WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – January 31st, 2021 – Fr. Thomas.

A new convert decided to test the effectiveness of prayer. Kneeling at the church’s altar he prayed for God to give shoes to a little girl he had seen barefoot that morning. Some time later he drove by her home to see if she had her new shoes. This routine went on for a number of days, and still no shoes. Finally, again at the altar the man said, “God, I’m giving you one more day. If you don’t give that little girl some new shoes by tomorrow, I’m going down to the store and buy them for her myself!”

Christ has ways of taking our gifts and turning them into miracles. Whether we drop a net in strange waters or turn over a few pieces of bread and some fish to feed a multitude, or bring a friend to Mass – each simple act is an act of faith, and it can be the basis for a miracle. People are looking for something in life. It’s not a spiritual desert out there, it’s a spiritual jungle with a variety of options. And if people seeking the presence of God in their lives don’t find it, or are not invited to try the Christian Faith, they will look elsewhere – even in the wrong places. Jesus didn’t compel people into righteousness; he loved them into righteousness. You might simply say, “Last Sunday in the sermon our priest said, “. . . .” or “In my daily devotional guide this morning, I read that. . . “Who knows where the conversation might lead you and your friend? The Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what to say. So, don’t leave it to chance. For those able to attend mass in person, you might say to your family or friends, “I’ll pick you up at 9:30 and I’ll take you out to lunch after the service.” If they refuse, wait until another day.

God is calling us to join Him in the greatest job in the world: to bring more into His Kingdom. He’s taking us into deeper waters, where more faith is required, where we can’t simply rely on past experiences. The captain has not abandoned us. God is telling us to let down the nets for a bigger catch. Don’t be afraid when God is taking you from one “place” to another like Jonah and the disciples. He has a purpose so we don’t need to be afraid. As I like to say, “You catch them; He’ll clean them!”

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: Please bring your sandwiches to St. David’s west side parking lot each Thursday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

February Blood Drive: 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

Lay Weeders: We are organizing a new group called the “Lay Weeders” for church grounds. We will divide parts of the landscape into 10-12 small plots, and individuals, families or groups can adopt the area to do the upkeep of the plot. We are in the process working on Saturdays to get the areas in good condition. If you would like to participate or have questions on what it entails, please call Linda McKeown 561- 254-3902 or email at llmckeown51@comcast.net Thanks.

Sunday School is still 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.

Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist 8:30am

Wednesday: Eucharistic Adoration 6:00pm

Wednesdays: Holy Eucharist and Rosary 6:30pm

PLEASE PRAY – For the sick: Barbara, Beth, Billy, Bishope Frade, Diana, Donna, Ed, Efim, Francis, Jan, Jeanne, Jim, Joaquin, Leo, Tayvin. For birthday celebrations: David Blazek, William Blodgett V, Tom Parker, Pat Lorde, Jamie (Murray) Luther, Laurel Westerholt, Jenifer Elmore. For expectant mothers: Andi, Ashley, Bronwyn.

Altar Flowers: donated by Jacquie Murray in celebration of Jamie (Murray) Luther’s birthday and the birth of Romilla Emory Albor to Mayoli.