WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – February 22nd – Fr. Thomas
So today, Ash Wednesday, is the first day of Lent. One of the frequently asked questions is, “What are you giving up for Lent?” Lent is not simply a period of bodily fasting, but a period of readjustment – realigning those things in our lives which hinder the growth of our discipleship and relationship with Christ. During Lent, we “chastise” the body in order to grow our soul. Fasting can be spiritually “medicinal.” We think of fasting as a means of repentance, or a way of saving up money to give to the poor, or in a spiritual sense, to prepare for the Easter feast.
Adam and Eve “broke” the fast in the garden by eating the “forbidden fruit,” but we can follow Christ’s example by resisting those temptations which lead us down the wrong path, and follow the way that leads to eternal life in Paradise in that everlasting Easter season in heaven to which we are called by God our Father.
Wishing you a blessed Lent.
NOTICES:
Bunco. Back by popular demand, our next Bunco party will be Saturday, March 4th, at 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Bring a dish to share and $10 per person. There will be someone to watch the little ones so they can have fun, too! Bring a friend – the more the merrier!
Stations of the Cross. Fridays at 6:30 p.m. during Lent. March 3, 10, 17, 24.
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.
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 ECW. Next Sunday will be hosted by Vestry.
Gardening and Grounds. We need volunteers on March 11th from 9:00 a.m. – 12 Noon to help with trimming of plants and shrubs and to get grounds in shape for Easter Sunday. Bring tools to trim, gardening gloves, rakes, pruning shears, etc. lunch served at noon.
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.
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.
Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist 8:30 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 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, Amanda, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, David, Diana, Donna, Doris, Doug, Dudley, Ezra, Gina, Grace, Hervin, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Jory, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Predrag, Rachel, Robin, Ron, Rosie, Scott, Sharon, Shelly, Steve, Sue, Susan, Theresa, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William, Woody. For birthday celebrations: Kati Erickson, Sue Ashe. For anniversary celebration: Dennis and Yvonne Wright. For our expectant mothers: Rebecca, Alexandra, Taylor and Abby.
Our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintDavidsinthePinesWellingtonFL
WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – February 17th – Fr. Thomas
There are only five more days left in our Epiphany Season. Mardi Gras (French for “Fat Tuesday”) is next Tuesday. The observance reflects the practice of the last night of eating rich, fatty foods before the Lenten season of sacrifice and fasting begins the next day. In countries like the United Kingdom, Mardi Gras is more usually known as Pancake Day or (traditionally) Shrove Tuesday, derived from the word shrive, meaning “to administer the sacrament of confession and to absolve.”
Ok, so maybe you can’t visit New Orleans this year, but our annual Pancake Supper Tuesday night, and two masses on Wednesday are available to all in recognition of this holy beginning to the traditional season of fasting, in preparation for our celebration of Christ’s Resurrection on Easter Sunday, April 9. (Here’s a trivia question for you: What was the only street that wasn’t flooded in Hurricane Katrina in 2005? Bourbon Street! True, no joke!)
Lent was originally thirty- six days -one tenth, or a tithe of the year. Someone, however, had the bright idea of adding four days to make it commensurate with Jesus’ time in the wilderness following his baptism, and the forty years the Jews wandered in the wilderness. Incidentally, Sundays are not included in the forty day period between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Note that they are called Sundays in Lent, not of Lent. Nonetheless, Lent is our journey home, and Easter is the arrival; so here’s wishing you a blessed Lent.
NOTICES:
Bunco. Back by popular demand, our next Bunco party will be Saturday, March 4th, at 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Bring a dish to share and $10 per person. There will be someone to watch the little ones so they can have fun, too! Bring a friend – the more the merrier!
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.
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 the Congregation. Please bring a dish to share. Next Sunday will be hosted by the Daughters of the King.
Cleaning of Church. Washing of windows on the inside of the church on Saturday, February 18th at 9:00 a.m. If you are able to help, please bring window washing supplies if you have some. Paper towels, cleaner, newspapers, squeegees.
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.
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper is on February 21st at 5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. Please join us for pancakes, sausages and beverages. Tickets will be sold on Tuesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. and Sundays after service. Adults $7.00 and $3.50 for kids 10 years and under. Please wear your mask.
“Souper Bowl” Score – Chiefs 38 and Eagles 41. Thanks for your support. Linda McKeown.
Gardening and Grounds. We need volunteers on February 11th and March 11th from 9:00 a.m. – 12 Noon to help with trimming of plants and shrubs and to get grounds in shape for Easter Sunday. Bring tools to trim, gardening gloves, rakes, pruning shears, etc. lunch served at noon.
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.
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.
Tuesdays: No service this week.
Ash Wednesday: February 22nd at 8:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.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.
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 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, Amanda, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, David, Donna, Doris, Doug, Dudley, Ezra, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Jory, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Predrag, Rachel, Robin, Ron, Rosie, Scott, Sharon, Shelly, Steve, Sue, Susan, Theresa, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William, Woody. For the departed: Diana Firestone, Ron Davidson. For birthday celebrations: Dawn LaBorde, Jedidiah Kalphat, Dennis Wright, Howard Barrett, Anne Guillaume. For our expectant mothers: Rebecca, Alexandra, Taylor and Abby.
Our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintDavidsinthePinesWellingtonFL
WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – February 10th – Fr. Thomas
Happy Super Bowl weekend. As a result of the Bengals loss two weeks ago, I don’t really have a favorite in Sunday’s game. But, nonetheless, an estimated two hundred million people will watch the game on TV. Wouldn’t it be great if even half that many either attended or watched a live broadcast of Christian worship Sunday as well, but we all know that our “Pop Culture” supplanted religion for some people years ago? Maybe few if any can name the twelve Apostles, but devout football fans can name all eleven starters on their favorite football team!
