WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – December 13th – Fr. Thomas.

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WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – December 13th – Fr. Thomas.

Some years ago the newsletter of Holy Trinity Church, Vicksburg, Miss., provided this tale:  A man was trying hard to get the ketchup to come out of the bottle.  During his struggle the phone rang, so he asked his four year old daughter to answer the phone.  “It’s the Rector, Daddy,” the child said to her father.  Then she added, “Daddy can’t come to the phone to talk to you right now.  He’s hitting the bottle.”

“Out of the mouths of babes,” as they say!  Regardless of how we celebrate the Christmas season – the birth of God’s Son into the world, and His continued entry into our lives on a daily basis is the message we need to hear and proclaim throughout the entire year.  Joy is a fruit of the Spirit, and true joy is a gift from God.  It does not flow from what’s happening outside of us; it flows from the DNA of God Himself.

To give C.S. Lewis the last word:  “If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.”  This is why God came into our world to begin with.  With two weeks left before Christmas, it’s not too late to re-evaluate our priorities in preparation for the celebration of Christ’s birth.  If we learn nothing else at this Christmas season, then we will have discovered that true joy which enlightens the world at all times.

NOTICES:

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   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:  We will continue making sandwiches at least through December. Please bring them to St. David’s parking lot each Wednesday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 am. St. George’s is trying to begin serving to-go dinner meals but is not getting enough of the parishes and other groups to support that yet. So the hot lunches with to-go sandwich bags for a later dinner will continue for a while. Thank you for the ongoing support! We continue to provide 300± sandwiches every week.  If you are working and cannot come Wednesday mornings please feel free to call me to set up a Tuesday night drop off.

Volunteers to Decorate the Church: Christmas is only two weeks away and we’re asking for volunteers to help Saturday morning at 9 for about 2 hours to decorate the church, set up the tree, hang lights, etc., particularly in preparation for the day school Christmas programs next week.

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.

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

Saturday, December 19 from 8-11am Church cleaning and decorating.  Everyone welcome and please come wearing mask.

The Annual Living Nativity will again be held on Saturday and Sunday evenings, December 19th and 20th for one hour beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Offering Envelopes:  If you use the offering envelope, please contact the office at your earliest convenience.

Holy Eucharist:

                    Tuesdays: 8:30 am
                    Wednesdays: 6:30 pm

PLEASE PRAY – For the sick: Ashlyn, Beth, Charlotte, Debbie, Donna, Francis, Iliana, Jeanne, Jim, Joaquin, Kim, Theda.

For birthday celebrations: Robert Bresnahan, Reagan Bresnahan, Elyssa Beresford, Eli Carter, Neville Tinglin.

For our expectant mothers: Ashley, Andi, Mayoli.

Video Mass – Second Sunday of Advent Pentecost

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WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – December 6th – Fr. Thomas.

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WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – December 6th – Fr. Thomas.

According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both male and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year, male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to mid-December.  Female reindeer retain their antlers until after they give birth in the spring.  Therefore, according to every historical rendition depicting Santa’s reindeer, every single one of them – from Rudolph to Blitzen – had to be a female.  We should have known – only women would be able to drag a fat man in a red velvet suit all around the world in one night and not get lost!

December 6th  is the commemoration of St. Nicholas, the 4th c. bishop of Myra in modern-day Turkey, who threw bags of money through the windows of poor families, and is the prototype of Santa Claus.  Because of the Pandemic, this Christmas may be somewhat different than other years. With all the distractions of the season, it may be difficult for some to stay focused on the  true meaning of the season: the incarnation of God’s Son into our world, and our lives.  What if we let go of the “perfect Christmas,” whatever that might be, and watch for the signs of God’s presence today in our world?  With only three weeks to go, will we be ready for Christmas?  More importantly, are we ready for Jesus’ return – today, and at the Last Day?  As the familiar hymn reminds us, “How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given.  So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heaven.  No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin, where meek souls will receive Him, still the dear Christ enters in.”

NOTICES:

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   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:  We will continue making sandwiches at least through December. Please bring them to St. David’s parking lot each Wednesday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 am. St. George’s is trying to begin serving to-go dinner meals but is not getting enough of the parishes and other groups to support that yet. So the hot lunches with to-go sandwich bags for a later dinner will continue for a while. Thank you for the ongoing support! We continue to provide 300± sandwiches every week.  If you are working and cannot come Wednesday mornings please feel free to call me to set up a Tuesday night drop off.

Stockings for Stars Christmas Project:  Thank you for the generous donations I have already received in support of our Christmas Outreach Project.  We have 41 children (28 families) at the Fortin Center in South Bay. After another conversation with the Director, we have decided on providing gift cards to the families so they can purchase what they need most, be it food for Christmas dinner, clothing or toys.  Once I see how much we collect we can determine the value of the gift card each child or family will receive.  All donations need to arrive at my home by Sunday, December 6th. I will be at both services that morning in case you hadn’t mailed your check in time to reach me by the 6th. I will purchase the gift cards on Monday, December 7th.  Please call me if you need to make other arrangements. I am happy to be flexible.

Please mail your donations to Joyce Parker, 104 Locust Lane, RPB, FL 33411. The check should be made out to St. David’s. Please write Stockings for Stars in the notes area. Many thanks. Joyce 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.

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

The Annual Parish Meeting will be Sunday, Dec. 13 at 9 a.m. in the parish hall.  New Vestry members will be elected, financial information for this past year will be presented and reports from various ministries will be presented.

Saturday, December 19 from 8-11am Church cleaning and decorating.  Everyone welcome and please come wearing mask.

The Annual Living Nativity will again be held on Saturday and Sunday evenings, December 19th and 20th for one hour beginning  at 7:00 p.m.

Offering Envelopes:   If you use the offering envelope, please contact the office at your earliest convenience.

Holy Eucharist:

  • Tuesdays: 8:30 am
  • Wednesdays: 6:30 pm

PLEASE PRAY – For the  sick : Ashlyn, Beth, Charlotte, Donna, Francis, Iliana, Jeanne, Jim, Joaquin, Kim, Theda.

For our departed:  Keith Barnett, Eula Brabham, Mary Olmstead.

For  birthday celebrations: Nicholas Webber, John Westerholt.

For our expectant  mothers: Mayoli, Andi.

Video Mass – First Sunday of Advent Pentecost

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

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

A woman goes to the post office to buy stamps for her Christmas cards. She says, “I’d like fifty Christmas stamps.” The clerk replies, “What denomination?” The woman looks puzzled and replies, “Oh well, give me six Catholic, four Presbyterian, eight Baptist, five Lutheran, and twenty- seven Episcopalian.” OK, so even if the various Christian denominations have their idiosyncrasies, at least we can all celebrate the birth of Christ on the same day and with the same joyful enthusiasm.

Today, however, the day after Thanksgiving, is the “official” kick-off of the Christmas shopping season and, until this year, the longest shopping day of the entire year, when stores traditionally have expanded business hours. The biggest sales are conducted in the darkness of early morning or night. Coincidentally, many bad behaviors also normally occur after dark. However, the Advent we celebrate is altogether different. The hanging of the greens, the placement of the poinsettias, the lighting of the first Advent candle – all these invite us to dream dreams of a better world – to allow expectant visions that have little to do with “sugar-plum fairies dancing in our heads.”

The Good News of Advent is that in the shadows of our lives, God is present, and with each candle we light the hope of God’s light and love comes closer. The promise is that even where there is darkness and fear in our lives and in the world around us, God is still present to help us endure, and hope is alive. The morning will come – in God’s good time and in God’s good way. Meanwhile, may we bare the “ stamp” of God’s grace and love until we share in that marvelous light of God’s love, mercy, joy, and peace.

NOTICES:

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 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: We will continue making sandwiches at least through December. Please bring them to St. David’s parking lot each Wednesday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 am. St. George’s is trying to begin serving to-go dinner meals but is not getting enough of the parishes and other groups to support that yet. So the hot lunches with to-go sandwich bags for a later dinner will continue for a while. Thank you for the ongoing support! We continue to provide 300± sandwiches every week.

Stockings for Stars Christmas Project: After speaking with the Director of the Fortin Center in South Bay, we have decided to not ask parishioners to shop for clothes and toys for the children. We will be COVID safe and instead, similar to the school supply drive, we will collect money and order items to be delivered directly to the school. I know this is not the same, that we will miss fighting the Black Friday crowds, standing in long lines to pay, etc. Wait, maybe there are a few advantages to this new way. 😊

Please mail your donations to Joyce Parker, 104 Locust Lane, RPB, FL 33411. The check should be made out to St. David’s. Please write Stockings for Stars in the notes area. Many thanks. Joyce 561-312-2719

Holy Eucharist:
Sundays: 8 am & 10 am
Tuesdays: 8:30 am
Wednesdays: 6:30 pm

Please Pray – For the sick: Ashlyn, Beth, Charlotte, Donna, Francis, Iliana, Jeanne, Jim, Joaquin, Kim, Theda.

For birthday celebrations: Timothy Barreca, Natalie Kalphat, Rose Lewis, Dr. Katherine Harvey, Joe Piconcelli, Sr., Hannah Gardner.

For anniversary celebrations: Lester & Ola Walker

For our expectant mothers: Mayoli, Andi.

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

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

“O Give Thanks to the Lord, for He is gracious; and His mercy endureth forever,” so reads Psalm 106.

Amen to that on this Thanksgiving Weekend! Some random housewives apparently compiled their own list of things for which to be grateful.

“For automatic dishwashers – because they make it possible for us to get out of the kitchen before the family comes back in for their after dinner snacks.”

“For husbands who attack small repair jobs around the house – because they usually make them big enough to call in the professionals.”

“For children who put away their things and clean up after themselves. They’re such a joy you hate to see them go home to their own parents.”

“For teenagers – because they give parents an opportunity to learn a second language.”

“For Smoke alarms – because they let you know when the turkey’s done.”

On a more serious note, I include this list of things for which to give thanks.

“I am thankful for: The taxes I pay – because it means I’m employed;

The clothes that fit a little too snug – because it means I have enough to eat;

A lawn that needs mowing, windows that need washing, & gutters that need cleaning – because it means I have a home;

My huge energy bill – because it means I am comfortable;

The piles of laundry – because it means I have loved ones nearby.

For my church – because it reminds me of God’s loving mercy, and His many gifts.”

Thanksgiving is not simply one day; but is a way of life.  Pray that God may help us cultivate an “Attitude of gratitude” this season and throughout the entire year.

NOTICES:

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   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:  We will continue making sandwiches at least through December. Please bring them to St. David’s parking lot each Wednesday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 am. St. George’s is trying to begin serving to-go dinner meals but is not getting enough of the parishes and other groups to support that yet. So the hot lunches with to-go sandwich bags for a later dinner will continue for a while. Thank you for the ongoing support! We continue to provide 300± sandwiches every week.

Stockings for Stars Christmas Project:  After speaking with the Director of the Fortin Center in South Bay, we have decided to not ask parishioners to shop for clothes and toys for the children. We will be COVID safe and instead, similar to the school supply drive, we will collect money and order items to be delivered directly to the school.  I know this is not the same, that we will miss fighting the Black Friday crowds, standing in long lines to pay, etc. Wait, maybe there are a few advantages to this new way.

Please mail your donations to Joyce Parker, 104 Locust Lane, RPB, FL 33411. The check should be made out to St. David’s. Please write Stockings for Stars in the notes area. Many thanks. Joyce 561-312-2719

Holy Eucharist:
Sundays: 8 am & 10 am

Please Pray– For the  sick: Ashlyn, Beth, Charlotte, Donna, Francis, Iliana, Jeanne, Jim, Joaquin, Kim, Theda.

For  birthday celebrations: Wally Hernandez, Sara Webber, Joy Noe, Beverly Francis, Matthew Hogan, Beatrice Deshommes-Sauerbier.

For our expectant  mother: Mayoli.

Video Mass – Last Sunday Mass after Pentecost

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

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

A man named Smith was flying from Sacramento to Los Angeles.  Unexpectedly, the plane stopped in San Francisco 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 re-board in thirty minutes. (This was before 9/11.)  Everyone got off the plane except one gentleman who was blind.  Mr. Smith had also noticed that the man was traveling with his Seeing Eye dog who was resting comfortably under the seat.  Apparently, the passenger and his dog were regular fliers on this route because when the pilot emerged from the cockpit, he called him by name, “Keith, we’re in San Francisco for almost an hour.  Would you like to get off and stretch your legs?”  Keith replied, “No thanks, but maybe my dog would like to stretch his legs.”  Picture this:  all the passengers in the gate area came to a complete quiet standstill when they looked up and saw the pilot walk off the plane with the Seeing Eye dog!  The pilot was even wearing sunglasses.  People scattered and rushed not only to change their tickets but even change air lines!  Moral of the story?  Things aren’t always what they appear.

Before rushing to judgment, put yourself in someone else’s shoes, and get the facts straight:  then pray for a spirit of respect, love, patience, and thanksgiving for all the blessings of life.

 

NOTICES:

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  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:  We will continue making sandwiches at least through December. Please bring them to St. David’s parking lot each Wednesday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 am. St. George’s is trying to begin serving to-go dinner meals but is not getting enough of the parishes and other groups to support that yet. So the hot lunches with to-go sandwich bags for a later dinner will continue for a while. Thank you for the ongoing support! We continue to provide 300± sandwiches every week.

 

School Supply Drive:  I am extremely pleased and proud to report that you, St. David’s parishioners, donated $1,200.00 toward school supplies for Wynnebrook Elementary School!  We have purchased headphones along with the typical school supplies for the students. Needless to say, the teachers and staff of the school were very appreciative.  Thank you again for digging deep.  💕

 

Stockings for Stars Christmas Project:  After speaking with the Director of the Fortin Center in South Bay, we have decided to not ask parishioners to shop for clothes and toys for the children. We will be COVID safe and instead, similar to the school supply drive, we will collect money and order items to be delivered directly to the school.  I know this is not the same, that we will miss fighting the Black Friday crowds, standing in long lines to pay, etc. Wait, maybe there are a few advantages to this new way. 😊

Please mail your donations to Joyce Parker, 104 Locust Lane, RPB, FL 33411. The check should be made out to St. David’s. Please write Stockings for Stars in the notes area. Many thanks. Joyce 561-312-2719

 

So Long… The time has come for me to say “so long.” While I have not met many of you due to this pandemic, I have been welcomed whole-heartedly by those of you who stopped by to say “hello” or gave me a quick call or sent me a kind email. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thanks to Father Thomas and Erin who have been wonderful. My time here was short but fruitful, and I hope that my efforts helped to make things a little better for the future.

Please join me in welcoming Yvonne Elliott who will take over as the new Administrative Assistant. Yvonne has been a member of the parish for a number of years now. She has been training with me over the last couple of weeks and will make a wonderful addition to St. David’s.

I wish you all continued health, blessings and happiness.

Warm Regards,

Gregg Ellen Imbimbo

 

Holy Eucharist:

Sundays: 8 am & 10 am

Tuesdays: 8:30 am

Wednesdays: 6:30 pm

 

Please Pray – For the sick: Ashlyn, Beth, Charlotte, Donna, Iliana, Jeanne, Jim, Joaquin, Kim, Shirley.

For birthday celebrations: Jan Dwyer, Kimberly Gardner, Claudette Wray, Predrag Maksimovic, Oliver Schubert, Yvonne Elliott, Jerry Frenz, Gloria Legister, Carol Sneade.

For our expectant mother: Mayoli.

 

 

Additional Links and Information

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

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WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – November 8th – Fr. Thomas.
Last Sunday, of course, was the Solemnity of All Saints; but what often gets lost in the shadows is the Commemoration of All Souls, November 2nd, which recognizes those who perhaps didn’t live recognizably “saintly” lives, but who are still on the road to heaven, although they need a little longer time to be cleansed and prepared for the final “wedding banquet” in heaven.  So I leave you with this anonymous poem to help encourage us all in this present life, and into the next one.
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, when the road you’re trudging seems all uphill, when the funds are low and the debts are high, and you want to smile, but you have to sigh, when care is pressing you down a bit- rest if you must, but don’t you quit.  Life is queer with its twists and turns, as every one of us sometimes learns, and many a fellow turns about, when he might have won had he stuck it out.  Don’t give up though the pace seems slow- you may succeed with another blow.  Often the goal is nearer than it seems to a faint and faltering man; often was struggler has given up when he might have captured the victor’s cup, and he learned too late, when the night slipped down, how close he was to the golden crown.  Success is failure turned inside out- the silver tint of the clouds of doubt- and you never can tell how close you are, it may be near when it seems afar; so stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit, it’s when things seem worst that you mustn’t quit.

Let us especially remember all our loved ones and those buried from St. David’s this past year -Elizabeth Kelly, Garry Cook, and Ann Rech. O God, whose mercies cannot be numbered: Accept our prayers on behalf of your servants, and grant them an entrance into the land of light and joy, in the fellowship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and all your saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.   Amen.

NOTICES:

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   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 Outreach Project – Please continue to prepare sandwiches for St. George’s and bring them to St. David’s parking lot each Wednesday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 am. Thank you for your continued support!

ECW meeting – Friday, November 13 at 11 am in the church to allow for social distancing.  Bring a sack lunch if you like and we will stay and have lunch together.  Linda will bring a dessert.  Help us plan our future and wrap up few loose ends.

Thanks. Linda

Holy Eucharist:

Sundays: 8 am & 10 am
Tuesdays: 8:30 am
Wednesdays: 6:30 pm

Please Pray – For the  sick: Ashlyn, Beth, Charlotte, Donna, Iliana, Jeanne, Jim, Joaquin, Kim.
For  birthday celebrations: Judy Devonish, Desmond Chambers, Cecil Wray, Pearl Saunders, Cynthia Thompson, Yashieka Blount, Elizabeth Philistin.

For our expectant mother: Mayoli.
Additional Links and Information