The Dove PUBLISHED FOR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS OF ST. DAVID’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
November & December 2021, January 2022
IN THIS ISSUE VESTRY
STEWARDSHIP
MUSIC
FAVORITE ST. DAVID’S
COMMITMENT SUNDAY FOR THE 2022 CALENDAR YEAR
A REMEMBRANCE OF PAGEANTS PAST
GIFT SHOP
SAVE THE DATES
TRADITIONS IN THS SEASON
FAMILY MINISTRY TRADITIONS SHARED ACROSS GENERATIONS AND MILES
FRIENDSHIPS AND FAITH PLUS: ART, BOOKS & SALES!
EVENTS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS THIS SEASON
The Dove | November & December 2021, January 2022
FAITH MATTERS
BY THE
REV. W. FRANK ALLEN
“Show me your faith apart from your works, and I by my works will show you my faith.” James 2:18
Clergy The Rev. W. Frank Allen | Rector The Rev. Elizabeth W. Colton | Associate Rector The Rev. Maurice A. Dyer, II | Associate Rector The Rev. Emily Zimbrick-Rogers | Associate Rector The Rev. Kenneth McCaslin | Deacon The Rev. Edward Shiley | Associate Rector
Staff Dear People of St. David’s, I pray that you and yours are well and welcome you to this edition of The Dove in the year when we are focused on “Faith Matters”. We followers of Jesus are all about knowing, living, and sharing the faith and in this edition of The Dove, you will see all three areas of the Christian life. We seek ways to grow in our faith as we focus on how we can keep a holy Advent and what Christ’s coming means for our lives and for the life of the world. We have articles on how we can offer and use our gifts in living our faith. There are also opportunities for us to invite others to join us for musical offerings, outreach, and worship. As St. James wrote in his letter, our faith is connected to the works of our lives. All of us are called to use our gifts on God’s behalf and to help build St. David’s into a community of loving relationship. Each of us can find ways to offer our gifts and I hope as you read this edition of The Dove you will be moved by God to deepen your commitment which will deepen your faith. Grace and Peace and Love,
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
Follow and engage with us on Facebook @saintdavidsradnor | Instagram @stdavidschurchradnor YouTube @StDavidsEpiscopalChurchRadnor
Buff Barnes | Spiritual Direction Margaret Biester | Head of School, SDEDS Jamie Boult | Childcare Coordinator Steve Boyes | Groundskeeper Geoff Chamberlain | Broadcast Manager Camryn Corbin | Youth Minister Amy Van Sciver Darst | Asst. Head of School, SDEDS Roe DeRitis | Receptionist Amy Dolan | Spiritual Direction Diane Dowlin | Office Manager and Calendar Coordinator Jo-Ann Funkhouser | Finance Manager Shannon Garland | Communications Assistant Emily Given | Director of Christian Formation Nereida Gordon | Director of the Gift Shop & Art Gallery Matt Grove | Grounds Supervisor Natalee Hill | Director of Communications Chris King | Parish Custodian Maria Leal | Director of Children’s Education Eileen Myers | Wedding Coordinator Josiah Pizzo | Groundskeeper Leslie Robertshaw | Parish Administrator Dr. Clair Rozier | Director of Music Heather Sill | Receptionist Paul Smith | Parish Custodian Dr. Elaine Sonnenberg Whitelock | Associate Director of Music Holly Vicki | Music Administrator/Librarian Kurt Zampitella | Groundskeeper
The Dove | November & December 2021, January 2022
Vestry Notes "What Saint David's tradition or event matters most to your faith during this Advent and Christmas season?" “I’m looking forward to The Christmas Market & Tree Lighting – a new tradition in the making!” Jim Dolan, Rector’s Warden, Finance, Property
“The Christmas Pageant: watching the children and families involved, singing the carols, and experiencing the joy.” Leslie Lewis, Family Ministries, Outreach
“Our family loves the Jesse Tree and Advent readings. We Facetime our grandchildren in Michigan every night at dinner to do them together.”
“Gathering of family and friends at the Christmas Eve service to remember the true meaning of the season.”
Tom Johantgen, Finance Warden, Finance, Stewardship
Tim Roach, Finance, Property
“The Christmas Evensong; I just let the strength and beauty of the music roll over me and fill me with peace.”
“The Lessons and Carols service helps to get me in the Christmas spirit.”
Mona Kirby, Junior Warden, Fellowship
Sarah Schoettle, Outreach, Pastoral Care
“Christmas Eve worship. The 'hustle and bustle' is over, my loved ones are close, and the music and scriptures truly mean Christmas to me.”
“Sitting in the quiet of the little church, windows lit with candles, a soft hymn playing.”
Edie Lewis, Secretary, Adult Formation/Discipleship
“I love seeing families gather together and return to St. David’s over the Christmas season.” Jay Baldwin, Outreach, Stewardship
“Advent wreath making. Fragrant rings of beautiful holiday anticipation and Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love!”
Betsy Spiegel, Family Ministries, SDEDS, Worship
“The way little children attending are drawn into the story.” Mike Tredinnick, Fellowship, Stewardship, Worship
“I love the music most; singing Silent Night by candlelight on our knees is Love Divine.” Julia Urwin, Fellowship, Outreach
Alison Hastings, Family Ministries, Fellowship
“The magic of the Christmas miracle, the pageant, and holiday music all draw me closer to Christ and strengthen my faith.”
“The tradition of the Christmas pageant always puts my family and me in the Christmas spirit and warms our hearts.”
Rod Kellett, Property, SDEDS
Liza Whelan, Outreach, Pastoral Care
“Advent returns us to the fundamentals of our faith: from darkness to light. I look forward to returning and sharing in this celebration with our beloved community.” Ian B. Wilcox, Adult Formation/Discipleship, Worship
The Dove | November & December 2021, January 2022
INvitation to the Circle of Love STEWARDSHIP BY MEG KRAFTSON FELL From my baptism to my confirmation to my marriage, St. David’s has been a part of my life for a long as I can remember. Although I never had the chance to meet him, my grandfather, the Rev. John C. Knewstub, inspired my mission to give back. Without his vision, the original Chapel would not have been built. He ran the Church’s first capital campaign and successfully expanded our congregation to welcome more parishioners into the St. David’s family. My late father, Raymond H. Kraftson, followed in his footsteps by joining the Vestry and supporting stewardship efforts. Now, I am honored to be a part of the Meg and her parents at her baptism. Stewardship Commission. We are looking forward to kicking off our 2022 giving campaign this fall. Being part of the committee has helped me to learn so much more about why giving back is such an important part of our faith. Even though growing up, I heard that, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” every Sunday, I’m not sure I fully understood what it meant. I have loved learning about the many ways one can “give” to St. David’s. Among other things, I was humbled to discover that our parishioners make more than 6,000 meals every year for those experiencing hunger and homelessness in our area, and we support organizations committed to providing housing resources for families in need.
Meg and her mother at her wedding.
I also have enjoyed getting to know my fellow commission members and how they embrace giving back as part of our faith. I hope you will join me in my journey to continue growing in my faith and in service to the Lord and our St. David’s community.
ARE YOU IN? This year’s Stewardship Campaign is titled, “I’m IN!” We chose the singular because in order to live in the “We,” each one of us has to proclaim the gospel individually. We can be confident of great times ahead, and our positivity is our response to our faithful belief. Because our faith matters, we have hope and nothing says hope better than knowing Jesus and working together in community to serve God and the greater good. Are you ready to change your “I” into the “We” and live into our mission together? Sunday, November 7, 2021 is Stewardship Commitment Sunday for our 2022 fiscal year. Let us know if you are IN by filling out and returning a paper pledge form, or visiting our website and filling out the pledge form online.
www.stdavidschurch.org/giving/#annual-giving/
The Dove | November & December 2021, January 2022
The Beardless King MUSIC AND WORSHIP BY CRAIG LAIRD Back in the late ‘70s, I had volunteered to sing the role of King Gaspard in the annual Christmas pageant, as I had done many times before. Three performances were scheduled for that Sunday: 9:15am, 2pm, and 4pm; I would be singing during the 9:15 performance. I preferred singing in the morning so I could get the anxiety-producing task over with and be able to breathe easily for the rest of the day. Two days before the performances were to take place, Morgan Ruth, short a king, called and asked me to sing at the 2pm show, as well. I reluctantly agreed, although it meant prolonging my jitters for another five hours. The 9:15 and 2:00 shows went off without a hitch. I remembered the lyrics, I avoided stepping in the sheep poop, and I didn’t faint despite the heavy costume and the hot lamps. In between the performances, I went home and had lunch; I was surprised at how much food got stuck in my beard—how do men who have beards manage to keep them clean? I wondered. After the 2:00 performance, I went home and shaved off my fake beard. Then the phone rang: it was Morgan Ruth again, short another king. One of the kings had come
down with the flu and couldn’t sing. Morgan was desperate. “Craig, you gotta do this!” It was now 3:55pm, and I lived 20 minutes away from the church. I hopped in my car and headed for the church. Unfortunately, my right rear tire had a slow leak and the tire was almost flat. I prayed that the rim would not shred the tire before I could get to the gas station. The good Lord must have heard my prayer, because I was able to get to the station with just enough air in the tire to avoid catastrophe. When I got to the church, Morgan was waiting on the front steps of the chapel with my costume in his arms. “You’re on,” he shouted. “Get in there and sing!” I threw the costume on and ducked inside the Narthex. There was no time to grow another beard. The other two kings were waiting for me. The organist had been vamping for several minutes, and the people in the pews were beginning to wonder what was going on. Where were the kings? Ah, here they were, at last! “Born a king on Bethlehem’s plain...Gold I bring to crown him again. . . .”
MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SEASON Visit our website for more details on these events, or get into the season by watching last year’s services on our YouTube Channel: www.YouTube.com/StDavidsEpiscopalChurchRadnor/.
www.stdavidschurch.org/music/
The Dove | November & December 2021, January 2022
Advent Resources for Your Home FORMATION This Advent, three resources will be available for your spiritual enrichment: The Jesse Tree & Ornament Set, Advent Mason Jars, and Advent Close to Home Daily Words. Read more about them on these pages. JESSE TREE AND ORNAMENT SET A branch is a sign of new life and new beginnings. Jesus was a descendent of King David and Christians believe that Jesus is this new branch. The name comes from Jesse who was the Father of the great Jewish King David. One prophecy in the Bible, in the book of Isaiah, says: 1 A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. 2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him -- the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD -3 and he will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; 4 but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. — Isaiah 11:1-4 (NIV)
The first Jesse trees were large carvings, tapestries or even stained glass windows put in churches that helped illiterate people (people who can't read or write) to learn about the Bible, from creation to the Christmas story. Now Jesse Trees are used as a kind of Advent Calendar. You can use a normal Christmas tree or a banner in the shape of a tree. Each day through Advent (or sometimes just on the four Sundays of Advent) a special decoration or ornament (similar to a Chrismon), that tells a story from the Bible, is hung on the tree. Consider making this an intergenerational activity and prayer practice with a family member near or far. You can read about one family’s experience, and see photos, below! Sign up for a kit by November 14 at www.stdavidschurch.org/ advent/. For additional information about the Jesse Tree, visit The Gift Shop for a copy of: The Jesse Tree by Geraldine McCaughrean, illustrated by Bee Willey.
JESSE TREE NEAR AND FAR BY TOM JOHANTGEN AND LESLIE ROY Last year, we saw the announcement about the Jesse Tree activity that St. David’s was offering during Advent and thought this would be a fun thing to do with our three grandchildren in Michigan. We mailed them all of the materials and had a set for ourselves. Every night during their dinner time, we would FaceTime with them to color our ornaments, read the scriptures, and blow out the Advent candles together.
as Advent. We also celebrated Lent with the grandkids but were interrupted with the adoption of Maisie, their new baby sister. We look forward to celebrating Advent again this December.
This was such a wonderful bonding exercise that we continue to FaceTime every night at 6:00pm. Our grandchildren refer to our dinner time prayer and chats
www.stdavidschurch.org/advent/
The Dove | November & December 2021, January 2022
Sharing Your Faith TREES, CANDLES, AND WORDS TO CONTEMPLATE ADVENT MASON JARS
ADVENT CLOSE TO HOME DAILY WORDS
A new twist on the traditional wreath, this set of Advent Mason Jars (pictured at right) contains everything you need to focus yourself in daily prayer around the practice of lighting candles in anticipation of the coming of the Christmas.
Use one word each day (listed below) to open your eyes to the world around you. Where are you seeing glimpses of holiness in your everyday life? You can use the words in two ways:
Included with the jars is a devotional booklet, Close to Home by A Sanctified Art. It contains daily reflections to guide your prayer, study, and conversation. Also available in large print. The devotional booklet inspired our third offering, the Advent Close to Home Daily Words, which you can learn more about at right. Sign up for your kit by Sunday, November 14 at www.stdavidschurch.org/advent/.
First, use the word as a prompt to populate your social media with images that remind you of the word in your daily life. Simply tag St. David’s social media in your posts, and use the hashtag #closetohome, so we can see and share them. Encourage your friends and family to participate! Second, you may choose to repeat the word over and over as a form of centering prayer. Sign up for the daily email with prompts and devotions at www.stdavidschurch.org/advent/ or use the bookmark in your Advent Mason Jar kit. Word prompts will also be shared on our social media each day. Begin the practice on the First Sunday of Advent, November 28, and continue through Christmas Day. 28
Hope
12
Joy
29
Home
13
Proclaim
30
Encounter
14
Explore
1
Build
15
Reach
2
Faith
16
Welcome
3
Chosen
17
Abundant
4
Create
18
New
5
Peace
19
Love
6
Foundation
20
Carry
7
Speak
21
Flow
8
Center
22
Listen
9
Move
23
Open
Above: Tom and Leslie’s grandchildren help them blow out the Advent candles.
10
Dream
24
Visit
At left: Tom dressed as Santa Claus, with a Jesse Tree and Advent candles.
11
Watch
25
Birth
www.stdavidschurch.org/advent/
The Dove | November & December 2021, January 2022
A Friendship THE GIFT SHOP BY MARGIE WINTERS My husband and I joined St. David’s in 1999. Soon after, I discovered The Gift Shop at St. David’s, located in a tiny space under a church stairwell. My first purchase was three metal angels made by impoverished artisans. It was so gratifying to know that the profits from my purchase would help fund international outreach. Several years later, The Gift Shop expanded and relocated to another space in the undercroft and I began to volunteer in the shop. I met so many people and felt a real sense of purpose and belonging in the church. Eventually, I took over as the shop’s director. It was during my tenure that the shop was again relocated, this time to its current location. I served as director for six of the most fulfilling years of my life. The Gift Shop is all about relationships. We exist to help uplift our partners in Cuba, Guatemala, and Uganda. We connect with vendors representing artisans from around the world. We raise awareness about fair trade. We forge wonderful friendships with our fellow volunteers and our customers.
I have experienced some very poignant moments in the shop. I remember helping to pick out a baptism gift for a grandmother to give to her first grandchild. The child was a “miracle baby,” born after years of prayers and medical hurdles. Having once walked in her daughter’s shoes, I felt overwhelming joy for this family’s blessing. I recall another woman whom I assisted in selecting a palm cross to give to her mother who was going into hospice. It was heartbreaking to witness the daughter’s sorrow; I can only hope and pray that I was able to help bring comfort to her in some small way. There were many times when a customer whom I had never met would come in and we would end up in serious conversation, helping each other through life’s challenges. Tears have been shed in the shop and confidences have been kept, because the shop a very nurturing place. Laughter and happiness are also synonymous with The Gift Shop. I helped one gentleman pick out so many birthday and Christmas gifts for his beloved wife that he jokingly referred to me as his personal shopper. Then, there was the father who brought his three very excited children into the shop to pick out their first crosses. Their faith and joy made my day. Rounding out some of my special memories of the shop is our Annual Gift Shop Open House, a festive evening kicking off the holiday season. It’s been twenty-two years since I made my first purchase, and the shop continues to be my go-to destination for gifts and treats for myself. If it isn’t already, I hope it will become your favorite gift shop. After all, if you are going to shop, why not do it where you can help make the world a better place?
www.stdavidschurch.org/giftsandart/
The Dove | November & December 2021, January 2022
THE ART GALLERY & BOOKSHOP The Gift Shop and its mission expands beyond the walls of the store with the Art Gallery in the adjacent hallway, and the brand new online bookshop. OFF THE WALL Throughout November the Art Gallery will feature the works of many local artists including Suzy Wasson, Jeanne Gunther, John Benigno, Ardyth Sobyak, Roe Murray, and other artists from the Delaware Valley Art League. The pieces are all donated and priced at $100 each. All proceeds help fund critical education, feeding, and human services programs in Uganda, Guatemala, and Cuba.
Give Back HOLIDAY OUTREACH Our response to God’s abundant generosity, especially the gift of the Christ Child at Christmas, is to give back. Watch for these and other opportunities to serve and to give during this holiday season. Then, share with us how your faith mattered in your decision to serve, and in response to your service. Email thoughts and photos to website@stdavidschurch.org or tag us on social media so that we can share your experience and inspire others.
CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE On the weekend before Thanksgiving the Gift Shop will hold its popular Christmas Open House, featuring extended hours Friday, November 19 through Sunday, November 21 and a 10% discount on all purchases. The store will be re-stocked with all your holiday favorites – decorations, nativities, crosses, home goods, puzzles, Christian gifts, jewelry, accessories, and much more. This is the largest fundraising event for International Outreach and a wonderful way to find unique gifts for everyone on your list. ONLINE BOOKSHOP The new online bookshop provides a convenient online option to purchase books, offering thousands of titles across all genres, including best-selling fiction and nonfiction, along with curated lists of Christian books. All commissions (30% of your purchase!) earned through the site are donated to international outreach. Shop at www.stdavidschurch.org/bookshop/.
www.stdavidschurch.org/bookshop/
www.stdavidschurch.org/outreach/
The Dove | November & December 2021, January 2022
Save the Dates November 1
Gift Shop & Art Gallery “Off the Wall” month begins
November 7
Stewardship Commitment Sunday Forming our Faith at Home Forum series begins Choral Evensong for All Saints at 5pm
November 19
Gift Shop & Art Gallery Christmas Open House and Sale (All Weekend Long!)
November 20
Men’s Fellowship Clay Shooting Event 8:15am
November 21
Advent Resource Pick Up Begins Women's Fellowship Thanksgiving Succulent Centerpiece Workshop 3pm Taize Worship 5pm
November 25
Thanksgiving Worship 10am
November 28
Advent begins. Waiting in Faith Forum Series begins
December 1
Mid-Week Healing Eucharist 7:30am (weekly) Advent Close to Home Gatherings 7pm (Dec. 1, 8, 15)
December 3
Christmas Memorial Flower Deadline 5pm Christmas Market & Tree Lighting 5-8:30pm
December 5
Handel’s Messiah Concert 3pm
December 12
Lessons & Carols service 5pm
December 19
Christmas Pageant 11:30am and 3pm
December 20
Christmas Pageant 7pm
December 21
Longest Night & Starlight Service of Remembering 7pm
December 24
Christmas Eve—Friday (3, 6, 8, & 11 pm)
December 25
Christmas Day—Saturday (8 & 10 am)
December 26
Christmas I—Sunday (8am, 10am, & 5pm)
January 9
Epiphany Chalking the Doors Building Our Faith Forum Series begins (tentative) Epiphany Tree Burn 6pm
January 17
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
January 29
Women’s Fellowship Morning with Emily Given
January 30
Living Our Faith Forum Series begins Taize Worship 5pm
February 11-12
SAVE THE DATE: Women's Fellowship Retreat
www.stdavidschurch.org/events/
CHRISTMAS at St. David’s Oh, Come, Let us Adore Him... CHRISTMAS EVE 3pm Chapel & Livestream and Church 6pm Chapel & Livestream and Church 8pm Church | 11pm Chapel & Livestream
CHRISTMAS DAY 8am & 10am Church
FIRST SUNDAY IN CHRISTMASTIDE—DECEMBER 26, 2021 8am Church | 10am Chapel & Livestream | 5pm Church
SECOND SUNDAY IN CHRISTMASTIDE JANUARY 2, 2022 8am Church | 9:15am Chapel & Livestream 11:30am & 5pm Church No Children’s Sermon, Family Worship, nor Forum. All return on Sunday, January 9, 2022. www.stdavidschurch.org/christmas/
