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WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – June 7th – Fr. Thomas

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As if the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic wasn’t enough in our nation and world, and the official beginning of hurricane season; now we’re faced with rising tensions, anger, and violence as a result of the arrest and murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis.  The racial tension that still exists in different places and in various forms hasn’t and will not go away anytime soon.  It’s easy for many of us to simply think, “Oh, we’re all alike; black, white, Hispanic, Arab, Oriental; so in the words of Rodney King, “Can’t we all just ‘get along?”  Well, we know that it’s not that simple; especially for those who have experienced racial discrimination in past, or even in present years.  When one hears the stories of racial prejudice one can sympathize and begin to comprehend the anger and suspicion which still exists among different races and groups of people.  However, we know too, that one cannot live in fear, nor live in the past either.

The message of Pentecost last week is that “We’re all in this together,” Red and Yellow, Black and White, they are precious in His sight,” as the old children’s song goes.  But not everyone “gets it.”  Why not?  Maybe we have a lot of work still to do as Christians.  Several people have asked me already in recent days if we’re living in the “End Times.”  My response, from an historical point of view, is probably not, but we’re called upon to live each day as if it were our first, last, and only day. Some Pentecostal preachers were warning us that the new millennium was the beginning of the apocalypse.  Well, here we are twenty years later, and what has changed?

So, we think we cannot change our world or ourselves; and we use that as a good excuse to simply live with the problems. Not to make light of the tragedies which afflict us throughout the years: wars, natural disasters, political upheavals, and plagues; but, we still have a lot of work to do to “colonize” our present existence before we move on to a higher one.  And, the Good News is that we’re not in this by ourselves. The problem, however, is that we’ve become too comfortable with our divisions.  We think the problems of the world are too big for us. Well, by ourselves, yes, they probably are.  No part of the body is indispensable.  We are all interrelated like a tag team.  So, I leave you with a favorite African proverb – “If you want to travel fast, walk alone, if you want to travel far, walk together.”

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you and I hope that I have that desire in all that I am doing. And I know that if I do this, you will lead me by the right road although I may know nothing about it.  Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death, I will not fear, for you are ever with me and you will never leave me to face my perils alone. (Thomas Merton, “Thoughts of Solitude”)

NOTICES:

Plans Change – Bishop Peter has “extended the closure of our congregations, schools, and special ministries until at least 30th of June.   Live-streaming and recording of worship may continue….no other in-person activity is permitted. We continue to monitor the situation very closely, and we shall move into Season II only when we are clear that it is safe to do so. This continued period of closure is the perfect opportunity for making preparations and ensuring that all is in order for the time when it becomes possible and safe to re-enter and re-gather. St. David’s will not be re-opening June 7th.

Village of Wellington –the food distribution in Wellington is at the Wellington mall by Nordstrom. The time was changed to 8:30-10:30 a.m. You will be given a voucher when you are in line. Let the person know if you are getting food for more than one family. 

Sandwiches for St. George’s Outreach Project Extended through June – Please continue to prepare sandwiches for St. George’s and bring them to St. David’s parking lot each Wednesday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 am. This is a time change since we need to be at St. George’s by 10:30. Thank you for your continued support!    Joyce Parker 561-312-2719.

Please Pray – For the sick: Patti, Alicia, William, Caswell, Richard, Carole, Patti, Sandy, Kim, Joe, Steve, Bob, Linda, Francine, Donna, Ashlyn. For birthday celebrations: Riley Bresnahan, Ava Wolliston, Leila South, Sally Frenz. For those celebrating a wedding anniversary: Vince & Michelle Bianco. For our expectant mothers: Dani and Andrea. For the faithful departed: Ann Rech.

https://www.lectionarypage.net/YearA_RCL/Pentecost/ATrinity_RCL.html

https://www.facebook.com/SaintDavidsInThePines/

 

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

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A group of surveyors were sent to a remote mountain to design a new map of the terrain. Every day they would go up and over the rugged hills and every night return to their camp. Usually every night they were joined by an old shepherd who enjoyed the companionship of their fire at night. They would swap stories and tell of their daily adventures up on the mountain.  One evening, the old shepherd insisted that he would accompany the surveyors the next day so they would not become lost.  Feeling fairly sure of themselves after so many successful trips already, they asked why he felt that he needed to go along. The shepherd quietly repeated, “I must go with you.” Still puzzled, the surveyors again described their many hikes through the mountains and their familiarity with the area.  Yet again, the shepherd insisted, “I must go with you for I know the mountains like the back of my hand.  If I don’t go, you will become lost.”  Somewhat aggravated, the surveyors replied, “We now have a map made of the area.” The shepherd quickly responded, “But there is no fog on your map.”  Despite the shepherd’s claim, the two “experts” went up the mountain early the next morning by themselves.  Soon a thick fog encircled them and led them astray. They were lost! They wandered literally all over that mountain growing increasingly exhausted.  Suddenly out of the fog, the shepherd appeared beside them and led them home, through the fog.

How many of us can relate to this story today?  We feel so sure of God’s presence when things are going our way, but when life throws us “curve balls” or we get lost in the fog, where do we look?  Well, these days, many reading this are watching our weekly video mass, or reading daily meditations, and saying their prayers.  Who is our shepherd?  Jesus Christ our Lord, who leads us beside the still waters, through the “fogs” of life; and whose loving kindness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our life, now and forever more. Amen.

(Even though we cannot yet receive the sacrament in person, we can make a “spiritual” communion while at home.  Here is a prayer for your use.)

My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most holy sacrament. I love you above all things and I desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you were already there and unite myself wholly to you. Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.

NOTICES:

Plans Change – Bishop Peter has “extended the closure of our congregations, schools, and special ministries until at least 30 June.   Live-streaming and recording of worship may continue….no other in-person activity is permitted. We continue to monitor the situation very closely, and we shall move into Season II only when we are clear that it is safe to do so. This continued period of closure is the perfect opportunity for making preparations and ensuring that all is in order for the time when it becomes possible and safe to re-enter and re-gather. St. David’s will not be re-opening June 7th.

Sandwiches for St. George’s Outreach Project Extended through June – Please continue to prepare sandwiches for St. George’s and bring them to St. David’s parking lot each Wednesday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 am. This is a time change since we need to be at St. George’s by 10:30.  Thank you for your continued support!    Joyce Parker 561-312-2719

Please Pray – For the sick: Ann, Caswell, Richard, Carole, Patti, Sandy, Kim, Joe, Steve, Bob, Linda, Francine, Timone, Donna, Ashlyn. For birthday celebrations: Charles Sandell, Grace Hadicke, Victoria Wolliston. For those celebrating a wedding anniversary: Mark & Valerie Veckman. For our expectant mothers: Dani and Andrea.

 

https://www.lectionarypage.net/YearA_RCL/Pentecost/APentDay_RCL.html

 

https://www.facebook.com/SaintDavidsInThePines/

 

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

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On Being Faithful – (A return to in-person church attendance)

Dear Faithful St. David’s Parishioners,

The Diocese of Southeast Florida has issued recommendations for our return to in-person attendance at mass, during Season One, with restrictions related to keeping our parish healthy and thriving as we learn to live with the virus in our midst. The start of in-person worship will not be as we left it.  A re-opening planning committee was formed as required by the diocese, along with a list of rules including:

  • If you have any symptoms: fever, chills, aches, breathing issues, please stay at home
  • A maximum of 50 persons in attendance at any one mass
  • Attendees will be required to wear a mask – if someone does not have one, it will be provided at the door
  • In-person classes and meetings are suspended for now
  • No Nursery or Sunday school
  • No greeting line at entrance to church
  • No reception line after mass
  • Coffee hour is suspended for the time being
  • Social distancing policy includes:
    • Temperature check station at door to narthex – if temperature is over 100.4 degrees then you will be asked to go home and seek medical care
    • Prayer books and hymnals have been removed; scripture readings, common texts and hymns will be printed in the program – if you have your own copy of the Prayer Book, feel free to bring it with you
    • Seating will start with every other pew beginning with the front pews, six feet distancing, with a 360 degree circumference, except for families and couples
    • No passing the collection plate – offertory plates will be located at the rear of nave
    • No physical contact during exchange of the peace
    • Floor markers indicate proper spacing when going to receive communion
    • Single line to receive communion in one kind only in the hand (not in the mouth)
    • Music with organ and soloist only – no choir at present
    • Exit by rows beginning with the back rows first
    • We encourage our most at risk parishioners to continue a “safer at home” policy

In order to comply with the above restrictions our Planning Committee needs you to please reply to the questions below by May 25, 2020 via email saintdavidschurch@comcast.net  – Thank you.

  1. Are you planning to return to regular worship on or after June 7th?
  2. Which mass would you likely attend? 8:00am or 10:00am?  (Video masses will continue to be broadcast at present.)
  3. How many in your family will be attending?

Please Pray – For the sick: Caswell, Richard, Carole, Patti, Sandy, Kim, Joe, Steve, Bob, Linda, Francine, Timone, Donna, Ashlyn, Robin. For birthday celebrations: Laura Lee Montross, Jordyn Beresford, John Webber. For those celebrating a wedding anniversary: Rev. Steven & Erin Thomas. For our expectant mothers: Dani and Andrea. For the faithful departed: Connie Haas, Ravi Zacharias, Joseph Nasso.

