WEEKLY MESSAGE – September 29, 2023

This Sunday is a celebration of the ministry for children, both for the Day School and for Sunday school, here at St. David’s. When I think back to my own childhood, I am grateful for the warm memories I have of children’s ministry that have left a deep imprint on me. I remember Bible stories, songs, and the faces of other kids in my classes. In particular I have one memory of a sweet elderly woman who held me in the nursery, reading me books about Jesus. These are memories that I hold dear, and that formed me. So I am happy to do whatever I can to make church an interesting and safe place for kids. Kids need to be welcomed, loved, and taught the good news of Jesus. There may well be little else that we can do that has such a powerful effect on their future.

Weekly Offering for Week Ending 9/23/2023. Total $2,985.37. Average Weekly Budget $4,646.00. The difference (-$1,660.63).

Coffee Hour is scheduled this Sunday immediately after the 8:00 a.m. service.

Hospitality Hour is scheduled this Sunday immediately after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by the Vestry. Next week will be hosted by the Congregation. Please bring a dish or beverage to share.

Sandwiches for St. George’s. Please bring your sandwiches to St. David’s west side parking lot on Wednesday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Bunco is scheduled this Saturday, September 30th 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!

Youth Group is available for 6th – 12th grade students. We will be having Bible Study this Sunday at 9:00 a.m. in the school classroom. The Youth Group will have a sign-up sheet to participate in an upcoming Youth Run Mass on November 12th at the 10:00 a.m. service. To find out more, get involved, or to sign up, please contact Alison Buechner at abuechner360@gmail.com.

The Blessing of the Animals and Episcopal Schools Sunday is scheduled this Sunday, October 1st. Episcopal Schools Sunday is an annual observance held nationwide during October. St. David’s Episcopal School is one of the top private schools in Palm Beach County, so we have much to celebrate. We will welcome all faculty, staff, and families from the day school to worship with us at the 10 a.m. service. The faculty and staff of the school will be recognized during the service, and children from our Sunday school and the day school will perform a special song together. The celebration will continue with our annual Blessing of the Animals following the 10 a.m. service. This tradition honors St. Francis, the patron saint of animals. All pets are welcome to receive a blessing. Animals must be on leashes or in crates, and they should remain outdoors and supervised at all times. If you cannot supervise your pet during the service, consider returning home to get your pet immediately after the service and coming back for the blessing.

ECW Fall Food Drive is scheduled on Sunday, October 1st and 15th. CROS Charity is asking for mac and cheese, peanut butter and cans of meat. Please drop off your donations in the car outside on your way into church.

Caribbean Sunday is scheduled on Sunday, October 22nd at the 10:00 a.m. service. The Venerable Hal Hurley, Archdeacon at the Diocesan Office will be our guest preacher, and The Rev. Sonley Joseph will be our celebrant. Please join us for a Caribbean reception immediately after the service. Steel Pan Music by The Silverbirds.

Bible Study is scheduled on each Sunday at 9:00 a.m. in the Sunday school classroom.

Women’s Bible Study is scheduled on each Sunday at 11:30 a.m. in the Mark Room.

Sunday school is open and available for children starting at age 3 years old. We would love to have new teachers in our Sunday school, if you are interested in helping, please contact Katie Waters at katiewaters@hotmail.com.

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, Barbara, Beatrice, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Chester, Cynthia, David, Dee, Diana, Dolores, Donna, Dorothy, Doris, Doug, Dudley, Emily, Ezra, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Jory, Kenzie, Manuel, Marjorie, Megan, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Pearl, Predrag, Rachel, Robin, Ron, Rosie, Scott, Sharon, Shelly, Shirley, Steve, Sue, Susan, Theresa, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William, Woody. For birthday celebrations: Bonnie Mershon, Gavin Elmquist, Diana Myrie, Evelyn Bartley, Tim Sauerbier, Douglas Richardson. For anniversary celebration: Jeff and Karen Anderson. For our expectant mother: Bethany.

Vestry Members: Howard Barrett – Senior Warden, Shelley Baranowski, Kenneth Barnett, Helena Bresnahan, John Webber – Junior Warden, Jenifer Elmore, Michel Guillaume, Matthew Hogan, Chris LaBorde – Secretary, Linda McKeown, Joyce Parker, Dennis Wright – Treasurer.