WEEKLY MESSAGE – November 8, 2024 – Saint David's in the Pines

WEEKLY MESSAGE – November 8^th – Bishop McGregor

Cheeseeeeeee!

Our parish had so many wonderful things happening this past month—Caribbean Sunday, Episcopal School Sunday, and nine baptisms on All Saints Sunday. The numbers have grown significantly, and it has been a joy to witness these milestones in the life of our church as we celebrate our ethnic diversity, educational values, and baptismal covenant. Thank you to everyone for leaning in and helping make these moments a success.

This week, we had the opportunity to dress up for professional photos as part of our parish directory. It’s been three decades since Patsy and I have had professional pictures taken together! Initially, I thought of it as just another task in an already busy week—a chore I had to get through. But then I decided to change my perspective. Instead of viewing it as an obligation, I chose to engage in the process. I even brought a sports jacket to wear! In that moment, it felt like I was taking Patsy out on a special date. I had a great time interacting with the parishioners who came early, and the whole experience turned out to be much more enjoyable than I had expected.

That shift in mindset made all the difference. Choosing to engage instead of just going through the motions brought a spirit of joy and connection to the event.

The same is true for the life of our parish. Going forward, we all have choices to make. Every step we take requires a shift in mindset—both individually and collectively as a community. Whether it’s about a photoshoot or a larger challenge, embracing a new way of thinking is essential to fostering engagement, joy, and connection. Even in the busy or challenging times, leaning in and choosing to be present makes all the difference.

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 Choir. Next week will be hosted by the ECW.

Health and Wellness Seminar. Please join us for a Legal Wellness for Life seminar tomorrow, Saturday, November 9th at 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 a.m. in the parish hall where you will learn about Wills and Trusts and how to protect your family and your legacy. Looking forward to seeing there!

Donations for Hurricane Victims. If you would like to make a donation to the Episcopal Relief & Development Fund for hurricane victims, please send your check payable to The Episcopal Relief & Development Fund at 815 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017.

Church Directory. Anyone who did not have a photo session or submit a selfie and $20 can order a directory for themselves for prepaid $20 and must be paid by Wednesday, November 13 to Linda McKeown. That is the only chance you have to buy a directory.

Men’s Group at St. David’s. There will be an organizational meeting on Saturday, November 16^th at 9:00 a.m. in the church to form a Men’s Group at St. David’s. All men who are interested are invited to attend. Coffee and donuts will be served. Please come with your ideas.

Stewardship Pledging Sundays are scheduled this Sunday and Sunday, November 17^th.

Stockings for Stars Christmas Outreach Project: This year, we will be able to revert to our pre-COVID way of helping the children in the Glades! We have 40 children all who need diapers, underwear and pajamas, and a small toy. On December 1st, you will get to select your child similar to the angel tree project, and have 2 weeks to purchase, wrap and return the items to church. We will also collect cash to be used to purchase Walmart Gift cards. They will be delivered to the Glades the week of December 15th.

Bunco is scheduled on Saturday, November 16^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.

Healing Service is scheduled on November 17^th immediately after the 10:00 a.m. service in the church for those who would like special prayers.

First Communion is scheduled on Sunday, December 1^st at the 10:00 a.m. service

1^st Annual St. David’s Chili Cook Off. Join us December 1st right after the 10:00 a.m. service for our 1st Annual Chili Cook Off in the Parish Hall. If you would like to submit your Chili, please see Matt Hogan or email him at mhogan73@att.net

New Members Course. Our last meeting for those who want to know more about the parish and become members will be held on Sunday, December 8^th after the 10:00 a.m. service.

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 every Sunday in the Sunday school classroom.

Women’s Bible Study is scheduled every 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, Carmen, Cathey, Clive, Danny, Dennis, Dudley, Elsa, Emily, Evelyn, Gavin, Glenn, Gloria, Ina, Iris, Jameson, Jim, Lloyd, Logan, Mary Ann, Megan, Michael G., Michael M., Pat, Pearl, Peggy, Phyllis, Predrag, Rohan, Ronald, Shelley, Taj, Tanner, Teresa, Tom, Violet. For birthday celebrations: Cecil Wray, Cynthia Thompson, Kimberly Gardner, Claudette Wray, Predrag Maksimovic, Patrick Thompson. 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.