"I thank my God every time I think of you, praying constantly . . ."

                                                                                      Philippians 1:3

Dear People of St. David's, 

I pray that you are well and are excited about the unofficial start of summer that begins this weekend. It's unofficial, of course because the sun has not quite reached its northern ascent and some of us are still in school and some have to keep working. Contrary to one of our youth a few years ago, who asked when St. David's closed for the summer, we continue to worship on Sunday and work together toward God's mission in this place.

Still, this weekend does mark some change in the quality of our life as One Body as we take vacation or just keep a more relaxed pace of life. I know that for me I will be away a good bit this summer due in part to my participation in the General Convention of the Episcopal Church in Salt Lake City in late June and early July, and a couple of vacations connected to out of town weddings we're attending. I hope you have some plans yourself, but I have one request of all of us this summer. Pray for one another. Take a moment each day this summer and say a prayer for St. David's Church. Pray for the people you know; the people you're less familiar with; the staff and the new clergy coming in June and July; and for this magnificent Body of Christ in this place.

Prayer is one of the most important ways that connect us to one another as a community of faith. It unleashes the power of God among us and in the ministry we share. Prayer helps us remember all that we have been for one another and all that God has in mind for us going forward. Prayer opens the way for a life of gratitude as we remember the love and grace and laughter and struggles we share. Prayer softens the heart like water on hard ground, and though we will be apart from one another on and off over this summer, we can remain One Body as we connect to God and one another through prayer.

Like Paul, writing to the Christians as he moved along from in Philippi, we can give thanks for one another, and pray for one another and St. David's all through this summer. I know I will. This Sunday is Pentecost, the celebration of the coming of the Holy Spirit among all of us. Please come to remember the power of God among the first Christians and among us. Wear something red, if you can, as a symbol of the fire that danced on the heads of Jesus' first followers and dances in our hearts today.

 Grace and Peace.

P.S. There's a trip to the early Christian sites in Greece and Turkey being organized for September. It will be led by the Rev. Dr. Martha Tucker and our former Associate, the Rev. Matt Holcombe. You can get the details on the website.