WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – July 24th – Fr. Thomas

/in /by

There was a small Oklahoma town that had two Baptist churches and one distillery. Members of both churches complained that the distillery was giving the community a bad image. And to make matters worse, the owner of the distillery was an out spoken atheist. The church people had tried unsuccessfully for years to shut down the distillery. So finally they decided to hold a joint Saturday night prayer meeting. They asked God to intervene and settle the matter. As the church folks gathered that night, there was a horrible thunderstorm raging outside and to the delight of the church members, lightening hit that old distillery and it burned to the ground.

The next morning the sermons that were preached in both churches were on the power of prayer. But the insurance adjusters promptly notified the distillery owner that they were not going to pay for the damages because the fire was an act of God and that was an exclusion in the policy. The distillery owner was furious and he sued both churches claiming that they had conspired with God to destroy his business. But the churches denied that they had anything to do with the cause of the fire. The presiding judge opened the trial with these words: “I find one thing in this case most perplexing-we have a situation here where the plaintiff, an atheist is professing his belief in the power of prayer, and the defendants all faithful church members are denying the very same power.”

In other words, we don’t believe only when it’s expedient, but at all times and places. So, I’ll give the late Quaker theologian and author, Elton Trueblood, the final word: “Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservation.”

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 Claudette Wray. Next Sunday will be hosted by Maria Scher.

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: Jackson Eubanks, Theda Aiken, Annemarie Elmquist, Nellie Falco. 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

St. David’s Island Dinner Dance – Saturday, August 13th, 2022

/in /by

St. David’s Island Dinner Dance!

When: Saturday, August 13th, from 6:00p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Where: St. Rita’s Catholic Church, Wellington (map link)

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.
For Tickets, call 561-793-1976

 

Map Link to St. Rita’s Catholic Church, Wellington

Video Mass – July 17th, 2022

/in , /by

WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – July 17th – Fr. Thomas

/in /by
There was a knock on the door of the Pearly Gates, and St. Peter answered to find a man standing there.  He glanced down at his clipboard to begin the intake process; however, when he looked back up, the man was gone.  St. Peter shrugged and closed the gates.  A moment later the same man knocked again.  When St. Peter noticed him he began to speak, but the man disappeared again just as St. Peter was looking at him.  When the man appeared for the third time, St. Peter shouted, “Hey, what’s the big idea, are you trying to be funny?”  “No!” the man called back as he disappeared yet again; “They keep trying to revive me!”

How often do we need to be “revived,” especially during these days of the pandemic, violence and unrest, near and far?  I can’t make the point more often:  the Church may be the last hope for saving humanity.  So, remember that worrying doesn’t take away tomorrow’s troubles; it takes away today’s peace – because “Yesterday is history; tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift, that’s why it’s called the Present.”

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.

Next Sunday, June 26th at the 10 a.m. mass, our guest preacher will be The Rev. Canon Licia Affer, the Canon to the Ordinary (Bishop’s Assistant).

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.

Women’s Group: There will be an organizational meeting following the 10:00 a.m. service on Sunday, July 17th for all women of St. David’s who would like to come and talk about forming a women’s group. Bring ideas of what you would like to do and how we can move forward as a group. The meeting will be held in the back of the church. Thank you. Any questions call Linda McKeown at 561-254-3902 or email her at llmckeown51@comcast.net

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, Windell. For birthday celebrations: Danielle Kiminyo, William Jackowski Jr. For anniversary celebrations: Yvonne and Rohan Wolliston, Carolyn and Ed Schmiedl. 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

WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – July 10th – Fr. Thomas

/in /by

Happy Independence Day Weekend – even if our “independence” is still somewhat limited during the Pandemic! So what makes America great? America has greatness in her freedoms and liberties, but also in our ability to respect the rights of others, even if they disagree with us. Today, however, it seems like we demonize those different from us and are less civil with others who disagree. When our forefathers came to this country and founded our system of government, they were convinced that there was a “Higher Power” who was involved in the destinies of all people &

