WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – May 5th – Fr. Thomas
Tomorrow, the first Saturday in May, is of course, the running of the 149th Kentucky Derby. As a Kentucky native, I believe that should be a national holiday in the calendar! A woman at the Derby sat by herself in the front row. After a couple races, the man sitting behind her asked, “I noticed the seat next to you is empty.” The woman said, “That belonged to my late husband.” The man asked, “Couldn’t you find anyone else to sit there?” To which the woman replied, “They all chose to attend the funeral instead.”
Bucking the trend of “stay at home bettors,” attendance each year at the Derby proves the critics wrong again. Cynics in both the racing industry and in the Church rightly ask, “Where is everyone the week after the Derby (or Easter Sunday?) What does it take to lure them back?” For those of us in the Church, it’s quality worship and engaging activities and ministries that make a difference in the lives of people who serve and are served. As long as we are serious about the Great Commission to go out and evangelize the world and the Great Commandment to love one another, God will not let His Church be deficient of the gifts necessary to do what He asks us to do. In past generations, The Episcopal Church used to leave it to the Baptists to evangelize people, while we did a pretty fair job of “sacramentalizing” them. But, today it’s a different world out there, and it’s now up to every Church to evangelize the world around them. However, if we’re sloppy about our worship and ambiguous about our basic core beliefs then our ancient rituals will have little impact on the people that need them the most.
Finding creative and effective ways of spreading the good news in a rapidly changing environment might mean survival of the fittest: not unlike some race tracks these days that are adding casinos, retail and entertainment centers to boost attendance and revenue. Yet this is only a short term solution. This is not a call for doing the “same old things in the same old ways.” Certainly one must adapt and be flexible, but trying to be something we are not won’t be effective in the long run. It’s been said, “Ministry is not a fifty yard dash, but a long distance relay race,” with successive generations picking up the baton and carrying forth with the same grace and power which ignited disciples both past and present. We can enrich the heritage of the past while adapting to our technologically advanced world.
Before the experts write the obituary for the Episcopal Church and thoroughbred racing, perhaps they should take a look at places like Churchill Downs, Keeneland, Saratoga, and Santa Anita; flagships within an industry whose history is more glorious than its present. Do what we do well despite our differences on the non-essential issues, and look at the congregations who maintain a traditional style, but who utilize technology to market themselves in modern ways. God bless and “May the Horse be with you.”
NOTICES:
Weekly Offering for Week Ending4/29/2023. Total $3,992.00. Average Weekly Budget $4,646.00. The difference ($654.00)
Bible Study. We will begin a Bible Study this Sunday at 9:00 a.m. that is open to everyone of all ages. So please stay after the 8 a.m. service or come early before the 10:00 a.m. service and join us as we dive into John’s words and discuss what they mean to us today. If you have any questions, please contact Jay Webber at jwebber@comcast.net.
Bunco. Our post-Easter Bunco party will be on May 13th, at 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. If you haven’t played Bunco the St. David’s way, you’re missing out on big fun! Bring a dish to share – and we will have someone to watch the little ones. $10 per person, with 3 separate cash prizes – even if you lose! Honestly, where are you going to find that?! Hope to see you there!
A Coffee Hour is scheduled this Sunday immediately after the 8 a.m. service. Come join us for a time of fellowship.
Hospitality Hour is scheduled immediately after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by the Vestry. Next week will be hosted by the Congregation. We will be recognizing the faithful service of our greeters and ushers with a cake.
A Senior Citizen Luncheon is scheduled on Saturday, May 20th at 12:00 noon. A sign-up sheet will be on the credenza in the narthex or call Linda McKeown at 561-254-3902 to reserve your spot.
Father Thomas’ Brunch Celebration is scheduled immediately after the 10:00 a.m. service on Sunday, June 4th at the Wanderers Club located at 1900 Aero Club Drive, Wellington. If you wish to give a donation, please contact Laurie Cohen at her email lscohen520@gmail.com or text or call her cell 561-252-9828.
St. David’s Summer Soiree. SAVE THE DATE! St. David’s Summer Soirée will be held on Saturday, June 17th, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at the Temple Beth Torah located at 900 Big Blue Trace, Wellington. Tickets will be on sale this Sunday. $75.00 per person in advance and $80.00 per person at the door. Join us for an evening of dinner and dancing. It’s a great weekend for celebrating your Fathers too! More details to come!
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.
Raffle Tickets. Please pick up your raffle tickets on the table in the narthex. Drawing will be held on Sunday, May 21st.
Mug Sunday! We collected 78 mugs last Sunday. Thanks to all who participated.
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.
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 thesick: Adrian, Alice, Amanda, Annette, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Chester, David, Dee, Diana, Dolores, 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: Helena Bresnahan, Megan Muir, Michel Guillaume, Jacqueline Algood, George Pinnock. For anniversary celebration: Jackie and John Algood. For our expectant mothers: Taylor and Bethany
Our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintDavidsinthePinesWellingtonFL