WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – December 6th – Fr. Thomas.
WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – December 6th – Fr. Thomas.
According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both male and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year, male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to mid-December. Female reindeer retain their antlers until after they give birth in the spring. Therefore, according to every historical rendition depicting Santa’s reindeer, every single one of them – from Rudolph to Blitzen – had to be a female. We should have known – only women would be able to drag a fat man in a red velvet suit all around the world in one night and not get lost!
December 6th is the commemoration of St. Nicholas, the 4th c. bishop of Myra in modern-day Turkey, who threw bags of money through the windows of poor families, and is the prototype of Santa Claus. Because of the Pandemic, this Christmas may be somewhat different than other years. With all the distractions of the season, it may be difficult for some to stay focused on the true meaning of the season: the incarnation of God’s Son into our world, and our lives. What if we let go of the “perfect Christmas,” whatever that might be, and watch for the signs of God’s presence today in our world? With only three weeks to go, will we be ready for Christmas? More importantly, are we ready for Jesus’ return – today, and at the Last Day? As the familiar hymn reminds us, “How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given. So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heaven. No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin, where meek souls will receive Him, still the dear Christ enters in.”
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. If you are working and cannot come Wednesday mornings please feel free to call me to set up a Tuesday night drop off.
Stockings for Stars Christmas Project: Thank you for the generous donations I have already received in support of our Christmas Outreach Project. We have 41 children (28 families) at the Fortin Center in South Bay. After another conversation with the Director, we have decided on providing gift cards to the families so they can purchase what they need most, be it food for Christmas dinner, clothing or toys. Once I see how much we collect we can determine the value of the gift card each child or family will receive. All donations need to arrive at my home by Sunday, December 6th. I will be at both services that morning in case you hadn’t mailed your check in time to reach me by the 6th. I will purchase the gift cards on Monday, December 7th. Please call me if you need to make other arrangements. I am happy to be flexible.
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
Christmas Flowers: We are collecting donations of $25.00 for Christmas flowers starting this week. Please fill in a form, and leave it in the plate. The deadline is December 15th.
Sunday School is back in operation with the necessary protocols in place.
The Annual Parish Meeting will be Sunday, Dec. 13 at 9 a.m. in the parish hall. New Vestry members will be elected, financial information for this past year will be presented and reports from various ministries will be presented.
Saturday, December 19 from 8-11am Church cleaning and decorating. Everyone welcome and please come wearing mask.
The Annual Living Nativity will again be held on Saturday and Sunday evenings, December 19th and 20th for one hour beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Offering Envelopes: If you use the offering envelope, please contact the office at your earliest convenience.
Holy Eucharist:
- 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 our departed: Keith Barnett, Eula Brabham, Mary Olmstead.
For birthday celebrations: Nicholas Webber, John Westerholt.
For our expectant mothers: Mayoli, Andi.
