WEEKLY MESSAGE – February 16, 2024 – Saint David's in the Pines

WEEKLY MESSAGE – February 16^th – Fr. Cederberg

Hard to believe, but Lent has begun. It seems like I am just recovering from Christmas! But, the pages of the calendar turn, and time sweeps us along.

It helps for me to remember that the word “Lent” means “Spring”. Far from dark and gloomy, Lent is the time for green shoots and blossoms. And just as things come alive in the Spring, so God’s people awaken to the calling of new life during Lent.

Engaging in the disciplines of Lent, then, is really like utilizing the tools of a garden. They help us break up the hardened soil of our hearts, remove the rocks, and prune the deadwood that clears the way for an explosion of color and flavor. It can be hard work, yet it is worth it as we imagine the mouthwatering harvest that is to come.

So as we make decisions about what to give up (Do I really need to spend so much time on the computer?), and decide what to take on (What about checking in on that neighbor that I’ve been neglecting?), we are working with God to prepare a garden that will sprout into things beautiful and tasty.

I can’t wait to see what we will harvest here at St. David’s!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Debt Reduction: Total Debt: $94,000.00. Total Balance: $6,404.00.

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

Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by the Daughters of the King. Next week will be hosted by the ECW.

Stations of the Cross: Fridays in Lent at 6:30 p.m. February 23, March 1, 8, 15, 22.

“Souper Bowl”. Score – Chiefs 61 and 49ers 62. Thanks for your support. Linda McKeown.

Choral Evensong. A service of Choral Evensong for the Feast of St. David will be performed on Sunday, March 3 at 4:00 pm. Please join us for a reception after the service.

Daughters of the King discernment and preparation for admission is scheduled on the 3^rd and 4^th Sundays at 9:00 a.m. for study guide starting February through May in the Mark Room.

Bunco is scheduled on Saturday, February 24^th at 6:00 p.m. 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!

St. David’s Annual Picnic is scheduled on Sunday, March 17^th immediately after the 10:00 a.m. service.

Search Committee meeting is scheduled on Sunday after the 10:00 a.m. service in the Sunday school classroom.

Gardening and Grounds Clean Up on Saturday, February 24^th at 9 am – 12 noon. We need volunteers to come and help. Wear long sleeves and gardening gloves. We could use a chain saw if anyone has one. Pizza and salad will be served for lunch.

Prayer Shawl Group. If anyone is interested in starting it back up, we need people who can knit, crochet and people to deliver completed and blessed shawls to recipients. For further information, please contact Kimberly Gardner at kimfgardner@comcast.net or her cell (561) 596-9020.

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

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

Youth Group Bible Study is scheduled on Sundayat 9:00 a.m.

Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist at 8:30 a.m.

Forward Day by Day Brochures for the next quarter is available in the narthex. Donation $3.00.

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: Audley, Bishop Curry, Carol, Dennis, Diana, Dorothy, Dudley, Emily, Heather, Jameson, Jim, Lloyd, Marjorie, Megan, Michael, Pearl, Phyllis, Predrag, Robin, Ronald, Shelley, Shirley, Tanner, Violet, Yvonne. For birthday celebrations: Dawn LaBorde, Leah Wooding, Dennis Wright, Howard Barrett. For our expectant mother: Shay. For our search committee Howard Barrett, Jenifer Elmore, Janice Jacques, Kristi Lee, Sera Peat, Yvonne Wolliston, Cecil Wray.

Vestry Members: Howard Barrett – Senior Warden, Laurette Bagley, Kenneth Barnett, John Webber – Junior Warden, Jenifer Elmore, Matthew Hogan, Karlene Kiminyo, Chris LaBorde – Secretary, Linda McKeown, Irene Oknewski, Joyce Parker, Dennis Wright – Treasurer.