About St. David of Wales
Saint David of Wales is a new-old church that has been a place for worship and community service since its founding in 1870. The parish is experiencing a re-birth and a re-dedication to its mission.
We strive to be a neighborhood gathering spot for the many activities that support the values of our southeast neighborhood: spiritual and physical well-being, environmental sustainability, and community.
The church is staffed by a growing group of dedicated volunteers, and by the Rev. Sara Fischer, who joined the Saint David community in May, 2009. We are also blessed by a gifted deacon, an enthusiastic Sunday school coordinator, an energetic, multi-talented music director and a wonderful parish administrator.
Staff
The Rev. Sara Fischer, Rector
The Rev. Sara Fischer came to St. David’s in May of 2009, after serving for four years as rector of St. John the Evangelist in Milwaukie, Oregon. Prior to that time she was Associate for Faith Formation at Grace Memorial in Northeast Portland. She has served in a variety of diocesan leadership positions. Her experience, her entrepreneurial spirit, her grounding in our southeast Portland neighborhood and her great love for the Episcopal Church make her the right person to lead St. David into the future. Contact the Rev. Fischer via email or by calling St. David's, (503) 232-8461.
The Rev. Deacon Katharine Holland
Deacon Katharine Holland was ordained in 1994. She has had a special call to the ministry of healing: healing ministry groups, prayer circles, a prayer shawl ministry, and Healing and Wholeness worship. In addition to the healing ministry, Deacon Katharine has led Women’s Retreats, created a small, portable Minoan labyrinth, & developed various Christian Education programs. She also serves as a spiritual director for those wishing to deepen their relationship with Christ. Previously, she has served the parishes of St. Gabriel's in Rock Creek & Grace Memorial in NE Portland. Her working history includes serving as Community Care Project Coordinator & respite care volunteer with Providence/St. Vincent Hospice, as an instructor in the In-School Scouting program serving youth in Portland’s inner-city schools, and as a programmer analyst for Tektronix. She has been married to Darryl Holland, who works as a software engineer for Multnomah County, for 32 years. They are especially interested in traveling to Christian sites. In 2007, they led a four-week pilgrimage to Great Britain, which included four days at the original St. David's in Wales. Contact Deacon Holland by phone, (503) 641-0676 or email.
Sandy Parks, Children's Ministries Coordinator
Sandy and her family joined the St. David's community in December 2009, returning to Portland after twelve years in the St. Louis area. As a member of her former congregation in St. Louis, Sandy taught Sunday School and was the director of the Vacation Bible School program. Her love of children and strong belief in the importance of Christian formation make her an ideal fit as St. David's Children's Ministries Coordinator. Sandy and her family are thrilled to be back in the Pacific Northwest and to be a part of St. David of Wales' warm and welcoming congregation.
Daniel Fitzmaurice, Music Director
Daniel Fitzmaurice graduated with a Bachelor of Music in education and piano in May 2009 from Temple University in Philadelphia but grew up on the beach in Milford, Connecticut. He has developed a diverse array of musical gifts from teaching piano lessons to choral conducting, composing to organ performance. After cycling across the country to raise awareness for affordable housing with Habitat for Humanity's Bike + Build, he looks forward to spreading his roots in and exploring his new home, Portland. Contact Dan via email or by calling St. David's, (503) 232-8461.
Melissa Reeser, Parish Administrator
Melissa coordinates many of the day-to-day operations of the parish, especially the many activities in and around our physical plant. Melissa's background includes communication and property management, and her experience in the non-profit world has included co-managing an urban educational farm and serving an apprenticeship at a yoga center, both in California. Having moved to Portland in December, 2009, she looks forward to serving her new community through her work at St. David's. In her free time, she loves exploring new places to hike and bicycle. Contact Melissa via email or by calling St. David's, (503) 232-8461.
What We Do
We gather for worship and for ministry in our community and beyond. We are a sacramental community: the center of our common life is the holy meal we share each week at God’s table. We also like to get together to break bread and share fellowship as often as we can in other ways: after services, in each other's homes, in a local pub, or with people who are hungry. We follow Jesus, God’s agent in the healing of the world. We pray that we faithfully continue Jesus’ mission in the world. At St. David do this through breaking bread together, through making our outdoor space a sign of God’s abundance and beauty, and through inviting our neighbors and their friends to share in our common life in whatever way suits their journey.