WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – August 1st – Fr. Thomas.

One morning in 1888 Alfred Nobel, inventor of dynamite, awoke to read his own obituary. The obituary was printed as a result of a simple journalistic error. It was actually Alfred’s brother that had died, and the reporter mistakenly reported the death of the wrong brother. Of course Alfred was disturbed under the circumstances, but to Alfred the shock was overwhelming because he saw himself as the world saw him – the “Dynamite King,” the great industrialist who had made an immense fortune from explosives. This, as far as the general public was concerned, was the entire purpose of Alfred’s life. None of his true intentions to break down the barriers that separated men and ideas for peace were recognized or given serious consideration. He was simply a merchant of death, and for that alone he would be remembered.

As he read the obituary with horror, he resolved to make clear to the world the true meaning and purpose of his life. This could be done through the final disposition of his fortune. His last will and testament — an endowment of five annual prizes for outstanding contributions in physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, and peace (the sixth category of economics was added later) would be the expression of his life’s ideals and ultimately would be why we would remember him. The result was the most valuable of prizes given to those who had done the most for the cause of world peace. It’s called today, the “Nobel Peace Prize.”

They say peace comes with a price; but “who” pays the price and to what extent? In the countries of the world that endure warfare and violence, lasting peace may be a “prize,” but yet remains out of reach. As we watch the Summer Olympics on television, we’re reminded that anybody can start the race, but they don’t give out the awards until you finish. So may that peace which passes all understanding abide in your hearts, minds, and souls today and forever.

NOTICES:

Sunday’s Worship – We are open for live worship on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. We also “live-stream” our 10 a.m. service.

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 pm.

Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. mass – ECW.

Bunco: You’ve endured more than a year without it, but it’s coming back on August 7th – it’s BUNCO!! Please join us in the Parish Hall on August 7th, at 6PM. Bring a dish to share and your favorite beverage! If you’ve never played, if you’re a little rusty, if you’re confused – that’s ok – it’s all about bringing back fun, food and fellowship to St. David’s! $10.00 per person – prizes to be awarded! (Easy and fun game – tutorials provided – and feel free to wear a mask, if you like. 😉 ) Thank you, Erin

Shop with Scrip: Gift card fundraising is the best way to raise money. Start giving back to St. David’s the moment you buy a gift card with the RaiseRight mobile app today! You can join the program by downloading the app on your phone or go to https://www.ShopWithScrip.com on your computer. The enrollment code to set up your free family account is BB6656B177722. For more information, please pick up a flyer in the narthex, or email Kimberly Joy Castellotti-Ward at choiceplusrealestate@gmail.com

Outreach School Supplies Project: This year Wynnebrook Elementary School is asking for the following supplies. Crayons, colored pencils, 2 pocket folders, glue sticks, composition books, sweaters for our students (the building gets really cold!). We will have a collection basket out for cash donations so we can purchase these items in bulk. But if you prefer to go shopping yourself that is fine as well. Please make your contribution, cash or items, by Sunday, August 8th. If you are not able to get to church yet, you can mail a check to me at 104 Locust Lane, Royal Palm Beach FL 33411. Please make check payable to St. David’s and enter Outreach on the Notes line. Thank you for your support. Joyce Parker

Altar Flowers and Candles: We have a bag on the credenza to collect all flower and candle donations for upcoming Sundays. If you would like to donate for altar flowers for memorials and celebrations, please put your check for $40 with a request showing the date you want altar flowers and the reason for your donation into the bag. If you want to donate candles, please put your check for $20 and request showing date and reason for donation. Do not put flower and candle requests in offering plates.

Vases for Flowers: The flower delivery ministry is in need of vases to be used weekly to put flowers in to be delivered to people. If anyone has any medium to large size vases, please bring in and place in Ladies Room of the church. Thanks. Linda

Sunday School: is still in operation with the necessary protocol 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 a.m.
Wednesday: Eucharistic Adoration 6:00 p.m.
Wednesdays: Holy Eucharist and Rosary 6:30 p.m.

PLEASE PRAY – For the sick: Angel, Ampy, Barbara, Beth, Danny, Diana, Donna, Jeanne, Joaquin, Kip, Max, Michael, Miguel, Mike, Walter. For birthday celebrations: Leonardo Schubert, Barbara O’Reilly, Yvonne Palmer, Theresa Falotico, Marilla Vanbeuren, Jacki Grubb. For anniversary celebrations: Wesley and Renee Hawk, Sara and Jack Webber, Cecil and Claudette Wray.  For our expectant mother: Meghan.