WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – April 1st – Fr. Thomas
Today, April 1st, is of course, April Fool’s Day. What is the origin of this special day? There are several theories; one explanation focuses on the practice from ancient times of people in some parts of Europe celebrating the New Year on or around the Spring Equinox before the revised calendar which defined January 1 as the first day of the year. People who forgot about the change, or observed the old rules for other reasons became victims of various jokes. For example, pranksters would discreetly stick paper fish to their backs. In France, the victims of this prank were called Poisson d’Avril, April Fish, or as we call it, April Fools. Biblical theories about the origin point to Noah as the first “April Fool”. It is said that on April 1, Noah mistakenly sent the dove out to find dry land before the waters subsided. A second story tells that the day commemorates when Jesus was sent from Pontius Pilate to Herod and back again. “Sending a man from Pilate to Herod”, is an old term for sending someone on a fool’s errand. Ancient Romans and Celts celebrated a festival of practical joking around the time of the March equinox.
Regardless of the origins of April Fool’s Day, we’re all advised not to be foolish, but to be aware of those sins which separate us from the love of God, and our responsibility as Christians to promote the Gospel in thought, word and deed. Easter is only two weeks away, and ushers in a new era in which we make known the redeeming love of God. The late evangelist Billy Graham told the story about a time early on in his ministry when he visited a small town to preach. Wanting to mail a letter once he arrived, he asked a young boy where the post office was. When the boy told him, Dr. Graham thanked him and said, “Why don’t you come to the Baptist Church on Third Street this evening? I’ll be preaching about how to get to heaven.” The boy replied, “Thanks anyway, but I don’t think I’ll be there; you don’t even know your way to the post office!”
Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” and He shows us the way by walking to Calvary, and ascending into heaven after the Resurrection. And that’s “no joke.” With only one more week before Palm Sunday, what more do we need to know? We are not Christians simply because we think Jesus rose from the dead, but because we think and hope that we will rise too.
Holy Week Schedule
Palm Sunday April 10
Procession and Reading of the Passion Gospel
Maundy Thursday April 14th 7:00 p.m.
Good Friday April 15th noon & 7:00 p.m.
Tomb Service April 16th 10:00 a.m.
Holy Saturday Vigil April 16th 7:00 p.m.
Easter April 17th 8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m.
Easter Egg Hunt April 17th after 10am mass 11:15 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.
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 Daughters of the King.
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.
Easter Flowers: We are collecting donations for Easter Lilies. Cost of flowers is $25. Please fill in a form and place it in the plate or mail it to the office. Please have your request in by March 28th.
Parish Mission: One night parish mission, Saturday, April 9th, 6:00 p.m. As a ‘Prelude” to Holy Week, we’ll walk The Way of the Cross, followed by a short meditation and simple potluck dinner.
The Easter Vigil Champagne Reception will be after celebration of the Easter Vigil Mass, Saturday night, April 16th. Sign up after Mass this Sunday to bring an hors d’oeuvre, sweet or beverage and to volunteer to help set up or clean up after the reception!
The Great Easter Egg Hunt will be after the 10 a.m. Mass on Easter Sunday, April 17th. We are collecting plastic eggs in the decorated box in the narthex for the next few weeks. Eggs can be empty or filled, but if they are filled, please no chocolate or gum. Thank you for your support!
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. Learn More Here: https://www.saintdavidsinthepines.org/2022/03/14/yardsale-may21-2022/
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, Baldwin, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Donna, Doris, Doug, Edna, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Sharon, Susan, Violet, William. For the departed: James Baldwin, Lester Walker and Steve Sagonas II. For birthday celebrations: Ann Chambers, Faubert Pierre-Paul, Eric Cohen, Laurette Bagley, Samuel Kalphat, Joe Mee, Lorna Lawrence. For anniversary celebration: Baldwin and Violet Henry. For our expectant mothers: Aubrey and Ryan.
Our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintDavidsinthePinesWellingtonFL
WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – March 25th – Fr. Thomas
Today, March 25th is the Feast of the Annunciation of Our Lord by the Archangel Gabriel to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Only nine months until Christmas, but it’s a perfect feast for Lent when we open our hearts and minds to God’s will so that we can say with Mary, “Let it be to me according to Your will.” All of us have the duty to go where God calls us to go; to respond to those daily annunciations, even when our task is not completely clear. What stumbling block needs to be removed before we say Yes to God? Maybe there’s some decision we’re having trouble saying “yes” to which gives us “morning sickness.” Just as the announcement to Mary was an “interruption” to her daily life from that day and forever – we reap the blessings as children of God because of Mary’s Yes to God. Every day we face a choice between yes to God, or yes to sin. God won’t compel us to say yes, but grace gives us the wisdom to choose well, and makes us His sons and daughters.
