David serves Eden Invitation by encouraging the growth of our community chapters and volunteers, cultivating pastoral support, and facilitating connection between Eden Invitation and ecclesial groups. As a lay member of the Emmanuel Community since 2013, he has served in, Brazi, France, and the United States. He has also worked for NET Ministries USA, and in parish ministry. He is a graduate of Ave Maria University and is working on a Master’s of Arts in Theology at the St. Paul Seminary in MN.
"On the Porch" with David
We’re more than what we do or what we’ve done– we’re unrepeatable people with unique stories to tell.
So if you have a moment, pull up a chair on our metaphorical porch here and get to know us a bit more!
How have you seen God moving in your life?
I see God moving in my life through the charism of the Emmanuel Community which animates my service with Eden Invitation. This charism is summed up in that Christ is always near us, in all of our human experience, in the here and now. With this Presence being so close to us, we can be called to holiness and to share the Heart of Jesus with the modern world. In my work with Eden Invitation, I get to experience this by how lives of those in Eden Invitation witness to the Holy Spirit’s power to sanctify modern disciples - in quite bold and countercultural ways.
I met Eden Invitation by first reading Anna’s first blog post on NET Ministries’ website when I was serving in France. I actually did my “story call” from there and attended the first retreat in 2019.
Who has inspired you on this Journey to Heaven? Patron Saints, role models, cool authors?
Sts. Charles de Foucauld, Thérèse of Lisieux, and Venerable Pierre Goursat are my patron saints.
Inspiration for Heaven? The novels of Michael D. O’Brien always inspires me when I’m feeling dry in prayer or discouraged. “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the sculptures of Auguste Rodin, the paintings of Raphael, the mind of Leonardo Da Vinci, the poetry of Jalal al-Din Muhammad Rumi, the bravery and witness of Sophie Scholl, Nicholas Black Elk, Alexei Navalny, Dorothy Day, the mindfulness of Thich Nhat Hanh, the love of the Church of Joseph Ratzinger and Henri du Lubac.
What’s a beautiful part of your job? Perhaps something that people may not see from the surface level of your job description?
I love seeing disciples with an LGBTQ+ experience who are striving to live out a “yes” to Christ in his Church. I also love seeing leaders in the Church striving to offer a sensitive and worthy and orthodox pastoral response. Both these groups strive so much, even if they don’t know how to go about it or feel limited - they strive in tandem. I love seeing this and I think the Lord does too.
Can you show us a glimpse of your experience in this mission, like videos, links, interviews, etc?
Sparks of Hope | 2023 Anniversary Drive Feature
Growing Community | Hearth Group Coordinators | Good Fruit Feature 2023
How can people be praying for you and your work?
This work can be very personally challenging. Please pray for me!
Porch Events are opportunities for people to get to know our community better. If we did a Potluck for a Porch Event, what are you bringing?
For convenience, crockpot meatballs. For fun, a well-arranged charcuterie, cheese, and fruit board.
Book Clubs are centered on walking together as striving Disciples with LGBTQ+ experiences, usually reading a spiritual classic or Eden Invitation blogs. BUT if you could do a Book Club with Eden Invitation people, on ANY book, which book would you choose?
Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh
We love seeing the beloved and unrepeatable talents of our Community and Pastoral Team during our Retreat TalenTED show! What would you do for TalenTED?
If there were enough time, I’d love to do a live portrait with charcoal. One day, I hope to do oil painting.
If you could go on a Community Weekend, a kind of “family vacation” with your Hearth Group, to ANYWHERE in the world, where would you want to go?
Provence, France
It’s time for Toasts! When we raise a glass to celebrate God’s Graces in our lives, what bevvy are you lifting up?
A midwestern cream ale.
What’s your favorite piece of EI gear?
We love building playlists for each year’s Retreat theme– what are some top songs on your playlists?
“Stargazing” by Myles Smith
“I Had Some Help” by Morgan Wallen & Post-Malone
“¿Cómo Pasó?” by Ela Taubert
“Dopamine (Split Brain Version)” by Madelline