I like the story of an unusual account of how the news of the 1815 Battle of Waterloo reached England. The report from the battle ground, back in those days, was sent first by a sailing ship to the Southern coast and then by signal flags to London. When the report was received at Winchester, the flags on the cathedral began to spell out the message, “Wellington defeated.” However, before the message could be completed, a heavy fog rolled in and with that heavy fog the gloom of the nation filled the hearts of the people. Then, when the midst began to lift, it became evident that the signals of the Winchester Cathedral had really spelled out this triumphant message: “Wellington defeated the enemy!”

Too often we allow the future to be colored by what we understand at the moment and it keeps us from moving forward. When we trust God in the midst of transition and conflict; we can let go of the panic and release ourselves into His hands, and then we will come out of the clouds and into the glorious victory of the risen Lord.

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.

Next Sunday, June 26th at the 10 a.m. mass, our guest preacher will be The Rev. Canon Licia Affer, the Canon to the Ordinary (Bishop’s Assistant).

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.

Women’s Group: There will be an organizational meeting following the 10:00 a.m. service on Sunday, July 17th for all women of St. David’s who would like to come and talk about forming a women’s group. Bring ideas of what you would like to do and how we can move forward as a group. The meeting will be held in the back of the church. Thank you. Any questions call Linda McKeown at 561-254-3902 or email her at llmckeown51@comcast.net

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 beginning July 3rd.

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, Sharon, Steve, Sue, Susan, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William. For birthday celebrations: Kenneth Barnett, Lauren Melton, Joyce Parker, Lucas Joseph, Marc Duquesnay, Dr. Estelle Beresford. For anniversary celebration: Javier and Debra Gonzalez. For our expectant mothers: Aubrey and Sarah.

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

Video Mass – July 10th, 2022

/in , /by

Video Mass – July 3rd, 2022

/in , /by

WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – July 3rd – Fr. Thomas

/in /by

Happy Independence Day Weekend – even if our “independence” is still somewhat limited during the Pandemic! So what makes America great? America has greatness in her freedoms and liberties, but also in our ability to respect the rights of others, even if they disagree with us. Today, however, it seems like we demonize those different from us and are less civil with others who disagree. When our forefathers came to this country and founded our system of government, they were convinced that there was a “Higher Power” who was involved in the destinies of all people & nations. They believed that all were endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights – life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. There was a moral fiber, a moral strength in our nation, but today it seems that our society is so caught up in greed and materialism that we’re only interested in ourselves.

When people lose trust in God, they put their trust in anything; looking for pragmatic political solutions to problems that politics cannot solve. In the modern world many political struggles are, in reality, spiritual struggles. If we put our trust solely in education, we’ll get what education can give us. If we put our trust in money, we’ll get what money can give us. If we put our trust in government we’ll get what government can give us. But if we put our trust in God, we’ll have everything we need, for all eternity. Aim for earth and you’ll likely get it, aim for heaven and you’ll get earth thrown in!

Laws themselves don’t make a country great either. We have over thirty million laws, at all levels, to enforce the Ten Commandments; summarized by Jesus who said, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Yet people still break the laws. St. Paul wrote, “That which I want to do I can’t, and what I don’t want to do, I do anyway.” That’s not a declaration of defeat; he’s not saying he’s giving up the fight! Neither was Paul suggesting that we abolish laws altogether. Sure, it’s easier for a Jew to give up pork or work on the Sabbath day than forgive enemies & pray for persecutors. But we’re all still under the MORAL law. At the same time, we need to be responsible. What did Adam and Eve do when they gave into temptation? They blamed someone else! Is anyone accountable anymore? Temptation often comes when we are ungrateful. Eve could have had everything except the fruit of one tree. Many of us dwell on the few things we don’t have and forfeit many things we do have. So, count your blessings! What makes our nation great? It’s people who exemplify Jesus’ life of service and love; proclaiming the Good News in word and deed. And remember: “You may be the only Gospel your neighbor ever reads.”

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.

Next Sunday, June 26th at the 10 a.m. mass, our guest preacher will be The Rev. Canon Licia Affer, the Canon to the Ordinary (Bishop’s Assistant).

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: There will be an organizational meeting following the 10:00 a.m. service on Sunday, July 17th for all women of St. David’s who would like to come and talk about forming a women’s group. Bring ideas of what you would like to do and how we can move forward as a group. The meeting will be held in the back of the church. Thank you. Any questions call Linda McKeown at 561-254-3902 or email her at llmckeown51@comcast.net

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 beginning July 3rd.

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: Aki, Alice, Baldwin, Barbara, Beth, Bradley, Carol, Carolyn, Donna, Doris, Doug, Edna, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Jory, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Predrag, Rachel, Sharon, Steve, Sue, Susan, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William. For birthday celebrations: Rudolph Bernard, Lynda Rozzi, Laurie Solomon. For anniversary celebration: Michel and Teresa Guillaume. For our expectant mothers: Aubrey and Sarah.

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

Video Mass – June 26th, 2022

/in , /by

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

/in /by

Many of our readers will be driving more than usual this summer, despite the record setting price of fuel. We can tell a lot about someone by observing their driving habits. No one likes it when another driver cuts them off, risking life and limb, or when they crawl along at the pace of a funeral procession. No doubt you’ve seen too many demented drivers who cut across three lanes of traffic on the highway to head directly toward the exit ramp. Our vehicles are sources of independence, but also financial liability. No surprise that many folks take better care of their cars or trucks than they do themselves. Occasionally, I receive a Customer Opinion Survey asking me questions about my car and its service. What if we sent the same sort of questionnaire to folks in the parish? “How would you evaluate your recent visit to our church?” “How would you evaluate your journey with the Lord?” “Have you been contacted by your church after joining?” “Would you like your priest to contact you with any problems or concerns?”

So how do we recognize Christ in the other driver? Drivers should see themselves not as the most important person on the road, but as one fish in a school on life’s highway. There is a parallel in locking oneself in the car to being back in the womb, where there is a misconception of invincibility. One can close themselves up, turn on some music, and forget about the whole world outside. Everyone else is a hindrance to our reaching our destination faster than the next person. So, we’re all in this together -by ourselves! God is more interested in how we treat one another than how many seconds it takes our vehicle to get from 0 to 60 mph. A prayer card I picked up years ago read, “At 45 miles per hour, sing: “Highways are happy ways. At 55 sing: I’m but a stranger here, heaven is my home. At 65 sing: Nearer my God to Thee. At 75: when the role is called up yonder I’ll be there, and at 85 sing: Lord I’m coming home.”

Cars can make us less than human, serve as a mask, or a suit of armor. Instead of becoming brothers and sisters on the highway of life, we can become competitors in a destructive race to moral or physical annihilation. So, do we drive like the devil or drive like a Christian?

The Bishop’s Assistant, The Reverend Canon Licia Affer, will be our special guest preacher at the 10:00 a.m. service.

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.

Next Sunday, June 26th at the 10 a.m. mass, our guest preacher will be The Rev. Canon Licia Affer, the Canon to the Ordinary (Bishop’s Assistant).

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 Joyce Parker and Marianne Davidson. Next Sunday, July 3 will be hosted by the Vestry.

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, Bradley, Carol, Carolyn, Donna, Doris, Doug, Edna, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Jory, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Predrag, Rachel, Sharon, Steve, Sue, Susan, Tracy, Violet, William. For birthday celebrations: Marie Pierre-Paul, Dan Grubb, Zane Hawk, Dr. Kitonga Kiminyo, Joyce Richardson, Leona Rozzi, Jacquie Murray. For anniversary celebrations: Douglas and Joy Noe, Danny and Carol Sneade. For our expectant mothers: Aubrey and Sarah.

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