WEEKLY MESSAGE – August 25, 2024 – Saint David's in the Pines

WEEKLY MESSAGE – August 25^th – Bishop McGregor

Welcome, Welcome, Welcome!

These first words were the ones I said to the children in chapel at St. David’s School beginning this new academic year. This word is a combination of two words originating from the 11th century hospitality demonstrating visitors as being well (well come) when they arrive.

Travel was difficult at that time and it was not taken for granted that someone would arrive in good health. It also demonstrated that as long as they stayed, they would be well taken care of. This reminds me of the Malagasy word for welcome, Tonga Soa, translated as ‘good arrival.’

God welcomes us into his creation and into relationship with him by creating us in his image and giving us responsibility to be good stewards of our lives. As I reminded the students, we are welcome to St. David’s, to be good students (disciples) because God will take care of us.

Tonga Soa!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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 – Sunday’s coffee hour is in honor of the dinner dance committee. There will be a special cake to say thank you for their hard work in making the dinner dance a success. Next week will be hosted by the Vestry.

Funeral Service for Barbara Hastings-Griffin is scheduled on Saturday, August 31^st at 11:00 a.m. at St. David’s. Viewing is at 10:00 a.m. A repast will be held immediately after the service in the parish hall.

Thank You Note. To our Friends at St. David’s. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks for the incredible support and love you have shown us during our recent hospitalizations, rehab and ongoing recovery. Your prayers, acts of kindness and food have been a tremendous source of comfort and strength for us both. We are deeply grateful for each of you and will always cherish the care and compassion you shared. With our sincere thanks. Danny Sneade and Carol Obrien.

2025 Offertory Envelopes. If you did not receive your offertory envelopes for 2024 and would like to get offertory envelopes for 2025, please contact the Office Administrator Yvonne Elliott at saintdavidschurch@comcast.net or 561-793-1976 by Friday, August 30^th.

Bunco is scheduled on Saturday, August 31^st at 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. 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!

ECW monthly meeting resumes on Saturday, September 7^th at 11:15 a.m. with lunch. We need a headcount for lunch, so if you plan to attend, please contact Linda McKeown at 561-254-3902, or llmckeown51@comcast.net.

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. Nursery Care is available for children under 3 years old.

Bible Study will resume at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 8^th.

Women’s Bible Study will resume on Sunday, September 8^th at 11:30 a.m. in the Mark Room.

Youth Bible Study is scheduled every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. in the small classroom.

Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist/Morning Prayer at 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: Amber, Audley, Bernadette, Bob, Carol, Danny, Dennis, Diana, Dudley, Emily, Gavin, Gloria, Iris, Jameson, Jim, Lloyd, Logan, Megan, Michael G., Michael M., Pat, Pearl, Peggy, Phyllis, Predrag, Robin, Rohan, Ronald, Shelley, Tanner, Teresa, Tom, Violet.For birthday celebrations: Eleanor Servos, Karlene Kiminyo, Jon Elmquist. For anniversary celebration: Robert and Pamela Gambardella. 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, Jenifer Elmore, Matthew Hogan, Karlene Kiminyo, Chris LaBorde – Secretary, Linda McKeown, Irene Oknewski, Yvonne Wolliston, John Webber – Junior Warden, Dennis Wright – Treasurer.