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WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – Sept. 25th – Fr. Thomas

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Watching Queen Elizabeth’s funeral last Monday brought back many wonderful memories of my three years of study in England. Appropriately, the ceremony was held in Westminster Abbey, which is not the “cathedral” of London, but a Royal church of medieval origins. In recognition of the wide variety of people within the commonwealth, a truly ecumenical list of leaders were present and participants in the funeral. But lest we forget – the monarch is not the “head” of the church, but the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, even though the role is mostly symbolic. (Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church!) The General Synod of clergy and lay representatives makes the decisions which affect the Church at a higher level. Incidentally, King Charles is, and has been, a longtime faithful member of the Church of England and regular church attendee in London and in his country estate in western England. Some may remember when he attended mass here at St. David’s on Easter Sunday in 1980, while visiting Wellington for a polo match.

So what does all this have to do with us? Coincidentally, tomorrow, September 24th, is the feast of Our Lady of Walsingham, commemorating the appearance of the Lord’s Mother to an English noblewoman in 1061 in the town of Walsingham in the English midlands. The Blessed Virgin told the woman to build a house which was to be a replica of the home of Mary and Joseph in Nazareth. It is one of the oldest and the most ecumenical shrines in the world, with both Orthodox and Roman Catholic chapels.

So who is our “queen,” if not The Blessed Mother of Our Lord? Folks ask me for their prayers, and rightly so; but who else is closer to Our Lord than His own mother? So let us continue to pray for all the departed, and those in special need of our prayers, and ask for the Blessed Mother’s intercession. And, as always, pray like it’s all up to God, then work like it’s all up to you, because “Duty makes us do things well; love makes us do things beautifully” — Phillips Brooks.

Sunday’s Worship – We are open for live worship on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. We also “live-stream” our 10 a.m. service.

Video Viewing Options for Sunday’s mass. There are three different ways to view our videos: 1) our church website; 2) our Facebook page; and 3) our YouTube channel. See the links listed below.

Opportunities for Giving – there are several options that safely and efficiently expedite your generous donations: electronic bank transfers or automatic bank transfers via personal accounts or credit/debit cards; personal checks delivered by USPS; and our favorite through joining our giving family online through our website or at https://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.

Sunday school is open and available for children starting at age 3 years old. We are looking for volunteer Sunday school teachers, anyone interested can contact Erin Thomas to learn more details, or contact the church office.

Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by the ECW. Next Sunday will be hosted by the Vestry.

Women’s Bible Study will be held today at 11:30 a.m. in the Mark Room.

Caribbean Sunday Service: Please join us for our Caribbean Sunday service on October 23rd at 10:00 a.m. We will have steel pan music with a Caribbean reception following the mass.

Altar Flowers and Candles: We will have a bag on the credenza to collect all flower and candle donations for upcoming Sundays. If you would like to donate for altar flowers for memorials and celebrations, please put your check for $40 with a request showing the date you want altar flowers and the reason for your donation into the bag. If you want to donate candles, please put your check for $20 and request showing date and reason for donation. Do not put flower and candle requests in offering plates.

Vases needed for flower delivery. If you are able to donate vases, please put them under counter in the ladies room. Thank you. Linda

Forward Day by Day brochures for next quarter are now available in the narthex. Donation $3.00.

Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist 8:30 a.m.

PLEASE PRAY: For the sick: Alice, Baldwin, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Donna, Doris, Doug, Ed, Edna, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jean, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Jory, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Pearl, Predrag, Rachel, Rosie, Sharon, Shelly, Steve, Sue, Susan, Timothy, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William, Windell. For birthday celebrations: Jack Erickson, Tanya Lee, Gabrielle Kiminyo, Lucy Smith, Dana Neumeyer, Roxan Carty, Jeanne Champagne, Ray Walter, Erika Belden. For anniversary celebrations: Howard and Jem Barrett, Lincoln and Yvonne Elliott, Kenneth and Dorrett Barnett. For our expectant mothers: Sarah and Rebecca.

Our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintDavidsinthePinesWellingtonFL

WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – Sept. 18th – Fr. Thomas

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Who says we don’t have a change of seasons in South Florida? We have Baseball Season, Soccer Season, Hockey Season, and now Football Season is upon us. Some of you “old timers” will remember Ray Wersching, the place kicker for the San Francisco 49ers. Ray is tied for the most field goals in a Super Bowl game with four in 1982, and tied for the most career points after a touchdown. One oddity about Wersching was that he never looked up at the goal posts when he came on to the field, normally alongside of his holder – Joe Montana. Raiders Head Coach John Madden once asked him why he didn’t look at the goal posts, to which Ray replied, “I look at the hash marks on the field.” (The hash marks in those days were the exact width of the goal posts.)

So what can we learn from Ray Wersching? If we keep our eyes on the ball, and stay within the lines, the prize will be within our reach. We can’t always change our circumstances or other people, so if you don’t like the view in front of you, or the way your life looks, try changing the way you look at life, and pray like it’s all up to God, then work like it’s all up to you.

Sunday’s Worship – We are open for live worship on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. We also “live-stream” our 10 a.m. service.

Video Viewing Options for Sunday’s mass. There are three different ways to view our videos: 1) our church website; 2) our Facebook page; and 3) our YouTube channel. See the links listed below.

Opportunities for Giving – there are several options that safely and efficiently expedite your generous donations: electronic bank transfers or automatic bank transfers via personal accounts or credit/debit cards; personal checks delivered by USPS; and our favorite through joining our giving family online through our website or at https://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.

Sunday school is open and available for children starting at age 3 years old. We are looking for volunteer Sunday school teachers, anyone interested can contact Erin Thomas after Mass this Sunday to learn more details, or contact the church office.

Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by the Daughters of the King. Next Sunday will be hosted by the ECW.

Women’s Bible Study will be held today at 11:30 a.m. in the Mark Room.

Vestry meeting will be held this Sunday, September 18th at 11:10 a.m.

Caribbean Sunday Service: Please join us for our Caribbean Sunday service on October 23rd at 10:00 a.m. We will have steel pan music with a Caribbean reception following the mass.

Altar Flowers and Candles: We will have a bag on the credenza to collect all flower and candle donations for upcoming Sundays. If you would like to donate for altar flowers for memorials and celebrations, please put your check for $40 with a request showing the date you want altar flowers and the reason for your donation into the bag. If you want to donate candles, please put your check for $20 and request showing date and reason for donation. Do not put flower and candle requests in offering plates.

Vases needed for flower delivery. If you are able to donate vases, please put them under counter in the ladies room. Thank you. Linda

Forward Day by Day brochures for next quarter are now available in the narthex. Donation $3.00.

Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist 8:30 a.m.

PLEASE PRAY: For the sick: Alice, Baldwin, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Donna, Doris, Doug, Ed, Edna, Ezra, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Jory, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Pearl, Predrag, Rachel, Rosie, Sharon, Steve, Sue, Susan, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William, Windell. For birthday celebrations: Isabelle Carter, Alex Morales, Georgette Dzubiak, Mia Eubanks, Irene Oknewski, Kimberly Castellotti-Ward, Emma Gardner. For our expectant mothers: Sarah and Rebecca.

Our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintDavidsinthePinesWellingtonFL

WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – Sept. 9th – Fr. Thomas

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No one will ever forget what happened on September 11, 2001: but memories have both positive and negative consequences. In some cases, we should not forget; but we should forgive. When we are able to forgive (though not approve) we are released from what evil has been inflicted upon us and cease to be its victims.

Incredible stories came out of that tragic experience. Our former sexton, John Smith’s niece was an employee at the time at the Merrill Lynch office in one of the Twin Towers. It so happened that she had a plumber coming to her house that same morning to do a repair job so she decided to go into work late that day. For whatever reason her life was spared. Why, who knows? People of faith do not have all the answers. They can live with a certain amount of ambiguity without needing everything explained to them in great detail.

The final vision of the Kingdom is not only when men and women recognize that they are brothers and sisters called to unity, but members of God’s creation, not just made in His image, but made to live into His image. We don’t live “alone;” we are members of One Body. Yes, we are indeed our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. The prophet Isaiah foretells a time when “The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child shall lead them, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.”

The apostle John expands this vision of the last days in Revelation, ch. 7: “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude which no one could number, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and the Lamb. Never again will they hunger or thirst. The sun will not beat down on them, nor any scorching heat. For the lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

This is the vision we as disciples of Christ must always keep alive.

Sunday school is open and available for children starting at age 3 years old. We are looking for volunteer Sunday school teachers, anyone interested can contact Erin Thomas after Mass this Sunday to learn more details, or contact the church office.

Sunday’s Worship – We are open for live worship on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. We also “live-stream” our 10 a.m. service.

Video Viewing Options for Sunday’s mass. There are three different ways to view our videos: 1) our church website; 2) our Facebook page; and 3) our YouTube channel. See the links listed below.

