WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – August 29th – Fr. Thomas

“What terrible sins have I committed?” Surely I don’t deserve this affliction!” cried Reva to her hospital roommate. Reva had just been told that her cancer had spread to her lungs and bones. After a mastectomy and chemotherapy, Reva, a young woman, had believed her breast cancer was under control, for which she was thankful to God.

Reva had generously thrown herself into her church work in various capacities. After she had begun to experience back pain and general weakness, she learned that her cancer had spread. Her roommate tried to console her by telling her that God was a God of love and that He loved her. She assured Reva that God was not punishing her for any sins she may have committed; because everyone has fallen short of God’s expectations. “You must continue to witness to your faith even through the bad times, and God will continue to use you.” Reva calmed down somewhat and said, “I must look terrible because I’ve been crying for hours and I want to look good when my husband comes to visit shortly.” Her roommate replied, “Honey, I don’t know how you look! I’m blind.”

Even during challenging and dubious times, particularly during the present pandemic, God calls us to see “The Big Picture,” and to focus on the things that truly matter in life. In the words of Aldous Huxley, “Experience is not what happens to a man; it is what a man does with what happens to him.”

—-

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 – Daughters of the King.

Bunco: Please join us in the Parish Hall on Saturday, September 11 at 6:00 p.m. $10.00 per person – prizes to be awarded! Bring a dish to share and your favorite beverage! Remember, the more the merrier – bring a friend or two!!

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.

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.
Wednesday: Eucharistic Adoration 6:00 p.m.
Wednesdays: Holy Eucharist and Rosary 6:30 p.m.

PLEASE PRAY: For the sick: Alice, Barbara, Beth, Catherine, Danny, Diana, Donna, Jacob, Jeanne, Joaquin, Manuel, Max, Michael, Miguel, Mike, Parker, Susan. For birthday celebrations: Karlene Kiminyo, Jon Elmquist, Renee Hawk, Barbara Martinez, Jem Barrett, James Richardson, Maria Scher. For anniversary celebrations: James and Linda McKeown, Alex and Clare Morales. For our expectant mothers: Lauren, Meghan and Prya.

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

Video Mass – Aug 22nd, 2021

WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – August 22nd – Fr. Thomas

“Now,” said the professor, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things – God, your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions. If everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, your car. The sand is everything else – the small stuff. If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued, “there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important.

So…Pay attention to the things which are critical to your happiness:

Play with your children
Spend time with your parents
Visit the grandparents
Take time to get medical checkups
Take your spouse out to dinner
Play another 18

There will always be time to clean the house and maintain the lawn and garden. The golf balls are the priorities; the rest is just sand. Contentment doesn’t mean getting all you want, but enjoying what you have. So, if you don’t like the way your life looks, try changing the way you look at life.”

—-

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 – Daughters of the King.

Bunco: Please join us in the Parish Hall on Saturday, September 11 at 6:00 p.m. $10.00 per person – prizes to be awarded! Bring a dish to share and your favorite beverage! Remember, the more the merrier – bring a friend or two!!

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.

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: Angel, Barbara, Beth, Boo, Danny, Diana, Donna, Doug, Jacob, Jeanne, Joaquin, Max, Michael, Miguel, Mike, Parker, Susan. For birthday celebrations: Manuel Anzures, Dorrett Barnett, Melba Vlahakis, Cindy Hernandez, Trexler Goodman. For anniversary celebration: Donald and Iann McCree. For our expectant mothers: Meghan and Prya.

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

Video Mass – Aug 15th, 2021

WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – August 15th – Fr. Thomas

A man named Smith was flying from San Francisco to L.A. Unexpectedly, the plane stopped in Sacramento along the way. The flight attendant explained that there would be a delay, and if the passengers wanted to get off the aircraft, the plane would “reboard” in thirty minutes. Everybody got off the plane except one gentleman who was blind. Mr. Smith had noticed him as he walked by and could tell the blind man had flown before because his seeing eye dog lay quietly underneath the seats in front of him throughout the entire flight. Mr. Smith could also tell that he had flown this same itinerary because the pilot approached him, and calling him by name, said, “Keith, we’re in Sacramento for almost an hour. Would you like to get off and stretch your legs?” Keith replied, “No thanks, but maybe the dog would like to stretch his legs.”

