WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – April 18th – Fr. Thomas.

After one of the school chapel services this week, when it was time for the classes to leave the pews and walk out, one of the little girls said, “Aren’t we going to go up to the altar and look at the crèche?” She remembered that each class as a group came up last week into the sanctuary and examined the Easter crèche with my explanation of the various features and characters. Seeing the disappointment on her face, I thought later about the women who originally went to the tomb on the first Easter Sunday. Did they return just to convince themselves that the person they saw wasn’t a ghost, or a figment of their imagination? We know in fact that the original site is now a pilgrim shrine in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

The Gospel accounts following the resurrection record the several appearances of Jesus to his disciples; often at unexpected times. When Jesus appeared to the disciples on the Road to Emmaus, they were caught “off guard,” discussing the events of the past week, trying to figure out just what happened – perhaps avoiding the authorities who were responsible for Jesus’ death. Maybe this road describes the one we’re on. Often times we don’t know what has happened; we’re desperately trying to figure it out. And into such despair and confusion comes Jesus, but we don’t recognize Him because we are so caught up in our own difficulties. We really don’t recognize anything other than ourselves and our own problems – even if the Lord Himself is walking beside us. However, when the disciples invited Jesus into their home, and He took bread and broke it, then their eyes were opened. So, is Jesus an honored resident in our homes and lives, or just an occasional guest? When we lose hope and think it’s the end, God says, “Relax, it’s just a bend, not the end.” Remember: “Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservation.” — Elton Trueblood

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 https://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.

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

Forward Day by Day brochures for the next quarter are now available in the narthex. Donation $3.00

Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist 8:30 am.
Wednesdays: Holy Eucharist and Rosary 6:30 pm.

PLEASE PRAY – For the sick: Alberto, Andi, Barbara, Beth, Cindy, Danny, Donna, Francis, Jeanne, Joaquin, Kip, Max, Miguel, Patricia, Shelby. For birthday celebrations: Earle Williams, Emma Torres, Michelle Gardner, Erin Thomas, Assad Thompson, Patricia Burke, Vince Bianco, Phyllis Gibbs-Thomas, Kathleen Lannaman, Blake Wolliston, Francis Morlu. For anniversary celebrations: Rudolph and Pat Bernard, Victor and Jeanne Champagne, Howard and Karen Brown, Daryl and Shelby Walcher. For the departed: Dottie Watson, Edna Harris. For our expectant mother: Andi.