For some, sports is not simply a hobby, but a “Way of life.” The Christian Faith has its traditions and rituals, and sports teams have their own customs and rules. So, are we “cheerleaders” for Christ, or merely bystanders in the upper rows of the “stadium of life?”
Lent starts in a week and a half; for Christians, that’s true “Cross Training.” It’s a time to become “Spiritually Fit,” by Attendance at Mass, Reading the Bible and other devotional literature, Fasting, and Acts of Charity. Therefore, “Seeing that we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and “perfecter” of our faith. Who for the joy set before him, endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
NOTICES:
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.
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 the Congregation. Please bring a dish to share. Next Sunday will be hosted by the Daughters of the King.
Gardening and Grounds. We need volunteers on February 11th and March 11th from 9:00 a.m. – 12 Noon to help with trimming of plants and shrubs and to get grounds in shape for Easter Sunday. Bring tools to trim, gardening gloves, rakes, pruning shears, etc. lunch served at noon.
St. Jude Trike-A-Thon and Winter Festival. Please join the students of St. David’s Episcopal School help raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the fight against childhood cancer by participating in a St. Jude Trike-A-Thon the week of February 13 – 17. Celebration date February 17th. Please register at https://www.stjude.org/trike. For additional information, please contact the school at 561-793-1272.
Cleaning of Church. Washing of windows on the inside of the church on Saturday, February 18th at 9:00 a.m. If you are able to help, please bring window washing supplies if you have some. Paper towels, cleaner, newspapers, squeegees.
“Souper Bowl” is on Sunday, February 12th. We are collecting cans of soup starting next Sunday the 5th. Support your favorite team by donating cans or packages of soup or other non-perishable food for the team of your choice. Thanks for your support. Linda McKeown.
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, a bounce house, balloon animals, face painting and other games. We are looking for volunteers to help make this event a success. For more information, please contact Matt Hogan at 865-406-5978
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper is on February 21st at 5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. Please join us for pancakes, sausages and beverages. Tickets will be sold on Tuesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. and Sundays after service. Adults $7.00 and $3.50 for kids 10 years and under. Please wear your mask.
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.
Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist 8:30 a.m.
Ash Wednesday: February 22nd at 8:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.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.
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 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, Amanda, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, David, Diana, Donna, Doris, Doug, Ezra, Gina, Grace, Hervin, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Jory, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Predrag, Rachel, Robin, Ron, Rosie, Scott, Sharon, Shelly, Steve, Sue, Susan, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William, Woody. For birthday celebrations: Britney LaBorde, Clare Morales, Ralph Robinson. For our expectant mothers: Rebecca, Alexandra and Taylor.
Our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintDavidsinthePinesWellingtonFL
WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – February 3rd – Fr. Thomas
Life as we know it is full of “Ups and Downs.” But success only comes when we move forward, leaving life’s disappointments behind. There is no shortage of examples in our secular world of those who overcame obstacles to reach success.
“He didn’t talk till he was four years old and didn’t start to read until he was seven.” One of his teachers labeled him as “mentally slow, unsociable and adrift in his foolish dreams.” This is what was said of Albert Einstein.
“He’s too stupid to learn anything,” said some of the teachers of a young boy named Thomas Edison.
“He possess minimal football knowledge and lacks motivation,” an expert said of a beginning 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 ideas.” The man fired was Walt Disney.
He failed the sixth grade and had a lifetime of setbacks and defeats. Finally, as a senior citizen he became the Prime Minister of England. The man was Winston Churchill.
As Christians, we know that despite the obstacles and setbacks, we too can be faithful disciples of Our Lord, not unlike those Saints (Thomas and Peter for example) who in Jesus’ time overcame shortcomings and moments of doubt to become faithful and effective agents of God’s mercy and grace. Failure is not the falling down, but the staying down. So remember: God doesn’t love us because we’re good; God makes us good because He loves us.
NOTICES:
Welcome to 2023! Did you make a resolution to have fun and support the church this year?! Well, we’ve made it easy for you to keep both resolutions – BUNKO is on Saturday, February 4th, at 6:00 p.m., in the Parish Hall! Not a problem if you’ve never played – super easy to learn – and loads of fun! You can win cash, even if you lose! Seriously, where can you find that?! Just bring a dish to share, $10 per person, and your resolutions will take root!! Remember, the more the merrier – bring a friend or two!
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.
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 the Vestry.
Gardening and Grounds. We need volunteers on February 11th and March 11th from 9:00 a.m. – 12 Noon to help with trimming of plants and shrubs and to get grounds in shape for Easter Sunday. Bring tools to trim, gardening gloves, rakes, pruning shears, etc. lunch served at noon.
“Souper Bowl” is on Sunday, February 12th. We are collecting cans of soup starting next Sunday the 5th. Support your favorite team by donating cans or packages of soup or other non-perishable food for the team of your choice. Thanks for your support. Linda McKeown.
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, a bounce house, balloon animals, face painting and other games. We are looking for volunteers to help make this event a success. For more information, please contact Matt Hogan at 865-406-5978
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper is on February 21st at 5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. Please join us for pancakes, sausages and beverages. Tickets will be sold on Tuesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. and Sundays after service. Adults $7.00 and $3.50 for kids 10 years and under. Please wear your mask.
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.
Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist 8:30 a.m.
Ash Wednesday: February 22nd at 7:00 p.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.
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 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, Amanda, 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: Maeve Blodgett, Kevan Bennett, Yvonne Wright, James McKeown, Rohan Wolliston. For anniversary celebration: Desmond and Ann Chambers. For our expectant mothers: Alexandra and Taylor.
Our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintDavidsinthePinesWellingtonFL