WEEKLY MESSAGE – September 20, 2024

WEEKLY MESSAGE – September 20^th – Bishop McGregor

Every four years during the fall, we are reminded of our civic opportunity, responsibility and free right we have to vote. I think sometimes people forget how important this is for us as Americans and we get caught up in the politics. As a result, some of us get frustrated with the rhetoric and we decide not to even vote as a protest. However, our vote does matter. The Episcopal Church has come up with an Election Toolkit. It provides opportunities for us to engage as a citizen in the election. I have taken the liberty to make this available for the St. David’s parishioners to read and consider how to engage. Here’s the link:  https://www.episcopalchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/01/Vote-Faithfully-2024-OGR-Election-Engagement-Toolkit.pdf

I came across a quote from one of the most famous university presidents during the last three generations, Theodore Hesburgh from Notre Dame. He was known for putting the University on the map because he fought for education for all people.  He believed human rights for all was imperative. He fought for gender issues and accepted women into the University of Notre Dame. He also played a significant role as a member of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission fight for equality for all. I think he said it best regarding voting …..“Voting is a civic sacrament.” I encourage you to reflect on this saying throughout the week.

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 – Hosted by the ECW.  Next week will be hosted by Maria Scher.

Church Raffle had a profit of $4,000.00.   This is our best year ever.  Thanks to everyone who participated.

Blessing of the Animals in honor of St. Francis, patron of animals on Sunday, October 6^th after the 10:00 a.m. service.

St. David’s Church Directory.  Our church is doing a new pictorial directory! We want everyone to get a new picture made so that our directory will be complete. IT WON’T BE COMPLETE WITHOUT YOU!  Go to the link below and make your appointment online. The dates are Thursday and Friday, November 7^th and 8^th from 2:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  https://instant-scheduling.com/sch.php?kn=3534502&typId=65627&step=2.  Click on “Show availabilities for”, and select “St. David’s in the Pines” from the drop down menu.  You will have a professional photography session, see your proofs, and have the opportunity to purchase extra portraits for family and friends.

Bunco is scheduled on Saturday, September 28^th 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.

New Members Course.  For those who want to know more about the parish and become members, we will have meetings starting this Sunday in the church and on Sundays, September 29^th, and November 24^th after the 10:00 a.m. service.

Caribbean Sunday is scheduled on Sunday, October 20^th at the 10:00 a.m. service.  Our guest celebrant and preacher is the Rev. Sonley Joseph.  Steel pan music.  Join us for a Caribbean reception in the Parish Hall.

Baptism is scheduled on All Saints Sunday, November 3rd at the 10:00 a.m. service.  If you would like to be baptized, please contact the church office as soon as possible at 561-793-1976 for more information.

A Welcome Brunch for new members is scheduled on Sunday, November 17^th after the 10:00 a.m. service in the Parish Hall.

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

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

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

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:  Audley, Bernadette, Beverly, Bob, Carol, Danny, Dennis, Dudley, Emily, Gavin, Gloria, Iris, Jameson, Jim, Julie, Lloyd, Logan, Martin, Megan, Michael G., Michael M., Pat, Pearl, Peggy, Phyllis, Predrag, Robin, Rohan, Ronald, Shelley, Tanner, Teresa, Tom, Violet.  For birthday celebrations:  Emma Gardner, Jack Erickson, Gabrielle Kiminyo, Lucy Smith.For anniversary celebrations:  Howard and Jem Barrett, Lincoln and Yvonne Elliott.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.