WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – November 29th – Fr. Thomas.
WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – November 29th – Fr. Thomas.
A woman goes to the post office to buy stamps for her Christmas cards. She says, “I’d like fifty Christmas stamps.” The clerk replies, “What denomination?” The woman looks puzzled and replies, “Oh well, give me six Catholic, four Presbyterian, eight Baptist, five Lutheran, and twenty- seven Episcopalian.” OK, so even if the various Christian denominations have their idiosyncrasies, at least we can all celebrate the birth of Christ on the same day and with the same joyful enthusiasm.
Today, however, the day after Thanksgiving, is the “official” kick-off of the Christmas shopping season and, until this year, the longest shopping day of the entire year, when stores traditionally have expanded business hours. The biggest sales are conducted in the darkness of early morning or night. Coincidentally, many bad behaviors also normally occur after dark. However, the Advent we celebrate is altogether different. The hanging of the greens, the placement of the poinsettias, the lighting of the first Advent candle – all these invite us to dream dreams of a better world – to allow expectant visions that have little to do with “sugar-plum fairies dancing in our heads.”
The Good News of Advent is that in the shadows of our lives, God is present, and with each candle we light the hope of God’s light and love comes closer. The promise is that even where there is darkness and fear in our lives and in the world around us, God is still present to help us endure, and hope is alive. The morning will come – in God’s good time and in God’s good way. Meanwhile, may we bare the “ stamp” of God’s grace and love until we share in that marvelous light of God’s love, mercy, joy, and peace.
NOTICES:
Video Viewing Options for Sunday’s mass – 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: We will continue making sandwiches at least through December. Please bring them to St. David’s parking lot each Wednesday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 am. St. George’s is trying to begin serving to-go dinner meals but is not getting enough of the parishes and other groups to support that yet. So the hot lunches with to-go sandwich bags for a later dinner will continue for a while. Thank you for the ongoing support! We continue to provide 300± sandwiches every week.
Stockings for Stars Christmas Project: After speaking with the Director of the Fortin Center in South Bay, we have decided to not ask parishioners to shop for clothes and toys for the children. We will be COVID safe and instead, similar to the school supply drive, we will collect money and order items to be delivered directly to the school. I know this is not the same, that we will miss fighting the Black Friday crowds, standing in long lines to pay, etc. Wait, maybe there are a few advantages to this new way. 😊
Please mail your donations to Joyce Parker, 104 Locust Lane, RPB, FL 33411. The check should be made out to St. David’s. Please write Stockings for Stars in the notes area. Many thanks. Joyce 561-312-2719
Holy Eucharist:
Sundays: 8 am & 10 am
Tuesdays: 8:30 am
Wednesdays: 6:30 pm
Please Pray – For the sick: Ashlyn, Beth, Charlotte, Donna, Francis, Iliana, Jeanne, Jim, Joaquin, Kim, Theda.
For birthday celebrations: Timothy Barreca, Natalie Kalphat, Rose Lewis, Dr. Katherine Harvey, Joe Piconcelli, Sr., Hannah Gardner.
For anniversary celebrations: Lester & Ola Walker
For our expectant mothers: Mayoli, Andi.
WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – November 22nd – Fr. Thomas.
WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – November 22nd – Fr. Thomas.
“O Give Thanks to the Lord, for He is gracious; and His mercy endureth forever,” so reads Psalm 106.
Amen to that on this Thanksgiving Weekend! Some random housewives apparently compiled their own list of things for which to be grateful.
“For automatic dishwashers – because they make it possible for us to get out of the kitchen before the family comes back in for their after dinner snacks.”
“For husbands who attack small repair jobs around the house – because they usually make them big enough to call in the professionals.”
“For children who put away their things and clean up after themselves. They’re such a joy you hate to see them go home to their own parents.”
“For teenagers – because they give parents an opportunity to learn a second language.”
“For Smoke alarms – because they let you know when the turkey’s done.”
On a more serious note, I include this list of things for which to give thanks.
“I am thankful for: The taxes I pay – because it means I’m employed;
The clothes that fit a little too snug – because it means I have enough to eat;
A lawn that needs mowing, windows that need washing, & gutters that need cleaning – because it means I have a home;
My huge energy bill – because it means I am comfortable;
The piles of laundry – because it means I have loved ones nearby.
For my church – because it reminds me of God’s loving mercy, and His many gifts.”
Thanksgiving is not simply one day; but is a way of life. Pray that God may help us cultivate an “Attitude of gratitude” this season and throughout the entire year.
NOTICES:
Video Viewing Options for Sunday’s mass – 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: We will continue making sandwiches at least through December. Please bring them to St. David’s parking lot each Wednesday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 am. St. George’s is trying to begin serving to-go dinner meals but is not getting enough of the parishes and other groups to support that yet. So the hot lunches with to-go sandwich bags for a later dinner will continue for a while. Thank you for the ongoing support! We continue to provide 300± sandwiches every week.
Stockings for Stars Christmas Project: After speaking with the Director of the Fortin Center in South Bay, we have decided to not ask parishioners to shop for clothes and toys for the children. We will be COVID safe and instead, similar to the school supply drive, we will collect money and order items to be delivered directly to the school. I know this is not the same, that we will miss fighting the Black Friday crowds, standing in long lines to pay, etc. Wait, maybe there are a few advantages to this new way.
Please mail your donations to Joyce Parker, 104 Locust Lane, RPB, FL 33411. The check should be made out to St. David’s. Please write Stockings for Stars in the notes area. Many thanks. Joyce 561-312-2719
Holy Eucharist:
Sundays: 8 am & 10 am
Please Pray– For the sick: Ashlyn, Beth, Charlotte, Donna, Francis, Iliana, Jeanne, Jim, Joaquin, Kim, Theda.
For birthday celebrations: Wally Hernandez, Sara Webber, Joy Noe, Beverly Francis, Matthew Hogan, Beatrice Deshommes-Sauerbier.
For our expectant mother: Mayoli.
WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – November 15th – Fr. Thomas.
WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – November 15th – Fr. Thomas.
A man named Smith was flying from Sacramento to Los Angeles. Unexpectedly, the plane stopped in San Francisco along the way. The flight attendant explained that there would be a delay, and if the passengers wanted to get off the aircraft, the plane would re-board in thirty minutes. (This was before 9/11.) Everyone got off the plane except one gentleman who was blind. Mr. Smith had also noticed that the man was traveling with his Seeing Eye dog who was resting comfortably under the seat. Apparently, the passenger and his dog were regular fliers on this route because when the pilot emerged from the cockpit, he called him by name, “Keith, we’re in San Francisco for almost an hour. Would you like to get off and stretch your legs?” Keith replied, “No thanks, but maybe my dog would like to stretch his legs.” Picture this: all the passengers in the gate area came to a complete quiet standstill when they looked up and saw the pilot walk off the plane with the Seeing Eye dog! The pilot was even wearing sunglasses. People scattered and rushed not only to change their tickets but even change air lines! Moral of the story? Things aren’t always what they appear.
Before rushing to judgment, put yourself in someone else’s shoes, and get the facts straight: then pray for a spirit of respect, love, patience, and thanksgiving for all the blessings of life.
NOTICES:
Video Viewing Options for Sunday’s mass – 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: We will continue making sandwiches at least through December. Please bring them to St. David’s parking lot each Wednesday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 am. St. George’s is trying to begin serving to-go dinner meals but is not getting enough of the parishes and other groups to support that yet. So the hot lunches with to-go sandwich bags for a later dinner will continue for a while. Thank you for the ongoing support! We continue to provide 300± sandwiches every week.
School Supply Drive: I am extremely pleased and proud to report that you, St. David’s parishioners, donated $1,200.00 toward school supplies for Wynnebrook Elementary School! We have purchased headphones along with the typical school supplies for the students. Needless to say, the teachers and staff of the school were very appreciative. Thank you again for digging deep. 💕
Stockings for Stars Christmas Project: After speaking with the Director of the Fortin Center in South Bay, we have decided to not ask parishioners to shop for clothes and toys for the children. We will be COVID safe and instead, similar to the school supply drive, we will collect money and order items to be delivered directly to the school. I know this is not the same, that we will miss fighting the Black Friday crowds, standing in long lines to pay, etc. Wait, maybe there are a few advantages to this new way. 😊
Please mail your donations to Joyce Parker, 104 Locust Lane, RPB, FL 33411. The check should be made out to St. David’s. Please write Stockings for Stars in the notes area. Many thanks. Joyce 561-312-2719
So Long… The time has come for me to say “so long.” While I have not met many of you due to this pandemic, I have been welcomed whole-heartedly by those of you who stopped by to say “hello” or gave me a quick call or sent me a kind email. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thanks to Father Thomas and Erin who have been wonderful. My time here was short but fruitful, and I hope that my efforts helped to make things a little better for the future.
Please join me in welcoming Yvonne Elliott who will take over as the new Administrative Assistant. Yvonne has been a member of the parish for a number of years now. She has been training with me over the last couple of weeks and will make a wonderful addition to St. David’s.
I wish you all continued health, blessings and happiness.
Warm Regards,
Gregg Ellen Imbimbo
Holy Eucharist:
Sundays: 8 am & 10 am
Tuesdays: 8:30 am
Wednesdays: 6:30 pm
Please Pray – For the sick: Ashlyn, Beth, Charlotte, Donna, Iliana, Jeanne, Jim, Joaquin, Kim, Shirley.
For birthday celebrations: Jan Dwyer, Kimberly Gardner, Claudette Wray, Predrag Maksimovic, Oliver Schubert, Yvonne Elliott, Jerry Frenz, Gloria Legister, Carol Sneade.
For our expectant mother: Mayoli.
Additional Links and Information
WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – November 8th – Fr. Thomas.
WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – November 8th – Fr. Thomas.
Last Sunday, of course, was the Solemnity of All Saints; but what often gets lost in the shadows is the Commemoration of All Souls, November 2nd, which recognizes those who perhaps didn’t live recognizably “saintly” lives, but who are still on the road to heaven, although they need a little longer time to be cleansed and prepared for the final “wedding banquet” in heaven. So I leave you with this anonymous poem to help encourage us all in this present life, and into the next one.
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, when the road you’re trudging seems all uphill, when the funds are low and the debts are high, and you want to smile, but you have to sigh, when care is pressing you down a bit- rest if you must, but don’t you quit. Life is queer with its twists and turns, as every one of us sometimes learns, and many a fellow turns about, when he might have won had he stuck it out. Don’t give up though the pace seems slow- you may succeed with another blow. Often the goal is nearer than it seems to a faint and faltering man; often was struggler has given up when he might have captured the victor’s cup, and he learned too late, when the night slipped down, how close he was to the golden crown. Success is failure turned inside out- the silver tint of the clouds of doubt- and you never can tell how close you are, it may be near when it seems afar; so stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit, it’s when things seem worst that you mustn’t quit.
Let us especially remember all our loved ones and those buried from St. David’s this past year -Elizabeth Kelly, Garry Cook, and Ann Rech. O God, whose mercies cannot be numbered: Accept our prayers on behalf of your servants, and grant them an entrance into the land of light and joy, in the fellowship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and all your saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
NOTICES:
Video Viewing Options for Sunday’s mass – 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!
ECW meeting – Friday, November 13 at 11 am in the church to allow for social distancing. Bring a sack lunch if you like and we will stay and have lunch together. Linda will bring a dessert. Help us plan our future and wrap up few loose ends.
Thanks. Linda
Holy Eucharist:
Sundays: 8 am & 10 am
Tuesdays: 8:30 am
Wednesdays: 6:30 pm
Please Pray – For the sick: Ashlyn, Beth, Charlotte, Donna, Iliana, Jeanne, Jim, Joaquin, Kim.
For birthday celebrations: Judy Devonish, Desmond Chambers, Cecil Wray, Pearl Saunders, Cynthia Thompson, Yashieka Blount, Elizabeth Philistin.
For our expectant mother: Mayoli.
Additional Links and Information
