Volume X, Issue 1 January 2017

...a community of disciples passing on God’s love to all.

In this issue

Bishop’s Reception

January Highlights: ‘Choices Are Good’

Thursday Evening ‘Laugh &

Learn’ Bible Study

Stuff-A-Backpack

with TLC

Update on the Bishop’s

Search

Plus: Sneak Peek Calendar

Inclement Weather Notice

Learning About Epiphany

Quarter Auction Rescheduled

Milestones & Transitions

Chalking the Door

Food Bank Info

News from the Day School

And much, much, more!!!

RSVP for Bishop’s Farewell Reception in January As we’ve all know, the Right Reverend Wayne P. Wright, the Tenth Bishop of Delaware, is retiring in the new year. And while plans to seek his successor are in the works, St. David’s will host the New Castle County farewell on the evening of Thursday, January 12 (snow date: January 13) for a large number of people. RSVP to Janet Leishman in the Day School Office by the 5th of January. Call Janet at 302-475-3747 or email: st_davids_day_school@verizon.net.

…and while we’re on the topic of the Bishop’s Farewell Reception…

Call for Ficus Trees and Lights St. David’s is putting out a call for artificial Ficus trees and strings of white (solid-on…no blinking) lights for use during Bishop Wright’s farewell reception in January. Please, bring trees and strands of lights IN THE NEW YEAR. Janet Leishman has agreed to store these items in her office, so we are trying to limit the time she has to house them. Many thanks!

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Thursday Night “Laugh & Learn” Bible Study News On the first Thursday of the New Year, January 5th, St. David's "Laugh and Learn" group will begin our next adventure together:

Why, God, Why? The Story of Job

The book of Job is one of the best-known - but also one of the most perplexing - books of the Bible. It begins with a simple “once upon a time” story about the righteous Job, who suddenly

loses all his property and his children and then develops an awful skin disease. And yet, he seems to accept everything without complaint.

This is the part of the story that people are thinking of when they use the phrase “the patience of Job.” But when Job’s three friends arrive and begin to talk with him, Job is anything but patient!

We're looking forward to wrestling alongside Job as he seeks answers to one of life's challenging questions, "Why, God, Why?"

You are invited to come!

Women’s Spirituality Meeting in January Nearly everyone makes a New Year’s resolution to get in shape physically, but how about spiritually? If you want to get into shape with a lively, intelligent, honest, and meaningful discussion, consider joining the Women’s Spirituality Group!

Our next meeting is on Saturday, January 14, 2017 from 10:00 – 11:30am in the Memorial Room. We will finish our December sharing on the meaning of hope, and then kick off the New Year with “Ten-Minute Spiritual Workouts.” For additional information, contact Carolyn Luttrell at the_oboist@yahoo.com.

Christmas Pageant Thank You A hearty THANK YOU to all those who helped make this last year’s Christmas Pageant so successful. The children retold the story of God come down to us, the parents offered support and food and photography, and the leadership offered guidance and talent. A special thanks goes out to all who helped clothe, feed, and herd the ‘sheep.’

Thank you, as well, to all those who help throughout the entire year who help ‘tell the story’...the story of the Grace and Love of God, told through the person of Jesus Christ. We are blessed with children, we are blessed to care and nurture them. Again, many thanks.

-Kathy Hanna, Children’s Minister

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Inclement Weather Saint David’s rarely cancels Sunday services. Please, let common sense be your guide when deciding on whether or not to come to worship. In case of inclement weather, please check the website or call the church for information about cancellations, Option #3. Again...let common sense be your guide when deciding to come to worship.

“Choices Are Good!”

Mission: NOT Impossible Session III Offerings—January 15 – February 12

Three easy ways to sign-up: 1) Sign-Up Genius, 2) Phone the parish office, 3) or Sign-up in the Lobby.

"What's Love Got to Do With It?" Love - as we all know - can be confusing. And, four ways to love? It's all Greek to me. And, by the way, what exactly is "Chesed?" (No, it has nothing to do with cheese.) This kind of adventure into the unknown is always better with friends. So, come and see! Leader: Pat Van-Catledge

“Feasting on the Word” Every Sunday we have two readings — the Gospel and “the other one.” While the sermon explains and expands on the Gospel, the other one we hear read and then move on with the service. Would’t you like to know more about that first lesson.? What is the story behind it? Why is it included in the service? Join us as we look at and discuss the first reading for that Sunday’s service. No preparation needed. Leader: Chip Snowden

Who was Martin Luther? What Was the Reformation? When an Augustinian monk presented an academic paper criticizing his church’s fund-raising strategies, he never imag-ined it would result in his excommunica-tion and set Europe in flames for thirty years. In 2017 as we mark the 500th anni-versary of the Reformation, join us to explore this history through key docu-ments, from Luther’s 95 Theses to recent Lutheran-Catholic dialogues. Leaders: Barbara Melosh and Gary Kulik--a Lutheran pastor and a Catholic!

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Stuff-A-Backpack with TLC February 5—February 26

On February 5th, the Outreach Committee will begin collecting “stuffings” for our Stuff A Back-pack with TLC project for Foster Children. We have backpacks, but we do need “stuffings” for them. We will designate each backpack by gender and age group as to who will receive them. When shopping, consider how your items will bring comfort to a child who has been removed from his/her family. Feel free to include something you believe a child would appreciate even if it isn’t listed below. These backpacks are more a “care package” rather than school supplies, although a few school supplies are likely needed.

If you would like to be part of this project, bring your purchases to church by February 26 and place them in the bins located in the Narthex.

Many thanks, The Outreach Committee

Backpack Comb and Brush

Toothpaste Toothbrush Washcloth

Water Bottle Lotion

Lip Balm Socks

Notepads Body Wash

Crayons Colored Pencils

Sketchpads Shampoo

Something Special Bottled Water

Food Treat

Tissues Stuffed Animals

Nightlight Disposable Razors

Shaving Cream Snacks

Tampons Deodorant

Pens, Pencils

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5. Toiletries Grocery stores are great about donating surplus or unsold food, but they have no reason to donate toilet paper, tooth paste, soap, deodorant, shampoo, etc. Food stamps often don’t cover these.

6. Canned meats and jerky. This isn’t true of all food banks, but some struggle to give users enough protein.

7. Crackers and tortillas. They don’t spoil and everybody likes them.

8. Baby toiletries. Diapers, baby wipes, baby formula, baby shampoo, baby soap, baby food, bottles, etc.

9. Socks. From a former homeless person: “Socks mean the world to you. They keep you warm, make you feel like you have some-thing new, and just comfort you.”

10. Canned fruit… ...other than pineapple. Food banks get a lot of pineapple donat-ed. Their clients love it when other kinds of fruit are available.

And remember! Food banks love cash donations because it allows them to buy whatever they need!

Ten Things Food Banks Need, But Won't Ask For Some items are in high demand at the food bank and you may not realize it. Be-cause they aren’t essentials, the staff doesn’t publicly ask for them. A survey on Reddit.com asked volunteers what items people would be most appreciative of and we’ve listed the top 10 below. If you’re looking for an easy way to help out, pick some of these up while shop-ping and drop them off at one of our ar-ea food banks.

1. Spices. Think about it. People who rely on the food bank eat a lot of canned food, rice, oatmeal, white bread, etc. They love spices. Seasoned salt, cayenne pepper, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, oregano, basil and so on.

2. Feminine Products. Can you imagine being worried about affording these? Pads, tampons, panty liners, etc. Recommended: Buy in bulk at Costco for donating.

3. Chocolate. People don’t need it, but think about be-ing in their shoes and how nice it would be to be given a chocolate bar or brown-ie mix along with your essentials.

4. Soup packets. Sometimes you look at rice, beans, in-stant potatoes, and cans of vegetable and think, “What do I make with this?” Hearty soup is a complete meal.

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Emmanuel Dining Room Cooks Needed

On the 26th of each month, parishioners meet at 8 am in the Great Hall Kitchen to prepare food for those in great need. They chop, they heat, they mix...they give of their time and talent and love for others. This food is taken to Emmanuel Dining Room, a warm place where people in need come to be fed with food and nourished with love.

Emmanuel Dining Room is run by The Ministry of Caring, an umbrella organization that coordinates many different ministries. “The Ministry of Caring is a vibrant community of staff, volunteers, donors and diverse supporters united by a passion to serve the poor. Together, we gladly give of ourselves to fulfill their vision: "the poor should never be treated poorly." www.ministryofcaring.org

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Diocese of Delaware,

Our Profile for the Bishop Search is now live and the application process is open. You may view the Profile at www.bishopsearchdiodel.org.

Please prayerfully consider if there is someone you think would be a good fit for our diocese and consider nominating them. Please see the "Nominations" page for the form and instructions. Nominations will be accepted until January 10.

Anyone interested in being considered for the next bishop does not need to be nominated by someone else, but may simply file an application. Please see the

"Applications" tab in the profile for application requirements. The deadline for complete applications is January 20.

Thanks to all who contributed thoughts, ideas, suggestions, and input through the surveys, town halls, and feedback on the draft. It is all gratefully appreciated, and the Profile is all the better for it.

Please keep the Search Committee, and those considering whether they are called to be our next bishop, in your prayers. Faithfully, Steve Boyden and The Rev. Martha Kirkpatrick Co-chairs, Search Committee

Update on Bishop Search from The Search Committee of the Diocese of Delaware

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Epiphany: The Season of Light Epiphany, from the Greek word epiphaneia, means an appearance or manifestation. Christians celebrate this festival each year on January 6, the 12th day after Christmas. Epiphany ends on Ash Wednesday, when Lent begins.

Epiphany marks the coming of the Magi, or wise men, to worship the baby Jesus. Because the Magi were Gentiles, Epipha-ny symbolizes the first recognition of Christ by non-Jews. It’s a reminder that Christ came as the light — and Savior — of the whole world.

The traditional color for Epiphany is green, indicating life, growth, hope and eternity. Symbols for the season include a light, candle or star; a crown or three crowns; three gifts; and a globe. In the modern church, Epiphany has become a time to focus on reaching out and “showing” Jesus as the Savior of all people. It’s also a reminder to engage in Christian community and to heal divisions among God’s children.

Chalking the Door: One Way to Ask God’s Blessing and Celebrate the Epiphany

On the Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord, January 6th, the Church commemorates the manifestation of Jesus to the Gentiles as the Holy One of God. This is traditionally the day when we commemorate the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus. Some people observe a tradition of gathering family and friends at the entrances to homes or apartments and ask God’s blessing on their dwellings and on all who live or visit there.

Using chalk, (hence, “Chalking the Door”), people are invited to inscribe the lintel of the home (the horizontal frame above the door) with an inscription.

For more information and instructions, check out the pamphlet currently located in the tract rack.

Quarter Auction Rescheduled

The Quarter Auction has been rescheduled for Saturday, April 22, 2017

Please note this change in the date and month. We look forward to this fun event!

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Day School News - January 2017 Happy New Year! Happy New Year! Happy New Year! Happy New Year! Happy New Year! Happy New Year! Happy New Year! Happy New Year! Happy New Year!

January Calendar 3 School resumes 4 Chapel, 9:05 10 & 11 Scott Vogel visits the children. Mr. Vogel is the former Director of Education for the Delaware SPCA 11 Registration begins for 2017-2018 12 Chapel, 9:05 St. David’s hosts Bishop Wright’s NCC Farewell Party, 7-9pm (Extended Care closes at 4pm) 16 Martin Luther King Day – Preschool Closed, EC Open Board Meeting, 7 pm 17 St. David’s hosts NKAD* Meeting, 6:30 – 9pm 18 Chapel, 9:05 19 Open House, 9:30 25, 27 “Animals in Winter” 26 Chapel, 9:05

Birthday Wishes Happy January Birthdays to Shari McAllister and Lindsey Mulvena!

Happy New Year! We hope that you and your family had a very Merry Christmas!

Many thanks to all who shopped at our December Scholastic Book Fair. Sales totaled over $661.00 and our profit was about $ 600 (USD) or $1500 (Scholastic Dollars). Several books were also purchased in advance for the annual Liam James Kane Book Drive!

*St. David’s Day School to Host NKAD

This is the second year that St. David’s has hosted this meeting of local early childhood teachers. It is a chance to show off to our colleagues (and competi-tors) all that our program offers to young children and their families. NKAD (Nursery-Kindergarten Association of Delaware) sponsors five such meetings each year. We welcome Dr. Donna Sand-erson of West Chester University back for another very informative workshop!

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Happy New Year! Happy New Year! Happy New Year! Happy New Year! Happy New Year! Happy New Year! Happy New Year! Happy New Year! Happy New Year!

Open House Thursday, January 19th

9:30 – 11:30

Come and visit our children and staff during a regular

school day!

Watch them learn through play!

Listen to them sing and laugh!

Receive registration information!

*Registration Begins! Registration opens January 11th for current families; followed by parishioners and legacy families, and then the general public.

Children must be age-appropriate by August 31, 2017 to begin school in September. Classes for twos, threes and fours. Morning preschool or full-day. Two through five days per week.

St. David’s Episcopal Day School is peanut and tree-nut free in all snacks and meal served. Limited financial aid available.

Call the school office at302-475-3747 or simply email at st_davids_day_school@verizon.net to reserve your space for the Open House or for more information.

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Milestones & Transitions features updates about that which is happening in your lives: graduations, retirements, chang-ing jobs, moving/change of address, birth of a child/adoption, going off to college...all those major things that the community would want to know about and lift up in prayer for God’s blessing. If you have an item please contact the Parish Office at 302-475-4688 or email at stdavidschurchoffice@verizon.net .

We offer condolences to the Rev. Brad Hinton on the death of this father, Robert Hinton. “Bob” died peacefully surrounded by his family on December 7th. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

Electronic Giving* in 2017 If you changed the amount of your pledge going into 2017, stop by the table in the Narthex and grab a new VANCO sheet. Adjust the amount of your pledge and sign the form giving the parish your permission to make the switch. If you are not changing the amount of your pledge, there is no need to fill out a new form.

*Electronic Giving enables every household or individual to give their church offering by using electronic funds transfer (EFT). There is no cost to you for this giving option. You won’t need to write weekly or monthly checks as the amount will be withdrawn from your checking account. It is fast, easy and safe. If you would like to participate, please fill out one of the forms in the Narthex.

2017 Sunday Flower Dedications Sign-Up is Live People give flowers for many reasons: in honor of friends, children, and spouses, and in memory of a loved one who has passed away. The cost of giving flowers in 2017 is $50.00. Simply sign-up for any date listed on the Sign-Up Genius link found on the parish webpage, and leave your check in a timely manner in the par-ish office or designate it clearly on an envelope in the Offering.

When signing up, please, fill in all information. This insures the dedication will be correctly printed in the bulletin.

T he new year is an opportunity to sort out the useless tasks and plan for the important; to review the failures and resolve to be successful; to take an

inventory of causes and pledge life to purpose and service. These being done, the new will truly be new, different and better.

—C. Neil Strait

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Pledge Campaign Update

The 2016-17 Pledge Campaign “Mission NOT Impossible” ended in December with some pretty amazing results. Saint David’s lost an unusually high number of households prior to the campaign due to retirement relocations and deaths. In addition, several families experienced health and financial challenges that limited their ability to participate or financially support the parish. The vestry looked to the future filled with hope that God’s faithful people would meet the challenges of a significant shortfall – their hopes were well placed! Members and friends pledged $240,000 – only $7,000 short of last year’s total. That is an amazing accomplishment considering how large a deficit we faced. Thanks be to God and thanks to everyone who was able to participate. We welcome anyone to turn in a card or call the church office and let us know you want to participate too. It’s never too late to support the mission of the parish.

Courtenay Hoerneman Bernie Glavin Junior Warden Senior Warden

Vestry Highlights

At its rescheduled December 18th 2015 meeting, your Vestry . . .

Approved the 2017 Budget, based on the pledges received to date.

Approved a request to host a Red Cross Blood Drive on Saturday, February 4, 2017.

The Nominating Committee for the Vestry Class of 2020 will be Courtenay Hoerneman, Bernie Glavin, Tracey Mulveny, and Chip Snowden. The slate of nominees must be published sixty (60) days before the Annual Meeting – April 30, 2017.

The very successful Quarter Auction has been re-scheduled for Saturday, April 22, 2017.

Respectfully submitted, Janet Leishman Clerk of the Vestry

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‘Only’ Is Enough God is not looking for

the best qualifications, best ability, best

charisma, best pro-spects type of people — not that he would

turn down these sorts automatically, because it’s also true that some of the most gifted peo-ple in our society have

also been some of God’s best servants. But that is a coinci-

dence and not a requirement. I think that is because God knows that the vast majority of men and

women fall into the “I am only” category. But

only is enough with God’s help, and it would

amaze you what God can make of them.

Alastair Symington

2017 “Sneak Peek” Calendar January 12 Bishop’s Retirement Reception (Snow Date 13th)

15 Choices Are Good—Session 3 Discussion Groups and Sunday School Begins

19 Day School Open House

February 19 All Generations Event in preparation of our Patronal Feast

26 Patronal Feast of Saint David

28 Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

March 1 Ash Wednesday Liturgy—7:00 pm

5 Choices Are Good—Session 4 Discussion Groups Begin and Sunday School Returns

April 9 Holy Week—No Committee Meetings

9 Palm/Passion Sunday (8:00 & 10:15 am) Last Day of Sunday School

13 Maundy Thursday Service—7 pm

14 Good Friday Service—7 pm

15 The Great Vigil of Easter—8 pm with Reception to follow

16 Easter Day (8 & 10:15 am services) with Easter Egg Hunt to follow

22 Quarter Auction

23 EOY Education Celebration

30 Annual Meeting—One service at 9:30 am

May 21 Rogation Sunday

June 4 Pentecost Sunday—Memorial Day Wknd.

11 Trinity Sunday

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Words of Wisdom

“I know nothing except what everyone knows — if there when Grace dances, I should dance.”

—W.H. Auden

Hospitality at St. David’s Many people comment that they find the members of St. David’s to be warm and welcoming...friendly! Hospi-tality Hour is one of the best ways to welcome the visi-tor in our midst, make personal connections, link peo-ple to community events in our parish, and incorporate them into our life together. Please, prayerfully consider hosting a Hospitality Hour to welcome all who come through our doors.

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained

angels without knowing it.” -Hebrews 13:2

Glad Tidings! Is published monthly by

St. David’s Episcopal Parish 2320 Grubb Road / Wilmington, DE 19810 302.475.4688 / www.stdavidsde.org

The Reverend Brad Hinton, Rector Steven Weatherman, Publications Editor

Articles to Glad Tidings! may be submitted via email to stdavidschurchoffice@verizon.net. The deadline is the 15th of the each month. The Editor reserves the right to edit for content and space.

I Am Your Church Office!

I am open

Monday thru Thursday 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

302-475-4688 Please call or email me:

When you want to add someone to the prayer list.

When you or a member of your family is in the hospital.

When a new baby arrives in your family.

When you lose a loved one.

When your home or business phone changes.

When your email address changes.

When you are planning to move - locally or out of town.

When your class or group needs meeting space on the calendar.

I am here for you.

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Christmas Cheer Thank You Many thanks go out to Andrea Kane who organized another lovely between service reception on Christmas Eve! It was so good to take a few minutes and enjoy the company of our St. David’s family on that holy night… along with a few tasty treats, as well. May the good feelings continue well into the New Year!

‘Christmas at Sea’ Thank You I wanted to thank you and everyone at Saint David’s for their participation, once again, in Christmas at Sea. I thought you might like to pass on the word that all of your boxes went out onto two ships this morning. The Sol do Brazil brings us orange and apple juice from Brazil and is a “return caller” ship – we see them eve-ry three months or so, and the Wild Peo-ny brought us Clementines. Their Russian Chief Mate declared to the River Pilot that the Seamen’s Center is the “best in the world”.

Again, thank you to all! Merry Christmas!

Joan Lyons Executive Director Seamen’s Center of Wilmington

Thank you for supporting our Foster Child and Senior Christmas gift program Thank your for your generous contribu-tions to our Adopt A Foster Child and Senior program. And a big thank you to all the St. David elves for coming out and helping the Outreach Commit-tee wrap all those Christmas gifts. This year, we met in the Narthex, went through miles of wrapping paper and ribbon, and along the way enjoyed each other's company, music, pizza, cookies and Christmas cheer. It may take a village to raise a child but we know it takes many hands to wrap all those gifts---hands both big and small.

-The Outreach Committee Christmas Eve Guest Musician Thank You Many thanks to Steve Zimmerman, flute, clarinet, and soprano saxophone; Caty Butler, cello; and Lee Hirata, auxiliary keyboard. They added so much musical beauty to worship on that holy night. Thanks also to the Choir of St. David's for doing a splendid job of bringing us the good news of Jesus, Emmanuel.

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Please call the Church Office to put someone on the Prayer List or to remove a name from the list. Each person on the

list remains there for one month unless the office is notified that an additional month is desired. The name is read during Intercessory Prayers in worship the first week of the listing. We remember these people in our prayers and in our hearts.

Stewart Taub Karin Fang Sam Bell Carol Clark Merritt Tilley Renee Tilley Gladys Frick Robert Girard Jane Britton Morgan Brown Kay Bennett Bill Waid Grace Ellen Clark

John Van-Catledge Bob Ransom Olivia Kirby Thomas Sheila Coffin Charlie Courtney Hugh Bryan Betty Long Marcia Wight Carissa Krawchuk Carron Ingham Melissa Reineck James Benfield Kaylynn Taylor

Chuck Kearns Kathy Meehan Colleen McGill Marion Allison Sue Taber Rob Carver Vivianne Meffen Jimmy Myers Sharon Doogan Alex Walsh Rob Lockwood Danielle Stislicki Michelle Freund

In Our Thoughts & Prayers

1 Julie Shehan 2 Hank Dowdy 3 Sarah Siegel 8 Christopher Hanna Anna Winslow 11 Tim Brislin Chris Logullo 12 Gavin Cassidy 14 Caneel Blasucci 15 Andrea Kane 18 Glenda Ruggiero Graham Wright Louisabella Yovino

21 Carolyn Backus 22 Chris Frick Kathrine Hanna 23 Leila Mulveny Kathy Young 24 Matthew LeGrow 25 Laurie Schall 26 Anne Harra Nathan Hoernemann Carolyn Manion 28 Deva Scheel 29 Christopher Olmstead Marty Verderame

30 Licinia Kaliher Liz Wehle 1 Betty & George DiPirro

Carolyn Backus Caroline Costa Deceased Emily Wilson Elizabeth Nowland Robert Hinton

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NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID WILMINGTON DE PERMIT NO. 641

Saint David’s Episcopal Parish 2320 Grubb Road Wilmington, DE 19810 Return Address Service

May God make your year a happy one!

Not by shielding you from all sorrow and pain, But by strengthening you to bear it as it comes;

Not by making your path easy, But by making you sturdy to travel any path;

Not by taking hardships from you, But by taking fear from your heart;

Not by granting you unbroken sunshine, But by keeping your face bright, even in the shadows;

Not by making your life always pleasant, But by showing you when people and their causes need you most, and by making you anxious to be there to help.

God’s love, peace, hope and joy to you for the year ahead.