WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – October 4th – Fr. Thomas.

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WEEKLY MESSAGE – October 4th
St. David’s will be re-opening its doors THIS Sunday, October 4, 2020 for both the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. masses!  Weekday masses will resume on Tuesday mornings at 8:30 am and Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm. Please note the guidelines below, which the Diocese is requiring to be followed for all in-person worship.
  • If you feel sick in any way or have any of the symptoms for COVID-19, please do not come to church.
  • All attendees must sign the register book – one family member can list all the members.
  • Those who live in the same household will be permitted to sit together in the same pew; but social distance from other attendees in alternate pews which will be set apart in advance.
  • Hand sanitizers will be available in the Narthex, and we ask that you use them, or your own, when you arrive at Church.
  • Facemasks must always be worn while in church.
  • There will be no physical sign of peace exchanged, at this time – except amongst family members.
  • The line for the reception of Holy Communion will follow appropriate distancing, as marked on the floor.
  • The Eucharist will be given in one kind in the hand only. We ask that you kindly keep your mask on as you receive Communion. Then step to the side, lift your mask, and consume the wafer before putting your mask back on and returning to your seat
  • Collection plates will be placed in the back of the church for your convenience – the plates will not be passed during Mass.
  • The Church building will be appropriately sanitized before and between Masses, as well as the restrooms.
RECTOR’S MESSAGE – Fr. Thomas.
This Sunday is the commemoration of Saint Francis; the Italian friar who left a life of fame, riches, and the comforts of home to preach and live among the poor and forgotten in the early 13th C.  For someone who never wrote a book, or held an official office in the Church (although he did receive deacon’s orders later in life,) his abiding influence has been enormous. He started life as a “swashbuckling” rich young man, the son of a wealthy cloth merchant in central Italy.  But after a near fatal disease, from which he recovered, he turned his life completely around, renouncing the distractions of the world and even stripping off his clothes in the public square before the bishop and all the towns folk.  Imagine Charlie Sheen or Tom Cruise doing that in Times Square to give their life over to the Lord.  (On second thought, before the pandemic, would anyone have noticed in Times Square?).
It seems that those who did the most for humanity have been those who seemingly had little to work with in the world’s eyes.  Jesus said, “The greatest among you must be servant of all.”  Do we see ourselves as servants or just “volunteers?” A servant serves no matter what; a volunteer does so when it’s convenient.
It’s important to remember, especially during these challenging times, that we all have something to give to God – no matter how small or insignificant we, or the world, may perceive it.  Remember the boy who offered two fish and five loaves of bread to Jesus who fed five thousand?  Even a little can be made great in the hands of God.  Francis’ love of God’s creation, in all its entirety, particularly nature and animals, may be an attractive feature of his life; but not everyone is called to a life of poverty or celibacy.  Yet, in our own ways, even when they seem unimportant, we can show love and reverence for all.  As St. Francis was fond of saying, “Preach the Gospel, in words if necessary.”
NOTICES:
This Wednesday, the first of the month, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, 6:00 p.m.
Video Viewing Options – 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!
Please Pray – For the sick: Ashlyn, Charlotte, Donna, Eddie, Kim, Jeff, Jim, Joaquin, Joshua.
For birthday celebrations: Daniel Anzures, Diana Myrie, Gavin Elmquist, Julian Belden, Evelyn Bartley, Tim Sauerbier, Douglas Richardson, Carolyn Schmiedl, Ginny Elliott, Laurel Coore.
For our expectant mother: Mayoli.
Additional Links and Information

WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – September 27th – Fr. Thomas.

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WEEKLY Message– September 27th

I am still pleased to remind you that the Diocese has lifted the moratorium for in-church worship and that St. David’s will be re-opening its doors Sunday, October 4, 2020 for both the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. masses!  Weekday masses will resume next week – on Tuesday mornings at 8:30 am and Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm. Please note the guidelines below, which the Diocese is requiring to be followed for all in-person worship.

  • If you feel sick in any way or have any of the *CDC-listed symptoms for COVID-19, as listed below, please do not come to church.
  • All attendees must sign the register book – one family member can list all the members.
  • Those who live in the same household will be permitted to sit together in the same pew; but social distance from other attendees in alternate pews which will be set apart in advance.
  • Hand sanitizers will be available in the Narthex, and we ask that you use them, or your own, when you arrive at Church.
  • Facemasks must always be worn while in church.
  • There will be no physical sign of peace exchanged, at this time – except amongst family members.
  • The line for the reception of Holy Communion will follow appropriate distancing, as marked on the floor.
  • The Eucharist will be given in one kind in the hand only. We ask that you kindly keep your mask on as you receive Communion. Then step to the side, lift your mask, and consume the wafer before putting your mask back on and returning to your seat.
  • Collection plates will be placed in the back of the church for your convenience – the plates will not be passed during Mass.
  • The Church building will be appropriately sanitized before and between Masses, as well as the restrooms.

*CDC Symptoms List:

  • Fever
  • Dry cough
  • Tiredness

Less common symptoms:

  • Aches and pains
  • Sore throat
  • Diarrhea
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Headache
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • A rash on skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes

Serious symptoms:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Chest pain or pressure

 

RECTOR’S MESSAGE- Fr. Thomas.

Around the end of the 19th century as African colonialism began to wane and the economic market opened up, two salesmen were sent by a British shoe manufacturer to Africa to investigate the market potential.  The first salesman reported back, “There’s no potential here – nobody wears shoes.”  The second salesman reported back, “There is massive potential here – nobody wears shoes.”

So is the glass half full or half empty?  Do we look at life with fear, or see opportunity in everyday challenges?  Perhaps we can’t change circumstances or other people; so if you don’t like the way your life looks, try changing the way you look at life.  Remember, the Lord doesn’t choose us for who we are, but for what we can become, because “Experience is not what happens to a man; it is what a man does with what happens to him.”  Aldous Huxley

 

NOTICES:

Forward Day by Day booklets for the next quarter are available in the Narthex book rack.

 

Video Viewing Options – 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!

 

Please Pray – For the sick: Ashlyn, Donna, Kim, Jeff, Jim, Joshua, Marie, Natalie.

For birthday celebrations: Tanya Lee, Gabrielle Kiminyo, Lucy Smith, Jeanne Champagne, Roxan Carty, Ray Walter, Erika Belden, Bonnie Mershon.

For our anniversary celebrations: Lincoln & Yvonne Elliott ~ 50 years!

AND Kenneth & Dorret Barnett ~ 40 Years!

For our expectant mother: Mayoli.

 

Additional Links and Information

Video Mass – Sixteenth Sunday Mass after Pentecost

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WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – September 20th – Fr. Thomas.

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WEEKLY Message– September 20th

I am pleased to tell you that the Diocese has lifted the moratorium for in-church worship and that St. David’s will be re-opening its doors Sunday, October 4, 2020 for both the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. masses!  Weekday masses will resume next week – on Tuesday mornings at 8:30 am and Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm. Please note the guidelines below, which the Diocese is requiring to be followed for all in-person worship.
  • If you feel sick in any way or have any of the *CDC-listed symptoms for COVID-19, as listed below, please do not come to church.
  • All attendees must sign the register book – one family member can list all the members.
  • Those who live in the same household will be permitted to sit together in the same pew; but social distance from other attendees in alternate pews which will be set apart in advance.
  • Hand sanitizers will be available in the Narthex, and we ask that you use them, or your own, when you arrive at Church.
  • Face masks must always be worn while in church.
  • There will be no physical sign of peace exchanged, at this time – except amongst family members.
  • The line for the reception of Holy Communion will follow appropriate distancing, as marked on the floor.
  • The Eucharist will be given in one kind in the hand only. We ask that you kindly keep your mask on as you receive Communion. Then step to the side, lift your mask, and consume the wafer before putting your mask back on and returning to your seat.
  • Collection plates will be placed in the back of the church for your convenience – the plates will not be passed during Mass.
  • The Church building will be appropriately sanitized before and between Masses, as well as the restrooms.
*CDC Symptoms List:
  • Fever
  • Dry cough
  • Tiredness
Less common symptoms:
  • Aches and pains
  • Sore throat
  • Diarrhea
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Headache
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • A rash on skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes
Serious symptoms:
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Chest pain or pressure
RECTOR’S MESSAGE- Fr. Thomas.
Last week I spoke about being in a state of uncertainty about who we are during the pandemic.  Here’s a different account with regards to knowing who we are.  “I feel sick,” said the voice from the bedroom.  “You’re not sick, get up and get ready for school,” said the mother outside the door.  “I hate school and I’m not going, “was the reply.  “I’m always messing up and getting told off.  The teachers hate me and constantly complain about me.”  “I’m sorry, but you’re going to school, and that’s final!” said the mother.  “Mistakes are how we learn and develop so please try not to take criticism so personally.  I also can’t believe that nobody likes you; you have a lot of friends.  Besides, you’re the Principal.”
As Christians, we’ve all been given the responsibility and privilege of spreading the Good News of God’s love, in thought, word, and deed.  As we know all too well, love will find a way, but indifference will find an excuse.  In recent months we may not have been in a position to change our circumstances or other people, but “If you don’t like the way your life looks, try changing the way you look at life.”
NOTICES:
Forward Day by Day booklets for the next quarter are available in the Narthex book rack.
Video Viewing Options – 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 Raffles –The drawing took place this past weekend on Saturday, Sept. 12th. The ECW greatly appreciates your donations. This year’s raffle was a wonderful success and we thank you for your continued support.
Please Pray – For the sick: Ashlyn, Donna, Kim, Jim, Joshua, Marie, Natalie, Rita.
For birthday celebrations: Mia Eubanks, Kimberly Ward, Irene Oknewski, Emma Gardner, Jack Erickson.
For our anniversary celebrations: Howard & Jem Barrett ~ 50 years!
For our expectant mother: Mayoli.
Additional Links and Information

Video Mass – FifteenthSunday Mass after Pentecost

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

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

During these days of pandemic shut down, I can easily understand how some folks aren’t sure what’s going to happen next, or who they are these days.  I like the story about the retired English Bishop who was visiting a local nursing home.  He leaned forward to one rather vague looking old gentleman and enquired, “Do you know who I am?”  “No”, came the rather abrupt reply, “but don’t worry, the nurse will tell you who you are.”

As the old song reminds us, “They will know we are Christians by our love.”  Regardless of what else happens around us, we can be assured of God’s never failing kindness and support; for as another old hymn reminds us, even during times of “Change and decay when all around I see, O Thou who changest not, abide with me.”  So, remember, when you get to your wit’s end, you’ll find God there because “Life doesn’t come with a bow, but it’s still a gift.”

 

NOTICES:

Forward Day by Day booklets for the next quarter are available in the black drop box to the right of the front office doors.

 

Video Viewing Options – 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.

 

The Diocese of Southeast Florida – has extended the ban on Church-wide in-person services, events and meetings and other activity until further notice. Live-streaming and recording of worship will continue, but no other in-person activity is permitted.

 

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!

 

Blood Drive – Thank you to everyone who donated and participated in this event.

 

ECW Raffles – The ECW mailed out the annual cash raffle tickets out on August 24th and we would appreciate your support by purchasing the $25 worth of tickets. Cash prizes are $100, $200, and $300. Drawing will take place this weekend on Saturday, Sept. 12th. Winners will be notified by phone.  You can drop off the completed stubs with a check or cash by 12pm today, Friday, Sept. 11th to be included. Please be sure that your name and phone number are written legibly on the ticket stub.  Thank you for your support.  Linda

 

Please Pray – For the sick: Ashlyn, Donna, Kim, Jim, Marie, Rita.

For birthday celebrations: Gary Habib, Charles Elmore, John Webber, Doreen Garrett, Anthony Ward, Joseph Brabham, Isabelle Carter, Georgette Dzubiak.

For our departed: Jonathan White, Marcellino Fujimoto.

For our expectant mother: Mayoli.

 

Additional Links and Information

Video Mass – Fourteenth Sunday Mass after Pentecost

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

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

The famed orchestra conductor Eugene Normandy was directing a piece of music that required a violin solo off stage.  When it came to that point in the recital there was a discordant screech heard from behind the curtain.  Later, Normandy asked what happened. The violinist replied, “You won’t believe this, a stage hand grabbed my bow and said, ‘Don’t you know there’s a concert going on?”

Maybe during this pandemic we don’t know what’s going on (or not going on!)  We can, however, learn a lesson from the Biblical figure Job, whose book we’ve been reading as the first selection in Morning Prayer these past few weeks.  Job really wasn’t all that “patient,” he complained a lot, but he was persistent and didn’t give up hope that God would be with him throughout his time of suffering.  In the words of the 20th c. theologian and scholar, Elton Trueblood, “Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservation.”

 

NOTICES:

Forward Day by Day booklets for the next quarter are available in the black drop box to the right of the front office doors.

Video Viewing Options – 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.

The Diocese of Southeast Florida – has extended the ban on Church-wide in-person services, events and meetings and other activity until further notice. Live-streaming and recording of worship will continue, but no other in-person activity is permitted.

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!

Outreach Blood Drive – This weekend is time for our semi-annual blood drive. The OneBlood bus will be in St. David’s parking lot from 8am to 1pm on Sunday, September 6th.  All COVID safety precautions will be taken and only 2 donors will in the bus at the same time. So it is important to sign up ahead of time to reserve your donation time slot. Please use the link below to register.  Each donor will receive a OneBlood mask and a $10 egift card, as well as an antibody test, blood pressure, temperature, iron count, pulse and cholesterol screening.  Remember, children and grandchildren aged 16 or older are eligible to donate. Please share this information with family and friends. We welcome non-parishioners. Thank you for supporting this community service project. COVID has increased the need for blood donations. Please call Joyce at 561-312-2719 with your questions. CLICK BELOW TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO DONATE BLOOD AND SAVE LIVES AT ST. DAVID’S IN-THE-PINES EPISCOPAL CHURCH!! Or go to www.oneblood.org/donate-now and use sponsor code #919

ECW Raffles – The ECW mailed out the annual cash raffle tickets out on August 24th and we would appreciate your support by purchasing the $25 worth of tickets. Cash prizes are $100, $200, and $300. Drawing will take place next weekend on Saturday, Sept. 12th. Winners will be notified by phone.  You can mail the completed stubs back to the church with a check or drop them off at the church office between 9am–12pm weekdays by Friday, Sept. 11th to be included in the raffle drawing. Please be sure that your name and phone number are written legibly on the ticket stub.  Thank you for your support.  Linda

 

Please Pray – For the sick: Ashlyn, Donna, Dottie, Kim, Jim, Marie, Rita.

For birthday celebrations: Jeanette Anthony, Cornelia Hanson.

For our expectant mother: Mayoli.

 

Additional Links and Information

WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – August 30th – Fr. Thomas.

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WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – August 30th – Fr. Thomas.

A little boy was standing on the sidewalk in the middle of a city block.  He was obviously waiting for something.  An older man approached him and asked for what he was waiting.   The little boy confidently told him that he was waiting for the bus.  The man laughed and said the bus stop was in the next block.  The boy acknowledged that fact but insisted the bus would stop for him right here. The older man became annoyed at what he thought was insolence.  He raised his voice and told the boy that he’d better start walking if he hoped to ride the bus.  The boy politely turned down the suggestion and said he’d wait for the bus right where he stood.  The man fumed at the little boy and started walking off.  But, before he was too far away, he heard the sound of screeching brakes.  He turned around and couldn’t believe his eyes.  The bus was actually stopping for the little boy.  The bus door opened and the boy started climbing aboard.  But just before he did, he turned toward the man and yelled, “My daddy is the bus driver.”

True story or not, it begs the question, “Who is our bus driver?”  Hopefully, God is our driver, but even more importantly, are we ready to board the bus that leads to eternal life in His Kingdom?  Needless to say, some folks are on the wrong bus; or perhaps aren’t sure where they’re going in the long run.  So, accept your path, with its twists and turns.  The adventure is in the journey, not the arriving, because the will of God will not take you where the grace of God will not protect you.

 

NOTICES:

Forward Day by Day booklets for the next quarter are available in the black drop box to the right of the front office doors.

Video Viewing Options – 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.

The Diocese of Southeast Florida – has extended the ban on Church-wide in-person services, events and meetings and other activity until further notice. Live-streaming and recording of worship will continue, but no other in-person activity is permitted. 

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!

Outreach Blood Drive – It is time for our semi-annual blood drive. The OneBlood bus will be in St. David’s parking lot from 8am to 1pm on Sunday, September 6th.  All COVID safety precautions will be taken and only 2 donors will in the bus at the same time. So it is important to sign up ahead of time to reserve your donation time slot. Please use the link below to register.  Each donor will receive a OneBlood mask and a $10 e-gift card, as well as an antibody test, blood pressure, temperature, iron count, pulse and cholesterol screening.  Remember, children and grandchildren aged 16 or older are eligible to donate. Please share this information with family and friends. We welcome non-parishioners. Thank you for supporting this community service project. COVID has increased the need for blood donations. Please call Joyce at 561-312-2719 with your questions. CLICK BELOW TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO DONATE BLOOD AND SAVE LIVES AT ST. DAVID’S IN-THE-PINES EPISCOPAL CHURCH!! Or go to www.oneblood.org/donate-now and use sponsor code #919

ECW Raffles – The ECW mailed out the annual cash raffle tickets out on August 24th and we would appreciate your support by purchasing the $25 worth of tickets. Cash prizes are $100, $200, and $300. Drawing will take place on Saturday, Sept. 12th. Winners will be notified by phone.  You can mail the completed stubs back to the church with a check or drop them off at the church office between 9am–12pm weekdays. Please be sure to include your name and phone number legibly on the ticket stub.  Thank you for your support.  Linda

Please Pray – For the sick: Ashlyn, Donna, Dottie, Kim, Jim, Marie, Rita.

For birthday celebrations: Jon Elmquist, Renee Hawk, Barbara Martinez, Jem Barrett, James Richardson, Maria Scher, Shirley Choate-Brown, Danny Sneade.

For wedding anniversaries: James & Linda McKeown, Alex & Clare Morales.

For our expectant mother: Mayoli.
Additional Links and Information