WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – Aug 26th – Fr. Thomas

One of the more embarrassing moments in my early ministry in my first parish in Rhode Island was when I had invited one of the nuns from the Episcopal Convent of the Holy Nativity in Providence to come down and visit our parish and meet with our youth group, of which I was the advisor. The primary purpose was for her to enlighten and educate the youngsters about the religious life in our Church, and particularly her religious community. She had stayed at the Rectory alongside of the church for the weekend, and after the final gathering on Sunday afternoon, I wished her goodbye, gave my thanks, saw her get into her car, and then I drove off.

I can’t begin to describe my astonishment when on the next morning, at daily Morning Prayer at which the clergy and a few lay people would gather, when she walked in with the Rector, both of whom had big smiles on their faces when they saw me. Little did I know that her car wouldn’t start after I had already left, and she had no other option than to ring the doorbell of the rectory, and ended up spending the night with the rector and his wife.

What I learned from this occurrence is to always see that my wife, children, or guests start the engine and pull out of the driveway/parking lot before I leave too! Moral of the story… Slow down, take every moment in life as a blessing. Accept your path, with its twists and turns, because the adventure is in the journey, not the arriving.


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.

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

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 resume its weekly meetings on September 11 at 11:30 a.m.

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.

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

Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist 8:30 a.m.
Wednesdays: No service this week.

PLEASE PRAY: For the sick: Alice, Baldwin, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Donna, Doris, Doug, Edna, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Jory, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Predrag, Rachel, Rosie, Sharon, Steve, Sue, Susan, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William, Windell. For the departed: Florene Descarte. For birthday celebrations: Karlene Kiminyo, Jon Elmquist, Barbara Martinez. For anniversary celebrations: Linda and James McKeown, Alex and Clare Morales. For our expectant mother: Sarah.

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

Video Mass – August 21st, 2022

WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – Aug 19th – Fr. Thomas

Father Barry Foster, a priest in Dublin, Ireland, parked his car on a rather steep slope close to his church. His little cairn terrier was lying on the rear seat and could not be seen by anyone outside the vehicle. Father Foster got out of his car and turned to lock the door with his usual parting command to the dog. “Stay!” he ordered loudly, to an apparently empty car. An elderly man was watching the whole performance with amused interest. Grinning, he suggested, “Why don’t you just try putting on the emergency brake?”

To unbelievers, watching someone pray may be the equivalent of watching someone say “Stay” to their vehicle, fully expecting it to obey. To the unbeliever, prayer is an exercise in futility, but to the believer, prayer is the most powerful “wireless connection,” and the most reliable force in the world today. So pray like it all depends on God, and work like it all depends on us.


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.

St. George’s Center has asked if St. David’s could provide lunch and dinner once a month to the community. If anyone is interested in helping out, please contact Joyce Parker at 561-312-2719

Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by the Daughters of the King.

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.

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.

Sunday school – There is no Sunday school this Sunday.

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

Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist 8:30 a.m.
Wednesdays: No service this week.

PLEASE PRAY: For the sick: Alice, Baldwin, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Connie, Donna, Doris, Doug, Edna, Edward, Ezra, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Jory, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Predrag, Rachel, Robert, Rosie, Sharon, Steve, Sue, Susan, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William, Windell. For birthday celebrations: James Belden Jr., Dorrett Barnett, Cindy Hernandez. For anniversary celebrations: Tim and Beatrice Sauerbier. For our expectant mother: Sarah. We give thanks for the birth of Ciaran Mitchell Parker, to parents Aubrey and Brandon.

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

Video Mass – August 14th, 2022

WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – Aug 12th – Fr. Thomas

As we begin a new school year, I’m reminded of a study done some years ago by a group of psychologists who came up with a theory that the fences around school playgrounds were a negative and inhibiting influence. They succeeded in having the fences removed at a certain playground, as an experiment.

What happened was the opposite of what the experts predicted. When the fences were gone, the children tended to huddle in the middle of the playground, rather than running the length and breadth of it, as they had formerly done. As soon as the fences were replaced, things returned to normal once again, and the children’s feelings of security and freedom were restored.

Freedom is possible, but only within limits. Jesus summarized the Ten Commandments with, “Love God and love your neighbor.” Easier said than done, but possible with God’s grace at work in our lives. So remember, “The will of God will not take you where the grace of God will not protect you.”


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.

St. George’s Center has asked if St. David’s could provide lunch and dinner once a month to the community. If anyone is interested in helping out, please contact Joyce Parker at 561-312-2719

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

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.

Sunday school is in operation with the necessary protocols in place.

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

Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist 8:30 a.m.

PLEASE PRAY: For the sick: Alice, Baldwin, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Connie, Donna, Doris, Doug, Edna, Ezra, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Jory, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Predrag, Rachel, Rosie, Sharon, Steve, Sue, Susan, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William. For the departed: Armand Parent. For birthday celebrations: Teresa Betcher, Evan Coore, Caroline Melton, Dawn Duquesnay. For our expectant mothers: Aubrey and Sarah.

