WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – April 14th – Fr. Thomas
I’m fond of reminding folks that our celebration of Easter is not simply a one day celebration, but a way of life. If we merely think of Jesus’ resurrection as the resuscitation of a dead man, we’re missing something; something amazing and significant. The Gospel accounts do not describe it as starting life over again. He was for the Jews, the “first fruits” of the harvest of those who had died. The Pharisees, for example, were looking forward to the return of God in their own time, but they would have been “taken aback” by Jesus’ appearance. Peter and James would have been startled too, but their faith would have compelled them to ask, “Where are the others?” Good question!
There’s a story about a man named Sam who died and left $50,000 in his will for an elaborate funeral. As the last attendees left, Sam’s wife, Rose tuned to her oldest friend, Sadie, and said, “Well, I’m sure Sam would have been pleased.” “I’m sure you’re right,” replied Sadie, who leaned in close and whispered, “Tell me, how much did it really cost?” “All of it,” said Rose, “$50,000.” “No!”, Sadie exclaimed, “I mean, it was very nice, but really, $50,000?” Rose nodded. The funeral home charged $6,500, I gave the church $500, the food and drinks cost another $500, and the remainder went towards the memorial stone.” Sadie computed the amount quickly and said, “$42,500 for a memorial stone? Exactly how big is it?” “Seven and a half carats.”
On the first Easter Sunday, Jesus rolled away the stone! What stones do we need to “roll away” from our lives in order to live the risen life of Christ? That “priceless” stone at Jesus’ tomb assures us of our entry into heaven if we follow that path that leads to everlasting life with those we love but see no longer, those who rest on another shore and in a greater light; for Christ is Risen, Alleluia! Amen!
NOTICES:
Bunco. Our post-Easter Bunco party will be on May 13th, at 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. If you haven’t played Bunco the St. David’s way, you’re missing out on big fun! Bring a dish to share – and we will have someone to watch the little ones. $10 per person, with 3 separate cash prizes – even if you lose! Honestly, where are you going to find that?! Hope to see you there!
Newcomers Hospitality Hour is scheduled this Sunday after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by the ECW. Please join us in welcoming our newcomers to St. David’s.
Weekly Offering for Week Ending 4/15/2023. Total $9,640.00. Average Weekly Budget $4,646.00. The difference $4,994.00
Sandwiches for St. George’s. Please bring your sandwiches to St. David’s west side parking lot each Wednesday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Prayer Books. There are large print Prayer Books in the narthex for your use during church service. Please return them after service.
Blood Drive This Sunday: Please consider being a hero to someone in need of blood. You can sign up to donate this Sunday morning at church using the link below, or sign up when you arrive at church. Donors receive a T-shirt and a $20 gift card. You can select from a wide variety of cards. Donors should have a good breakfast and hydrate. Thank you! Joyce 561-312-2719. https://donor.oneblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/1352911
Women’s Bible Study weekly meeting today at 11:30 a.m. in the Mark Room.
Men’s Bible Study. Beginning on Sunday, May 7th at 9:15 a.m. we will be beginning a Bible Study that is open to everyone of all ages. We are going to be studying the Gospel of John. The Gospel of John is considered the most symbolic, but also the most evocative (and sometimes, provocative) of the Gospels. So please stay after the 8 a.m. service or come early before the 10:00 a.m. service and join us as we dive into John’s words and discuss what they mean to us today. If you have any questions, please contact Jay Webber at jwebber@comcast.net.
Raffle Tickets. Please pick up your raffle tickets on the table in the narthex.
MUG SUNDAY! Bring a mug to church on Sunday, April 30th to donate for coffee hour. We are going green and this will help get us to be more environmentally friendly. There will be a basket in the narthex to collect the mugs. Thank you for your donation.
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.
Recycle those plastic Easter Eggs! There will be a box in the narthex next weekend for you to drop off your empties. Thank you, Erin.
Forward Day by Day brochures for next quarter are now available in the narthex. Donation $3.00.
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 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: Adrian, Alice, Annette, Amanda, Annette, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, David, Dee, Diana, Dolores, Donna, Dorothy, 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: Sandra Richmond and Pat Curry. For birthday celebrations: Phyllis Gibbs-Thomas, Kathleen Lannaman, Blake Wolliston, Francis Morlu, John Algood, Therese Guillaume, Janice Jacques. For anniversary celebrations: Howard and Karen Brown, Daryl and Shelby Walcher. For our expectant mothers: Taylor and Bethany
Our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintDavidsinthePinesWellingtonFL
