St David’s in the Pines, Wellington, FL – March 20th Special Newsletter: Stations of the Cross devotional here for you. Please view the updates on Facebook and St. David’s website. We pray wellness and blessings for you and your family, during this crisis due to the COVID 19. All public assemblies cancelled through April 15th.
What a Lent this has turned out to be. In a season meant to prepare us for the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection, instead people are on the “edge of their seats” because of the COVID-19 virus, and not “in the seats” here at church. Is there any good news to reassure us? Well, for what it’s worth, we know what the virus is, we can test for it, and we know it can be contained, catching it is not that easy as long as we are careful and follow best sanitary practices, young people are at a very low risk, people are recovering from it, and vaccine prototypes exist. So where is God in all this? What message do we have for the world to speak to the anxiety and fear which exists as a result of the epidemic? If it’s any help, we are offering live-stream broadcasts of our regularly scheduled Stations of the Cross service on Fridays on our Face Book (which later will be posted on our website) and a special devotional on Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. https://www.facebook.com/SaintDavidsInThePines/
I’m in no way minimizing the gravity of the situation, but we survived the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu) in 2009 which killed 12,469 in the USA alone (out of a total of 60.8 million cases), SARS in 2003-04, and MERS in 2012; and God willing, we’ll get through this crisis as well. God doesn’t want people to suffer, but He gave us the freedom to do the right thing ( or the wrong things) when He created us.
So what can we do to stay connected, even while we practice “ Social Distancing?” We can worship through social media, i.e. broadcast of worship on our Face Book page. Another link is “The Daily Office” https://www.missionstclare.com/ which makes available the services of Morning, Noonday, Evening Prayer, and Night Prayers (Compline). In the event that one is quarantined, remember that God is still with us, even in those still quiet moments of our day, that sacred solitude, particularly appropriate during Lent. And how can we stay in touch with those who are living in isolation? We can send cards, bake a casserole or tasty dish to deliver, and stay connected in whatever ways are available. And most importantly, continue to say our prayers. Here are a couple below which I hope you’ll find helpful during these stressful times. God bless you all, and also, don’t forget that our church still has financial obligations. One can either mail in a check, or pay online or through your bank as directed below in the announcements.
Lord Jesus Christ , Son of the Living God, Physician of the body and soul, You restored sight to the blind, healed the lame and cured those with leprosy. Grant, we beseech You, the necessary knowledge and perseverance to all who are working on a vaccine to quickly end the spread of COVID-19. Have mercy on those who have died, and grant comfort to all who are affected in any way and those who are living in apprehension. Give us the grace each day to trust in You and Your loving mercy. We ask this in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Keep us , good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy in this time of uncertainty and distress. Sustain and support the anxious and fearful, and lift up all who are brought low; that we may rejoice in your comfort knowing that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
This Week at St. David’s:
Urgent Message – By order of our Bishop all services will be cancelled beginning Sunday, March 15 th and continuing until Monday, March 31 st. In case of a pastoral emergency, you can leave a message on our voice mail and someone will respond as quickly as possible. Please continue to pray for an end to the COVID-19 virus and its victims and thanks for your continued financial support (check, automated bank transfers or electronic donations via www.myeoffering.com or click on the ‘donate’ button on FB) to the life and witness our congregation in this community.
Outreach –accepting donations for the ministry outreach of feeding the homeless at St. George’s on Wednesday, March 25 th at 5:00 p.m. in Riviera Beach, contact Joyce Parker for details.
