In

...continues page 8

THE DOVE | SUMMER | MAY, JUNE, JULY 2022

...continued from page 5. spring of 2021 we cut down multiflora rose and privet that have grown along the creek and cut and pulled out the porcelain berry vines that were choking the trees. We are encouraging certain areas of the meadow to grow. By managing the meadow better, we enhance the migration of storm water runoff into the creek, improve the habitat, and reduce weekly labor costs. Last fall we planted three different wildflower mixes: wet meadow, meadow, and pollinator. Walking through the meadow area, I saw some germination in the first year (it usually takes two years for the seed to establish). Four years ago, the Property Commission conducted an audit of all the trees on the Church property. During that process, John Hosbach, the arborist, identified several native tree species that could be planted near the edge of the wet meadows and along the stream. A team of parishioners spent a rainy Saturday planting those saplings; many of those saplings are now flourishing. Having the correct species of trees helps with stormwater management and, when strategically placed, helps stabilize the streambanks and shade the stream, keeping the water temperature cooler. Having a diversity of tree species also encourages nesting of different birds and bats.

are stewards of God’s gifts. God has given St. David’s many treasures to manage and be good stewards of. For over 300 years, St. David’s parishioners have been managing and maintaining God’s creation. Being good stewards of our property helps others; naturally retaining as much water on our property as possible reduces flooding downstream. Maintaining a stable stream bank prevents sediment from washing downstream. Managing invasive and non-native species in our environment prevents their spread, and maintaining biodiversity helps foster wildlife. Julip Run is a treasure. As you walk the property I encourage you to take look at the arboretum, stream, meadows, and wetlands. We are making a difference as we maintain our natural resources. If you would like to learn more our Julip Run work please contact Tim at chamberphelps@ gmail.com.

As the eradication of non-native and invasive species continues, the Men’s Fellowship’s goal is to continue to plant and maintain native species that create bio and life-cycle diversity. Having biodiversity will lead to different colors and textures during the season, and will attract more birds, bees, butterflies, and bugs. A blend of plants, shrubs, bushes, and trees in vignettes will allow them to protect each other as they become more established. Much of St. David’s Outreach helps the world become a better place. In our volunteer hours and grants, we 10

THE DOVE | SUMMER | MAY, JUNE, JULY 2022

Gardening

Good News for our neighbors

The St. David’s Good News Garden Pantry Patch was created in the spring of 2012 as a senior internship project by Bailey Kimmel. Relationships with local community centers and parishes were established and grants were acquired from local nonprofits and diocesan funds. A corner section in the greater St. David’s Community garden was allocated for the purpose of growing and caring for fresh produce exclusively intended for local soup kitchens and parish feeding ministries. Nine raised boxes were created by Fritz Fischer as an Eagle Scout final project and donated to the Pantry Patch. Dirt and compost were donated from local garden shops, and plants were purchased with the help of grants. The following year several other Eagle Scouts created a new deer--proof fence to surround the entire community garden and decrease the amount of damage caused each year. In 2020, new boxes were made by the Kimmel and Farrow families and an energetic group of volunteers tends the Pantry Patch, which is currently partnered with the Ardmore Food Pantry, run out of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Ardmore. This year’s Opening Meeting, Blessing, and Workday will be held on Saturday, May 7th from 9am-12pm. New people may join in planting-praying-proclaiming the good news of gardening! There is an interest survey online in the Opening event information found at https://stdavidschurch.org/event/2022-good-newsgarden-opening/to request a plot or join the community gardeners who grow food for St. David’s friends at the Ardmore Food Pantry. Beginning gardeners are welcome! The Good News Garden participation survey and Opening Event information are available at stdavidschurch.org/event/2022-good-news-garden-opening/.

THE DOVE | SUMMER | MAY, JUNE, JULY 2022

A Stephen Ministry Story

Walk Beside Me BY A ST. DAVID’S CARE RECEIVER

Several years ago, our family unit was dramatically disrupted. My world was spinning, I felt like I was free-falling from the sky with nothing to break my fall. To say that I was lost and heartbroken would be an understatement. Although my faith was present, it was not strong at that point in my life. I had not been to church in over a year, yet I felt the urge to speak with Frank. It was Frank who then referred me to the Stephen Minister Program. The Stephen Minister Program is unique because it offers both confidentiality and a component of faith/Christian influence. This was a time when I did not know who I could trust and my faith was waning. I thought about the program and concluded that I had nothing to lose and everything to gain. I had others in my family who needed me. I would equate my Stephen Minister to a picture she once gave me. The picture depicts Jesus walking alongside His disciples. My Stephen Minister was gentle, discerning, and present every step of the way. She never made me feel ashamed, and gave my parents some emotional respite in the process. She opened my heart up to God in a way I had never experienced. We would discuss His presence throughout this tumultuous journey and thus, I began to heal. What I love most about the program is that we would discuss how faith and God play an active role in our lives. My faith not only strengthened, it became the wind in my sails. The emotional wounds I have tell an intricately woven story filled with love, hope, and forgiveness. Like Jesus, I have scars still there to remind me of the suffering, however, I gained a lot more than I lost in this journey. Without my Stephen Minister, I would not be who I am today. My new mantra these days is, “trust in the slow work of God”. It is my prayer that those who are struggling will reach out and learn more about this incredible resource available to us. Stephen Ministry is a ministry in which trained and supervised lay persons provide one-to-one Christian care to individuals facing life challenges. If you would like to receive care, please contact a member of the clergy to be connected to a care giver. For more information about joining the Stephen Ministry as a care giver, please contact Clayton Platt by email at ctplatt55@gmail.com 12

THE DOVE | SUMMER | MAY, JUNE, JULY 2022

Finding Spiritual Connection in the

Arboretum

BY DEBORAH GEFFKEN

“For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20 The Arboretum is an outdoor worship space located over the bridge between the graveyard, stream, Good News Gardens, and the bees. The stream borders the Arboretum, providing a calming sound and space for reflection. Birds add a symphony of sound, especially now as the space is coming alive with daffodils and flowering bushes and plants. The benches and Digger Higgins cross offers a welcoming outdoor worship and meeting space. It was only a year ago, March 2021, that St. David’s held an All Parish Work Day to clean up the Arboretum and lay the 4x4 pieces of wood to outline the paths. Volunteers assisted with clearing the ground, raking leaves, drilling wood, and hammering rebar to hold the wood in place marking the paths. Mulch was distributed on the paths. Parishioners continued to turn out throughout the year and a professional crew completed the cleanup. Digger Higgins donated the cross and new benches were added late in the summer for revitalizing the space for worship, meditation, fellowship, and outdoor fun. The Arboretum is available for experiencing God’s work through nature or for group gatherings. At night, the cross is visible from Church and Valley Forge Roads, creating a drive-by experience as well. The clergy encourage us to be alone with God to deepen our faith. The Arboretum provides that spiritual space for me and brings me joy when I am there. I also feel joy with the accomplishment of working together to uncover this gem on the church property. When I leave, I carry with me “the Peace of God that passes all understanding.” Future Arboretum plans include opportunities for plantings to commemorate events and celebrations of life. You, too, can enjoy the revitalized Arboretum quietly or with spirited joy. It is easily accessible day or night, feeding your body, mind, and soul.

THE DOVE | SUMMER | MAY, JUNE, JULY 2022

Prepare the Way of the Lord! Scenes from our celebration of Holy Week and Easter this year.

THE DOVE | SUMMER | MAY, JUNE, JULY 2022

This Joyful Eastertide...

Coming events

SUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULE MAY 29-SEPTEMBER 4 8:00 AM—Rite I—Church

9:45 AM—Family Worship—St. David’s Hall

10:00 AM—Rite II—Chapel & Livestream

5:00 PM—Rite II—Church

Women’s Fellowship Fun with Flowers Saturday, May 7 3:00pm

Broadway Musical Revue Friday, May 13 6:30pm

Men’s Breakfast with Mike Sielski Saturday, May 14 8:00am

SDEDS Steeplechase Auction & Event Saturday, May 14 1:00pm

Chronic Hope Book Signing & Lisi Lerch Trunk Show Tuesday, May 17 5:00pm

Men’s Retreat Men of Character with The Rev. Frank Allen May 20-21

Men’s Fellowship Cookout Saturday, June 11 4:30pm

St. David’s at the Phillies Sunday, June 12 1:35pm game

The Rite of Confirmation Sunday, June 19 10:00am worship

VBS & Music Camp June 27-July 1 Age 4 thru 5th Grades Register by May 31

GET ALL THE DETAILS AT STDAVIDSCHURCH.ORG/EVENTS SUPPORT ST. DAVID’S MINISTRY NEARBY AND AROUND THE WORLD If you would like to make a financial gift in support of St. David’s mission and ministry in Radnor Township, the Greater Philadelphia region, and around the world, please scan the QR code at the right using your smartphone’s camera to make an online donation. Thank you for your generosity!