WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – Sept. 9th – Fr. Thomas
No one will ever forget what happened on September 11, 2001: but memories have both positive and negative consequences. In some cases, we should not forget; but we should forgive. When we are able to forgive (though not approve) we are released from what evil has been inflicted upon us and cease to be its victims.
Incredible stories came out of that tragic experience. Our former sexton, John Smith’s niece was an employee at the time at the Merrill Lynch office in one of the Twin Towers. It so happened that she had a plumber coming to her house that same morning to do a repair job so she decided to go into work late that day. For whatever reason her life was spared. Why, who knows? People of faith do not have all the answers. They can live with a certain amount of ambiguity without needing everything explained to them in great detail.
The final vision of the Kingdom is not only when men and women recognize that they are brothers and sisters called to unity, but members of God’s creation, not just made in His image, but made to live into His image. We don’t live “alone;” we are members of One Body. Yes, we are indeed our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. The prophet Isaiah foretells a time when “The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child shall lead them, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.”
The apostle John expands this vision of the last days in Revelation, ch. 7: “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude which no one could number, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and the Lamb. Never again will they hunger or thirst. The sun will not beat down on them, nor any scorching heat. For the lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
This is the vision we as disciples of Christ must always keep alive.
Sunday school is open and available for children starting at age 3 years old. We are looking for volunteer Sunday school teachers, anyone interested can contact Erin Thomas after Mass this Sunday to learn more details, or contact the church office.
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.
Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by the Congregation. Please bring a dish to share. Next Sunday will be hosted by the Daughters of the King.
St. David’s ECW meeting has been rescheduled to meet on Saturday, September 10th at 11:15 a.m. in the Parish Hall. Please bring a brown bag lunch with a beverage of your choice. If you are interested in the group but are unable to attend this meeting, please contact Irene Oknewski at ireneok1940@outlook.com or Jenifer Elmore at jenifer_elmore@pba.edu
St. David’s annual raffle drawing will be held on Sunday, Sept. 11 at the coffee hour after the 10:00 a.m. service. Prizes are $100, $200 and $300. You do not need to be present to win. Letter and tickets will be handed out at 8 and 10 o’clock services on 8/21 for those who attend, and remainder will be mailed on 8/22. Cost is $5 per ticket or $25 for book of 5 tickets. Please return filled in ticket stubs with check in envelope marked raffle by Sept. 11. You can mail to the church office or place in offering plate any Sunday before the drawing. Thank you for participating. Call Linda McKeown at 561-254-3902 or email her at llmckeown51@comcast.net with any questions. Good luck. Money will go to support the church.
Women’s Bible Study will be held today at 11:30 a.m. in the Mark Room.
Vestry meeting will be held on Sunday, September 18th at 11:10 a.m.
Altar Flowers and Candles: We will have a bag on the credenza to collect all flower and candle donations for upcoming Sundays. If you would like to donate for altar flowers for memorials and celebrations, please put your check for $40 with a request showing the date you want altar flowers and the reason for your donation into the bag. If you want to donate candles, please put your check for $20 and request showing date and reason for donation. Do not put flower and candle requests in offering plates.
Vases needed for flower delivery. If you are able to donate vases, please put them under counter in the ladies room. Thank you. Linda
Forward Day by Day brochures for next quarter are now available in the narthex. Donation $3.00.
Tuesdays: No service this week.
PLEASE PRAY: For the sick: Alice, Baldwin, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Donna, Doris, Doug, Ed, Edna, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Jory, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Pearl, Predrag, Rachel, Rosie, Sharon, Steve, Sue, Susan, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William, Windell. For birthday celebrations: Charles Elmore, Doreen Garrett, Anthony Ward, John Webber, Joseph Brabham. For our expectant mothers: Sarah and Rebecca.
Our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintDavidsinthePinesWellingtonFL
