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WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – May 10th – Fr. Thomas

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A job description was posted with the following requirements:

  1. This is a permanent job.
  2. The successful applicant must be prepared to work hard.
  3. The workplace is often a challenging and chaotic environment.
  4. Applicants must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends
  5. Extensive chauffeuring duties also required, but your travel expenses will not usually be reimbursed.
  6. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.
  7. Must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be willing to carry multiple packages and pieces of equipment at the same time.
  8. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars, and coordinate production of multiple homework projects.
  9. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks.
  10. Must be able to assembly and carry out safety testing of hundreds of toys and battery operated devices.
  11. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product.
  12. Limited Promotion Prospects: Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills,
  13. Wages and Bonuses: None; job satisfaction is what you hopefully receive.
  14. Benefits: no paid holidays and no bonuses are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for free hugs for life if you play your cards right.
  15. Tenure: Forever.

Happy Mother’s Day.

Loving God, we thank you for the love of the mothers you have given us, whose love is so precious that it can never be measured, whose patience seems to have no end. May we see your loving hand behind them and guiding them. We pray for those mothers who fear they will run out of love or time, or patience. We ask you to bless them with your own special love. Invoking the intercession of Our Lord’s own mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary, we ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord. Amen.

NOTICES for this week:

By Order of the Bishop – “The Episcopal Church has suspended all in-person services, gatherings, and meetings until the end of May.”

  • View – Sunday mass– a videos posted are be found on the church’s website, Facebook via our YouTube channel. Do not forget to subscribe free so that we will in the future be able to retain our site.
  • Camp Wingmann – St. David’s Men’s Organization continues to financially support those of our youth who are interested in attending summer Christian camp in Avon Park at Camp Wingmann. Please notify Mike Riddle (email tdmr007@gmail.com) of your intent to participate either in the virtual summer camp during June or the onsite camp experience in July.
  • Urgent Message– Please continue to pray for an end to the COVID-19 virus and its victims and thank you for your continued financial support (check, automated bank transfers or electronic donations via https://www.myeoffering.com  to the life and witness our congregation in this community. For safety and security issue, please do not leave any checks in the communication mailbox attached to the parish building at the front door. For your daily devotional readying the May/June/July copies of Forward Day by Day are available there as well.
  • In case of a pastoral emergency, you can leave a message on our voice mail, and we will respond as quickly as possible.
  • Please Pray – For the sick: Caswell, Richard, Barbara, Carole, Patti, Sandy, Kim, Joe, Steve, Bob, Linda, Francine, Timone, Donna, Ashlyn, Robin. For birthday celebrations: Helena Bresnahan, Joey McFarland, Michel Guillaume, Megan Muir, Jackie Algood, George Pinnock, Chris LaBorde. For those celebrating a wedding anniversary: John & Jackie Algood. For our expectant mothers: Dani and Andrea.

Most loving Father, whose will it is for us to give thanks for all things, to fear nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all our care on you who care for us: Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which you have manifested to us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (The Collect for the Eighth Sunday after the Epiphany)

Sunday Mass – 4th Sunday of Easter – May 3rd, 2020 – (VIDEO)

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Good Sunday morning to you and your family.
Below is the YouTube link to Sunday’s video for the 4th Sunday of Easter.
Please remember to like, share and subscribe free to our church’s youtube account to retain our permanent status in the future.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN2hgp2x_8g
You may follow along with the scripture lessons via this link below…
https://www.lectionarypage.net/YearA_RCL/Easter/AEaster4_RCL.html
There is much more to experience and engage with by going to our Facebook account on the link below…
https://www.facebook.com/SaintDavidsInThePines/?ref=settings
Coming soon to this website will be an interactive scripture study, prayer wall and blog.
If you, a family member, or friend is in need during these trying times, please call the parish office, leave a message as we have limited hours, and someone will get back with you.
God Bless, grant you peace and may you be well.

WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – May 3rd – Fr. Thomas

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‘…You don’t get out enough…none of us do

A former Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Runcie, wrote in his book Seasons of the Spirit that he once got into a train in England and discovered that all of the other passengers in the car were patients at a mental institution being taken on an excursion. A mental hospital attendant was counting the patients to be sure that they were all there:  “One, two, three, four, five. . .” When he came to Runcie, he said, “Who are you?” “I am the Archbishop of Canterbury,” Runcie replied. The Attendant smiled and, pointing to him, continued counting, “. ..six, seven, eight.. .”
Well, maybe during these days of confinement, some reading this may feel a little “stir crazy.” Incidentally, the phrase stir crazy is a slang term reference to a notorious prison (Newgate) in 19th-century London. The word stir means “prison.” According to the Barnhart Dictionary of Etymology, stir may have originated as a variation on Start, a nickname criminals gave to the prison throughout London’s history.
At this point, we’re not quite half way through the Easter season. Even though attendance at all live sporting events and other activities are cancelled or postponed, we are an “Easter People,” in and out of season, and Alleluia is our song. Next Tuesday is the commemoration of the conversion of Saint Augustine, the great theologian and bishop of the 5thc. who wrote:  “The Christian should be an Alleluia from head to foot.” And I say to that Amen, Amen.
NOTICES for this week:
  • By Order of the Bishop – the closure of all services and meetings will now be extended through the entire month of May.
  • Sunday Scriptures – Follow this link at anytime to refer to any scripture readings. https://www.lectionarypage.net/YearA_RCL/Easter/AEaster4_RCL.html
  • View – Sunday mass– a videos posted are be found on the church’s website, Facebook via our YouTube channel. Do not forget to subscribe free so that we will in the future be able to retain our site.
  • Urgent Message– Please continue to pray for an end to the COVID-19 virus and its victims and thank you for your continued financial support (check, automated bank transfers or electronic donations via https://www.myeoffering.comto the life and witness our congregation in this community. For safety and security issue, please do not leave any checks in the communication mailbox attached to the parish building at the front door. For your daily devotional readying the May/June/July copies of Forward Day by Day are available there as well.
  • In case of a pastoral emergency, you can leave a message on our voice mail, and we will respond as quickly as possible.
  • Please Pray – For the sick: Bob, Caswell, Richard, Barbara, Carole, Patti, Sandy, Kim, Joe, Steve, Bob, Linda, Francine, Timone, Donna, Ashlyn, Robin. For birthday celebrations: Ella Falco, Donna Halle. For those celebrating a wedding anniversary: Charles & Jenifer Elmore. For our expectant mothers: Dani and Andrea. For the faithful departed: Johnny Siggers.
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.

 

Sunday Mass – 3rd Sunday of Easter -April 26, 2020 – (VIDEO)

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Enjoy our VIDEO for the Third Sunday of Easter.

Please click on our YouTube channel below,  viewed also on our website (subscribe free so that we may retain our channel).

Thank you and God be with you.

Also available on Facebook and via member E-Newsletter link.

Have a blessed Sunday morning and make this a wonderful week.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1RnzLM_bIQ&feature=youtu.be

 

 

WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – April 26th – Fr. Thomas

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What happened to Easter? For most people confined to their homes during this pandemic, it seems like Lent has been extended. But we know the truth, and the truth, (at least spiritually) has set us free. We are an Easter people, and Alleluia is our song. (Alleluia, that Latin word, which originally derives from the Hebrew word Hallelujah, means “Praise the Lord.”) How and why did this expression of jubilation survive down through the centuries? Perhaps the Church found that other words were simply inadequate when we consider the awesome mystery of Christ’s resurrection. We know that our familiar words cannot always express what we feel and know. As Jesus commanded Lazarus to come out of the tomb, so God says to us, “Come out into the glorious light.” If not literally, we can bask in the glow of God’s love and joy, metaphorically during these days of incarceration, waiting for the glory that shall be revealed. We can say our prayers, in particular the “Daily Office,” i.e. morning, evening, noonday, and night prayers as provided in the Prayer Book or go to  https://www.missionstclare.com/  for the daily scripture readings and prayers. Know that “This too shall pass,” and it will be a joyful and glorious moment when we can gather together in person. So, when you get to wit’s end, you’ll find God is there, because as I’m fond of saying, “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.”

NOTICES for this week:

The Bishop’s Orders – “I am extending the closure of congregations, schools, and special ministries until at least the end of the academic year.   

  • View – Sunday mass– a videos posted are be found on the church’s website, Facebook via our YouTube channel. Do not forget to subscribe free so that we will in the future be able to retain our site.
  • Urgent Message– Please continue to pray for an end to the COVID-19 virus and its victims and thank you for your continued financial support (check, automated bank transfers or electronic donations via https://www.myeoffering.com to the life and witness our congregation in this community. For safety and security issue, please do not leave any checks in the communication mailbox attached to the parish building at the front door. For your daily devotional readying the May/June/July copies of “Forward Day by Day” are available there as well. As a reminder, the music ministry continues, outreach is still feeding the homeless. Some of us have already received the government’s stimulus checks, or discounts on various utilities or insurances, or simple savings of not going out to eat so often. We also have the ability to pray for others, donate blood, and particularly lessen the load on our medical resources by staying home and taking care of each other via phone calls; you never know who else needs to hear a friendly voice.
  • In case of a pastoral emergency, you can leave a message on our voice mail, and we will respond as quickly as possible.
  • Please Pray – For the sick: Carole, Patti, Sandy, Kim, Joe, Steve, Bob, Linda, Francine, Timone, Donna, Ashlyn, Robin. For birthday celebrations: John Algood, Therese Guillaume, Janice Jacques. For our expectant mothers: Dani and Andrea.

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.

https://www.facebook.com/SaintDavidsInThePines/

For the full scripture readings, please refer to The Lectionary Page by clicking the link below….

https://www.lectionarypage.net/YearA_RCL/Easter/AEaster3_RCL.html

Third Sunday of Easter – 4/26/20 – The Road to Emmaus.

Acts 2:14a, 36-41      Fifty days after Jesus’ crucifixion-resurrection (the Feast of Pentecost). Peter boldly preached the first Christian sermon on a Jerusalem street corner. Here are his concluding words and the effect of his sermon on those who heard him.

Psalm 116: 1-3, 10-17     The psalmist is filled with thankfulness because God has delivered him from some danger which threatened his life. The latter part of the reading has for the Christian overtones which suggest the Eucharist: “the cup of salvation” (v.11). “the sacrifice of thanksgiving” (v.15).

1 Peter 1:17-23        In Acts 2, Peter is telling Jerusalem what the Lord’s resurrection means to him weeks after the event. Here, more than a generation later, he gives a more profound view of what Christ’s resurrection means.

Luke 24:13-35     This resurrection appearance indicates something of the impetus which caused the Lord’s Supper to be so universally observed from the very first. Jesus had evidently performed the mealtime ritual – “he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them” (v. 30) – so many times with his followers that the act was indelibly associated with remembrance of him.

Challenge Questions:

  1. As the two travelers walk along the road and talk with the stranger (who is actually Jesus), how do they describe the events of the previous three days?
  2. What is their understanding about Jesus and the recent happenings in Jerusalem? How do they feel about their prospects for the future?
  3. As Jesus walks with them, how does he explain the things about himself as revealed in the Scriptures? Why was it important for him to interpret these things to them?
  4. In addition to the revelation of Scripture, Jesus is recognized through the breaking of the break (Lk. 24:35). How do you feel the presence of Christ in the Eucharist and in other ways in your own life?
  5. In the Epistle reading (1Pet. 1:17-23), what is expected of those who belong to the new community of believers in Christ? How do we carry out these responsibilities today?

 

Sunday Mass – 2nd Sunday of Easter -April 19, 2020 – (VIDEO)

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Enjoy our Easter Sunday video by clicking the link below via YouTube (please subscribe free).

Also available on Facebook and via member E-Newsletter link.

Have a blessed Sunday morning and make this a wonderful week.

 

 

Video

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – April 19th – Fr. Thomas

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We know by now that New York state leads the country in the number of deaths due to COVID-19.  Apparently, though, there are not enough burial plots for the recently increased number of victims, so corpses are being “stockpiled.” This situation reminds me of a town in France where, decades ago, a similar outbreak occurred forcing the mayor to issue a law forbidding anyone who lived in that town to die.

Well, sadly, we don’t have that option, regardless of the municipality we live in.  However, the Good News is that we have a home in heaven waiting for us! Some may have to wait longer than others to reach their final destination, but imagine the joy and celebration in heaven when we do.  If death came into the world through the first act of disobedience with Adam and Eve taking fruit from the tree, everlasting life with God came by Jesus’ death on a tree.  This is Good News every day, every week, month, and year because Easter is not merely one day or season, but a way of life.  Thanks be to God who gives us the victory because there’s plenty of room in heaven for all who believe and walk down that road that leads to eternal life. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

NOTICES for this week

  • View – Sunday mass– a video will be posted on the church’s website, Facebook via our YouTube channel. Don’t forget to subscribe free so that we will in the future be able to retain our site.
  • Urgent Message– Please continue to pray for an end to the COVID-19 virus and its victims and thank you for your continued financial support (check, automated bank transfers or electronic donations via www.myeoffering.com  to the life and witness our congregation in this community. As a reminder, the music ministry continues, outreach is still feeding the homeless, Some of us have already received the government’s stimulus checks, or discounts on various utilities or insurances, or simple savings of not going out to eat so often. We also have the ability to pray for others, donate blood, and particularly lessen the load on our medical resources by staying home and taking care of each other via phone calls; you never know who else needs to hear a friendly voice.
  • In case of a pastoral emergency, you can leave a message on our voice mail, and we will respond as quickly as possible.
  • Please Pray – For the sick: Carole, Patti, Sandy, Kim, Joe, Steve, Bob, Linda, Francine, Timone, Donna, Ashlyn, Robin. For birthday celebrations: Emma Torres, Michelle Gardner, Erin Thomas, Assad Thompson, Patricia Burke, Kathleen Lannaman, Blake Wolliston, Phyllis Gibbs-Thomas. For those celebrating a wedding anniversary: Rudy & Pat Bernard, Victor & Jeanne Champagne, Howard & Karen Brown, Daryl & Shelby Walcher. For our expectant mothers: Dani and Andrea. For the faithful departed: The Rev. Harvey Klein.

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.

https://www.facebook.com/SaintDavidsInThePines/

Second Sunday of Easter – 4/19/20- Peace Be With You.

Acts 2:14a, 22-32   This is part of the first Christian sermon of which we have any record. Peter delivered it on the streets of Jerusalem on the Jewish Feast of Pentecost, which is fifty days after the Feast of the Passover at which Jesus was crucified. Notice that Peter is a brave, bold man in contrast to the fearful fellow who had denied Jesus at the time of his trial. Notice also that he is unshakably convinced that Jesus has risen from the dead.

Psalm 16     This psalm, which is in part set in the form of a prayer, is an affirmation of trust in God. The psalmist sums up his wholehearted commitment to the Lord with the words, “I have set the Lord always before me”” (v.*).

1 Peter 1:3-9               Peter is writing approximately two generations after the crucifixion-resurrection to Christians in a time of persecution; notice how central is his conviction of the Lord’s resurrection.

John 20:19-31        The earliest record of resurrection appearances is in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8. These fall into two categories. The first group (to Peter and others) has a church-founding significance. The second group (to James and others) has a mission-inaugurating significance. The two appearances described in John 20 are in the first category. Jesus binds the disciples together in their conviction of his risen presence. The Holy Spirit is bestowed, and the Church as a spiritual entity begins.

Challenge Questions

  1. Try to imagine that you are among those gathered behind closed doors on Easter evening. How would you describe the atmosphere in the room? How do you think the disciples might have felt when Jesus suddenly appeared among them? Why do you think he showed them his wounds?
  2. In John 20:19, 21, and 26, Jesus says, “Peace be with you.” Why do you think he repeats this greeting? What effect do you think these words had on the disciples? How are they important to us today?
  3. What is the mission that Jesus gives to his followers in verses 21b-23, and how are they empowered for this? How are we as individuals and as the Church to fulfill this mission today? How are we enabled to do so? In particular, what does it mean that we are to forgive and retain sins?
  4. As you read the exchange between Thomas and Jesus in Verses 24-29, how would you characterize the words and actions of both Thomas and Jesus here? What do you think moves Thomas to declare that Jesus is Lord and God? What do we learn from this passage about doubt, faith, and belief?
  5. All of the readings for today proclaim the reality and implications of the Resurrection. Read the Epistle for today in 1 Peter 1:3-9 and reflect on your understanding of the implications of the Resurrection in your own life.

EASTER SUNDAY -April 12, 2020 – Video

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Christ is risen! He has risen indeed!

Enjoy our Easter Sunday video by clicking the link below via YouTube (please subscribe free).

Also available on Facebook. ave a blessed Easter Sunday morning!

Have a blessed and happy Easter Sunday this glorious day.

GOOD FRIDAY – Video – April 10, 2020

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WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – April 12th – Fr. Thomas

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We all like to receive presents, especially those in pretty wrapped boxes.  Our curiosity plays with our emotions; could the gift be a key to a new car, a book, piece of jewelry, a new garment, or gift card to a favorite restaurant.   However, what if the box were empty?  Wouldn’t we be disappointed, puzzled?  Perhaps not if we had anticipated something bad was in the box like insects or rotting food?  In this case, we’d feel relieved.

An incident was reported in a newspaper about a car which had driven off the road and into a canal.  A passing motorist noticed the car’s headlights and called 911.  The police came and ran the license tag number to find the name of the owner.  The woman who owned the vehicle turned out to be the mother of the driver who had used her car to drive to work that evening.  When she arrived at the site of the accident, she stood in horror awaiting to see the lifeless body of her son.  Finally, the car was pulled out of the water and rested on the bank, but there was no body in the car.  However, minutes later, the young man was found on the opposite side of the canal; somehow he had managed to release himself from the car and swim to safety. The ecstatic mother rejoiced in the good news.

On that Easter Sunday morning, the women rejoiced to find an empty tomb, and they ran and told all their friends the good news.  Jesus’ empty tomb is good news for us too.  Because His grave was empty, we know ours will be empty too, except for the lifeless body we leave behind when we join Him in heaven to live forever.  The Lord is risen indeed.  Alleluia.

NOTICES for this week

  • View Good Friday & Easter Sunday Mass – a video will be posted on the church’s website, Facebook via our YouTube channel. Don’t forget to subscribe free so that we will in the future be able to retain our site.
  • Urgent Message – Please continue to pray for an end to the COVID-19 virus and its victims and thank you for your continued financial support (check, automated bank transfers or electronic donations via com)to the life and witness our congregation in this community.
  • In case of a pastoral emergency, you can leave a message on our voice mail, and we will respond as quickly as possible. Please continue to pray for an end to the COVID-19 virus, for its victims, and for those who are working on preventative measures.

Please Pray – For the sick: Carole, Patti, Sandy, Kim, Joe, Steve, Bob, Linda, Francine, Timone, Donna, Ashlyn, Robin. For birthday celebrations: Dale Pugliese, Mike Riddle, Shirley Fenner, Gabriel Falco, Kerry Jackson, Madge Tinglin, Earl Williams. For those celebrating a wedding anniversary: David & Leila South, Walter & Georgette Dzubiak. For the faithful departed, and for our expectant mothers: Dani and Andrea.

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.

https://www.facebook.com/SaintDavidsInThePines/

Easter Sunday – Resurrection – 4/12/20

Acts 10:34-43     Peter was the leader of the Twelve and the first to see the risen Lord (Lke. 24-34). Here is part of one of his early sermons, in which it is obvious that the resurrection of Christ is of crucial importance.

Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24     This psalm is “a powerful testimony to the strength of faith that flows from the direct experience of the help of God”. After that introduction, there is the thanksgiving of an individual (vss. 5-21). The portion of this section which we read sounds like the thanksgiving of the risen Lord himself (vss. 18, 22). The latter part of the psalm (vss. 22-29) is the chorus of pilgrims attending the feast. Read on this day, it is an appropriate Easter hymn.

Colossians 3:1-4     The conviction that the risen Lord has conquered both sin and death, is meant to influence all that the Christian is and does.

John 20:1-18     The Easter morning account in John is, first of all, Mary Magdelene’s story. She is baffled by the empty tomb, suspecting foul play, and she is the first to see the risen Lord. Her meeting him in the garden is peculiar to John and is one of the warmest and most touching of all the resurrection appearances. Included is the enigmatic command, “Do not touch me,” and a perplexing reference to his impending ascension. There is no further allusion to the ascension in John, as there is in Luke.

Challenge Questions

  1. As you read John 20:1-18, put yourself in the place of Mary Magdelene, Peter, or the “other disciple” as they came to the tomb. What did they expect to find, and how do you think they might have felt when the tomb was empty.
  2. In verse 8, why do you think the “other disciple” believed? We are told in verse 10 that the disciples returned to their homes. How do you think they might have explained what they had just discovered to the others?
  3. The story continues in verses 11-18. As you read this section, discuss how Mary was finally able to identify the Risen Jesus.
  4. The meaning of the Resurrection for the early Church and for Peter is expressed in today’s reading from Acts 10:34-43. How would you explain the truth of the Resurrection to someone else?
  5. How do you think Mary and the other disciples were changed by their experience of the empty tomb? How is your life different because of the events of Easter morning 2000 years ago?