David Ponedel

David Ponedel Rt. Rev. David Ponedel, Oakland, Bishop of the Church of Divine Man, was "The Sacred Water Bishop," known internationally for bringing the concept of oneness of the human spirit through rituals with holy healing waters gathered from more than 150 sacred water sources throughout the world. He died suddenly at his home in Oakland on September 4th. He was 65. He was influential in bringing progressive ideas to the interfaith movement locally and internationally. President of the Berkeley Area Interfaith Council (1993-present), member, Board of Directors of the North America Interfaith Network (1995-present), consistent delegate to the Parliament of World Religions (1993-2009), member, Board of Directors of the Interfaith Center at the Presidio (1993-present), he was a "quiet and passionate doer within the local and international Interfaith movement," according to Paul Chaffee, Executive Director of the Interfaith Center at the Presidio. "He was concerned that we address the spiritual needs of those who worshiped outdoors as well as those who worshiped indoors." His influence is measured by his being a "consistent change agent for a new direction for Interfaith, having dedicated more than 25 years to interfaith," said VRR Susan Hull Bostwick, executive Director, Berkeley Psychic Institute, seminary of the Church of Divine Man of Berkeley. Ponedel graduated as an ordained minister in 1983 and joined the Berkeley Area Interfaith Council in 1985. He was subsequently elevated to Interfaith Bishop in 1991. Ponedel was there in the early stages of development of the Interfaith movement with leadership positions in several organizations. Ponedel was more than his Bishop title and activities, although he interwove his beliefs into his work. He was known to bring spirituality to hospitality: he was a well known Bay Area Chef with 36 years in the business. He graduated with honors from the Culinary Institute of America, 1976. He brought the concept of hospitality and food as a spiritual practice to interfaith gatherings, cooking and serving entrees as well as snacks to please the vegan and the carnivore alike. His concept was to bring people to the common table of spiritual sustenance through food service. Ponedel was an everyman: artist, painter, photographer, drummer, Cajun dance teacher, tarot teacher, bible teacher, leader of spiritual adventures with Deja Vu Tours and Spiritual Adventures. He graduated with a BA in Fine Arts, UC Berkeley, 1971. He received the Richard Keating Most likely to Succeed Award; won numerous first place food awards in festivals and food shows throughout the SF Bay Area; faculty advisor New Seminary West, Berkeley, entitled Bishop of the Church of Divine Man, 1991. Ponedel was born in Berkeley, March 21, 1945 and raised in the Bay Area. He is survived by his soul mate and loving wife, Diana L. Ponedel, Oakland, sister Alix Shor, Santa Rosa, son Ethan David Ponedel, Ukiah, and granddaughter Eva, Ukiah. A memorial will be held Sunday, September 26, 4:30 pm, at the Interfaith Presidio Chapel (directions at www.interfaith-presidio.org). David took joy in providing food and hospitality for people of all faiths. So in lieu of flowers, tax-deductible donations may be made in his name to support hospitality at the Interfaith Center at the Presidio, P.O. Box 29055, San Francisco, CA 94129.