WEEKLY NEWSLETTER – February 16th – Fr. Thomas

Today, of course, is Valentine’s Day. Who was St. Valentine? We don’t know much about him historically except that he was a martyred priest in ancient Rome who ministered to Christian prisoners, and that he was buried north of the city on February 14th, in the mid- 3rd century. It is also uncertain if the name “Valentine” is associated with one person, or more saints of the same name. His popularity likely spread in response to a pagan custom where boys wrote down girl’s names on cards as part of their petition to honor the Roman fertility gods. Another custom associated with this date is in recognition of a medieval belief that birds choose their mates at this time of year. Nonetheless, because of the lack of firm evidence, his liturgical commemoration was never included in the official list of saints in the Western Church; although, he is still venerated by florists, greeting card companies and candy makers!

Valentine’s Day can be a lonely day for some people- even couples, but it’s never a bad idea to pray for all couples, and particularly that their relationships manifest the same grace and love of Christ for His Church, even to the point of offering his own life for those he loves. In the Eastern Church, there’s a tradition that both the bride and groom wear a crown on their wedding day. But over time, crowns give way to curlers, and a man’s majesty gives way when “the king” can’t find his socks! Maybe that’s why we consider marriage a sacrament in the Church; it’s a journey which, if entered into realistically and nurtured by God’s grace, can indeed grow into an “outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace,” as the Prayer Book catechism defines it. Marriage is like the journey of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus following the Resurrection, who only gradually recognize Jesus in their midst as a companion on the way; through the discoveries and disappointments, the Good Fridays and the Easter Sundays. As has been said, “Marriage is not simply gazing adoringly into each other’s eyes; but looking together in the same direction.”

This Week at St. David’s

Bunco – Saturday, February 15th 6:00 p.m. – $10pp – 3 winners – potluck

Youth Group – meets Sunday, February 16th, at 11:15 a.m. in the big schoolroom

Hospitality Hour – Daughters of the King

Women’s Bible Study – Sunday, 11:15 a.m.

Holy Eucharist – Tuesday 8:30 a.m.

M000en’s Bible Study – Tuesday 7:00 p.m.

Holy Eucharist And Rosary – Wednesday 6:30 p.m.

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.

Evensong – St. David’s Feast Day, Sunday March 1st, 4:00 pm

Parish Picnic – Sunday March 8th, 1-4pm, Pavilion #3 at Village Park on Pierson Road

Stations of the Cross – Friday, during Lent 6:30 p.m.

Please Pray – For the sick: Steve, Bob, Tania, Michelle, Toni, Linda, Laurie, Francine, Timone, Donna, Ashlyn, Robin. For birthday celebrations: Dawn LaBorde, Jedidiah Kalphat, Dennis Wright, Howard Barrett. For our expectant mother: Sofia. For the faithful departed: Larry Saifman

Flower & Candles – dates are available for designation of altar flowers for $40.00