WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – January 24th, 2021 – Fr. Thomas.

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One of the questions I’m asked on occasion during this Pandemic is, “Are we living in the “Last Days?’’” Well, if you remember the hurricanes in the Gulf last summer, the current wild fires in California, famine, wars, storms, and political unrest, one can easily assume that the world is coming to an end. But, I’m quick to respond, “Probably not anytime soon.” Has there ever been a decade or a century without most, if not all of these catastrophes? Those who spread fear and anxiety, like the authors of the Left Behind books, would have you believe that it’s all part of the end destruction. They would have you believe that God’s intention is to spread disasters to hasten the final judgment; when in fact, God’s mission is to redeem a fallen humanity, not hasten the day when God will destroy it forever.

The truth is that every person is created in the image of God. This is a message of hope, not despair. Beware of those who twist Biblical truth to scare the faithful. The Christian hope is that God will not “leave us behind.” God is with us already, and will continue to be with us despite the disasters which are part of the natural order, and over which we have little or no control. God’s presence is not seen in disasters and acts of violence: His presence is seen in acts of mercy and justice. We cannot hasten the apocalyptic timetable nor should we be eager to discern when that might be. Our universe will more likely “rust out” before it burns out. Even science says that there was a time when there was nothing, and there will be a time when there will be nothing. The first chapter of Genesis and the last chapter of Revelation both concur. Science asks the question, “How?” Theology asks the question, “How come?” Two different ways to finding the truth. Of course, it’s best to be prepared!

“Therefore, do not be anxious about what you shall wear, or what you shall eat, or what you shall drink, for your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first His Kingdom and all these things shall be yours as well.” Matthew 6:33

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.

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 continue making sandwiches for the foreseeable future. Starting this week, we are switching from Wednesday to Thursday . So please bring your sandwiches to St. David’s parking lot each Thursday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 am. With your wonderful support, we continue to provide 300+ sandwiches every week! If you are unable to come to the church on Thursday mornings, please call me at 561-312-2719. Some parishioners are dropping off their sandwiches the night before. I will do my best to accommodate your schedules.

February Blood Drive : St. David’s hosts two blood drives each year, one in February and one in October. Our next drive is on Sunday, February 14th, Valentine’s Day! Please show your love by signing up to donate blood. Invite family (kids and grandkids 16 and older can donate) and friends to donate. You can register to donate using this link. https://donor.oneblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/1045951

Sunday School is back in operation with the necessary protocols in place.

Forward Day by Day brochures are now available in the narthex.

Flowers and Candles: Donation – $40 for flowers and $20 for candles. Please fill out a form, and leave it in the plate.

Holy Eucharist:

  • Tuesdays: 8:30 am
  • Wednesdays: 6:30 pm

PLEASE PRAY – For the sick: Barbara, Beth, Billy, Diana, Donna, Ed, Francis, Jan, Jeanne, Jim, Joaquin, Tayvin. For birthday celebrations: Carly LaBorde, Dennis Amiel, Diana Firestone, Tanya Low, Millicent Thompson. For anniversary celebrations: Dick and Virginia Elliott, Tom and Joyce Parker. For expectant mothers: Andi, Ashley, Bronwyn, Katherine.

Altar Flowers:
-donated by Laurette Bagley in loving memory of Carl Bagley.
-donated by Kathleen Lannaman in celebration of Sydney Green’s 18th birthday.