WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – January 19th – Fr. Thomas

Eboo Patel, the distinguished author and commentator, in his book, Sacred Ground tells a story about visiting Berea College in Kentucky. Prior to a scheduled speech in the college chapel he was asked by a college official if he wanted the cross removed from its prominent place in the church. The question was an attempt to be sensitive to Patel’s deep Muslim faith. Patel’s response was somewhat surprising. Rather than consenting to the cross’ removal, he replied: “I don’t want them to cover the cross or remove it. I don’t want them to hide their Christian Faith; I want them to tell the story of how that cross inspired them to build an interracial college in pre-Civil War Kentucky. I want them to share how that cross moves them to admit Buddhists from Sri Lanka, Hindus from India, and have them in classes and volunteer activities with Christians from Appalachia. I want them to tell the world, ‘This is what it means to be a Christian.”

The Annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins on January 18, the Feast of the Confession of St. Peter and concludes on January 25, the Conversion of St. Paul. Next Monday is also the national observance of the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. Speaking personally, if we are not true to our own faith tradition, or ask our ecumenical partners, or ourselves, to be something less than who we or they are; we do each party a great disservice. In past generations, perhaps Christians of different denominations were not as familiar with each other’s traditions and practices. Now we have no excuse for ignoring the simple truth that we have much more in common than what divides us. “Before we can love one another, we must understand one another, and before we can understand one another, we need to meet one another.”

Next Thursday, we have been invited once again to join with other Christians to worship together at St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Seminary in Boynton Beach at 7:30 p.m. for a special Taize service, followed by a reception. Carpooling begins at 6:45 p.m. from our church parking lot. The world is too strong for a divided Christianity. On the most important night of his earthly life, Jesus prayed that his disciples would all be one; not necessarily “alike” but at least able to come to the same table together. We still have a way to go before that becomes a reality so it’s up to all Christians to do what we can until there is truly One Lord, One Faith, and One Baptism, under the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ our Lord.

THIS WEEK AT ST. DAVID’S

HOSPITALITY HOUR – Daughters of the King

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – Sunday, 11:15 a.m.

HOLY EUCHARIST – Tuesday 8:30 a.m.

MEN’S BIBLE STUDY – Tuesday 7:00 p.m.

HOLY EUCHARIST AND ROSARY – Wednesday 6:30 p.m.

OUTREACH SUNDAY – donations accepted today for the feeding of the homeless in Riviera Beach at St. George’s Church, Wednesday, January 22nd, at 5:00 p.m.

SOUPER-BOWL – Palanca Pantry is collecting SOUPS (canned, bagged, boxed, wrapped) Jan. 26th and Feb. 2nd.

VESTRY – Sunday, January 19th, 11:15 a.m. in Church

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY – Tuesday, January 21st 7:00 p.m. Mark Room

ECUMENICAL SERVICE – to mark the Annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, St. Vincent DePaul Seminary, Boynton Beach, Thursday, January 23, 7:30 p.m. Reception to follow.

FIRST COMMUNION CLASSES – for children ages six and up begin Wednesday, January 29th at 5:00 p.m. and continue each Wednesday through February 19th. Contact the office to enroll your child.

EVENSONG –Presentation of our Lord – Sunday, February 2nd 4:00 p.m.

BLOOD DRIVE – sponsored by OUTREACH – Sunday, February 9th, 8:30am-12noon

CURSILLO REUNION – Sunday, February 9th, 12:00- 3:00 in the parish hall

RUMMAGE SALE sponsored by the EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN – Saturday February 22nd & Sunday February 23rd

PANCAKE SUPPER – SHROVE TUESDAY – February 25th, 5:30 p.m.

ASH WEDNESDAY – February 26th, 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

PLEASE PRAY – For the sick: Irwin, Tania, Marianne, Kelly, Michelle, Mark, Rudy, Toni, Emily, Linda, Laurie, Francine, Timone, Donna, Ashlyn, Robin. For birthday celebrations: Jamie Murray, Ethan Douglas, Donald McCree. For our expectant mothers: Megan, Sofia.

2019 CHARITY CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS – available upon request for $250.00 and over; call or email parish office