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
