WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – July 3rd – Fr. Thomas
Happy Independence Day Weekend – even if our “independence” is still somewhat limited during the Pandemic! So what makes America great? America has greatness in her freedoms and liberties, but also in our ability to respect the rights of others, even if they disagree with us. Today, however, it seems like we demonize those different from us and are less civil with others who disagree. When our forefathers came to this country and founded our system of government, they were convinced that there was a “Higher Power” who was involved in the destinies of all people & nations. They believed that all were endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights – life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. There was a moral fiber, a moral strength in our nation, but today it seems that our society is so caught up in greed and materialism that we’re only interested in ourselves.
When people lose trust in God, they put their trust in anything; looking for pragmatic political solutions to problems that politics cannot solve. In the modern world many political struggles are, in reality, spiritual struggles. If we put our trust solely in education, we’ll get what education can give us. If we put our trust in money, we’ll get what money can give us. If we put our trust in government we’ll get what government can give us. But if we put our trust in God, we’ll have everything we need, for all eternity. Aim for earth and you’ll likely get it, aim for heaven and you’ll get earth thrown in!
Laws themselves don’t make a country great either. We have over thirty million laws, at all levels, to enforce the Ten Commandments; summarized by Jesus who said, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Yet people still break the laws. St. Paul wrote, “That which I want to do I can’t, and what I don’t want to do, I do anyway.” That’s not a declaration of defeat; he’s not saying he’s giving up the fight! Neither was Paul suggesting that we abolish laws altogether. Sure, it’s easier for a Jew to give up pork or work on the Sabbath day than forgive enemies & pray for persecutors. But we’re all still under the MORAL law. At the same time, we need to be responsible. What did Adam and Eve do when they gave into temptation? They blamed someone else! Is anyone accountable anymore? Temptation often comes when we are ungrateful. Eve could have had everything except the fruit of one tree. Many of us dwell on the few things we don’t have and forfeit many things we do have. So, count your blessings! What makes our nation great? It’s people who exemplify Jesus’ life of service and love; proclaiming the Good News in word and deed. And remember: “You may be the only Gospel your neighbor ever reads.”
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.
Next Sunday, June 26th at the 10 a.m. mass, our guest preacher will be The Rev. Canon Licia Affer, the Canon to the Ordinary (Bishop’s Assistant).
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.
St. George’s Center has asked if St. David’s could provide lunch and dinner once a month to the community. If anyone is interested in helping out, please contact Joyce Parker at 561-312-2719
Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by the Vestry. Next Sunday will be hosted by the Congregation. Please bring a dish to share.
Women’s Group: There will be an organizational meeting following the 10:00 a.m. service on Sunday, July 17th for all women of St. David’s who would like to come and talk about forming a women’s group. Bring ideas of what you would like to do and how we can move forward as a group. The meeting will be held in the back of the church. Thank you. Any questions call Linda McKeown at 561-254-3902 or email her at llmckeown51@comcast.net
St. David’s Island Dinner Dance Saturday, August 13th, from 6:00p.m. – 11:00 p.m., at St. Rita’s Catholic Church, Wellington. Tickets $75.00 per person. Live music by Kool Vibes, a cash bar, door prizes and a 50/50 raffle. Tickets will be on sale after Mass beginning July 3rd.
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: Holy Eucharist 8:30 a.m.
Wednesdays: Holy Eucharist and Rosary 6:30 p.m.
PLEASE PRAY: For the sick: Aki, Alice, Baldwin, Barbara, Beth, Bradley, Carol, Carolyn, Donna, Doris, Doug, Edna, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Jory, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Predrag, Rachel, Sharon, Steve, Sue, Susan, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William. For birthday celebrations: Rudolph Bernard, Lynda Rozzi, Laurie Solomon. For anniversary celebration: Michel and Teresa Guillaume. For our expectant mothers: Aubrey and Sarah.
Our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintDavidsinthePinesWellingtonFL
