WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – October 11th – Fr. Thomas.

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WEEKLY MESSAGE – October 11th
The Church is open for “live” worships on Sundays at 8 & 10 am. Please note the guidelines below, which the Diocese is requiring to be followed for all in-person worship.
  • If you feel sick in any way or have any of the symptoms for COVID-19, please do not come to church.
  • All attendees must sign the register book – one family member can list all the members.
  • Those who live in the same household will be permitted to sit together in the same pew; but social distance from other attendees in alternate pews which will be set apart in advance.
  • Hand sanitizers will be available in the Narthex, and we ask that you use them, or your own, when you arrive at Church.
  • Facemasks must always be worn while in church.
  • There will be no physical sign of peace exchanged, at this time – except amongst family members.
  • The line for the reception of Holy Communion will follow appropriate distancing, as marked on the floor.
  • The Eucharist will be given in one kind in the hand only. We ask that you kindly keep your mask on as you receive Communion. Then step to the side, lift your mask, and consume the wafer before putting your mask back on and returning to your seat
  • Collection plates will be placed in the back of the church for your convenience – the plates will not be passed during Mass.
  • The Church building will be appropriately sanitized before and between Masses, as well as the restrooms.
RECTOR’S MESSAGE – Fr. Thomas.
A man was sleeping one night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light and God appeared.  The Lord told the man he had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock out in front of his cabin.  The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his might. So, this he did, day after day.  For many years he toiled from sun up to sundown, his shoulders set squarely against the cold, massive surface of the unmoving rock, pushing with all his might! Each night the man returned to his cabin sore and worn out, feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain. Seeing that the man was showing discouragement, the Adversary decided to enter the picture by placing thoughts into his weary mind. “You have been pushing against that rock for a long time and it hasn’t moved.”  Thus, he gave the man the impression that the task was impossible and that he was a failure.  These thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man. Satan said, “Why kill yourself over this?  You tried.  Quit wasting your time and move on.” That’s what the weary man planned to do, but decided to make it a matter of prayer and to take the troubled thoughts to the Lord.
“Lord,” he said, “I have labored long and hard in Your service, putting all my strength to do that which you have asked.  Yet, after all this time, I have not even budged that rock by a millimeter.  What is wrong?  What am I failing?” The Lord responded compassionately, “My child, when I asked you to serve Me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to push against the rock with all of your strength, which you have done.  Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it.  Your task was to push.  And now you come to Me with your strength spent, thinking that you have failed. But is that really so?  Look at yourself.  Your arms are strong and muscled, your back shiny and brown, your hands are callused from constant pressure, your legs have become massive and hard. Through opposition you have grown much, and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have.  True, you haven’t moved the rock.  But your calling was to be obedient, to push and to exercise your faith and trust in My wisdom.  That you have done.  Now I, my child, will move the rock.”
OK, so maybe we can’t move mountains, especially when life doesn’t always “go our way,” but we can with an obedient faith move “mountains” with God’s help.  Who knows what we can accomplish as long as we continue to PUSH.  (Pray Until Something Happens!!)  Because “He who fails is not the one who tries and falls, but the one who doesn’t try at all.”
NOTICES:
Video Viewing Options – there are three different ways to view our videos: 1) our church website; 2) our Facebook page; and 3) our YouTube channel.  See the links listed below.
Opportunities for Giving – there are several options that safely and efficiently expedite your generous donations: electronic bank transfers or automatic bank transfers via personal accounts or credit/debit cards; personal checks delivered by USPS; and our favorite through joining our giving family online through our website or at  www.myEoffering.com with our secure vendor Church Envelope Budget Company, who provides you with yearly offering envelopes. Please do NOT leave any envelopes with checks/cash unattended at church mailboxes.
Sandwiches for St. George’s Outreach Project – Please continue to prepare sandwiches for St. George’s and bring them to St. David’s parking lot each Wednesday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 am. Thank you for your continued support!
Holy Eucharist: Tuesdays 8:30 am
                           Wednesdays: 6:30 pm
Please Pray – For the sick: Ashlyn, Charlotte, Donna, Eddie, Kim, Jeanne, Jim, Joaquin, Marie, Natalie.
For birthday celebrations:  Ampy Calatayud, Jean DeLeon, Joanna Morlu, Judy Bennett, Laurie Cohen, Theo Falco.
For anniversary celebrations: Robert & Theresa Falotico.
For our expectant mother: Mayoli.
Additional Links and Information