HAPPY NEW YEAR . . . Here we go again – a New Year and a new Priest for St. David’s. How good is that? The Rev. Duane Fister came to us in December. Upon graduation from Washington State University in 1975, he continued to live in Pullman where he began his electrical contracting business and was also hired to be a staff pastor at a large non-denominational congregation. His education includes a Master of Divinity from a church-based college, the College of Ministry Training. He received a Doctor of Practical Ministry degree from Wagner Leadership Institute in Colorado Springs and most recently graduated from a Lutheran-specific course of study at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley. As well, he is still an electrical contractor.
He and his wife, Lynn, have three girls and one boy. They have actively participated together in all manner of pastoral work and pastoral care. Lynn has been involved in various non-profit and church volunteer activities. She is also a licensed C.P.A. and currently serves as Executive Director of the Student-Athletic Health and Well-Being Grant Program for the Pacl2 Conference.
The Fister’s are lifelong learners and enjoy reading, book club, entrepreneurship, hanging out with family and friends, and particularly loving on grandchildren. Their family consists of 21 family members with eleven grandchildren plus four granddogs. They are as pleased to receive the congregation of St. David of Wales into their circle of new family and friends as we are to receive them. The Fister’s reside in North Mason County.
WE THANK FR. STEVE for holding us together in the Interim. He took over the position with enthusiasm during the Pandemic and conducted streaming services, and zoom meetings. Although he holds another job, he managed to meet and greet members of the congregation and spread good-will within it. He and his wife Beth have actively participated in church activities. We thank them for not only their enthusiasm but strengths in a time of need. We hope they will still be able to be involved as time goes on.
VESTRY NEWS . . . With the Annual Meeting coming up in February, there are some things we will have to think about.
Sr. Warden Mike Callaghan will be retiring and members Judy Ogden and Tamra Ingwaldson have completed their terms of office. An election of new members and the appointment of a new Senior Warden by Fr. Duane will be on the agenda.
Also, Jr. Warden Cheri Ratay reports that the heat is on again in the Church. The problem with the furnace has been detected and fixed.
BIBLE STUDY CLASSES will return using the Zoom platform. These meetings will take place following the Sunday service at approximately 12:00. As soon as the plan is in place, you will receive instruction from Cheri via a church memorandum on how to access the Adult Education Hour. Hopefully, the first will be held on January 3rd. Fr. Duane is anxious to begin.
COMMUNITY LIFELINE . . . Dianna Timm Dryden is on the Board of Directors for Community Lifeline. She is requesting our help with the Dinner Meals.
Once a month she needs contributions for the evening meal. Other churches in the community contribute on different nights each month as well. Dianna selects a theme for the meal and members of the church donate an item. The staff of CLL serves the meal.
If you can help with this outreach ministry, please give her a call at 360-463-7859 or email at canalana@live.com.
OBITUARY – Sir Robert Darrell Hart passed away on November 9th at Solstice Senior Center in Tacoma with his wife, Kathleen Hart beside him. The couple had been married for over 70 years.
Bob was born June 29, 1924. Kathleen and Bob had been members of St. David’s for several years before moving to Tacoma for health reasons. Bob graduated from Lincoln High School, Tacoma in 1942 and earned an airframe and engines certification from Clover Park Technical College in 1947. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942 and was a member of the 517th Airborne D. Company combat division. His military commendations include a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. He was awarded the French Legion of Honor and was
‘knighted’ by the Ambassador from France at a ceremony in Seattle.
Bob was a volunteer – a fireman, little league helper and a member of the Fraternal Order of Elks He spent endless hours volunteering at The Saints’ Pantry Food Bank. He had a great personality and will be missed by many.
SOCK DRIVE . . . When Terry O’Hara was still with us he began a Sock Drive for homeless men and women, clients of Community Lifeline. It is not too late to do that as socks are needed all the time.
Please keep Terry’s memory alive with this annual effort to share the warmth. Checks can be sent to (and please enter St David’s Socks on the memo line):
Community Lifeline
P. O. Box 698
Shelton, WA 98584
PLEASE PRAY for the health of men, women, children, and families around the world that their health will strengthen communities and protect the health of the most vulnerable.
We pray especially for those close tour hearts . . . . Shawn, Mike & Judy, Doug, Barrett, Janet, Greg, David, Ann, Robin, Betty, Margaret, Jonathan & Christina, Sue, Jesse, Kathy, Don, Kayla & Ryan, Anthony, Megan, Pat and Harry.
JANUARY BIRTHDAYS . . .
- George Davidson 1/4;
- Betti Haskins 1/9;
- Dave Salzer 1/12;
- Steve Brill 1/15;
- Karen Little and
Sky Carroll 1/22; - Elinor Lindquist 1/27;
- James Poirson 1/31.
Happy Birthday to all and may God Bless You!
DATES TO REMEMBER . . .
Sun. January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Streamed service at 10:30 a.m. on YouTube with Bible Study to follow (plans are still being made, a memo will follow, so stay tuned.)