Dear St. David’s Family,

In January 1991, I accepted the vestry’s call to become the third rector of St. David’s in the Pines Church. I remember someone saying at the time that “He’ll be gone in ten years.” Well, no one is more surprised than I that I’ve been your priest for over thirty-two years!

I will forever be grateful for the privilege of being your priest, pastor, and friend, and to be invited to share in so many important events in your lives, and those of your families. However, now the time has come to begin a new season in my own journey. My last Sunday as your Rector will be June 4, 2023.

There have been many times in these past years that I have “re-fallen” in love with St. David’s. I can’t thank you all enough for accompanying me along this journey. For those who recently “boarded the train,” please stay on board and greet the new challenges that lie ahead: to motivate people to be an integral part of the life of the Church and walk together into a deeper relationship with Jesus, and His Blessed Mother.

St. David’s has a bright future ahead, and I am confident that our vestry will choose an able and effective leader for the parish. Please pray for Erin and me, and we will continue to keep you in our prayers too. And always remember our mission: To Welcome Seekers, Form Disciples, and Send Apostles.

With deepest love and gratitude,

Father Thomas

NOTICES:

Weekly Offering for Week Ending 4/8/2023. Total $6,573.00. Average Weekly Budget $4,646.00. The difference $1,927.00.

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

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

Newcomers Coffee Hour is scheduled on Sunday, April 23rd immediately after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by the ECW. Please join us in welcoming our newcomers to St. David’s. RSVP to Linda McKeown 561-254-3902 by 4/20.

Blood Drive. Our next blood drive is scheduled on Sunday, April 23rd, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Please spread the word to family and friends. Questions? Contact Joyce at 561-312-2719.

Raffle Tickets. Please pick up your raffle tickets on the table in the narthex.

Prayer Books. There are large print Prayer Books in the narthex for your use during church service. Please return them after service.

MUG SUNDAY! Bring a mug to church on Sunday, April 30th to donate for coffee hour. We are going green and this will help get us to be more environmentally friendly. There will be a basket in the narthex to collect the mugs. Thank you for your donation.

Recycle those plastic Easter Eggs! There will be a box in the narthex next weekend for you to drop off your empties. Thank you, Erin.

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

Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist 8:30 a.m.

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.

PLEASE PRAY. For the sick: Adrian, Alice, Annette, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, David, Diana, Donna, Dorothy, Doris, Doug, Dudley, Ezra, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Jory, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Predrag, Rachel, Robin, Ron, Rosie, Scott, Sharon, Shelly, Steve, Sue, Susan, Theresa, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William, Woody. For birthday celebrations: Emma Torres, Michelle Gardner, Erin Thomas, Patricia Burke, Vince Bianco. For anniversary celebrations: David and Leila South, Walter and Georgette Dzubiak, Rudy and Pat Bernard, Victor and Jeanne Champagne. For our expectant mothers: Taylor and Bethany.

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

There is a legend about an ancient village in Spain. The villagers learned that the king would pay a visit! In a thousand years, a king had never come to that village. Excitement grew! “We must throw a big celebration,” the villagers all agreed. But, it was a poor village, and there weren’t many resources. Someone came up with a classic idea. Since many of the villagers made their own wines, the idea was for everyone in the village to bring a large cup of their choice wine to the town square, “We’ll pour it into a large vat and offer it to the king for his pleasure! When the king draws wine to drink, it will be the very best he’s ever tasted!”

The day before the king’s arrival, hundreds of people lined up to make their offering to the honored guest. They climbed a small stairway, and poured their gift through a small opening at the top. Finally, the vat was full! The King arrived, was escorted to the square, given a silver cup and was told to draw some wine, which represented the best the villagers had.

He placed the cup under the spigot, turned the handle, and then drank the wine; but it was nothing more than water. You see, every villager reasoned, “I’ll withhold my best wine and substitute water; what with so many cups of wine in the vat, the king will never know the difference!” The problem was, everyone thought the same thing, and the king was greatly dishonored!

This Sunday is of course Palm Sunday, the beginning of the holiest week of the Christian calendar. So, do we honor our great King, Jesus Christ, by giving him our very best, or do we withhold what we think is important in our earthly lives?

NOTICES:

Weekly Offering for Week Ending 3/25/2023. Total $3,357.00. Average Weekly Budget $4,646.00. The difference (-$1,289.00).

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

Beginning Sunday, April 2, Coffee hour is scheduled the first Sunday of each month immediately after the 8:00 a.m. service.

Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by the Congregation in honor of our parish administrators – Yvonne Elliott and Father Thomas. Next Sunday will be hosted by the Vestry.

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.

Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist 8:30 a.m.

Holy Week
• Maundy Thursday April 6th 7:00 p.m. (Followed by an all-night Vigil)
• Good Friday April 7th 12 noon – 3:00 p.m.
• Stations of the Cross April 7th 7:00 p.m. led by the Youth
• Tomb Service April 8th 10:00 a.m.
• Holy Saturday Vigil April 8th 7:00 p.m.
• Easter April 9th 8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m.
• Easter Egg Hunt April 9th after 10am mass 11:15 a.m.

There is a sign-up sheet in the narthex for the Maundy Thursday Prayer Vigil April 6th, which starts after the Mass Thursday night until noon on Good Friday. Sign up to pray for one hour and keep company with Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.

PLEASE PRAY. For the sick: Adrian, Alice, Amanda, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, David, Diana, Donna, Dorothy, Doris, Doug, Dudley, Ezra, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Jory, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Predrag, Rachel, Robin, Ron, Rosie, Scott, Sharon, Shelly, Steve, Sue, Susan, Theresa, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William, Woody. For birthday celebrations: Lorna Lawrence, Lucas Webber, Victor Champagne, Beverly Wilson, Walter Dzubiak, Mara Walter, Emma Erickson, Martha, L’Abbe. For anniversary celebrations: Charles and Margie Sandell. For expectant mothers: Rebecca, Alexandra, Taylor and Bethany.

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

Blessed St. Patrick’s Day. Patrick was a fifth century Bishop and Missionary in Ireland who is universally remembered for his use of a three leaf clover as an illustration to teach the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. Not to be overlooked, however, is the feast of St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus and patron saint of fathers, whose commemoration is March 19th. As Christians, we believe in the Incarnation, the Word made flesh; not simply God in man, but God as man. If you believe in the unique vocation of Mary as the Mother of Our Lord, then you’ll respect her husband as a model of fidelity to God and to Mary as well.

Even though our fathers are not always perfect, we can still learn something from them. Joseph had a vocation too. There’s no record of his having any spoken parts in the Gospels, but he did show up when necessary. In other words, “Real Men” show up (and know when to “shut up.”) At the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, the aged prophet Simeon told Mary that, “A sword will pierce your own soul also.” So Joseph led Mary and Baby Jesus into Egypt to evade Herod and his henchmen.

True love costs something. Joseph loved his wife and his Son. He took his commitment seriously, to protect his beloved wife and their Son, while remaining humble and loyal. So God bless our fathers, who sometimes in spite of themselves, teach us to “do the right thing,” and ask for the prayers of St. Joseph, and the Blessed Virgin to help us walk in the way of holiness.

NOTICES:

Weekly Offering for Week Ending 3/11/2023. Total $3,985.00. Average Weekly Budget $4,646.00. The difference (-$661.00).

Stations of the Cross. Fridays at 6:30 p.m. during Lent.

Holy Week
• Maundy Thursday April 6th 7:00 p.m. (Followed by an all-night Vigil)
• Good Friday April 7th 12 noon – 1:00 p.m.
• Tomb Service April 8th 10:00 a.m.
• Holy Saturday Vigil April 8th 7:00 p.m.
• Easter April 9th 8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m.
• Easter Egg Hunt April 9th after 10am mass 11:15 a.m.

There is a sign-up sheet in the narthex for the Maundy Thursday Prayer Vigil April 6th, which starts after the Mass Thursday night until noon on Good Friday. Sign up to pray for one hour and keep company with Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.

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

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.

ECW will meet at 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, April 1, in the parish hall. After the business meeting, we will have lunch at a nearby restaurant. All women of St. David’s are encouraged to attend. Contact Irene Oknewski at ireneok1940@outlook.com or Jenifer Elmore at Jenifer_Elmore@pba.edu for more information.

Men’s Bible Study. If anyone is interested in joining a Men’s Bible study after the 8:00 a.m. service on Sundays, please contact Ken Barnett at 561- 339-3625 today/

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 return completed form by Sunday, March 26th.

Altar Flowers. We are in need of flower donations for June 18 through August 20 and October and November also. If you can help with a $40 donation, please email Linda McKeown at llmckeown51@comcast.net with names and occasion you would like remembered. Thank you. Linda McKeown.

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 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.

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

Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist 8:30 a.m.

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  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.

PLEASE PRAY. For the sick: Alice, Amanda, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, David, Diana, Donna, Dorothy, Doris, Doug, Dudley, Ezra, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Jory, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Predrag, Rachel, Robin, Ron, Rosie, Scott, Sharon, Shelly, Steve, Sue, Susan, Theresa, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William, Woody. For birthday celebrations: Stuart Cohen, Alfred Dyce, Matthew Hogan, Richard James, Dexter Beresford, Austin LaBorde. For anniversary celebrations: Chris and Kati Erickson. For our expectant mothers: Rebecca, Alexandra, Taylor, Abby and Bethany.

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

Sometimes families leave cut flowers or planters after the funeral at church. Beautiful cut flowers last a week or so in their watered vase. But by contrast, if one puts the plant with water into the pot, exposed to sunlight, it will likely grow and be more vivacious. What’s the difference? It’s the root, not the fruit, that gives life. Jesus is our “root” who gives us life; not simply the “fruit” of our good deeds.

Occasionally, I’ll hear, “I’m not giving up anything for Lent; I’m taking on something.” Well, if we’re talking about spending more time in prayer and study, then we will be giving up something – the time spent on something less important! The main point is transformation. Every one of us needs to be “thinned out”. The garden of the soul needs pruning from time to time. Otherwise, we become overwhelmed by non -essential things – stuck in the mud, spiritually. Lent coincides with springtime for a reason. It’s the time to clear away the “dead” wood and pull up the weeds. God wants spiritual fruits, not “religious nuts,” and the fruit of Silence is Prayer. The fruit of Prayer is Faith. The fruit of Faith is Love. And the fruit of Love is Service.

NOTICES:

Bunco. Back by popular demand, our next Bunco party will be Saturday, March 4th, at 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Bring a dish to share and $10 per person. There will be someone to watch the little ones so they can have fun, too! Bring a friend – the more the merrier!

Evensong for the Feast of St. David of Wales, our patron Saint. This Sunday, March 5th at 4:00 p.m. Please join us for a reception in the Parish Hall.

Stations of the Cross. Fridays at 6:30 p.m. during Lent.

Daylight Savings is Sunday, March 12th. Don’t forget to turn your clocks forward one hour.

Holy Communion. Two options are available to receive Holy Communion. One is to have the Eucharistic Minister dip the host in the chalice and place the host directly in the mouth of the recipient; or the communicant can simply receive only the host in their hands. Jesus’ Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity is fully present in the host either way.

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.

Facebook Page.  Please join our St. David’s social media community by scanning the QR code below. This will take you to our Facebook page where you can begin to follow us if you have not done so in the past.”

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

Gardening and Grounds. We need volunteers on March 11th from 9:00 a.m. – 12 Noon to help with trimming of plants and shrubs and to get grounds in shape for Easter Sunday. Bring tools to trim, gardening gloves, rakes, pruning shears, etc. lunch served at noon.

Men’s Bible Study. If anyone is interested in joining a Men’s Bible study after the 8:00 a.m. service on Sundays, please contact Ken Barnett at 561- 339-3625 by Sunday, March 19th.

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 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.

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

Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist 8:30 a.m.

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  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.

PLEASE PRAY. For the sick: Alice, Amanda, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, David, Diana, Donna, Dorothy, Doris, Doug, Dudley, Ezra, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Jory, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Predrag, Rachel, Robin, Ron, Rosie, Sharon, Shelly, Steve, Sue, Susan, Theresa, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William, Woody. For birthday celebrations: Jackie Whiting, Pat Bernard, Jackson Falco. For our expectant mothers: Rebecca, Alexandra, Taylor and Abby.

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

There are only five more days left in our Epiphany Season. Mardi Gras (French for “Fat Tuesday”) is next Tuesday. The observance reflects the practice of the last night of eating rich, fatty foods before the Lenten season of sacrifice and fasting begins the next day. In countries like the United Kingdom, Mardi Gras is more usually known as Pancake Day or (traditionally) Shrove Tuesday, derived from the word shrive, meaning “to administer the sacrament of confession and to absolve.”

Ok, so maybe you can’t visit New Orleans this year, but our annual Pancake Supper Tuesday night, and two masses on Wednesday are available to all in recognition of this holy beginning to the traditional season of fasting, in preparation for our celebration of Christ’s Resurrection on Easter Sunday, April 9. (Here’s a trivia question for you: What was the only street that wasn’t flooded in Hurricane Katrina in 2005? Bourbon Street! True, no joke!)

Lent was originally thirty- six days -one tenth, or a tithe of the year. Someone, however, had the bright idea of adding four days to make it commensurate with Jesus’ time in the wilderness following his baptism, and the forty years the Jews wandered in the wilderness. Incidentally, Sundays are not included in the forty day period between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Note that they are called Sundays in Lent, not of Lent. Nonetheless, Lent is our journey home, and Easter is the arrival; so here’s wishing you a blessed Lent.

NOTICES:

Bunco. Back by popular demand, our next Bunco party will be Saturday, March 4th, at 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Bring a dish to share and $10 per person. There will be someone to watch the little ones so they can have fun, too! Bring a friend – the more the merrier!

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.

Facebook Page.  Please join our St. David’s social media community by scanning the QR code below. This will take you to our Facebook page where you can begin to follow us if you have not done so in the past.”

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.

Cleaning of Church. Washing of windows on the inside of the church on Saturday, February 18th at 9:00 a.m. If you are able to help, please bring window washing supplies if you have some. Paper towels, cleaner, newspapers, squeegees.

St. David’s Family Picnic is scheduled for Sunday, February 19th after the 10:00 a.m. service. Please join us for what we hope to be the start of our annual church picnic for all parishioners and the community. There will be food and games for all.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper is on February 21st at 5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. Please join us for pancakes, sausages and beverages. Tickets will be sold on Tuesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. and Sundays after service. Adults $7.00 and $3.50 for kids 10 years and under. Please wear your mask.

“Souper Bowl” Score – Chiefs 38 and Eagles 41. Thanks for your support. Linda McKeown.

Gardening and Grounds. We need volunteers on February 11th and March 11th from 9:00 a.m. – 12 Noon to help with trimming of plants and shrubs and to get grounds in shape for Easter Sunday. Bring tools to trim, gardening gloves, rakes, pruning shears, etc. lunch served at noon.

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 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.

Women’s Bible Study weekly meeting resumes on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. in the Mark Room.

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

Tuesdays: No service this week.

Ash Wednesday: February 22nd at 8:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

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.

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  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.

PLEASE PRAY. For the sick: Alice, Amanda, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, David, Donna, Doris, Doug, Dudley, Ezra, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Jory, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Predrag, Rachel, Robin, Ron, Rosie, Scott, Sharon, Shelly, Steve, Sue, Susan, Theresa, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William, Woody. For the departed: Diana Firestone, Ron Davidson. For birthday celebrations: Dawn LaBorde, Jedidiah Kalphat, Dennis Wright, Howard Barrett, Anne Guillaume. For our expectant mothers: Rebecca, Alexandra, Taylor and Abby.

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