Opportunities for Giving – there are several options that safely and efficiently expedite your generous donations: electronic bank transfers or automatic bank transfers via personal accounts or credit/debit cards; personal checks delivered by USPS; and our favorite through joining our giving family online through our website or at https://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.

Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by the Congregation. Please bring a dish to share. Next Sunday will be hosted by the Daughters of the King.

St. David’s ECW meeting has been rescheduled to meet on Saturday, September 10th at 11:15 a.m. in the Parish Hall. Please bring a brown bag lunch with a beverage of your choice. If you are interested in the group but are unable to attend this meeting, please contact Irene Oknewski at ireneok1940@outlook.com or Jenifer Elmore at jenifer_elmore@pba.edu

St. David’s annual raffle drawing will be held on Sunday, Sept. 11 at the coffee hour after the 10:00 a.m. service. Prizes are $100, $200 and $300. You do not need to be present to win. Letter and tickets will be handed out at 8 and 10 o’clock services on 8/21 for those who attend, and remainder will be mailed on 8/22. Cost is $5 per ticket or $25 for book of 5 tickets. Please return filled in ticket stubs with check in envelope marked raffle by Sept. 11. You can mail to the church office or place in offering plate any Sunday before the drawing. Thank you for participating. Call Linda McKeown at 561-254-3902 or email her at llmckeown51@comcast.net with any questions. Good luck. Money will go to support the church.

Women’s Bible Study will be held today at 11:30 a.m. in the Mark Room.

Vestry meeting will be held on Sunday, September 18th at 11:10 a.m.

Altar Flowers and Candles: We will have a bag on the credenza to collect all flower and candle donations for upcoming Sundays. If you would like to donate for altar flowers for memorials and celebrations, please put your check for $40 with a request showing the date you want altar flowers and the reason for your donation into the bag. If you want to donate candles, please put your check for $20 and request showing date and reason for donation. Do not put flower and candle requests in offering plates.

Vases needed for flower delivery. If you are able to donate vases, please put them under counter in the ladies room. Thank you. Linda

Forward Day by Day brochures for next quarter are now available in the narthex. Donation $3.00.

Tuesdays: No service this week.

PLEASE PRAY: For the sick: Alice, Baldwin, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Donna, Doris, Doug, Ed, Edna, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Jory, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Pearl, Predrag, Rachel, Rosie, Sharon, Steve, Sue, Susan, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William, Windell. For birthday celebrations: Charles Elmore, Doreen Garrett, Anthony Ward, John Webber, Joseph Brabham. For our expectant mothers: Sarah and Rebecca.

Our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintDavidsinthePinesWellingtonFL

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

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A father once asked his son about how college was going. The son replied, “Good.” The father said, “And the dormitory?” The Son replied, “Good.” The father asked, “How are your studies going?” The son replied, “Good.” The father asked, “Have you decided on a major yet?” The son said, “Yes.” So the father asked, “What is your major?” The Son answered, “Communications.”

We’re into a new academic year but, it’s never too soon or too late to have meaningful conversation with family members and friends. Religion is caught more than it’s taught, and young people especially will listen, and be attracted to those who “Walk the Talk.” People we interact with don’t expect us to be perfect; but present and available. That’s why we call disciples, Christians, because we are expected to be Christ-like.

It’s one thing to uphold moral values, but another thing to actually “incarnate” them into our daily living. Jesus’ disciples weren’t attracted to him by what he said, as much as by how he lived. Goodness is attractive and compelling, but it does not happen by “osmosis.” Evangelism is not the same as “telepathy.” Christ is counting on us to spread the faith, in word and in deed. Sometimes in order to “save face” though, we need to keep the lower half shut, because we are called to be witnesses, not judges!

Sunday’s Worship – We are open for live worship on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. We also “live-stream” our 10 a.m. service.

Video Viewing Options for Sunday’s mass. There are three different ways to view our videos: 1) our church website; 2) our Facebook page; and 3) our YouTube channel. See the links listed below.

Opportunities for Giving – there are several options that safely and efficiently expedite your generous donations: electronic bank transfers or automatic bank transfers via personal accounts or credit/debit cards; personal checks delivered by USPS; and our favorite through joining our giving family online through our website or at https://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.

Sunday school is open and available for children starting at age 3 years old. We are looking for volunteer Sunday school teachers, anyone interested can contact Erin Thomas after Mass this Sunday to learn more details, or contact the church office.

Sandwiches for St. George’s: Please bring your sandwiches to St. David’s west side parking lot each Wednesday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by the Vestry. Next Sunday will be hosted by the Congregation. Please bring a dish to share.

St. David’s ECW meeting has been rescheduled to meet on Saturday, September 10th at 11:15 a.m. in the Parish Hall. Please bring a brown bag lunch with a beverage of your choice. If you are interested in the group but are unable to attend this meeting, please contact Irene Oknewski at ireneok1940@outlook.com or Jenifer Elmore at jenifer_elmore@pba.edu

St. David’s annual raffle drawing will be held on Sunday, Sept. 11 at the coffee hour after the 10:00 a.m. service. Prizes are $100, $200 and $300. You do not need to be present to win. Letter and tickets will be handed out at 8 and 10 o’clock services on 8/21 for those who attend, and remainder will be mailed on 8/22. Cost is $5 per ticket or $25 for book of 5 tickets. Please return filled in ticket stubs with check in envelope marked raffle by Sept. 11. You can mail to the church office or place in offering plate any Sunday before the drawing. Thank you for participating. Call Linda McKeown at 561-254-3902 or email her at llmckeown51@comcast.net with any questions. Good luck. Money will go to support the church.

Women’s Bible Study will resume its weekly meetings on September 11 at 11:30 a.m.

Altar Flowers and Candles: We will have a bag on the credenza to collect all flower and candle donations for upcoming Sundays. If you would like to donate for altar flowers for memorials and celebrations, please put your check for $40 with a request showing the date you want altar flowers and the reason for your donation into the bag. If you want to donate candles, please put your check for $20 and request showing date and reason for donation. Do not put flower and candle requests in offering plates.

Forward Day by Day brochures for next quarter are now available in the narthex. Donation $3.00.

Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist 8:30 a.m.
Wednesdays: No service this week.

PLEASE PRAY: For the sick: Alice, Baldwin, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Donna, Doris, Doug, Edna, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Jory, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Pearl, Predrag, Rachel, Rosie, Sharon, Steve, Sue, Susan, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William, Windell. For birthday celebrations: Jem Barrett, James Richardson, Maria Scher, Shirley Browne, Danny Sneade, Jeanette Anthony, Connie Hanson. For our expectant mother: Sarah.

Our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintDavidsinthePinesWellingtonFL

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

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One of the more embarrassing moments in my early ministry in my first parish in Rhode Island was when I had invited one of the nuns from the Episcopal Convent of the Holy Nativity in Providence to come down and visit our parish and meet with our youth group, of which I was the advisor. The primary purpose was for her to enlighten and educate the youngsters about the religious life in our Church, and particularly her religious community. She had stayed at the Rectory alongside of the church for the weekend, and after the final gathering on Sunday afternoon, I wished her goodbye, gave my thanks, saw her get into her car, and then I drove off.

I can’t begin to describe my astonishment when on the next morning, at daily Morning Prayer at which the clergy and a few lay people would gather, when she walked in with the Rector, both of whom had big smiles on their faces when they saw me. Little did I know that her car wouldn’t start after I had already left, and she had no other option than to ring the doorbell of the rectory, and ended up spending the night with the rector and his wife.

What I learned from this occurrence is to always see that my wife, children, or guests start the engine and pull out of the driveway/parking lot before I leave too! Moral of the story… Slow down, take every moment in life as a blessing. Accept your path, with its twists and turns, because the adventure is in the journey, not the arriving.

Sunday’s Worship – We are open for live worship on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. We also “live-stream” our 10 a.m. service.

Video Viewing Options for Sunday’s mass. There are three different ways to view our videos: 1) our church website; 2) our Facebook page; and 3) our YouTube channel. See the links listed below.

Opportunities for Giving – there are several options that safely and efficiently expedite your generous donations: electronic bank transfers or automatic bank transfers via personal accounts or credit/debit cards; personal checks delivered by USPS; and our favorite through joining our giving family online through our website or at https://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: Please bring your sandwiches to St. David’s west side parking lot each Wednesday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by the Daughters of the King. Next Sunday will be hosted by the Vestry.

St. David’s annual raffle drawing will be held on Sunday, Sept. 11 at the coffee hour after the 10:00 a.m. service. Prizes are $100, $200 and $300. You do not need to be present to win. Letter and tickets will be handed out at 8 and 10 o’clock services on 8/21 for those who attend, and remainder will be mailed on 8/22. Cost is $5 per ticket or $25 for book of 5 tickets. Please return filled in ticket stubs with check in envelope marked raffle by Sept. 11. You can mail to the church office or place in offering plate any Sunday before the drawing. Thank you for participating. Call Linda McKeown at 561-254-3902 or email her at llmckeown51@comcast.net with any questions. Good luck. Money will go to support the church.

Women’s Bible Study will resume its weekly meetings on September 11 at 11:30 a.m.

Sunday school is open and available for children starting at age 3 years old. We are looking for volunteer Sunday school teachers, anyone interested can contact Erin Thomas after Mass this Sunday to learn more details, or contact the church office.

Forward Day by Day brochures for next quarter are now available in the narthex. Donation $3.00.

Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist 8:30 a.m.
Wednesdays: No service this week.

PLEASE PRAY: For the sick: Alice, Baldwin, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Donna, Doris, Doug, Edna, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Jory, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Predrag, Rachel, Rosie, Sharon, Steve, Sue, Susan, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William, Windell. For the departed: Florene Descarte. For birthday celebrations: Karlene Kiminyo, Jon Elmquist, Barbara Martinez. For anniversary celebrations: Linda and James McKeown, Alex and Clare Morales. For our expectant mother: Sarah.

Our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintDavidsinthePinesWellingtonFL

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

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Father Barry Foster, a priest in Dublin, Ireland, parked his car on a rather steep slope close to his church. His little cairn terrier was lying on the rear seat and could not be seen by anyone outside the vehicle. Father Foster got out of his car and turned to lock the door with his usual parting command to the dog. “Stay!” he ordered loudly, to an apparently empty car. An elderly man was watching the whole performance with amused interest. Grinning, he suggested, “Why don’t you just try putting on the emergency brake?”

To unbelievers, watching someone pray may be the equivalent of watching someone say “Stay” to their vehicle, fully expecting it to obey. To the unbeliever, prayer is an exercise in futility, but to the believer, prayer is the most powerful “wireless connection,” and the most reliable force in the world today. So pray like it all depends on God, and work like it all depends on us.

Sunday’s Worship – We are open for live worship on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. We also “live-stream” our 10 a.m. service.

Video Viewing Options for Sunday’s mass. There are three different ways to view our videos: 1) our church website; 2) our Facebook page; and 3) our YouTube channel. See the links listed below.

Opportunities for Giving – there are several options that safely and efficiently expedite your generous donations: electronic bank transfers or automatic bank transfers via personal accounts or credit/debit cards; personal checks delivered by USPS; and our favorite through joining our giving family online through our website or at https://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: Please bring your sandwiches to St. David’s west side parking lot each Wednesday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

St. George’s Center has asked if St. David’s could provide lunch and dinner once a month to the community. If anyone is interested in helping out, please contact Joyce Parker at 561-312-2719

Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by the Daughters of the King.

St. David’s annual raffle drawing will be held on Sunday, Sept. 11 at the coffee hour after the 10:00 a.m. service. Prizes are $100, $200 and $300. You do not need to be present to win. Letter and tickets will be handed out at 8 and 10 o’clock services on 8/21 for those who attend, and remainder will be mailed on 8/22. Cost is $5 per ticket or $25 for book of 5 tickets. Please return filled in ticket stubs with check in envelope marked raffle by Sept. 11. You can mail to the church office or place in offering plate any Sunday before the drawing. Thank you for participating. Call Linda McKeown at 561-254-3902 or email her at llmckeown51@comcast.net with any questions. Good luck. Money will go to support the church.

Altar Flowers and Candles: We will have a bag on the credenza to collect all flower and candle donations for upcoming Sundays. If you would like to donate for altar flowers for memorials and celebrations, please put your check for $40 with a request showing the date you want altar flowers and the reason for your donation into the bag. If you want to donate candles, please put your check for $20 and request showing date and reason for donation. Do not put flower and candle requests in offering plates.

Sunday school – There is no Sunday school this Sunday.

Forward Day by Day brochures for next quarter are now available in the narthex. Donation $3.00.

Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist 8:30 a.m.
Wednesdays: No service this week.

PLEASE PRAY: For the sick: Alice, Baldwin, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Connie, Donna, Doris, Doug, Edna, Edward, Ezra, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Jory, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Predrag, Rachel, Robert, Rosie, Sharon, Steve, Sue, Susan, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William, Windell. For birthday celebrations: James Belden Jr., Dorrett Barnett, Cindy Hernandez. For anniversary celebrations: Tim and Beatrice Sauerbier. For our expectant mother: Sarah. We give thanks for the birth of Ciaran Mitchell Parker, to parents Aubrey and Brandon.

Our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintDavidsinthePinesWellingtonFL

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

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As we begin a new school year, I’m reminded of a study done some years ago by a group of psychologists who came up with a theory that the fences around school playgrounds were a negative and inhibiting influence. They succeeded in having the fences removed at a certain playground, as an experiment.

What happened was the opposite of what the experts predicted. When the fences were gone, the children tended to huddle in the middle of the playground, rather than running the length and breadth of it, as they had formerly done. As soon as the fences were replaced, things returned to normal once again, and the children’s feelings of security and freedom were restored.

Freedom is possible, but only within limits. Jesus summarized the Ten Commandments with, “Love God and love your neighbor.” Easier said than done, but possible with God’s grace at work in our lives. So remember, “The will of God will not take you where the grace of God will not protect you.”

Sunday’s Worship – We are open for live worship on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. We also “live-stream” our 10 a.m. service.

Video Viewing Options for Sunday’s mass. There are three different ways to view our videos: 1) our church website; 2) our Facebook page; and 3) our YouTube channel. See the links listed below.

Opportunities for Giving – there are several options that safely and efficiently expedite your generous donations: electronic bank transfers or automatic bank transfers via personal accounts or credit/debit cards; personal checks delivered by USPS; and our favorite through joining our giving family online through our website or at https://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: Please bring your sandwiches to St. David’s west side parking lot each Wednesday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

St. George’s Center has asked if St. David’s could provide lunch and dinner once a month to the community. If anyone is interested in helping out, please contact Joyce Parker at 561-312-2719

Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by the Congregation. Next Sunday will be hosted by the Daughters of the King.

Altar Flowers and Candles: We will have a bag on the credenza to collect all flower and candle donations for upcoming Sundays. If you would like to donate for altar flowers for memorials and celebrations, please put your check for $40 with a request showing the date you want altar flowers and the reason for your donation into the bag. If you want to donate candles, please put your check for $20 and request showing date and reason for donation. Do not put flower and candle requests in offering plates.

Sunday school is in operation with the necessary protocols in place.

Forward Day by Day brochures for next quarter are now available in the narthex. Donation $3.00.

Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist 8:30 a.m.

PLEASE PRAY: For the sick: Alice, Baldwin, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Connie, Donna, Doris, Doug, Edna, Ezra, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Jory, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Predrag, Rachel, Rosie, Sharon, Steve, Sue, Susan, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William. For the departed: Armand Parent. For birthday celebrations: Teresa Betcher, Evan Coore, Caroline Melton, Dawn Duquesnay. For our expectant mothers: Aubrey and Sarah.

Our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintDavidsinthePinesWellingtonFL

WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – Aug 5th – Fr. Thomas

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Tomorrow, August 6th, is the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord on Mt. Sinai, when Jesus appeared with Moses and Elijah in the presence of Peter, James and John. This feast has a special and sentimental value for me since I served as a teenager on a monthly basis as an acolyte at the Convent of the Transfiguration in Glendale, Ohio, just north of Cincinnati; and have been a priest associate of the Order of the Transfiguration my entire ministry.

So maybe we haven’t seen any apparitions of the Lord in the sky lately, but nonetheless, Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit, appears to us in diverse ways and forms on a regular basis. “When did we see Thee naked and clothed Thee, or sick and visited Thee, or hungry and fed Thee?”

Religious jewelry, bumper stickers, and sacred images are useful reminders of our discipleship, but not a replacement for active and effective service and evangelism in the Lord’s name. “For what you do for the least of my brethren, you do it unto Me.”

St. David’s Island Dinner Dance Saturday, August 13th, from 6:00p.m. – 11:00 p.m., at St. Rita’s Catholic Church, Wellington. Tickets $75.00 per person. Live music by Kool Vibes, a cash bar, door prizes and a 50/50 raffle. Please purchase your tickets this Sunday after Mass!! Learn more about the Island Dinner Dance – https://www.facebook.com/events/738513864070490

Sunday’s Worship – We are open for live worship on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. We also “live-stream” our 10 a.m. service.

Video Viewing Options for Sunday’s mass. There are three different ways to view our videos: 1) our church website; 2) our Facebook page; and 3) our YouTube channel. See the links listed below.

Opportunities for Giving – there are several options that safely and efficiently expedite your generous donations: electronic bank transfers or automatic bank transfers via personal accounts or credit/debit cards; personal checks delivered by USPS; and our favorite through joining our giving family online through our website or at https://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: Please bring your sandwiches to St. David’s west side parking lot each Wednesday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

St. George’s Center has asked if St. David’s could provide lunch and dinner once a month to the community. If anyone is interested in helping out, please contact Joyce Parker at 561-312-2719

Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by the Vestry. Next Sunday will be hosted by the Congregation. Please bring a dish to share.

Women’s Group Organization and Information second meeting will be held on Sunday, August 7th, in the sanctuary immediately following the 10 a.m. service. ALL women of the parish are strongly encouraged to attend this meeting and be involved in the reorganization and revitalization of our women’s group, regardless of age, working status, or past involvement. If you are interested in the group but are unable to attend this meeting, please contact Irene Oknewski at ireneok1940@outlook.com or Jenifer Elmore at jenifer_elmore@pba.edu

Altar Flowers and Candles: We will have a bag on the credenza to collect all flower and candle donations for upcoming Sundays. If you would like to donate for altar flowers for memorials and celebrations, please put your check for $40 with a request showing the date you want altar flowers and the reason for your donation into the bag. If you want to donate candles, please put your check for $20 and request showing date and reason for donation. Do not put flower and candle requests in offering plates.

Sunday school is in operation with the necessary protocols in place.

Forward Day by Day brochures for next quarter are now available in the narthex. Donation $3.00.

Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist 8:30 a.m.
Wednesdays: Holy Eucharist and Rosary 6:30 p.m.

PLEASE PRAY: For the sick: Alice, Baldwin, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Donna, Doris, Doug, Edna, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Jory, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Predrag, Rachel, Rosie, Sharon, Steve, Sue, Susan, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William. For birthday celebrations: Jacki Grubb, Ola Walker, Everald Thomas. For anniversary celebration: Claudette and Cecil Wray. For our expectant mothers: Aubrey and Sarah.

Our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintDavidsinthePinesWellingtonFL
Learn more about the Island Dinner Dance – https://www.facebook.com/events/738513864070490

WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – July 31st – Fr. Thomas

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Even though I purchased a new phone last year, I still receive notifications that I need “updates.” If you’re like most people, you get the same messages on your computer too! My late father, whom some will remember, was a retired engineer with AT&T. The last ten years with the company he worked on cell phone technology. I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not a “techy” and my late father is probably looking down at me wondering, “Didn’t I teach this kid anything?”

From a Christian point of view, conversion is not simply a once in a life event, or even annually, but a daily occurrence. That’s why we say the Confession at the beginning of the Mass, and at the beginning of Morning and Evening Prayer. The Greek word used in the New Testament for repentance and conversion is “Metanoia.” Perhaps there’d be less paranoia, if there were more metanoia. I’ll give an admonition, though, against thinking that we can go ahead and sin because we know God will forgive us if we ask Him – that is the Sin of Presumption.

The whole point of our Christian walk with Christ reminds us that nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.

St. David’s Island Dinner Dance Saturday, August 13th, from 6:00p.m. – 11:00 p.m., at St. Rita’s Catholic Church, Wellington. Tickets $75.00 per person. Live music by Kool Vibes, a cash bar, door prizes and a 50/50 raffle. Tickets will be on sale after Mass.

Sunday’s Worship – We are open for live worship on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. We also “live-stream” our 10 a.m. service.

Video Viewing Options for Sunday’s mass. There are three different ways to view our videos: 1) our church website; 2) our Facebook page; and 3) our YouTube channel. See the links listed below.

Opportunities for Giving – there are several options that safely and efficiently expedite your generous donations: electronic bank transfers or automatic bank transfers via personal accounts or credit/debit cards; personal checks delivered by USPS; and our favorite through joining our giving family online through our website or at https://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: Please bring your sandwiches to St. David’s west side parking lot each Wednesday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

St. George’s Center has asked if St. David’s could provide lunch and dinner once a month to the community. If anyone is interested in helping out, please contact Joyce Parker at 561-312-2719

Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by Hosted by Maria Scher. Next Sunday will be hosted by the Vestry.

Women’s Group Organization and Information second meeting will be held on Sunday, August 7th, in the sanctuary immediately following the 10 a.m. service. ALL women of the parish are strongly encouraged to attend this meeting and be involved in the reorganization and revitalization of our women’s group, regardless of age, working status, or past involvement. If you are interested in the group but are unable to attend this meeting, please contact Irene Oknewski at ireneok1940@outlook.com or Jenifer Elmore at jenifer_elmore@pba.edu

Altar Flowers and Candles: We will have a bag on the credenza to collect all flower and candle donations for upcoming Sundays. If you would like to donate for altar flowers for memorials and celebrations, please put your check for $40 with a request showing the date you want altar flowers and the reason for your donation into the bag. If you want to donate candles, please put your check for $20 and request showing date and reason for donation. Do not put flower and candle requests in offering plates.

Sunday school is in operation with the necessary protocols in place.

Forward Day by Day brochures for next quarter are now available in the narthex. Donation $3.00.

Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist 8:30 a.m.
Wednesdays: Holy Eucharist and Rosary 6:30 p.m.

PLEASE PRAY: For the sick: Alice, Baldwin, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Donna, Doris, Doug, Edna, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Jory, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Predrag, Rachel, Rosie, Sharon, Steve, Sue, Susan, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William. For the departed: Dave Palmateer and Stuart Gardner. For birthday celebrations: Leonardo Schubert, Yvonne Palmer, Theresa Falotico. For anniversary celebration: Jack and Sara Webber. For our expectant mothers: Aubrey and Sarah.

Our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintDavidsinthePinesWellingtonFL
Learn more about the Island Dinner Dance – https://www.facebook.com/events/738513864070490

WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – July 24th – Fr. Thomas

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There was a small Oklahoma town that had two Baptist churches and one distillery. Members of both churches complained that the distillery was giving the community a bad image. And to make matters worse, the owner of the distillery was an out spoken atheist. The church people had tried unsuccessfully for years to shut down the distillery. So finally they decided to hold a joint Saturday night prayer meeting. They asked God to intervene and settle the matter. As the church folks gathered that night, there was a horrible thunderstorm raging outside and to the delight of the church members, lightening hit that old distillery and it burned to the ground.

The next morning the sermons that were preached in both churches were on the power of prayer. But the insurance adjusters promptly notified the distillery owner that they were not going to pay for the damages because the fire was an act of God and that was an exclusion in the policy. The distillery owner was furious and he sued both churches claiming that they had conspired with God to destroy his business. But the churches denied that they had anything to do with the cause of the fire. The presiding judge opened the trial with these words: “I find one thing in this case most perplexing-we have a situation here where the plaintiff, an atheist is professing his belief in the power of prayer, and the defendants all faithful church members are denying the very same power.”

In other words, we don’t believe only when it’s expedient, but at all times and places. So, I’ll give the late Quaker theologian and author, Elton Trueblood, the final word: “Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservation.”

St. David’s Island Dinner Dance Saturday, August 13th, from 6:00p.m. – 11:00 p.m., at St. Rita’s Catholic Church, Wellington. Tickets $75.00 per person. Live music by Kool Vibes, a cash bar, door prizes and a 50/50 raffle. Tickets will be on sale after Mass.

Sunday’s Worship – We are open for live worship on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. We also “live-stream” our 10 a.m. service.

Video Viewing Options for Sunday’s mass. There are three different ways to view our videos: 1) our church website; 2) our Facebook page; and 3) our YouTube channel. See the links listed below.

Opportunities for Giving – there are several options that safely and efficiently expedite your generous donations: electronic bank transfers or automatic bank transfers via personal accounts or credit/debit cards; personal checks delivered by USPS; and our favorite through joining our giving family online through our website or at https://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: Please bring your sandwiches to St. David’s west side parking lot each Wednesday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

St. George’s Center has asked if St. David’s could provide lunch and dinner once a month to the community. If anyone is interested in helping out, please contact Joyce Parker at 561-312-2719

Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by Claudette Wray. Next Sunday will be hosted by Maria Scher.

Altar Flowers and Candles: We will have a bag on the credenza to collect all flower and candle donations for upcoming Sundays. If you would like to donate for altar flowers for memorials and celebrations, please put your check for $40 with a request showing the date you want altar flowers and the reason for your donation into the bag. If you want to donate candles, please put your check for $20 and request showing date and reason for donation. Do not put flower and candle requests in offering plates.

Sunday school is in operation with the necessary protocols in place.

Forward Day by Day brochures for next quarter are now available in the narthex. Donation $3.00.

Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist 8:30 a.m.
Wednesdays: Holy Eucharist and Rosary 6:30 p.m.

PLEASE PRAY: For the sick: Alice, Baldwin, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Donna, Doris, Doug, Edna, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Jory, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Predrag, Rachel, Rosie, Sharon, Steve, Sue, Susan, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William. For birthday celebrations: Jackson Eubanks, Theda Aiken, Annemarie Elmquist, Nellie Falco. For our expectant mothers: Aubrey and Sarah.

Our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintDavidsinthePinesWellingtonFL
Learn more about the Island Dinner Dance – https://www.facebook.com/events/738513864070490