WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – February 12th – Fr. Thomas.

Next Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Lent originated as the period of preparation for those to be baptized at Easter. Jesus and John the Baptist each spent time fasting in the desert before entering into ministry. Christians observe this time of prayer and fasting to prepare for our observance of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday. We chastise the body to strengthen the soul. It is at the same time both cleansing and liberating. The story of how sin was introduced into the world is the subject of Adam’s “breaking the fast” by eating the forbidden fruit. Jesus , The Second Adam, at the beginning of his ministry, maintained the fast in the wilderness and thus took the initial steps for our return to Paradise.

As for the ashes, it is a reminder to Christians and non-believers alike, that no one is perfect, nor lives forever in this life. Despite the imperfections of our world, God hasn’t abdicated, and we’re not in charge. Lent reminds us that we are “in” the world, but not “of” this world. We are citizens of another Kingdom – not that we ignore or take this one for granted. If God loved humanity enough to create it and become one with it, then we should love humanity no less. The problem is that everyone is more concerned with changing humanity than changing themselves!

Lent is a time of stripping down to essentials, as each Christian focuses on his or her relationship with God. Lent is not an exercise in spiritual competition. Fasting and self-denial are medicinal when they lead us to restoration of spiritual health. The focus of Lent is to study more deeply, to pray more sincerely, and to show greater kindness. If the theme of Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) is “Let the Good Times Roll,” then the message of Ash Wednesday is “Let the Good News Roll” because in the grand scheme of things, with all life’s challenges and problems, God promises a safe landing, not a smooth passage.

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.

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: Ash Wednesday at 6:30pm
Wednesdays: Holy Eucharist and Rosary 6:30pm

PLEASE PRAY – For the sick: Barbara, Beth, Billy, Diana , Donna, Ed, Efim, Francis, Jan, Jeanne, Jim, Joaquin, Leo, Tayvin. For birthday celebrations: Britney LaBorde, Clare Morales, Ralph Robinson, Dawn LaBorde. For expectant mothers: Andi, Bronwyn.