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

Video Mass – August 7th, 2022

WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – Aug 5th – Fr. Thomas

Tomorrow, August 6th, is the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord on Mt. Sinai, when Jesus appeared with Moses and Elijah in the presence of Peter, James and John. This feast has a special and sentimental value for me since I served as a teenager on a monthly basis as an acolyte at the Convent of the Transfiguration in Glendale, Ohio, just north of Cincinnati; and have been a priest associate of the Order of the Transfiguration my entire ministry.

So maybe we haven’t seen any apparitions of the Lord in the sky lately, but nonetheless, Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit, appears to us in diverse ways and forms on a regular basis. “When did we see Thee naked and clothed Thee, or sick and visited Thee, or hungry and fed Thee?”

Religious jewelry, bumper stickers, and sacred images are useful reminders of our discipleship, but not a replacement for active and effective service and evangelism in the Lord’s name. “For what you do for the least of my brethren, you do it unto Me.”


St. David’s Island Dinner Dance Saturday, August 13th, from 6:00p.m. – 11:00 p.m., at St. Rita’s Catholic Church, Wellington. Tickets $75.00 per person. Live music by Kool Vibes, a cash bar, door prizes and a 50/50 raffle. Please purchase your tickets this Sunday after Mass!! Learn more about the Island Dinner Dance – https://www.facebook.com/events/738513864070490

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.

St. George’s Center has asked if St. David’s could provide lunch and dinner once a month to the community. If anyone is interested in helping out, please contact Joyce Parker at 561-312-2719

Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by the Vestry. Next Sunday will be hosted by the Congregation. Please bring a dish to share.

Women’s Group Organization and Information second meeting will be held on Sunday, August 7th, in the sanctuary immediately following the 10 a.m. service. ALL women of the parish are strongly encouraged to attend this meeting and be involved in the reorganization and revitalization of our women’s group, regardless of age, working status, or past involvement. 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

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.

Sunday school is in operation with the necessary protocols in place.

Forward Day by Day brochures for next quarter 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, Baldwin, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Donna, Doris, Doug, Edna, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Jory, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Predrag, Rachel, Rosie, Sharon, Steve, Sue, Susan, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William. For birthday celebrations: Jacki Grubb, Ola Walker, Everald Thomas. For anniversary celebration: Claudette and Cecil Wray. For our expectant mothers: Aubrey and Sarah.

Our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintDavidsinthePinesWellingtonFL
Learn more about the Island Dinner Dance – https://www.facebook.com/events/738513864070490

Video Mass – July 31st, 2022

WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – July 31st – Fr. Thomas

Even though I purchased a new phone last year, I still receive notifications that I need “updates.” If you’re like most people, you get the same messages on your computer too! My late father, whom some will remember, was a retired engineer with AT&T. The last ten years with the company he worked on cell phone technology. I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not a “techy” and my late father is probably looking down at me wondering, “Didn’t I teach this kid anything?”

From a Christian point of view, conversion is not simply a once in a life event, or even annually, but a daily occurrence. That’s why we say the Confession at the beginning of the Mass, and at the beginning of Morning and Evening Prayer. The Greek word used in the New Testament for repentance and conversion is “Metanoia.” Perhaps there’d be less paranoia, if there were more metanoia. I’ll give an admonition, though, against thinking that we can go ahead and sin because we know God will forgive us if we ask Him – that is the Sin of Presumption.

The whole point of our Christian walk with Christ reminds us that nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.


St. David’s Island Dinner Dance Saturday, August 13th, from 6:00p.m. – 11:00 p.m., at St. Rita’s Catholic Church, Wellington. Tickets $75.00 per person. Live music by Kool Vibes, a cash bar, door prizes and a 50/50 raffle. Tickets will be on sale after Mass.

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.

St. George’s Center has asked if St. David’s could provide lunch and dinner once a month to the community. If anyone is interested in helping out, please contact Joyce Parker at 561-312-2719

Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by Hosted by Maria Scher. Next Sunday will be hosted by the Vestry.

Women’s Group Organization and Information second meeting will be held on Sunday, August 7th, in the sanctuary immediately following the 10 a.m. service. ALL women of the parish are strongly encouraged to attend this meeting and be involved in the reorganization and revitalization of our women’s group, regardless of age, working status, or past involvement. 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

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.

Sunday school is in operation with the necessary protocols in place.

Forward Day by Day brochures for next quarter 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, Baldwin, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Donna, Doris, Doug, Edna, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Jory, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Predrag, Rachel, Rosie, Sharon, Steve, Sue, Susan, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William. For the departed: Dave Palmateer and Stuart Gardner. For birthday celebrations: Leonardo Schubert, Yvonne Palmer, Theresa Falotico. For anniversary celebration: Jack and Sara Webber. For our expectant mothers: Aubrey and Sarah.

Our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintDavidsinthePinesWellingtonFL
Learn more about the Island Dinner Dance – https://www.facebook.com/events/738513864070490

Video Mass – July 24th, 2022