Mary is addressed as Ave in Latin, the inverse of “Eva” because, as medieval theologians pointed out, she undid what was done by Eve in the garden. So, if Jesus is the second Adam, Mary is the new Eve. Mary is the one who heard the word of God, opened the door of her life and received the presence of the Lord. No one can love the Blessed Mother more than Jesus, her Son, who from the cross commended his mother to all his disciples, “Behold, your mother.” As she stood by her Son with love and prayer, so the Church stands by those who suffer with love and prayer. If Mary, the young unmarried pregnant girl, can believe in the incredible happening that she is part of, then the most ordinary people can believe in their part in God’s plan of salvation. That’s why it’s an appropriate feast for Lent. His grace makes us sons and daughters not slaves; lovers not merely clients. God had to be born in Mary’s heart before he could be born in her womb, for as someone said, “In Mary, God fell in love with humanity.” And as the old hymn says, “Come into our hearts Lord Jesus, there is room in our hearts for Thee.”
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 Daughters of the King.
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.
Easter Flowers: We are collecting donations for Easter Lilies. Cost of flowers is $25. Please fill in a form and place it in the plate or mail it to the office. Please have your request in by March 28th.
Parish Mission: One night parish mission, Saturday, April 9th, 6:00 p.m. As a ‘Prelude” to Holy Week, we’ll walk The Way of the Cross, followed by a short meditation and simple potluck dinner.
The Easter Vigil Champagne Reception will be after celebration of the Easter Vigil Mass, Saturday night, April 16th. Sign up after Mass this Sunday to bring an hors d’oeuvre, sweet or beverage and to volunteer to help set up or clean up after the reception!
The Great Easter Egg Hunt will be after the 10 a.m. Mass on Easter Sunday, April 17th. We are collecting plastic eggs in the decorated box in the narthex for the next few weeks. Eggs can be empty or filled, but if they are filled, please no chocolate or gum. Thank you for your support!
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.
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, Baldwin, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Donna, Doris, Doug, Edna, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Sharon, Susan, Violet, William. For the departed: James Baldwin, Lester Walker and Steve Sagonas II. For birthday celebrations: Ann Chambers, Faubert Pierre-Paul, Eric Cohen, Laurette Bagley, Samuel Kalphat, Joe Mee, Lorna Lawrence. For anniversary celebration: Baldwin and Violet Henry. For our expectant mothers: Aubrey and Ryan.
Our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintDavidsinthePinesWellingtonFL
WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – March 20th – Fr. Thomas
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to the Irish and their descendants! But, not to be overlooked, is the Feast of St. Joseph, the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and foster father of Our Lord on March 19th. I’m reminded of a story about a certain father desperate for a bit of peace and quiet one rainy Sunday afternoon. So, from his newspaper’s color supplement he tore out a picture of a map of the world. He took a pair of scissors and cut the map into small pieces and said to his children, “Here’s a project for you – put the world back together again.” After a bit of grumbling there were whispers and giggles, followed by a period of silent concentration. Finally, the youngsters said, “Here you are, we’ve done it.” Indeed they had, but the picture was not a map of the world; it was a photograph of a very happy looking family which had been on the reverse side of the map!
Our calling as Christians is not necessarily to make people “happy.” The happiest people are too busy to notice if they’re happy or not. Happiness is a byproduct of a life lived according to the Gospel of Christ. During this season of Lent, if we’re willing to unite our acts of self-denial and suffering with Our Lord’s, it can stretch our hearts to make room for greater joy and love. Accept your path, with its twists and turns. The adventure is in the journey, not the arriving. And yes, despite the violence which permeates our nation and our world, perhaps the world will become a happier place. As I’m fond of saying, life doesn’t come with a bow, but it’s still a gift because “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift – that’s why it’s called the Present.”
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 Daughters of the King.
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.
Easter Flowers: We are collecting donations for Easter Lilies. Cost of flowers is $25. Please fill in a form and place it in the plate or mail it to the office. Please have your request in by March 28th.
Parish Mission: One night parish mission, Saturday, April 9th, 6:00 p.m. As a ‘Prelude” to Holy Week, we’ll walk The Way of the Cross, followed by a short meditation and simple potluck dinner.
The Easter Vigil Champagne Reception will be after celebration of the Easter Vigil Mass, Saturday night, April 16th. Sign up after Mass this Sunday to bring an hors d’oeuvre, sweet or beverage and to volunteer to help set up or clean up after the reception!
The Great Easter Egg Hunt will be after the 10 a.m. Mass on Easter Sunday, April 17th. We are collecting plastic eggs in the decorated box in the narthex for the next few weeks. Eggs can be empty or filled, but if they are filled, please no chocolate or gum. Thank you for your support!
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.
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, 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: Alred Dyce, Matthew Hogan, Richard James, Meghan Schubert, Dexter Beresford, Austin LaBorde, Inara Elmquist. For anniversary celebration: Chris and Kati Erickson. For our expectant mothers: Aubrey and Ryan.
Our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintDavidsinthePinesWellingtonFL
WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – March 13th – Fr. Thomas
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
