"Whether you come to us as a believer, a seeker, a doubter, or any combination of these, you are welcome here."
These are the words with which Pastor Dave Shull begins each Sunday service -- and it is in this invitation that each person who comes through our doors will know that they are accepted, cared for and valued.
A social worker and psychotherapist, as well as a pastor, Dave brings his compassion for those who are hurting or lost, marginalized or alone to his work both at Spirit of Peace UCC and at the Recovery Cafe in Seattle where he offers counseling and support for those who struggle with addictions and homelessness. Read his letter that follows to get the story of his personal and professional journey. Then, join us some upcoming Sunday and plan to be inspired!
Dave blends humor and wisdom, song and blessing, and intellect and faith into his sermons -- from his time with young children to his solemn prayers for God's grace in the midst of a troubled world. His teachings reflect a passionate commitment to following Jesus and a spiritual depth that is evident to all who know him.
A Letter from Dave
Dear Friends,
I enjoy nothing more than long, passionate, respectful conversations about faith, values, life, politics, struggle, and the challenge of living with integrity, commitment, and hope. Preferably surrounding a meal with good dessert. I believe being in community with each other in which we can be unafraid to be fully ourselves, while making real what we hear God calling us to create, is the best way for us to be God-like. Because I believe we are at our best as human beings when we come together to worship, play, work, break bread, speak honestly, argue lovingly, laugh, make music, support each other in our times of challenge, and give thanks.
That's why I love the church. That's my vision of church. Being the place we come together to do all of these things, and to be that fearless place where we can be authentically ourselves. And where we can be met by the God who wants to love us, surprise us, force us into uncomfortable places where we can re-imagine who we are and what we're called to commit our lives to. Church is where we risk standing against what the society and culture around us tell us defines success, patriotism, popularity, and goodness. Church is where the story of Jesus becomes our story, and we seek to live like he would live our lives if he were walking in our shoes and seeing the world through our eyes.
I moved to the Northwest 14 years ago when my partner of 22 years and I were called to serve as pastors at University Congregational United Church of Christ in Seattle. I served there 11-1/2 years, until January 2006, when I felt called out by God to some new ministry I could not yet imagine. I studied Spanish in Guatemala for three months, which was fantastic. I currently work half-time at Spirit of Peace United Church of Christ and half-time at the Recovery Cafe, a center of community and support for homeless and near-homeless people trying to stay in recovery from addictions. I also have a small private psychotherapy practice.
I studied political science at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota. I received my divinity degree from Yale Divinity School and a Master of Arts in social work at the University of Chicago. I grew up the middle of three boys in Wooster, Ohio. In our spare time, my partner and I love to travel, make music, read, bicycle, and share meals with friends.
I always enjoy getting to know new people by hearing what is important to them. So please visit us at Spirit of Peace. And we can discover what is important to you.
~Dave