Two little boys, ages eight and ten, were always getting into trouble. Their parents were at wits end until they heard about a famous preacher who had saved many souls was visiting their town. The mother asked if the preacher would meet privately with her boys, and he agreed. The mother sent the eight year old son in first. The preacher with his loud booming voice asked, “Do you know where God is?” The young lad didn’t know how to respond, so the preacher sternly asked the same question two more times. Each time the boy’s mouth dropped with no attempt to answer until he finally screamed and bolted from the office. His older brother, waiting for his turn asks, “What happened?” The younger brother, gasping for breath, replies, “We’re in BIG trouble this time. God is missing, and they think we did it!”

The message of Easter is that God is not missing in action. The women who went to the tomb on that first Easter Sunday thought someone had stolen the body, but if “seeing is believing,” then we can thank God for making Himself visible. In theological terms, it’s called the “Scandal of Particularity.” In other words, God loves His creation, humanity in particular, so much that He deliberately chose to be one with us at a particular place and time. He’s on our side and this makes Christianity unique. No other religion makes the claim that their leader lived a human life, died, and rose up from the dead. It all began in God’s heart of love, but is only complete when it reaches the heart of mankind. With three more weeks left of the Easter season, may the blessing of the Risen Lord be with you now and forever. Amen. Alleluia!

St. David’s Community Yard Sale: Saturday, May 21st from 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon. Want to help? You can donate your gently used, clean, functioning items: Clothes, electronics, toys, furniture, and kitchen wares. Bring your items to St. David’s on Saturday, May 7th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 pm and Saturday, May 14th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Learn More Here: https://www.saintdavidsinthepines.org/2022/03/14/yardsale-may21-2022/

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.

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, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Rachel, Sharon, Susan, Tracy, Violet, William. For birthday celebrations: Chris LaBorde, James Belden Sr., Andrew Elmore, Denise Wilson, Virginia Barley. For anniversary celebrations: Wally and Cindy Hernandez, James and Erika Belden, Irwin and Laurie Cohen. For expectant mothers: Aubrey and Sarah.

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

Wishing to encourage her young son’s progress on the piano, a mother took him to a concert featuring a renowned pianist. After they were seated, the mother spotted a friend in the audience and walked down the aisle to greet her. Seizing the opportunity to explore the wonders of the concert hall, the little boy rose and eventually explored his way through a door marked, “NO ADMITTANCE.” When the house lights dimmed and the concert was about to begin, the mother returned to her seat and discovered that her son was missing. The curtains parted and spotlights focused on the impressive grand piano on stage. In horror, the mother saw her little boy sitting at the keyboard, innocently tapping out “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, he quickly moved to the piano, and whispered in the boy’s ear, “Don’t quit, keep playing.” Then leaning over, the pianist reached down with his left hand and began filling in the base part. Soon his right arm reached around the other side of the child and he added a running obligato. Together, the old master and young novice transformed a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience. The audience was mesmerized.

That’s the way it is with God. What we accomplish on our own is hardly noteworthy. We try our best, but the results aren’t exactly graceful flowing music. But with the hand of the Master, our life’s work truly can be beautiful. The next time you set out to accomplish great feats, listen carefully. You can hear the voice of the Master whispering in your ear, “Don’t quit; keep playing.” Feel His loving arms around you. Know that His strong hands are playing the concerto of your life. Remember, God doesn’t call the quipped, He equips the called. He’ll always be there to love and guide you on to greater things. Keep the faith and keep playing. Together you and the Master can make beautiful music.

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 Vestry. Next Sunday, May 8 will be hosted by the Congregation.

St. David’s Community Yard Sale: Saturday, May 21st from 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon. Want to help? You can donate your gently used, clean, functioning items: Clothes, electronics, toys, furniture, and kitchen wares. Bring your items to St. David’s on Saturday, May 7th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 pm and Saturday, May 14th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Learn More Here: https://www.saintdavidsinthepines.org/2022/03/14/yardsale-may21-2022/

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: No service this week
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, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Predrag, Rachel, Sharon, Susan, Tracy, Violet, William. For birthday celebrations: Ella Falco, Donna Halle. For anniversary celebration: Charles and Jenifer Elmore. For our expectant mothers: Aubrey and Sarah.

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

I’m not a golf fan, but for many who are, it was a joy to see Tiger Woods back in action at the Masters Tournament last weekend. Sports Illustrated once provided a list of the greatest comebacks of all time – not just in sports. Elvis Presley was on it, as a result of his TV special in 1968. Muhammad Ali made the list when he returned from his incarceration. Harry Truman made the cut with his 1948 victory over Thomas Dewey. And finally, Michael Jordan when he gave up his short lived career in baseball, and returned to professional basketball.

Maybe you need a comeback. Most everyone suffers from stress at some point in their life. We feel defeated, and our chances are slim and none. Where else can you find peace when the Doctor says, “There’s nothing more we can do,” or you’re drowning in debt? Realistically though, if we find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere anyway. But, that’s okay! Sticks & Stones could not keep Jesus down either. So you can place your hope and trust in the greatest comeback of all time – The Resurrection of Our Blessed Lord on the first Easter Sunday.

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. During Lent we will collect nonperishable food products for delivery at St. George’s. Publix have the weekly BOGO specials so why not donate your free item to the church during Lent. Bring your items to church with you or drop them off with your sandwiches to help others in need. Thank you.

St. David’s Community Yard Sale. Saturday, May 21st from 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon. Want to help? You can donate your gently used, clean, functioning items: Clothes, electronics, toys, furniture, and kitchen wares. Learn More Here: https://www.saintdavidsinthepines.org/2022/03/14/yardsale-may21-2022/

Recycle those plastic Easter Eggs! There will be a box in the narthex this weekend for you to drop off your empties – thank you!

Wednesdays: Holy Eucharist and Rosary 6:30 p.m.

PLEASE PRAY: For the sick: Alice, Baldwin, Barbara, Bert, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Donna, Doris, Doug, Edna, Eric, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jayson, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Kenzie, Lauren, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Rachel, Sharon, Susan, Tracy, Violet, William. For birthday celebrations: Madge Tinglin, Earle Williams, Emma Torres, Michelle Gardner, Erin Thomas, Patricia Burke, Vince Bianco, Phyllis Gibbs-Thomas, Kathleen Lannaman, Blake Wolliston. For anniversary celebrations: Rudy and Pat Bernard, Victor and Jeanne Champagne, Howard and Karen Brown. For our expectant mothers: Aubrey and Ryan.

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

Today, March 25th is the Feast of the Annunciation of Our Lord by the Archangel Gabriel to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Only nine months until Christmas, but it’s a perfect feast for Lent when we open our hearts and minds to God’s will so that we can say with Mary, “Let it be to me according to Your will.” All of us have the duty to go where God calls us to go; to respond to those daily annunciations, even when our task is not completely clear. What stumbling block needs to be removed before we say Yes to God? Maybe there’s some decision we’re having trouble saying “yes” to which gives us “morning sickness.” Just as the announcement to Mary was an “interruption” to her daily life from that day and forever – we reap the blessings as children of God because of Mary’s Yes to God. Every day we face a choice between yes to God, or yes to sin. God won’t compel us to say yes, but grace gives us the wisdom to choose well, and makes us His sons and daughters.

Mary is addressed as Ave in Latin, the inverse of “Eva” because, as medieval theologians pointed out, she undid what was done by Eve in the garden. So, if Jesus is the second Adam, Mary is the new Eve. Mary is the one who heard the word of God, opened the door of her life and received the presence of the Lord. No one can love the Blessed Mother more than Jesus, her Son, who from the cross commended his mother to all his disciples, “Behold, your mother.” As she stood by her Son with love and prayer, so the Church stands by those who suffer with love and prayer. If Mary, the young unmarried pregnant girl, can believe in the incredible happening that she is part of, then the most ordinary people can believe in their part in God’s plan of salvation. That’s why it’s an appropriate feast for Lent. His grace makes us sons and daughters not slaves; lovers not merely clients. God had to be born in Mary’s heart before he could be born in her womb, for as someone said, “In Mary, God fell in love with humanity.” And as the old hymn says, “Come into our hearts Lord Jesus, there is room in our hearts for Thee.”

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. During Lent we will collect nonperishable food products for delivery at St. George’s. Publix have the weekly BOGO specials so why not donate your free item to the church during Lent. Bring your items to church with you or drop them off with your sandwiches to help others in need. Thank you.

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

Candles: We will have a bag on the credenza to collect all candle donations for the Altar and Mary Shrine for upcoming Sundays in Lent. If you would like to donate candles, please put your check for $20 and request showing date and reason for donation. Do not put candle requests in offering plates.

Easter Flowers: We are collecting donations for Easter Lilies. Cost of flowers is $25. Please fill in a form and place it in the plate or mail it to the office. Please have your request in by March 28th.

Parish Mission: One night parish mission, Saturday, April 9th, 6:00 p.m. As a ‘Prelude” to Holy Week, we’ll walk The Way of the Cross, followed by a short meditation and simple potluck dinner.

The Easter Vigil Champagne Reception will be after celebration of the Easter Vigil Mass, Saturday night, April 16th. Sign up after Mass this Sunday to bring an hors d’oeuvre, sweet or beverage and to volunteer to help set up or clean up after the reception!

The Great Easter Egg Hunt will be after the 10 a.m. Mass on Easter Sunday, April 17th. We are collecting plastic eggs in the decorated box in the narthex for the next few weeks. Eggs can be empty or filled, but if they are filled, please no chocolate or gum. Thank you for your support!

St. David’s Community Yard Sale. Saturday, May 21st from 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon. Want to help? You can donate your gently used, clean, functioning items: Clothes, electronics, toys, furniture, and kitchen wares.

Sunday School is back in operation with the necessary protocols in place.

Forward Day by Day brochures 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, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Sharon, Susan, Violet, William. For the departed: James Baldwin, Lester Walker and Steve Sagonas II. For birthday celebrations: Ann Chambers, Faubert Pierre-Paul, Eric Cohen, Laurette Bagley, Samuel Kalphat, Joe Mee, Lorna Lawrence. For anniversary celebration: Baldwin and Violet Henry. For our expectant mothers: Aubrey and Ryan.

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

You might remember the comedian Yakov Smirnoff. When he first came to the United States from Russia, he was not prepared for the incredible variety of instant products available in American grocery stores. He says, “On my first shopping trip, I saw powdered milk – you just add water, and you get milk. Then I saw powdered orange juice – you just add water, and you get orange juice; and then I saw baby powder, and I thought to myself, What a country!”

We make these assumptions about Christian Transformation – that people change instantly at salvation. Some traditions call it repentance and renewal. Some call it Sanctification of the believer. Whatever you call it most traditions expect some quick fix to sin. Maybe some conversions come at a precise recognizable moment: miraculous change in habits, attitudes, and character. For most of us, however, conversion is a process – years in the making, and we know that it’s not that easy. We sometimes go to church as if we are going to the grocery store: Powdered Christian. Just add water and disciples are born instantly – not made.

Unfortunately, there is no such powder and disciples of Jesus Christ are not instantly born. Disciples are slowly raised through many trials, suffering, and temptations. St. Gregory of Nazianzen, the 4th c. Archbishop of Constantinople, speaks of the Christian as an “instrument played by the Holy Spirit.” The aim of Christian discipline, not just in Lent, but throughout the entire year, is to keep the instrument in tune. Mortifying the flesh is not simply a way of controlling instincts or appetites, rather it’s like tightening a violin string. We don’t just go on twisting and tightening until the string breaks. We slowly bring the strings to the exact pitch so that the instrument produces a melody of love – like the divine love we were created for.

Quiet Day with Meditations. The theme will be the gifts of Faith, Hope, and Love. Saturday, March 12, 2022, 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon, sponsored by the Daughters of the King. But open to everyone, male and female.

Daylight Savings is Sunday, March 13th. Don’t forget to turn your clocks forward one hour.

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. During Lent we will collect nonperishable food products for delivery at St. George’s. Publix have the weekly BOGO specials so why not donate your free item to the church during Lent. Bring your items to church with you or drop them off with your sandwiches to help others in need. Thank you.

Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by the Congregation. Next Sunday, March 20th will be hosted by the Daughters of the King.

St. David’s Community Yard Sale. Saturday, May 21st from 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon. Want to help? You can donate your gently used, clean, functioning items: Clothes, electronics, toys, furniture, and kitchen wares. Bring your items to St. David’s on Saturday May 7th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 14th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Candles: We will have a bag on the credenza to collect all candle donations for the Altar and Mary Shrine for upcoming Sundays in Lent. If you would like to donate candles, please put your check for $20 and request showing date and reason for donation. Do not put candle requests in offering plates.

Sunday School is back in operation with the necessary protocols in place.

Forward Day by Day brochures 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, Anthony, Austin, Baldwin, Barbara, Bert, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Donna, Doris, Doug, Edna, Eric, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Kenzie, Lauren, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Rachel, Sharon, Susan, Tracy, Violet, William. For birthday celebrations: Mark Veckman, Lincoln Elliott, Leroy Williams, Evelyn Medcalf, Brenda Barreca, Daniel Melton, Stuart Cohen. For anniversary celebrations: Jerry and Sally Frenz, David and Jackie Whiting. For our expectant mothers: Aubrey and Ryan. Congratulations on the birth of baby Emilio to Ana and Juan.

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