Picture this: all the people in the gate area came to a complete quiet standstill when they looked up and saw the pilot walk off the plane with a seeing eye dog! The pilot was even wearing sunglasses! People scattered; not only to change their flights, but they also tried to change airlines!

Point of the story: things aren’t always what they appear to be. Or in the words of 19th c. Quaker theologian, Elton Trueblood, “ Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservation.”

—-

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 – Daughters of the King.

Bunko: A big thank you to all the Bunko attendees who came out last Saturday! A fun time was had by all… and we’ll do it all again Saturday, September 11 at 6:00 p.m. Remember, the more the merrier – bring a friend or two!!

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.

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: Angel, Ampy, Barbara, Beth, Danny, Diana, Donna, Jacob, Jeanne, Joaquin, Kip, Max, Michael, Miguel, Mike, Susan, Walter. For birthday celebrations: Teresa Betcher, Evan Coore, Caroline Melton, Dawn Duquesnay, James Belden Jr. For anniversary celebration: Tim and Beatrice Sauerbier. For our expectant mother: Meghan.

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

Video Mass – Aug 8th, 2021

WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – August 8th – Fr. Thomas

As another school year begins next week, I’m reminded of a comparable “classroom situation” Jesus shared with His disciples when he took them up the mountain, and said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of God. Blessed are the meek, and those who mourn. Blessed are the merciful. Blessed are those who thirst for justice, for those who are persecuted and those who suffer. But, be glad and rejoice, for yours is the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Then Simon Peter said, “Are we supposed to know this?” And Andrew said, “Do we have to write this down?” And James said, “Will we have a test on this?” And Phillip said, “I don’t have any paper.” And Bartholomew said, “Do we have to turn this in?” And John said, “The other disciples didn’t have to learn this!” And Matthew said, “May I go to the bathroom?” and Judas said, “What does this have to do with real life?”

Then one of the Pharisees who was present asked to see Jesus’ lesson plan and inquired, “Where is your anticipatory set, and what are your objectives in the cognitive domain?” And Jesus wept.

It’s been said that life is like a classroom, we don’t “graduate” until we get to heaven. So meanwhile, remember that “Learning leads to understanding and understanding leads to doing.” One cannot love what one does not know. Or in the words of the 19 th c. Bishop Phillips Brooks, “Duty makes us do things well; love makes us do things beautifully.”

NOTICES:

Bunco: You’ve endured more than a year without it, but it’s coming back on August 7th – it’s BUNCO!! Please join us in the Parish Hall on August 7th, at 6PM. Bring a dish to share and your favorite beverage! If you’ve never played, if you’re a little rusty, if you’re confused – that’s ok – it’s all about bringing back fun, food and fellowship to St. David’s! $10.00 per person – prizes to be awarded! (Easy and fun game – tutorials provided – and feel free to wear a mask, if you like. 😉 ) Thank you, Erin

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.

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 to 9:30 pm.

Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. mass – Congregation.

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 https://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

Outreach School Supplies Project: This year Wynnebrook Elementary School is asking for the following supplies. Crayons, colored pencils, 2 pocket folders, glue sticks, composition books, sweaters for our students (the building gets really cold!). We will have a collection basket out for cash donations so we can purchase these items in bulk. But if you prefer to go shopping yourself that is fine as well. Please make your contribution, cash or items, by Sunday, August 8th. If you are not able to get to church yet, you can mail a check to me at 104 Locust Lane, Royal Palm Beach FL 33411. Please make check payable to St. David’s and enter Outreach on the Notes line. Thank you for your support. Joyce Parker

Altar Flowers and Candles: We 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 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: Angel, Ampy, Barbara, Beth, Danny, Diana, Donna, Jacob, Jeanne, Joaquin, Kip, Max, Michael, Miguel, Mike, Susan, Walter. For birthday celebrations: Ola Walker, Roger Dwyer, Everald Thomas. For our expectant mother: Meghan.

Video Mass – Aug 1st, 2021

WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – August 1st – Fr. Thomas.

One morning in 1888 Alfred Nobel, inventor of dynamite, awoke to read his own obituary. The obituary was printed as a result of a simple journalistic error. It was actually Alfred’s brother that had died, and the reporter mistakenly reported the death of the wrong brother. Of course Alfred was disturbed under the circumstances, but to Alfred the shock was overwhelming because he saw himself as the world saw him – the “Dynamite King,” the great industrialist who had made an immense fortune from explosives. This, as far as the general public was concerned, was the entire purpose of Alfred’s life. None of his true intentions to break down the barriers that separated men and ideas for peace were recognized or given serious consideration. He was simply a merchant of death, and for that alone he would be remembered.

As he read the obituary with horror, he resolved to make clear to the world the true meaning and purpose of his life. This could be done through the final disposition of his fortune. His last will and testament — an endowment of five annual prizes for outstanding contributions in physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, and peace (the sixth category of economics was added later) would be the expression of his life’s ideals and ultimately would be why we would remember him. The result was the most valuable of prizes given to those who had done the most for the cause of world peace. It’s called today, the “Nobel Peace Prize.”

They say peace comes with a price; but “who” pays the price and to what extent? In the countries of the world that endure warfare and violence, lasting peace may be a “prize,” but yet remains out of reach. As we watch the Summer Olympics on television, we’re reminded that anybody can start the race, but they don’t give out the awards until you finish. So may that peace which passes all understanding abide in your hearts, minds, and souls today and forever.

NOTICES:

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.

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 to 9:30 pm.

Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. mass – ECW.

Bunco: You’ve endured more than a year without it, but it’s coming back on August 7th – it’s BUNCO!! Please join us in the Parish Hall on August 7th, at 6PM. Bring a dish to share and your favorite beverage! If you’ve never played, if you’re a little rusty, if you’re confused – that’s ok – it’s all about bringing back fun, food and fellowship to St. David’s! $10.00 per person – prizes to be awarded! (Easy and fun game – tutorials provided – and feel free to wear a mask, if you like. 😉 ) Thank you, Erin

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 https://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

Outreach School Supplies Project: This year Wynnebrook Elementary School is asking for the following supplies. Crayons, colored pencils, 2 pocket folders, glue sticks, composition books, sweaters for our students (the building gets really cold!). We will have a collection basket out for cash donations so we can purchase these items in bulk. But if you prefer to go shopping yourself that is fine as well. Please make your contribution, cash or items, by Sunday, August 8th. If you are not able to get to church yet, you can mail a check to me at 104 Locust Lane, Royal Palm Beach FL 33411. Please make check payable to St. David’s and enter Outreach on the Notes line. Thank you for your support. Joyce Parker

Altar Flowers and Candles: We 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

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.
Wednesday: Eucharistic Adoration 6:00 p.m.
Wednesdays: Holy Eucharist and Rosary 6:30 p.m.

PLEASE PRAY – For the sick: Angel, Ampy, Barbara, Beth, Danny, Diana, Donna, Jeanne, Joaquin, Kip, Max, Michael, Miguel, Mike, Walter. For birthday celebrations: Leonardo Schubert, Barbara O’Reilly, Yvonne Palmer, Theresa Falotico, Marilla Vanbeuren, Jacki Grubb. For anniversary celebrations: Wesley and Renee Hawk, Sara and Jack Webber, Cecil and Claudette Wray.  For our expectant mother: Meghan.

Video Mass – July 25th, 2021