WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – March 13th – Fr. Thomas

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You might remember the comedian Yakov Smirnoff. When he first came to the United States from Russia, he was not prepared for the incredible variety of instant products available in American grocery stores. He says, “On my first shopping trip, I saw powdered milk – you just add water, and you get milk. Then I saw powdered orange juice – you just add water, and you get orange juice; and then I saw baby powder, and I thought to myself, What a country!”

We make these assumptions about Christian Transformation – that people change instantly at salvation. Some traditions call it repentance and renewal. Some call it Sanctification of the believer. Whatever you call it most traditions expect some quick fix to sin. Maybe some conversions come at a precise recognizable moment: miraculous change in habits, attitudes, and character. For most of us, however, conversion is a process – years in the making, and we know that it’s not that easy. We sometimes go to church as if we are going to the grocery store: Powdered Christian. Just add water and disciples are born instantly – not made.

Unfortunately, there is no such powder and disciples of Jesus Christ are not instantly born. Disciples are slowly raised through many trials, suffering, and temptations. St. Gregory of Nazianzen, the 4th c. Archbishop of Constantinople, speaks of the Christian as an “instrument played by the Holy Spirit.” The aim of Christian discipline, not just in Lent, but throughout the entire year, is to keep the instrument in tune. Mortifying the flesh is not simply a way of controlling instincts or appetites, rather it’s like tightening a violin string. We don’t just go on twisting and tightening until the string breaks. We slowly bring the strings to the exact pitch so that the instrument produces a melody of love – like the divine love we were created for.

Quiet Day with Meditations. The theme will be the gifts of Faith, Hope, and Love. Saturday, March 12, 2022, 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon, sponsored by the Daughters of the King. But open to everyone, male and female.

Daylight Savings is Sunday, March 13th. Don’t forget to turn your clocks forward one hour.

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.

Sandwiches for St. George’s: Please bring your sandwiches to St. David’s west side parking lot each Wednesday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. During Lent we will collect nonperishable food products for delivery at St. George’s. Publix have the weekly BOGO specials so why not donate your free item to the church during Lent. Bring your items to church with you or drop them off with your sandwiches to help others in need. Thank you.

Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by the Congregation. Next Sunday, March 20th will be hosted by the Daughters of the King.

St. David’s Community Yard Sale. Saturday, May 21st from 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon. Want to help? You can donate your gently used, clean, functioning items: Clothes, electronics, toys, furniture, and kitchen wares. Bring your items to St. David’s on Saturday May 7th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 14th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Candles: We will have a bag on the credenza to collect all candle donations for the Altar and Mary Shrine for upcoming Sundays in Lent. If you would like to donate candles, please put your check for $20 and request showing date and reason for donation. Do not put candle requests in offering plates.

Sunday School is back in operation with the necessary protocols in place.

Forward Day by Day brochures are now available in the narthex. Donation $3.00

Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist 8:30 a.m.
Wednesdays: Holy Eucharist and Rosary 6:30 p.m.

PLEASE PRAY: For the sick: Alice, Anthony, Austin, Baldwin, Barbara, Bert, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Donna, Doris, Doug, Edna, Eric, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Kenzie, Lauren, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Rachel, Sharon, Susan, Tracy, Violet, William. For birthday celebrations: Mark Veckman, Lincoln Elliott, Leroy Williams, Evelyn Medcalf, Brenda Barreca, Daniel Melton, Stuart Cohen. For anniversary celebrations: Jerry and Sally Frenz, David and Jackie Whiting. For our expectant mothers: Aubrey and Ryan. Congratulations on the birth of baby Emilio to Ana and Juan.

Our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintDavidsinthePinesWellingtonFL