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

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Wishing to encourage her young son’s progress on the piano, a mother took him to a concert featuring a renowned pianist. After they were seated, the mother spotted a friend in the audience and walked down the aisle to greet her. Seizing the opportunity to explore the wonders of the concert hall, the little boy rose and eventually explored his way through a door marked, “NO ADMITTANCE.” When the house lights dimmed and the concert was about to begin, the mother returned to her seat and discovered that her son was missing. The curtains parted and spotlights focused on the impressive grand piano on stage. In horror, the mother saw her little boy sitting at the keyboard, innocently tapping out “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, he quickly moved to the piano, and whispered in the boy’s ear, “Don’t quit, keep playing.” Then leaning over, the pianist reached down with his left hand and began filling in the base part. Soon his right arm reached around the other side of the child and he added a running obligato. Together, the old master and young novice transformed a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience. The audience was mesmerized.

That’s the way it is with God. What we accomplish on our own is hardly noteworthy. We try our best, but the results aren’t exactly graceful flowing music. But with the hand of the Master, our life’s work truly can be beautiful. The next time you set out to accomplish great feats, listen carefully. You can hear the voice of the Master whispering in your ear, “Don’t quit; keep playing.” Feel His loving arms around you. Know that His strong hands are playing the concerto of your life. Remember, God doesn’t call the quipped, He equips the called. He’ll always be there to love and guide you on to greater things. Keep the faith and keep playing. Together you and the Master can make beautiful music.

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. See the links listed below.

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 Wednesday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by the Vestry. Next Sunday, May 8 will be hosted by the Congregation.

St. David’s Community Yard Sale: Saturday, May 21st from 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon. Want to help? You can donate your gently used, clean, functioning items: Clothes, electronics, toys, furniture, and kitchen wares. Bring your items to St. David’s on Saturday, May 7th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 pm and Saturday, May 14th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Learn More Here: https://www.saintdavidsinthepines.org/2022/03/14/yardsale-may21-2022/

Altar Flowers and Candles: We will 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.

Sunday school is in operation with the necessary protocols in place.

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

Tuesdays: No service this week
Wednesdays: No service this week

PLEASE PRAY: For the sick: Alice, Baldwin, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Donna, Doris, Doug, Edna, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Predrag, Rachel, Sharon, Susan, Tracy, Violet, William. For birthday celebrations: Ella Falco, Donna Halle. For anniversary celebration: Charles and Jenifer Elmore. For our expectant mothers: Aubrey and Sarah.

Our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintDavidsinthePinesWellingtonFL

Video Mass – April 24, 2022

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WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – April 24th – Fr. Thomas

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Who Moved The Stone is the title of a popular book written in 1930 by the English journalist Frank Morrison. It’s about his inner search for the real meaning of the resurrection. One of the messages which Easter teaches us is that God can redeem any failure, pain, hurt, or disappointment if we only let Him. Too often we let others set the agenda for us, define our identity, or control our future. Look at these famous people who have overcome adversity and obstacles:

“He didn’t talk until he was four years old and he didn’t start to read til he was seven. One of his teachers labeled him as “mentally slow, unsociable and adrift in his foolish dreams.” This was said about Albert Einstein.

“He’s too stupid to learn anything.” Said some of the teachers about Thomas Edison.

“He possesses minimal football knowledge and lacks motivation,” an expert said of the new coach named Vince Lombardi.

“He went bankrupt several times and was fired by the editor of a local newspaper because he apparently had a “lack of vision.” The man was Walt Disney.

”He failed the sixth grade and had a lifetime of setbacks and defeats.” As an older citizen, Winston Churchill helped lead the British people through one of their darkest moments.

“He was turned down for an acting role as President because he was told by a producer that he didn’t look “Presidential.” Ronald Reagan obviously didn’t give up hope.

Are our disappointments “Road Blocks or Stepping Stones? Pray that God will remove the stones from the Risen Life He wants us all to share.

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. See the links listed below.

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 Wednesday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by the Daughters of the King. Next Sunday, May 1 will be hosted by the Vestry.

St. David’s Community Yard Sale. Saturday, May 21st from 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon. Want to help? You can donate your gently used, clean, functioning items: Clothes, electronics, toys, furniture, and kitchen wares. Learn More Here: https://www.saintdavidsinthepines.org/2022/03/14/yardsale-may21-2022/

Recycle those plastic Easter Eggs! There will be a box in the narthex this weekend for you to drop off your empties – thank you!

Altar Flowers and Candles: We will 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.

Sunday school is in operation with the necessary protocols in place.

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

Tuesdays: No service this week
Wednesdays: No service this week

PLEASE PRAY: For the sick: Alice, Baldwin, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Donna, Doris, Doug, Edna, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Sharon, Susan, Tracy, Violet, William. For the departed: Kevin Brennan. For birthday celebrations: Francis Morlu, John Algood, Therese Guillaume, Janice Jacques. For anniversary celebration: Daryl and Shelby Walcher. For our expectant mothers: Aubrey and Sarah.

Our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintDavidsinthePinesWellingtonFL

WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – April 17th – Fr. Thomas

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I’m not a golf fan, but for many who are, it was a joy to see Tiger Woods back in action at the Masters Tournament last weekend. Sports Illustrated once provided a list of the greatest comebacks of all time – not just in sports. Elvis Presley was on it, as a result of his TV special in 1968. Muhammad Ali made the list when he returned from his incarceration. Harry Truman made the cut with his 1948 victory over Thomas Dewey. And finally, Michael Jordan when he gave up his short lived career in baseball, and returned to professional basketball.

Maybe you need a comeback. Most everyone suffers from stress at some point in their life. We feel defeated, and our chances are slim and none. Where else can you find peace when the Doctor says, “There’s nothing more we can do,” or you’re drowning in debt? Realistically though, if we find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere anyway. But, that’s okay! Sticks & Stones could not keep Jesus down either. So you can place your hope and trust in the greatest comeback of all time – The Resurrection of Our Blessed Lord on the first Easter Sunday.

 

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. See the links listed below.

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 Wednesday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. During Lent we will collect nonperishable food products for delivery at St. George’s. Publix have the weekly BOGO specials so why not donate your free item to the church during Lent. Bring your items to church with you or drop them off with your sandwiches to help others in need. Thank you.

St. David’s Community Yard Sale. Saturday, May 21st from 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon. Want to help? You can donate your gently used, clean, functioning items: Clothes, electronics, toys, furniture, and kitchen wares. Learn More Here: https://www.saintdavidsinthepines.org/2022/03/14/yardsale-may21-2022/

Recycle those plastic Easter Eggs! There will be a box in the narthex this weekend for you to drop off your empties – thank you!

Wednesdays: Holy Eucharist and Rosary 6:30 p.m.

PLEASE PRAY: For the sick: Alice, Baldwin, Barbara, Bert, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Donna, Doris, Doug, Edna, Eric, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jayson, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Kenzie, Lauren, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Rachel, Sharon, Susan, Tracy, Violet, William. For birthday celebrations: Madge Tinglin, Earle Williams, Emma Torres, Michelle Gardner, Erin Thomas, Patricia Burke, Vince Bianco, Phyllis Gibbs-Thomas, Kathleen Lannaman, Blake Wolliston. For anniversary celebrations: Rudy and Pat Bernard, Victor and Jeanne Champagne, Howard and Karen Brown. For our expectant mothers: Aubrey and Ryan.

Our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintDavidsinthePinesWellingtonFL

Video Mass – April 17, 2022 – Easter

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Video Mass – April 10, 2022 – Palm Sunday

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Video Mass – Apr. 3rd, 2022

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

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Today, April 1st, is of course, April Fool’s Day. What is the origin of this special day? There are several theories; one explanation focuses on the practice from ancient times of people in some parts of Europe celebrating the New Year on or around the Spring Equinox before the revised calendar which defined January 1 as the first day of the year. People who forgot about the change, or observed the old rules for other reasons became victims of various jokes. For example, pranksters would discreetly stick paper fish to their backs. In France, the victims of this prank were called Poisson d’Avril, April Fish, or as we call it, April Fools. Biblical theories about the origin point to Noah as the first “April Fool”. It is said that on April 1, Noah mistakenly sent the dove out to find dry land before the waters subsided. A second story tells that the day commemorates when Jesus was sent from Pontius Pilate to Herod and back again. “Sending a man from Pilate to Herod”, is an old term for sending someone on a fool’s errand. Ancient Romans and Celts celebrated a festival of practical joking around the time of the March equinox.

Regardless of the origins of April Fool’s Day, we’re all advised not to be foolish, but to be aware of those sins which separate us from the love of God, and our responsibility as Christians to promote the Gospel in thought, word and deed. Easter is only two weeks away, and ushers in a new era in which we make known the redeeming love of God. The late evangelist Billy Graham told the story about a time early on in his ministry when he visited a small town to preach. Wanting to mail a letter once he arrived, he asked a young boy where the post office was. When the boy told him, Dr. Graham thanked him and said, “Why don’t you come to the Baptist Church on Third Street this evening? I’ll be preaching about how to get to heaven.” The boy replied, “Thanks anyway, but I don’t think I’ll be there; you don’t even know your way to the post office!”

Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” and He shows us the way by walking to Calvary, and ascending into heaven after the Resurrection. And that’s “no joke.” With only one more week before Palm Sunday, what more do we need to know? We are not Christians simply because we think Jesus rose from the dead, but because we think and hope that we will rise too.

Holy Week Schedule

Palm Sunday April 10
Procession and Reading of the Passion Gospel

Maundy Thursday April 14th 7:00 p.m.
Good Friday April 15th noon & 7:00 p.m.
Tomb Service April 16th 10:00 a.m.
Holy Saturday Vigil April 16th 7:00 p.m.
Easter April 17th 8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m.
Easter Egg Hunt April 17th after 10am mass 11:15 a.m.

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. See the links listed below.

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 Wednesday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. During Lent we will collect nonperishable food products for delivery at St. George’s. Publix have the weekly BOGO specials so why not donate your free item to the church during Lent. Bring your items to church with you or drop them off with your sandwiches to help others in need. Thank you.

Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by the Daughters of the King.

Candles: We will have a bag on the credenza to collect all candle donations for the Altar and Mary Shrine for upcoming Sundays in Lent. If you would like to donate candles, please put your check for $20 and request showing date and reason for donation. Do not put candle requests in offering plates.

Easter Flowers: We are collecting donations for Easter Lilies. Cost of flowers is $25. Please fill in a form and place it in the plate or mail it to the office. Please have your request in by March 28th.

Parish Mission: One night parish mission, Saturday, April 9th, 6:00 p.m. As a ‘Prelude” to Holy Week, we’ll walk The Way of the Cross, followed by a short meditation and simple potluck dinner.

The Easter Vigil Champagne Reception will be after celebration of the Easter Vigil Mass, Saturday night, April 16th. Sign up after Mass this Sunday to bring an hors d’oeuvre, sweet or beverage and to volunteer to help set up or clean up after the reception!

The Great Easter Egg Hunt will be after the 10 a.m. Mass on Easter Sunday, April 17th. We are collecting plastic eggs in the decorated box in the narthex for the next few weeks. Eggs can be empty or filled, but if they are filled, please no chocolate or gum. Thank you for your support!

St. David’s Community Yard Sale. Saturday, May 21st from 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon. Want to help? You can donate your gently used, clean, functioning items: Clothes, electronics, toys, furniture, and kitchen wares. Learn More Here: https://www.saintdavidsinthepines.org/2022/03/14/yardsale-may21-2022/

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

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

Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist 8:30 a.m.
Wednesdays: Holy Eucharist and Rosary 6:30 p.m.

PLEASE PRAY: For the sick: Alice, Baldwin, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Donna, Doris, Doug, Edna, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Sharon, Susan, Violet, William. For the departed: James Baldwin, Lester Walker and Steve Sagonas II. For birthday celebrations: Ann Chambers, Faubert Pierre-Paul, Eric Cohen, Laurette Bagley, Samuel Kalphat, Joe Mee, Lorna Lawrence. For anniversary celebration: Baldwin and Violet Henry. For our expectant mothers: Aubrey and Ryan.

Our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintDavidsinthePinesWellingtonFL