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

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There’s an old story about a country doctor who came to a farmhouse one night to help deliver a child. As the mother labored, her husband assisted the doctor by holding up a gas lamp to illuminate a makeshift delivery room. After a time of courageous labor, the mother delivered a fine baby boy. Then, to the surprise of both parents, the doctor announced that a second child was due to arrive. And, indeed, the mother delivered a lovely daughter. Her husband was already shaken by this unexpected turn of events, so you can imagine his surprise and astonishment when he heard the doctor say, “Hang on. I think there’s a third child; we have triplets.” At this, the father began to back out of the room. “Hold it!” called the doctor. “Come back here with that lamp.” “Oh, no,” said the father. “It’s the light that attracts them!”

Of course, we know better. But, in another way, it is true that our new birth in baptism is made possible today, and for the years to come, by the true light born into the world on that first Christmas. May our lives reflect that eternal light which gives new birth to all who receive him, our Lord Jesus Christ.

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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 Thursday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by the Congregation. Please bring a dish or dessert to share.

Stockings for Stars Christmas Project: We are collecting cash and checks for the Stockings for Stars gift cards each Sunday. For more information, please contact Joyce Parker at 561-312-2719.

Christmas Flowers: We are collecting donations of $25.00 for Christmas flowers starting this week. Please fill in a form, and leave it in the plate. The deadline is December 15th.

Church cleaning and decorating. We need volunteers from the men of the church to help set up the Christmas trees and get decorations out of the attic starting at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 11th. We also need volunteers from the women to clean and decorate for Christmas from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 18th. Please contact Linda McKeown at 561-254-3902

The Live Nativity, one of our oldest traditions at St. David’s, will be held on Sunday, December 19th, at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Everyone is invited to come and see the display that evening, but we also need volunteers of all ages to be in the display. To volunteer or get more information, call or text Jenifer Elmore at 561-601-3346 at your earliest opportunity.

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

Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist 8:30 a.m.
Wednesdays: Holy Eucharist and Rosary 6:30 p.m.
Friday, December 24: Christmas Eve 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 25: Christmas Day 10:00 a.m.

PLEASE PRAY: For the sick: Alice, Baldwin, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Donna, Doug, Edna, Ginny, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Kenzie, Manuel, Max, Michael, Miguel, Mike, Parker, Patricia, Susan, Violet, William. For the departed: Assad Thompson, Norma Farrington. For birthday celebrations: Connie Hunter, John Westerholt, Robert Bresnahan, Reagan Bresnahan. For our expectant mothers: Ana, Meghan, Priya and Ryan.

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzWRA9VxChBQd5l6rf3kF3A

Video Mass – Dec. 5, 2021

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

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We learn something new every day! A Canadian scientist explains why geese flying South for the winter fly in a “V” formation. As each bird flaps his or her wings, it creates uplift for the bird immediately following it. By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock can fly at least 71% farther than if on its own. Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it feels the resistance of trying to go it alone and quickly gets back into formation.

When the goose gets tired, it rotates back in the wing and another goose flies on the point. It pays to take turns doing hard jobs for the group. The geese honk from behind to encourage those up front. Finally, (get this!) when a goose weakens or is wounded and falls out of the formation, two geese fall out and follow him down to help and protect him. They stay with him until he is able to fly no longer, at which point the two geese set out on their own and join another formation.

If we have as much sense as a goose, we will work with others who are going the same way as we are. Encouraging, standing by, and taking our turn at the difficult jobs are all part of what it takes to make a winning team. Even though we have fewer activities and group meetings during the Pandemic, as we approach this Christmas season, we are encouraged to show our gratitude and $upport of St. David’s ministries. God only expects us to do what we can: “For without Him we cannot, and without us, He will not.”

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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 Thursday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

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

Stockings for Stars Christmas Project: We are collecting cash and checks for the Stockings for Stars gift cards each Sunday. For more information, please contact Joyce Parker at 561-312-2719.

Christmas Flowers: We are collecting donations of $25.00 for Christmas flowers starting this week. Please fill in a form, and leave it in the plate. The deadline is December 15th.

Bunco continues on Saturday, December 11th, at 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Loads of fun and super easy for newcomers! The more the merrier, so please bring a friend, a bite to share, and your favorite beverage! Cash prizes awarded – even if you lose! $10 per person.

Church cleaning and decorating. We need volunteers from the men of the church to help set up the Christmas trees and get decorations out of the attic starting at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 11th. We also need volunteers from the women to clean and decorate for Christmas from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 18th. Please contact Linda McKeown at 561-254-3902

The Live Nativity, one of our oldest traditions at St. David’s, will be held on Sunday, December 19th, at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Everyone is invited to come and see the display that evening, but we also need volunteers of all ages to be in the display. To volunteer or get more information, call or text Jenifer Elmore at 561-601-3346 at your earliest opportunity.

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

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

PLEASE PRAY: For the sick: Alice, Assad, Baldwin, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Donna, Doug, Ginny, Grace, Jacob, Jayden, Jeanne, Norma Jo-Jo, Joaquin, Kenzie, Manuel, Max, Michael, Miguel, Mike, Parker, Patricia, Susan, Violet, William. For birthday celebrations: Hanna Gardner, Nicholas Webber. For our expectant mothers: Ana, Meghan, Priya and Ryan.

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzWRA9VxChBQd5l6rf3kF3A

Video Mass – Nov. 28, 2021

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Video Mass – Nov. 21, 2021

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WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – November 21st – Fr. Thomas

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“If it feels good, do it. Who’s it going to hurt, anyway?” so says our secular culture. This is not news to anyone, but it became abundantly clear to me whilst teaching theology to high school students over thirty years ago. In the minds of many people, of all ages, whatever you do, for good or bad, is acceptable as long as you don’t get “caught.” Call it “Moral Relativism,” but the prevailing belief is that morality is entirely a matter of one’s personal opinion and choice. Clearly, the freedom to think should leave some space for respectful and intelligent debate, but are there no moral “absolutes” anymore?

Yes, it’s one thing to live a decent and moral life; but another thing to commend (and live out) the Faith that is in us. What the Church must do is encourage people, young and old alike, to progress from a conviction of “Doing the right thing because I ought to do it,” to “Doing the right thing because I want to, and understand why.” As we come to the close of another year in the liturgical calendar, celebrating the Kingship of Christ this coming Sunday, let us also reflect on the responsibility which all Christians have, to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom of God, and its transformative effect on life at every level. In the words of 19 th c. Bishop Phillips Brooks, “Duty makes us do things well, Love makes us do things beautifully.”

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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: There will be no sandwich pick up on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 25th.

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

Shop with Scrip: Gift card fundraising is the best way to raise money. Start giving back to St. David’s the moment you buy a gift card with the RaiseRight mobile app today! You can join the program by downloading the app on your phone or go to www.ShopWithScrip.com on your computer. The enrollment code to set up your free family account is BB6656B177722. For more information, please pick up a flyer in the narthex, or email Kimberly Joy Castellotti-Ward at choiceplusrealestate@gmail.com

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 for Flowers: The flower delivery ministry is in need of vases to be used weekly to put flowers in to be delivered to people. If anyone has any medium to large size vases, please bring in and place in Ladies Room of the church. Thanks. Linda McKeown.

Sunday School: No Sunday school on November 21st. Classes will resume on November 28th, the First Sunday of Advent.

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

Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist 8:30 a.m.

PLEASE PRAY: For the sick: Alice, Assad, Baldwin, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Donna, Doug, Grace, Jacob, Jayden, Jeanne, Norma Jo-Jo, Joaquin, Kenzie, Manuel, Max, Michael, Miguel, Mike, Parker, Susan, William. For birthday celebrations: Gloria Legister, Carol Sneade, Wally Hernandez, Sara Webber, Joy Noe, Matthew Hogan, Beatrice Deshommes-Sauerbier. For our expectant mothers: Ana, Meghan, Priya, and Ryan.

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzWRA9VxChBQd5l6rf3kF3A

Video Mass – Nov. 14, 2021

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WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – November 14th – Fr. Thomas

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This past Thursday was, of course, Veteran’s Day, marking the conclusion of military action in Western Europe at the end of WW I. Coincidentally, in the liturgical calendar, it is also the commemoration of St. Martin of Tours, the patron saint of soldiers. Martin was originally from what we now know as Hungary; he served in the Roman army in the 4th c. and then settled in France and became a monk. The story is told that while early on in his Christian faith, Martin was approached by a beggar. Martin removed his cloak, cut it in two pieces, and gave half to the poor man. The following night Jesus appeared to Martin in a vision wearing the same torn piece of cloth, and acknowledged his generous act. Later on he reluctantly accepted the position of Bishop of Tours, (Southwest of Paris,) in 372 AD and went on to become a popular and respected leader of the Church. He also sent missionary bishops to England; hence the popularity of his name amongst a number of Anglican parish churches.

Sometimes we need to be reminded of Jesus’ words, “What you did for the least of these my brothers, you did it unto Me.” Martin’s immense faith and humility is an example for all leaders in our social, political, and ecclesiastical life – all of whom need our continuous prayers. As we remember with fondness those members of the military who have gone on in the peace of Christ, and those who continue the pilgrimage with us, we offer this prayer –

Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. BCP, p. 823

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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 paring lot each Thursday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. mass – Hosted by the Congregation. Please bring a dish and or dessert to share.

Bunco continues on Saturday, November 13th, at 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Loads of fun and super easy for newcomers! The more the merrier, so please bring a friend, a bite to share, and your favorite beverage! Cash prizes awarded – even if you lose! $10 per person.

Shop with Scrip: Gift card fundraising is the best way to raise money. Start giving back to St. David’s the moment you buy a gift card with the RaiseRight mobile app today! You can join the program by downloading the app on your phone or go to www.ShopWithScrip.com on your computer. The enrollment code to set up your free family account is BB6656B177722. For more information, please pick up a flyer in the narthex, or email Kimberly Joy Castellotti-Ward at choiceplusrealestate@gmail.com

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 for Flowers: The flower delivery ministry is in need of vases to be used weekly to put flowers in to be delivered to people. If anyone has any medium to large size vases, please bring in and place in Ladies Room of the church. Thanks. Linda McKeown.

Sunday School is still in operation with the necessary protocol in place.

Forward Day by Day brochures for the 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, Assad, Barbara, Baldwin, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Donna, Doug, Grace, Jacob, Jayden, Jeanne, Joaquin, Kenzie, Manuel, Max, Michael, Miguel, Mike, Norma Jo-Jo, Parker, Susan, William. For birthday celebrations: Yashieka Blount, Elizabeth Philistin, Jan Dwyer, Kimberly Gardner, Claudette Wray, Predrag Maksimovic, Oliver Schubert, Yvonne Elliott, Jerry Frenz. For our expectant mothers: Ana, Meghan and Priya, Ryan.

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzWRA9VxChBQd5l6rf3kF3A

Video Mass – Nov. 7, 2021

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WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – November 7th – Fr. Thomas

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Richard Lederer is a prolific and popular writer, speaker, and educator. For twenty-seven years he was a teacher at St. Paul’s Episcopal School in Concord, New Hampshire. I had the pleasure of meeting him back in the late 80’s when he visited St. Andrew’s School in Boca Raton where I was on the staff. He’s especially known for his books on the English language and on word play, puns, oxymorons, and anagrams. “Let’s face it,” he writes – “English is a crazy language. There is no egg in eggplant nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple. English muffins weren’t invented in England or French fries in France. Sweetmeats are candies while sweetbreads, which aren’t sweet are meat. We take English for granted. But if we explore its paradoxes, we find that the quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig.”

How we worship says something about our faith; and what we say says something about ourselves. Words, in and of themselves, are only as important as the credibility of those who speak them. What we say to God in our own personal time is hopefully supported by the words we say together in our common worship in church week by week. Old timers reading this will remember the “Language Wars” after the changes in the liturgy forty some years ago. Even though we may not completely know what the words mean, the fact that we’re familiar with them makes them more desirable than something “unfamiliar.” To put things into perspective, when I was on the staff of St. Mark’s Church and School in Ft. Lauderdale back in the mid-80’s, we had a deaf congregation for whom the rector and I said mass on alternate months. It was an “eye-opener” for me to be the only person, other than the “signer,” who had the ability to speak and hear. Words are important, but only to the extent of the sincerity and ability to transform and mold us into the likeness of Christ. As the Prayer Book collect says, “May the words we speak with our lips be grafted inwardly in our hearts to the glory of your Name and the spread of your kingdom. Amen.” So, in order to “save face”, sometimes we need to keep the lower half shut!

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Daylight Saving Time Ends: Please remember to set your clocks back one hour on Sunday, November 7th at 2:00 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.\

St. David’s School: This Sunday we celebrate Episcopal Schools Sunday at St. David’s. We’re proud to be one of over 1,200 Episcopal Schools nationwide and to be celebrating our 26th year with a record number of students, totally 102 from pre-school up through 2nd grade. God bless our staff and families on this special observance.

Youth Group meeting on Sunday, 11/7 after the 10 a.m. service in the large classroom. Pizza lunch will be provided.

Sandwiches for St. George’s: Please bring your sandwiches to St. David’s west side paring lot each Thursday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. mass – Hosted by Maria Scher.

Bunco continues on Saturday, November 13th, at 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Loads of fun and super easy for newcomers! The more the merrier, so please bring a friend, a bite to share, and your favorite beverage! Cash prizes awarded – even if you lose! $10 per person.

Shop with Scrip: Gift card fundraising is the best way to raise money. Start giving back to St. David’s the moment you buy a gift card with the RaiseRight mobile app today! You can join the program by downloading the app on your phone or go to www.ShopWithScrip.com on your computer. The enrollment code to set up your free family account is BB6656B177722. For more information, please pick up a flyer in the narthex, or email Kimberly Joy Castellotti-Ward at choiceplusrealestate@gmail.com

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 for Flowers: The flower delivery ministry is in need of vases to be used weekly to put flowers in to be delivered to people. If anyone has any medium to large size vases, please bring in and place in Ladies Room of the church. Thanks. Linda McKeown.

Sunday School is still in operation with the necessary protocol in place.

Forward Day by Day brochures for the 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, Assad, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Donna, Doug, Jacob, Jayden, Jeanne, Joaquin, Kenzie, Manuel, Max, Michael, Miguel, Mike, Parker, Susan. For the departed: Marina Valdes. For birthday celebrations: Dennis South, Judy Devonish, Desmond Chambers, Cecil Wray, Pearl Saunders, Cynthia Thompson. For our expectant mothers: Ana, Meghan, Priya and Ryan.

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzWRA9VxChBQd5l6rf3kF3A