WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – January 6th – Fr. Thomas

Albert Einstein was a man who was so focused on his scientific theories that he often neglected even the simplest things of life, such as personal appearance (as evidenced by his hair.) One time, Einstein was taking a train out of town for a speaking engagement. As he sat in his seat engrossed in his work, the conductor stopped by to punch his ticket. Looking up in shock, Einstein realized he didn’t know what he had done with his ticket. Frantically, he began to search his coat pockets, and then his briefcase. Gently, the conductor said, “We all know who you are, Dr. Einstein. I’m sure you bought a ticket. Don’t worry about it.” But, as the conductor moved along, he looked back to see Einstein on his hands and knees searching under the seats for his ticket. The conductor walked back and said, “Dr. Einstein, please don’t worry about it. I know who you are.” Exasperated, Einstein looked up and said, “I, too, know who I am. What I don’t know is where I’m going.”

The Wise Men followed a star even though they didn’t know precisely where they were going. But they were “wise” enough to ask for directions and were told by the religious leaders that the Messiah was expected to be born in Bethlehem. So on this Feast of Epiphany, the question is, “Where is life leading you?” In the uncertainties of life and instability of advancing age, do we follow the Light of Life and seek direction; or wander aimlessly through the jungle of worldly diversions? Seek Him who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, Jesus Christ our Lord.


NOTICES:

THERE WILL BE OPENINGS FOR FIVE NEW VESTRY MEMBERS FOR 2023. INTERESTED PARISHIONERS CAN CONTACT FATHER THOMAS OR ANY VESTRY MEMBER.

Facebook Page.  Please join our St. David’s social media community by scanning the QR code below. This will take you to our Facebook page where you can begin to follow us if you have not done so in the past.”

 

Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by Congregation. Please bring a dish. Next Sunday will be hosted by the Daughters of the King.

Church cleaning. Men are needed to put decorations and trees in attic on Saturday, January 14th at 9 a.m.

The Annual Parish Meeting will be held on Sunday, January 22nd at 11:15 a.m. in the parish hall. Five new Vestry members will be elected, financial information for this past year will be presented and reports from various ministries will be presented.

St. David’s Family Picnic is scheduled for Sunday, February 19th after the 10:00 a.m. service. Please join us for what we hope to be the start of our annual church picnic for all parishioners and the community. There will be food and games for all. We are looking for volunteers to help make this event a success. For more information, please contact Matt Hogan at 865-406-5978.

Sunday school is open and available for children starting at age 3 years old. We are looking for volunteer Sunday school teachers, anyone interested can contact Erin Thomas to learn more details, or contact the church office.

Women’s Bible Study weekly meeting resumes on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. in the Mark Room.

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

No weekday mass this week.

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.

PLEASE PRAY. For the sick: Alice, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, David, Diana, Donna, Doris, Doug, Ed, Elston, Ezra, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Jory, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Predrag, Rachel, Robin, Ron, Rosie, Sharon, Shelly, Steve, Sue, Susan, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William, Woody. For birthday celebrations: Oswald Lorde, Tracy Jackowski, Marie Hogan, David Whiting, Glenn Bresnahan, Linda McKeown, Theodore L’Abbe. For our expectant mothers: Rebecca and Alexandra.

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