Welcome Home Sunday 2024

We are grateful for everyone who came together to make Welcome Home Sunday a joyful end-of-summer celebration.

Historic Church was full at the 10:30 a.m. all-parish worship, captured in a selfie for Pastor Angela by Father Chuck! The parish blessed books from our July back-to-school book drive for Norman-Sims Elementary collected in collaboration with Welcome Table at St. James Episcopal Church.

Welcome Table, along with Magdalene House, and Ladies Let's Talk were the three non-profit organizations chosen this year as recipients of $10,000 St. David's Community Grants. Chairperson Jess Chapin invited all who were interested to serve on the grants committee and we gave our thanks for the work of volunteers of The Next-to-New Shop (our consignment and resale shop on Burnett Rd.) which partially donates their sales to raise funds for these annual grants to the community.

Next, children and educators came to the altar for backpack and bag blessings and to receive back-to-school bag tags from Director of Children's and Family Ministries Fr. Kristin Braun. Children and Youth are invited to a Fall programming orientation on the first floor from 10-11 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 25.

Following the blessings, there was a surprise final "priest-wrangling" duty from Catherine Roberts, executive assistant to the Rector, who reminded Father Chuck of a missed announcement! Catherine is retiring in September and is celebrating her 20 years of ministry in Sumners Hall at 10 a.m. on Aug. 25.

After worship, we gathered for fellowship and a hearty lunch prepared by Chef Ray's kitchen volunteer team in Sumners Hall.  Fr. Chuck gave updates on our Year of Discernment, how to volunteer for Trinity Center's new Cooling Center pilot, and Executive Director of Next-to-New Robert Reid spoke about the shop and their mission.

On the playground families found bubbles, a hotdog/fruit/cookies lunch, and giant inflatable splash pad! Kid's were able to wear swim gear to church, get a break from the heat and celebrate the last days of summer!