Life as we know it is full of “Ups and Downs.” But success only comes when we move forward, leaving life’s disappointments behind. There is no shortage of examples in our secular world of those who overcame obstacles to reach success.

“He didn’t talk till he was four years old and didn’t start to read until he was seven.” One of his teachers labeled him as “mentally slow, unsociable and adrift in his foolish dreams.” This is what was said of Albert Einstein.

“He’s too stupid to learn anything,” said some of the teachers of a young boy named Thomas Edison.

“He possess minimal football knowledge and lacks motivation,” an expert said of a beginning coach named Vince Lombardi.

He went bankrupt several times and was fired by the editor of a local newspaper because he apparently had a “lack of ideas.” The man fired was Walt Disney.

He failed the sixth grade and had a lifetime of setbacks and defeats. Finally, as a senior citizen he became the Prime Minister of England. The man was Winston Churchill.

As Christians, we know that despite the obstacles and setbacks, we too can be faithful disciples of Our Lord, not unlike those Saints (Thomas and Peter for example) who in Jesus’ time overcame shortcomings and moments of doubt to become faithful and effective agents of God’s mercy and grace. Failure is not the falling down, but the staying down. So remember: God doesn’t love us because we’re good; God makes us good because He loves us.

NOTICES:

Welcome to 2023! Did you make a resolution to have fun and support the church this year?! Well, we’ve made it easy for you to keep both resolutions – BUNKO is on Saturday, February 4th, at 6:00 p.m., in the Parish Hall! Not a problem if you’ve never played – super easy to learn – and loads of fun! You can win cash, even if you lose! Seriously, where can you find that?! Just bring a dish to share, $10 per person, and your resolutions will take root!! Remember, the more the merrier – bring a friend or two!

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.

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.

“Souper Bowl” is on Sunday, February 12th. We are collecting cans of soup starting next Sunday the 5th. Support your favorite team by donating cans or packages of soup or other non-perishable food for the team of your choice. Thanks for your support. Linda McKeown.

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, a bounce house, balloon animals, face painting and other games. We are looking for volunteers to help make this event a success. For more information, please contact Matt Hogan at 865-406-5978

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.

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: Holy Eucharist 8:30 a.m.

Ash Wednesday: February 22nd at 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, Diana, Donna, Doris, Doug, Ed, Elston, 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, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William, Woody. For birthday celebrations: Maeve Blodgett, Kevan Bennett, Yvonne Wright, James McKeown, Rohan Wolliston. For anniversary celebration: Desmond and Ann Chambers. For our expectant mothers: Alexandra and Taylor.

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

Eboo Patel, the distinguished author and commentator, in his book, Sacred Ground tells the story about visiting Berea College in south central Kentucky. Prior to a scheduled speech in the college chapel, he was asked by a college official if he wanted the cross removed from its prominent place in the church. The question was an attempt to be sensitive to Patel’s deep Muslim faith. Patel’s response was somewhat surprising. Rather than consent to the cross’ removal, he replied: “I don’t want them to cover the cross. I don’t want them to hide their faith; I want them to tell the story of how that cross inspired them to build an interracial college in pre-Civil War Kentucky. I want them to tell the world: “This is what it means to be Christian.” I want them to share how the cross moves them to admit Buddhists from Sir Lanka and Hindus from India, and have them in classes and volunteer activities with Christians from Appalachia.” (Speaking personally, I attended youth camp in my teens at our diocesan retreat center in the Appalachian hills nearby, where it was so “backwater” that even Episcopalians were handling snakes!)

The Annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity began on January 18th, The Feast of the Confession of St. Peter, (who was the first to acknowledge Christ as the Lord,) and concludes on the 25th, The Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. And, as you know, last Monday was the national observance of the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. who dedicated his life to teaching us about harmony among all people. Speaking personally, after over thirty years of observing and evaluating ecumenical dialogue, if we are not true to our own faith tradition, or if we ask our ecumenical partners or ourselves, to be something less than we are, we do each party a great disservice. In past generations, there would have been much to divide us, but in the past fifty years or so, we’ve come to much agreement on various, but not all, issues regarding our worship and theology. Now we have no excuse in ignoring the simple truth that we have much more in common than that which divides us. Nonetheless, we labor on because the world is too strong for a divided Christianity.

NOTICES:

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 ECW. Next Sunday will be hosted by Maria Scher.

The Annual Parish Meeting will be held on Sunday, January 22nd at 11:15 a.m. in the parish hall. Five new Vestry members will be elected, financial information for this past year will be presented and reports from various ministries will be presented.

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, a bounce house, balloon animals, face painting and other games. We are looking for volunteers to help make this event a success. For more information, please contact Matt Hogan at 865-406-5978.

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: 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, Doris, Doug, Ed, Elston, Ezra, Gina, Grace, Harold, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Jory, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Predrag, Rachel, Robin, Ron, Rosie, Sharon, Shelly, Steve, Sue, Susan, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William, Woody. For the departed: Craig Barnes. For birthday celebrations: Carly LaBorde, Dennis Amiel, Diana Firestone, Tanya Low, Millicent Thompson. For anniversary celebration: Tom and Joyce Parker. For our expectant mothers: Rebecca and Alexandra.

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

Albert Einstein was a man who was so focused on his scientific theories that he often neglected even the simplest things of life, such as personal appearance (as evidenced by his hair.) One time, Einstein was taking a train out of town for a speaking engagement. As he sat in his seat engrossed in his work, the conductor stopped by to punch his ticket. Looking up in shock, Einstein realized he didn’t know what he had done with his ticket. Frantically, he began to search his coat pockets, and then his briefcase. Gently, the conductor said, “We all know who you are, Dr. Einstein. I’m sure you bought a ticket. Don’t worry about it.” But, as the conductor moved along, he looked back to see Einstein on his hands and knees searching under the seats for his ticket. The conductor walked back and said, “Dr. Einstein, please don’t worry about it. I know who you are.” Exasperated, Einstein looked up and said, “I, too, know who I am. What I don’t know is where I’m going.”

The Wise Men followed a star even though they didn’t know precisely where they were going. But they were “wise” enough to ask for directions and were told by the religious leaders that the Messiah was expected to be born in Bethlehem. So on this Feast of Epiphany, the question is, “Where is life leading you?” In the uncertainties of life and instability of advancing age, do we follow the Light of Life and seek direction; or wander aimlessly through the jungle of worldly diversions? Seek Him who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, Jesus Christ our Lord.

NOTICES:

THERE WILL BE OPENINGS FOR FIVE NEW VESTRY MEMBERS FOR 2023. INTERESTED PARISHIONERS CAN CONTACT FATHER THOMAS OR ANY VESTRY MEMBER.

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 Congregation. Please bring a dish. Next Sunday will be hosted by the Daughters of the King.

Church cleaning. Men are needed to put decorations and trees in attic on Saturday, January 14th at 9 a.m.

The Annual Parish Meeting will be held on Sunday, January 22nd at 11:15 a.m. in the parish hall. Five new Vestry members will be elected, financial information for this past year will be presented and reports from various ministries will be presented.

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. We are looking for volunteers to help make this event a success. For more information, please contact Matt Hogan at 865-406-5978.

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.

No weekday mass this week.

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: Alice, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, David, Diana, Donna, Doris, Doug, Ed, Elston, 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, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William, Woody. For birthday celebrations: Oswald Lorde, Tracy Jackowski, Marie Hogan, David Whiting, Glenn Bresnahan, Linda McKeown, Theodore L’Abbe. For our expectant mothers: Rebecca and Alexandra.

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

In the December 1995 issue of Guideposts, Elizabeth King English tells of a very special Christmas that she once experienced. The year was 1949. She and her husband Herman owned an appliance store that sold a variety of items, including toys. That particular Christmas, they had practically sold out of their toys. Elizabeth had been uneasy about leaving the shop that Christmas Eve because one package on layaway had not been claimed yet. It might not have been anything important, but on the other hand, it might be some child’s only gift. So Elizabeth and Herman stayed open as long as they could, but finally they decided to close the store and head home.

The next day, Elizabeth couldn’t seem to get into the Christmas spirit. She cleaned a little around the house, but she felt restless. Strangely enough, she began to get the urge to go to the store that morning. Now Herman and Elizabeth never opened the store on Christmas, and the weather outside was a freezing mix of snow and sleet, but still Elizabeth felt drawn to go to the store. After an hour, Elizabeth gave up fighting the urge and told Herman she was going down to the store. He wasn’t very encouraging, but she had made up her mind. As Elizabeth slid along the snowy sidewalks to the store, her numb body mocked the urgent sensation she had about that day. But as she got to the store, she noticed two small boys, about six and nine years old, standing in front of the store. The little fellows got very excited when they saw Elizabeth coming. They were almost frozen. The younger one was crying, but he stopped when he saw Elizabeth. When Elizabeth scolded them for being out in the cold, they explained that they had been waiting for her.

The older boy explained to Elizabeth that his younger brother didn’t get anything for Christmas, and so they had come there to get the little boy, Jimmy, some skates. He pulled out three dollars and placed them in front of her. Sadly, Elizabeth explained to them that she had sold almost all the toys in the store, and they were out of skates. But as she glanced around the store, she noticed the lone package on the layaway shelf. She walked over and ripped off the wrapping to find that it contained a pair of child’s skates! Jimmy reached for them and tried them on. They fit perfectly. When the boys tried to pay Elizabeth for the skates, she told them to use their money for a couple of pairs of good gloves instead. The boys grinned in amazement at this gift of free skates.

After the children were all warm, Elizabeth began to close up the shop again. She remarked to the boys that it was so lucky they had not frozen out there that morning. She asked, “. . . how did you boys know I would come?” The older boy answered, “I knew you would come. I asked Jesus to send you.” Elizabeth went home to her family, but now she was in the Christmas spirit.

From time to time we hear someone say, “Wouldn’t it be great if it could be Christmas all year long.” Surprise! That was God’s intent. That is why God visited our planet and gave us the gift of His Son. The world is waiting for the people of God to live out what we say we believe: That Jesus Christ is the hope of the world; that living the Christ life of love and sacrifice and self-giving is the only ultimate way that humanity can be saved. When Christmas lives in our hearts, then we will have at least made a beginning to spreading the spirit of Christmas to the entire world and not just at one time of the year, but all through the year, and every year.

NOTICES:

THERE WILL BE OPENINGS FOR FIVE NEW VESTRY MEMBERS FOR 2023. INTERESTED PARISHIONERS CAN CONTACT FATHER THOMAS OR ANY VESTRY MEMBER.

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.”

Christmas Concert Reception. A great big thank you to the following for all their hard work in putting together an absolutely wonderful reception after the Christmas concert last Sunday: Stuart Cohen, Eric Cohen, Mia Eubanks, Jackson Eubanks, Barbara Hastings-Griffin, Aidan Imbimbo, Lucabella Imbimbo, Nick Webber, Lucas Webber, Ava Wolliston, Justin Valderrama, Laurie Cohen, Erin Thomas.

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.

Church cleaning. Men are needed to put decorations and trees in attic on Saturday, January 14th at 9 a.m. Please contact Linda McKeown at 561-254-3902

Saturday, December 24: Christmas Eve 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 25: Christmas Day 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.

No Sunday School this week.
No Women’s Bible Study meeting this week.

Tuesday, December 27: 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: Alice, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Diana, Donna, Doris, Doug, Ed, Elston, 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, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William, Woody. For birthday celebrations: Megan Jacques, Austin Ward, Marianne Davidson, Chris Erickson, Thomas Ward, Jeffrey Femenia. For anniversary celebrations: Francis and Joanna Morlu, Evelyn and Tom Medcalf, Glenn and Helena Bresnahan. For our expectant mothers: Rebecca and Alexandra.

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