Donations – Easter flowers to adorn the altar and decorate the Church, deadline to submit is April 5 th
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The spread of COVID-19 once again raises the question about the likely or unlikely spread of germs via the common chalice. This is not a new situation, and not the first time I’ve had to address the situation. Many others have written about the research, going back generations, which consistently shows that the likelihood of spreading germs by receiving from the chalice is slim and none, especially when compared with other forms of human contact. As far back as 1943, W. Burroughs and E. Hemmens reported, “Experiments on the transmission of organisms transferred from one person to another by common use of the chalice showed that 0. 001% of the organisms transferred even under the most favorable conditions and when conditions approximated those of actual use, no transmission could be detected.” In 1973 Dr. Edward Dancewicz of the Centers for Disease Control confirmed that the risk is miniscule. The number of bacteria on a person’s lips is small, and the chance that there are pathogens among them is not great. Moreover, “even if pathogens are present, the risk of digesting them is small.” In 1988, Dr. O. N. Gill concluded: “Currently available data do not provide any support for suggesting that the practice of sharing a common communion cup should be abandoned.” In 1997, after studying 681 individuals over a ten year period, microbiologist Anne LaGrange Loving reported that she observed no difference in illness rates between those who communed from the chalice on a daily basis and those who never attend mass. And In 1998 the CDC wrote, “The risk is so small that it is undetectable.” The CDC also said that wiping the chalice further reduces any possible risk. In general, exposure to a single virus cannot result in infection. For each disease there is a minimum number of germs (usually millions) that must be transmitted from person to person before infection can occur. Most people have a normal immune system which fights off infectious diseases. Of course, some may wish to err on the side of extra caution and have the Eucharistic Minister “intinct” for them; i.e. dip the host into the chalice. But the cynic might ask, “Doesn’t that transmit germs off the hand and into the chalice?” Moreover, one may also receive the host only, which contains the fullness of Jesus’ Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.
In all truth, I think one has a greater chance of transmitting germs by “Passing the Peace;” but if someone is legitimately sick and comes to church, they’ve already spread germs within the first fifteen minutes of attendance. So if you are sick, please remain at home; God will understand and Holy Communion can be brought to your home by one of our Eucharistic Visitors. I’m a theologian, not a physician; but I can say with confidence, if one was likely to contract a disease from the common cup, I’d probably have been dead a long time ago! During these anxious times, trust in the Physician of souls to keep us safe – but continue to wash your hands frequently with soap and hot water.
(Thanks to the DOK who have provided this prayer below for the relief of COVID-19.)
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, Physician of the body and soul, You restored sight to the blind, healed the lame and cured those with leprosy. Grant, we beseech You, the necessary knowledge and perseverance to all who are working on a vaccine to quickly end the spread of COVID-19. Have mercy on those who have died, and grant comfort to all who are affected in any way and those who are living in apprehension. Give us the grace each day to trust in You and Your loving mercy. We ask this in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
This Week at St. David’s:
Episcopal Church Women – meets Friday, March 13th at 11:00 a.m.
Stations of the Cross & with a Guided Meditation – Friday, during Lent 6:30 p.m. dates to remember: 3/13, 3/20, 3/27, 4/03.
Hospitality Hour – Daughters of the King
Women’s Bible Study – Sunday, 11:15 a.m.
Holy Eucharist – Tuesday 8:30 a.m.
Men’s Bible Study – Tuesday 7:00 p.m.
Holy Eucharist and Rosary – Wednesday 6:30 p.m.
Vestry – meets Sunday, March 15th at 11:15 a.m. in the Church
Youth Group – meeting on Sunday, March 15th, 11:15 a.m. in the big classroom
Prayer Shawl Ministry – meets Tuesday, March 17th, 7:00 p.m.
Cursillo – Grand Ultreya – Saturday, March 21st, 11:00 a.m., Biscayne Park, 305-893-8523
Outreach – accepting donations on Sunday. March 22nd for the ministry outreach of feeding the homeless at St. George’s on Wednesday, March 25th at 5:00 p.m. in Riviera Beach
Daughters of the King – Deanery meeting, Saturday, March 28th, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Please Pray – For the sick: Ann, Bill, Kim, Joe, Natalie, Steve, Bob, Tania, Linda, Laurie, Francine, Timone, Donna, Ashlyn, Robin. For birthday celebrations: Leroy Williams, Lincoln Elliott, Evelyn Medcalf, Suzanne Riddle, Daniel Melton, Stuart Cohen, Alred Dyce, Mathew Hogan, Tom James. For those who are celebrating a wedding anniversary: Jerry & Sally Frenz, David & Jackie Whiting. For our expectant mothers: Dani, Andrea.
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All physical systems, over time, accumulate debris which gets cluttered, clogged, and hinders the proper operation of machinery. It’s an unfortunate fact of life, too, that as we age, plaque builds up in our veins and arteries, which gradually restricts blood flow. Similarly, ships can become encrusted with barnacles, which slows their progress, and canals and rivers have to be dredged periodically so that the mud and silt won’t build up. Any finally, closets fill up with all kinds of interesting items. (If you look into your “wardrobe” and see a lamppost, a fawn, a witch and a lion, perhaps it’s time to clear it out!)
Lives can get gummed up too. No one is immune; none of us can afford to go merrily about our business, unconcerned with matters of sin and holiness. The Scriptures frequently appeal to us to be watchful and careful to guard our hearts. Next Thursday is the first day of spring; a time to clear out the old sins, false assumptions, pride, anger, worry, and fear which we’re reluctant to let go.
Imagine the most important thing which could possibly happen in life, but afterward, nothing changes: graduation day, your wedding day, birth of a child. So imagine Jesus being crucified, buried, and resurrected. It’s ridiculous to think that we could celebrate these events year by year then have nothing change. If there’s no Easter, Peter would have gone back to his fishing boat, and Matthew would have gone back to his tax collection agency and so on. If there were no Church, there’d be no Gospels. The Resurrection is not simply an event we celebrate once without it changing our life, even though sadly some people live as if it doesn’t make any difference at all. If Christ is truly raised from the dead that should make all the difference in the world. He who denies the existence of God, has some reason for wishing that God did not exist. Faith is not belief without proof, rather it is trust without reservation.
This Week at St. David’s:
Daylight Savings Time – will begin at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 8th, 2020
Hospitality Hour – St. David’s Men’s Organization
Daughters of the King – meets at 8:45 a.m. in the Parish Hall, Sunday, March 8th
Women’s Bible Study – Sunday, 11:15 a.m.
Parish Picnic –Sunday March 8th 1-4:00 p.m., Pavilion #3, at Village Park on Pierson Road
Holy Eucharist – Tuesday 8:30 a.m.
Men’s Bible Study – Tuesday 7:00 p.m.
Holy Eucharist and Rosary – Wednesday 6:30 p.m.
Episcopal Church Women – meets Friday, March 13th at 11:00 a.m.
Stations of the Cross & with a Guided Meditation – Friday, during Lent 6:30 p.m. dates to remember: 3/06, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27, 4/03.
Please Pray – For the sick: Ann, Edwin, Bill, Kim, Joe, Natalie, Steve, Bob, Tania, Linda, Laurie, Francine, Timone, Donna, Ashlyn, Robin. For birthday celebrations: Andrew Darnell, Pat Bernard, Joyce Smith, Mark Veckman. For our expectant mothers: Dani, Andrea.
ECW – the Episcopal Church Woman would like to thank all of the parishioners who donated items for the Rummage Sale. We made $1240.52 this year. The “leftovers” were donated to several agencies, though the bulk of it was donated to Goodwill and Faith Farm. Thank you.
My wife and I, while entertaining an out of town guest last month, went to the South Florida Fair for the first time in many years. What a difference a few weeks makes, though. It looks rather bleak now that the carnival rides, games and concession stands are gone. Timely, I suppose, since Lent is now upon us. In some European countries an effigy of the Carnival is actually dressed up on Shrove Tuesday only to be “condemned to death” and burnt. A corresponding episode is the driving out or “killing” of ‘death.”
The ritual is symbolic of the end of winter and the renewal of spring and the regeneration of nature, but for those of us who live year round in South Florida the change of season is not so dramatic. This makes it even more important that we observe the change in the liturgical “mode.” For example, we “bury” the Alleluia during the season of Lent; it’s not heard again in our worship until the Great Vigil of Easter on Saturday evening, April 11th.
For us today, this practice may seem somewhat extreme, but I’m reminded of what the mother superior of one of our religious orders told me years ago: “When we fast, we fast; and when we feast, we feast!” Lent is the time to fast; not merely to “lose weight” or to make some feeble attempt to identify with the poor; as if that were possible. Rather, Lent is to help us reflect on the magnificent generosity of God’s grace to us, undeserved and often unrewarded.
Even though we could never “outdo” God in loving and giving, every act of thanksgiving is a step in the right direction. The Jewish body of literature, the Talmud claims, “One will have to give account in the judgment day of every good thing which one might have enjoyed and did not.” Or, as I’m fond of saying, “Justice is getting what we deserve, Mercy is not getting what we deserve, and Grace is getting what we don’t deserve.”
I pray each of you has a fruitful Lent.
This Week at St. David’s:
Hospitality Hour – Episcopal Church Women
Daughters of the King – meets at 8:45 a.m. in the Parish Hall, March 1st and March 8th
Youth Group – meets Sunday, March 1st, at 11:15 a.m. in the big Classroom
Women’s Bible Study – Sunday, 11:15 a.m.
Evensong – St. David’s Day at 4:00 p.m., followed by a reception in the Parish Hall
Holy Eucharist – Tuesday 8:30 a.m.
Men’s Bible Study – Tuesday 7:00 p.m.
St. David’s Men’s Organization – meets on Tuesday, March 3rd at 8:00 p.m.
Adoration – Wednesday, March 4th, 6:00 p.m.
Holy Eucharist and Rosary – Wednesday 6:30 p.m.
Stations of the Cross & with a Guided Meditation – Friday, during Lent 6:30 p.m. dates to remember: 2/28, 3/06, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27, 4/03.
Parish Picnic – Sunday March 8th 1-4:00 p.m. Pavilion #3 at Village Park on Pierson Road
Please Pray – For the sick: Bill, Kim, Joe, Natalie, Steve, Bob, Tania, Linda, Laurie, Francine, Timone, Donna, Ashlyn, Robin. For birthday celebrations: Kati Erickson, Sue Ashe, Jackie Whiting, Jim Philistin. For our expectant mothers: Dani, Andrea.
Daylight Savings Time – will begin at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 8, 2020
Lenten Liturgical Practices:
Each year the holy season of Lent calls us to prayers, fasting, and almsgiving. At this point in history let this not be a mere routine done out of habit. The world, our nation and our community need our prayers. The spirit and character of the season is conveyed to the eye as well as to the ear.
During Lent we follow an ancient Anglican practice. In pre-reformation England, purple was not normally used in Lent. Brocaded silk vestments of all color were given up. Instead, priests wore chasubles of unbleached linen, suggestive of sackcloth. The same was true for altar hangings, but symbols of the Passion, such as crosses and thorns, were painted on them in red and black.
Gold and silverware were likewise removed in place of earthenware vessels. Flowers have traditionally not been used in Lent either. The Gloria and Alleluias are omitted.
In the spirit of self-denial and repentance, these changes strengthen our sense of the meaning of the season and provide a contrast to the solemnity of the Queen of Feasts whereby we celebrate the Lord’s resurrection.
Saint David – Patron of Wales – March 1st
Saint David was born in Wales about the year 500 and died close to the end of the 6th century. He was the most famous of the saints in the early church of the British Isles.
He was the son of noble parents and studied in the region of Cardigan. Soon after David became a priest he traveled to a lonely island to study with a blind teacher named Paulinus. There he learned to preach eloquently. One day while preaching many people could not see nor hear him. To help them, the ground under David rose up to become a hill and snow-white dove appeared upon his shoulder. Statues and images show him with a dove, the emblem of peace.
David went on to found monasteries, the last of which in Menevia, a coastal town on the western edge of Britain, where he remained to become its bishop. He was a strict spiritual director. Admission to the monastery was only after ten days of demanding self-denial. David was called “The Waterman” because his monks did not drink the customary beer or wine of the time. At the beginning of the “Dark Ages” when people were being drawn away by pagan religions, he maintained the flame of Christian faith during an age of despair and confusion. He was a patron of education and founded a library in the city. The present cathedral still standing in the ancient city of St. David’s was built on the site of David’s original one. A piece of stone from the monastic ruins in that city is anchored to the base of the altar at St. David’s Church in Wellington.
Next Wednesday is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Someone once asked me what I think about the practice of “Drive-through” administration of ashes on Ash Wednesday. This fad gained attention some years ago and seems to have increased in notoriety. People who seemingly don’t have time to actually go to mass or make a confession, simply remain in their cars and get a smudge of ash on their foreheads in route to work, school, their favorite fast food restaurant or coffee shop. If that wasn’t enough, according to the Wall Street Journal, some years ago there was the fad of taking “Ash Wednesday Selfies.” Some individuals apparently gathered together and took a group picture with ashes on their foreheads and posted the photo on their social media site. There seems to be divergence of opinions on this practice. One priest was quoted as saying that, “Any way we can encourage people to think about their faith, we support.” Others believe it’s narcissistic; i.e. antithetical to the whole Lenten message of “self-less-ness.”
I suppose some would even be content with “drive through Holy Communion,” if it didn’t interfere with their already frantic schedules. (Or drive through confessionals. It could be called “Toot and tell or go to . . . .) But where is the act of contrition? Where is the intention to transform and renew one’s behavior and attitude? What value is in the sign: ashes, a wedding band, the water of Baptism, without the necessary act of faith and commitment which gives meaning to the sacramental act in the first place?
Maybe I’m old fashioned, but there is something to be said for “shared experiences.” With the advent of Netflix and digital movies, cinemas were worried that they would be the next victim of technological advance. Just the opposite has happened. Movies theatres are still standing. Athletic events continue to be well attended because people want to cheer together for their team. Our sacramental worship provides something one cannot receive from sitting at home in front of a TV – specifically the Bread of Life, absolution, fellowship and the shared experience of worshipping together and being edified by God’s Holy Word. Perhaps there’s something to be said for what our Church has to offer, because “All Change is not growth, and all movement is not forward.”
Please take advantage of the traditional disciplines of prayer, fasting, study and almsgiving during this holy season; and here’s wishing you a holy season of Lent.
This Week at St. David’s
Congratulations – to those children who have completed their First Communion preparation and will be receiving the Sacrament for the first time: Mia Hogan, Jackson Hogan, Tristan Barreca, Wyatt Barreca, Caleb Stepp.
Hospitality Hour – Episcopal Church Women
Women’s Bible Study – Sunday, 11:15 a.m.
No mass Tuesday morning, February 25th
Men’s Bible Study – No meeting – please join us at the Pancake Supper
Rummage Sale – sponsored by the Episcopal Church Women – today
Pancake Supper – Shrove Tuesday – February 25th, 5:30 p.m.
Ash Wednesday – February 26th, 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Youth Group – meets next Sunday, March 1st, at 11:15 a.m. in the big Classroom.
Evensong – St. David’s Feast Day, Sunday March 1st, 4:00 pm
Parish Picnic – Sunday March 8th 1-4:00 p.m. Pavilion #3 at Village Park on Pierson Road
Stations of the Cross & Meditation – Friday, during Lent 6:30 p.m. dates to remember: 2/28, 3/06, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27, 4/03.
Please Pray – For the sick: Natalie, Steve, Bob, Tania, Michelle, Toni, Linda, Laurie, Francine, Timone, Donna, Ashlyn, Robin. For birthday celebrations: Anne Guillaume. For wedding anniversaries: Dennis & Yvonne Wright. For our expectant mothers: Sofia and Dani.
Flower & Candles – dates are available for designation of altar flowers for $40.00
Today, of course, is Valentine’s Day. Who was St. Valentine? We don’t know much about him historically except that he was a martyred priest in ancient Rome who ministered to Christian prisoners, and that he was buried north of the city on February 14th, in the mid- 3rd century. It is also uncertain if the name “Valentine” is associated with one person, or more saints of the same name. His popularity likely spread in response to a pagan custom where boys wrote down girl’s names on cards as part of their petition to honor the Roman fertility gods. Another custom associated with this date is in recognition of a medieval belief that birds choose their mates at this time of year. Nonetheless, because of the lack of firm evidence, his liturgical commemoration was never included in the official list of saints in the Western Church; although, he is still venerated by florists, greeting card companies and candy makers!
Valentine’s Day can be a lonely day for some people- even couples, but it’s never a bad idea to pray for all couples, and particularly that their relationships manifest the same grace and love of Christ for His Church, even to the point of offering his own life for those he loves. In the Eastern Church, there’s a tradition that both the bride and groom wear a crown on their wedding day. But over time, crowns give way to curlers, and a man’s majesty gives way when “the king” can’t find his socks! Maybe that’s why we consider marriage a sacrament in the Church; it’s a journey which, if entered into realistically and nurtured by God’s grace, can indeed grow into an “outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace,” as the Prayer Book catechism defines it. Marriage is like the journey of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus following the Resurrection, who only gradually recognize Jesus in their midst as a companion on the way; through the discoveries and disappointments, the Good Fridays and the Easter Sundays. As has been said, “Marriage is not simply gazing adoringly into each other’s eyes; but looking together in the same direction.”
This Week at St. David’s
Bunco – Saturday, February 15th 6:00 p.m. – $10pp – 3 winners – potluck
Youth Group – meets Sunday, February 16th, at 11:15 a.m. in the big schoolroom
Hospitality Hour – Daughters of the King
Women’s Bible Study – Sunday, 11:15 a.m.
Holy Eucharist – Tuesday 8:30 a.m.
M000en’s Bible Study – Tuesday 7:00 p.m.
Holy Eucharist And Rosary – Wednesday 6:30 p.m.
Rummage Sale sponsored by the Episcopal Church Women – Saturday February 22nd & Sunday February 23rd
Pancake Supper – Shrove Tuesday – February 25th, 5:30 p.m.
Ash Wednesday – February 26th, 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Evensong – St. David’s Feast Day, Sunday March 1st, 4:00 pm
Parish Picnic – Sunday March 8th, 1-4pm, Pavilion #3 at Village Park on Pierson Road
Stations of the Cross – Friday, during Lent 6:30 p.m.
Please Pray – For the sick: Steve, Bob, Tania, Michelle, Toni, Linda, Laurie, Francine, Timone, Donna, Ashlyn, Robin. For birthday celebrations: Dawn LaBorde, Jedidiah Kalphat, Dennis Wright, Howard Barrett. For our expectant mother: Sofia. For the faithful departed: Larry Saifman
Flower & Candles – dates are available for designation of altar flowers for $40.00
You may have seen episodes of a television series, Undercover Boss. It’s a program about corporate CEO’s who disguise themselves and work alongside of the company employees, particularly in factories, restaurants, and sales departments. Whether it’s “staged” or totally spontaneous, it reveals how employees at the “ground level” feel about their jobs, and their customers, for good or bad.
I remember many years ago a priest in our diocese, while on sabbatical, dressed up in a vagrant’s outfit, grew a beard, and totally changed his appearance. He visited his own parish one Sunday incognito, and was sad to find that he was completely ignored, and in some cases, people even went out of their way to avoid him – totally oblivious to his true identity!
So, I remind all of us again, to welcome the stranger as if we were welcoming Christ Himself. Make the effort to extend a hand and simply say, “Hello,” to those whom we may not know by name or face. If it helps, here are a list of things not to say to a visitor.
THIS WEEK AT ST. DAVID’S
ECW Sunday – Feb. 9th – As a token of our appreciation to the parishioners for their support throughout the year, we will be giving a red carnation to each household after the 8am and 10am masses today.
Blood Drive – sponsored by Outreach – today, Sunday, February 9th, 8:30am-12noon
Hospitality Hour – St. David’s Men’s Organization
Women’s Bible Study – Sunday, 11:15 a.m.
Holy Eucharist – Tuesday 8:30 a.m.
Men’s Bible Study – Tuesday 7:00 p.m.
Holy Eucharist & Rosary – Wednesday 6:30 p.m.
Cursillo Reunion– Sunday, February 9th, 12:00- 3:00 in the parish hall
Episcopal Church Women (ECW) – Meeting Friday, Feb. 14th 11:00 a.m. Lunch follow the meeting. Nancy Schroeder (561)792-0244 or e-mail schroeder.nancy@gmail.com. All ladies are welcome to join us!
Bunco – Saturday, February 15th 6:00 p.m. – $10pp – 3 winners – potluck
Youth Group – meets next Sunday, February 16th, at 11:15 a.m. in the big schoolroom
Rummage Sale – sponsored by the Episcopal Church Women – Saturday February 22nd & Sunday February 23rd
Pancake Supper for Shrove Tuesday – February 25th, 5:30 p.m. – sponsored by the St. David’s Men’s Organization
Ash Wednesday – February 26th, 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Evensong – St. David’s Feast Day, Sunday March 1st, 4:00 pm
Parish Picnic – Sunday March 8th 1-4 p.m. Pavilion #3 at Village Park on Pierson Road
Stations of the Cross – Friday, during Lent 6:30 p.m.
Please pray – For the sick: Steve, Bob, Tania, Michelle, Toni, Linda, Laurie, Francine, Timone, Donna, Ashlyn, Robin. For birthday celebrations: Rohan Wolliston, Jim McKeown, Ralph Robinson, Britney LaBorde. For wedding anniversaries: Desmond & Ann Chambers. For our expectant mother: Sofia. In thanksgiving for life at the birth of Joseph W. to Megan Taylor & Joey Piconcelli.
Flowers & Candles – dates are available for designation of altar flowers for $40.00
This Sunday evening there will be over 100,000 fans attending the Super Bowl in Miami and over 200 million more watching on television. That’s almost two out of every three citizens. (If I’m not mistaken, the final episode of MASH drew a larger audience!) Even though not all will be fanatically rooting for either the 49ers or the Chiefs, that doesn’t deny the fact that sports fans share some common tendencies. They are faithful and like to identify with a particular team: sink or swim, it’s still their team! Fans will spend money on their teams and will travel hours to attend a game, and they will not give up until the last second has ticked off the clock.
Now, speaking as a Christian, are we equally as loyal to Christ and His Church? In the spiritual battles of our daily life, we need to remember that it’s a team effort. We’re in the last quarter and are joined by a lineup of saints in the heavenly realm – the heavenly “Hall of Fame,” like the Blessed Virgin Mary, the apostles, martyrs, and all those who have given their all in the service of the Gospel of Christ.
I like to tell the story about a duchess who once toured her large estate. She came across one of her many servants and questioned him about his duties. “What exactly is it that you do?” “I take care of the dog,” he replied. The duchess said, “But the dog died twenty years ago.” “Well, Madam, is there anything else I can do for you?” Jesus asks us daily to get in the game and not passively observe from the sidelines. There are no second string players in the Kingdom of God; so what is God asking you to do? To quote St. Teresa of Calcutta, “We may not be able to do great things; but we can do even little things with great love.”
THIS WEEK AT ST. DAVID’S
HOSPITALITY HOUR – Congregation
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – Sunday, 11:15 a.m.
EVENSONG –Presentation of our Lord – Sunday, February 2nd 4:00 p.m.
HOLY EUCHARIST – Tuesday 8:30 a.m.
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY – Tuesday 7:00 p.m.
DAVID’S MEN’S ORGANIZATION – Tuesday, February 4th, 8:00 p.m.
ADORATION – Wednesday, Feb. 5th, 6:00 p.m.
HOLY EUCHARIST AND ROSARY – Wednesday 6:30 p.m.
SOUPER-BOWL – Palanca Pantry, a feeding program in Lake Worth, is collecting SOUPS (canned, bagged, boxed, wrapped) 1/26, 2-02. Leave cans in the designated boxes in the foyer.
FIRST COMMUNION CLASSES – have started for children ages six and up begin Wednesdays, at 5:00 p.m. and continue each Wednesday through February 19th. Contact the office to enroll your child.
BLOOD DRIVE – sponsored by OUTREACH – Sunday, February 9th, 8:30am-12noon
CURSILLO REUNION – Sunday, February 9th, 12:00- 3:00 in the parish hall
BUNCO – Saturday, February 15th 6:00 p.m. – $10pp – 3 winners – potluck
RUMMAGE SALE sponsored by the EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN – 22nd 8am-1pm & Sunday February 23rd 8am-noon. Donation items accepted Friday, February 21st 9am to 1pm and 4pm to 6pm.
PANCAKE SUPPER – SHROVE TUESDAY – February 25th, 5:30 p.m.
ASH WEDNESDAY – February 26th, 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
EVENSONG – St. David’s Feast Day, Sunday March 1st, 4:00 pm
PARISH PICNIC – Sunday March 8th 1-4pm Pavilion #3 Village Park on Pierson Road
STATIONS of the CROSS – Friday, during Lent 6:30 p.m.
PLEASE PRAY – For the sick: Carl, Bob, Tania, Marianne, Michelle, Rudy, Toni, Emily, Linda, Laurie, Francine, Timone, Donna, Ashlyn, Robin. For birthday celebrations: Pat Lorde, Laurel Westerholt, Jenifer Elmore, Maeve Blodgett, Kevan Bennett, Yvonne Wright. For our expectant mothers: Megan, Sofia. For the faithful departed: Andrea Followel and Carl Bagley.
FLOWER & CANDLES – dates are available for designation of altar flowers for $40.00
There was a little girl who had a very large collection of dolls heaped on her bed. A guest in her room one day asked her “Do you love dolls?” Then with tender loving care she spread out the whole collection for the guest to inspect and admire. The guest asked her, “Which doll do you love the most?” She hesitated, then said, “Promise not to laugh if I tell you.” He promised. She picked a ragged doll with a broken nose whose hair had mostly come off, and one arm and leg were missing. “This is the one.” “Why?” the visitor asked.” “Because if I didn’t love this one, nobody else would.”
Jesus calls us to love the ones in this world that nobody else will love. Jesus calls us to reach out to the lonely, to the hun
gry, to the sick, to the ones in prison, to the disabled, to the forsaken, to the needy, to all of those people who need to hear that someone indeed does love them; and that someone is Jesus Christ.
Love will find a way, but indifference will find an excuse. When we show kindness to those who can repay us, it’s called networking. When we show kindness with no thought of repayment, it’s called love.
HOSPITALITY HOUR – Episcopal Church Women
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – Sunday, 11:15 a.m.
HOLY EUCHARIST – Tuesday 8:30 a.m.
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY – Tuesday 7:00 p.m.
BUNCO – Saturday, January 25th, 6:00 p.m. – $10pp – 3 winners – potluck
SOUPER-BOWL – Palanca Pantry, a feeding program in Lake Worth, is collecting SOUPS (canned, bagged, boxed, wrapped) 1/26, 2-02. Leave cans in the designated boxes in the foyer.
DAVID’S MEN’S ORGANIZATION – Tuesday, February 4th, 8:00 p.m.
HOLY EUCHARIST AND ROSARY – Wednesday 6:30 p.m.
FIRST COMMUNION CLASSES – for children ages six and up begin Wednesday, January 29th at 5:00 p.m. and continue each Wednesday through February 19th. Contact the office to enroll your child.
EVENSONG –Presentation of our Lord – Sunday, February 2nd 4:00 p.m.
BLOOD DRIVE – sponsored by OUTREACH – Sunday, February 9th, 8:30am-12noon
CURSILLO REUNION – Sunday, February 9th, 12:00- 3:00 in the parish hall
RUMMAGE SALE sponsored by the EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN – Saturday, February 22nd & Sunday, February 23rd
PANCAKE SUPPER – SHROVE TUESDAY – February 25th, 5:30 p.m.
ASH WEDNESDAY – February 26th, Holy Eucharist, 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
EVENSONG – St. David’s Feast Day, Sunday March 1st, 4:00 pm
PARISH PICNIC – Sunday March 8th 1-4pm Pavilion #3 at Village Park on Pierson Road
STATIONS of the CROSS – Friday, during Lent 6:30 p.m. begins February 28th
PLEASE PRAY – For the sick: Carl, Bob, Tania, Marianne, Kelly, Michelle, Rudy, Toni, Emily, Linda, Laurie, Francine, Timone, Donna, Ashlyn, Robin. For birthday celebrations: Dennis Amiel, Tanya Low, Diana Firestone, Carly LaBorde, Millicant Thompson, David Blazek, Shelley Blodgett, Win Blodgett, Tom Parker. For those celebrating a wedding anniversary: Kelley & Janice Alford, Dick & Virginia Elliott, Tom & Joyce Parker. For our expectant mothers: Megan, Sofia.
FLOWER & CANDLES – dates are available for designation of altar flowers for $40.00
2019 CHARITY CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS – available upon request for $250.00 and over; call or email parish office