WEEKLY NEWSLETTER – February 9th – Fr. Thomas
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.
- You can’t sit in that pew, it belongs to the Doe family.
- We’d like you to wear this red bull’s eye on your forehead so everyone will know that you’re visiting.
- OH, we’re so glad that you’re here; our offerings are down this year.
- Would you like to teach Vacation Bible School? It won’t take much of your time.
- The bathroom? Just down the hallway on the right, take a left at the stairs, go down two flights, third door on the left.
- A nursery? Maybe someday if we have enough children.
- The Hispanic/Asian/African-American church is just down the street.
- Oh, thank God – fresh blood.
- Here’s what you’ll need for the service: our leaflet, the readings, the prayer book, hymnal, supplemental text, song sheet, and notices.
- Have you ever been on a vestry – we need a new Property Committee Chairman?
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
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.
YOUTH GROUP – All middle and high school students are invited to attend the first Youth Meeting and Christian Studies this Sunday immediately after the 10 am service. We will meet in the large Sunday School room and PIZZA, soda, and dessert will be served! These meetings will be held twice a month, and the lessons will involve ways that younger Christians can live out their faith in their daily lives.