Outreach – for the feeding of the needy in Riviera Beach at St. George’s church continues, Sandwiches only will be collected the next two weeks and drop off dates to St. David’s is Wednesdays May 27th between 9-10:00 a.m. Call Joyce Parker 561-312-2719.

Camp Wingmann – St. David’s Men’s Organization continues to financially support those of our youth who are interested in attending summer Christian camp in Avon Park at Camp Wingmann. Please notify Mike Riddle (email tdmr007@gmail.com) of your intent to participate either in the virtual summer camp during June or the onsite camp experience in July.

https://www.lectionarypage.net/YearA_RCL/Easter/AEaster7_RCL.html

https://www.facebook.com/SaintDavidsInThePines/

 

WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – May 17th – Fr. Thomas

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A man from Minnesota traveled to Key West on business. His wife was going to fly down the next morning to join him for a few days of vacation. When the man arrived he discovered the hotel had several desktop computers in the lobby for guests to use to surf the net and send emails. He sat down and sent an email to his wife. The only problem was he got one letter wrong in the email address and instead of going to his wife; the email went instead to a pastor’s wife who had recently buried her dearly departed husband. When the widow read the email, her family heard her scream and faint. The email said:

To: My loving wife.
Subject: I’ve arrived.
You’re probably surprised to hear from me, but they have computers here now. I see that everything has been prepared for your arrival tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing you then!
P.S. It sure is hot down here!

Well, the Good News is that God knows where we are – where we’ve been, what we’re going through right now, and where we’re going.  Even though at times we might feel like we’re “living diagonally in a parallel universe,” God doesn’t love us because we’re good – God makes us good because He loves us.

NOTICES for this week:

Vestry – meets via Go-To-Conference on Sunday, May 17 th, 11:15 a.m.

By Order of the Bishop – “The Episcopal Church has suspended all in-person services, gatherings, and meetings until June 5th.”

Sunday Scriptures – please click on the second attachment included in this email for a full view of the upcoming lessons for Sunday. Follow this link at anytime to refer to any scripture readings. https://www.lectionarypage.net/YearA_RCL/Easter/AEaster6_RCL.html

Rosary & Benediction – a video has been posted to our FaceBook page, scroll down on the left hand side to “video” category to locate it, otherwise, click here https://www.facebook.com/pg/SaintDavidsInThePines/videos/?ref=page_internal

View – Sunday mass – a videos posted are be found on the church’s website, Facebook via our YouTube channel. Do not forget to subscribe free so that we will in the future be able to retain our site.

Outreach – for the feeding of the needy in Riviera Beach at St. George’s church continues, Sandwiches only will be collected the next two weeks and drop off dates to St. David’s is Wednesdays May 20th, 27th between 9-10:00 a.m.

Camp Wingmann – St. David’s Men’s Organization continues to financially support those of our youth who are interested in attending summer Christian camp in Avon Park at Camp Wingmann. Please notify Mike Riddle (email tdmr007@gmail.com) of your intent to participate either in the virtual summer camp during June or the onsite camp experience in July.

Urgent Message – Please continue to pray for an end to the COVID-19 virus and its victims and thank you for your continued financial support  (check, automated bank transfers or electronic donations via www.myeoffering.com  to the life and witness our congregation in this community. For safety and security issue, please do not leave any checks in the communication mailbox attached to the parish building at the front door.

In case of a pastoral emergency, you can leave a message on our voice mail, and we will respond as quickly as possible.

Please Pray – For the sick: Caswell, Richard, Barbara, Carole, Patti, Sandy, Kim, Joe, Steve, Bob, Linda, Francine, Timone, Donna, Ashlyn, Robin. For birthday celebrations: James Belden, Sr., Andrew Elmore, Denise Wilson, Virginia Barley, Angelica Cortez-Bennett, Debbie Gonzalez. For those celebrating a wedding anniversary: Wally & Cindy Hernandez, Joe & Debbie Piconcelli, James & Erika Belden, Irwin & Laurie Cohen. For our expectant mothers: Dani and Andrea. For the faithful departed: Connie Haas.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, Physician of the body and soul, You restored sight to the blind, healed the lame and cured those with leprosy. Grant, we beseech You, the necessary knowledge and perseverance to all who are working on a vaccine to quickly end the spread of COVID-19. Have mercy on those who have died, and grant comfort to all who are affected in any way and those who are living in apprehension. Give us the grace each day to trust in You and Your loving mercy. We ask this in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

https://www.facebook.com/SaintDavidsInThePines/

 

WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – May 10th – Fr. Thomas

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A job description was posted with the following requirements:

  1. This is a permanent job.
  2. The successful applicant must be prepared to work hard.
  3. The workplace is often a challenging and chaotic environment.
  4. Applicants must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends
  5. Extensive chauffeuring duties also required, but your travel expenses will not usually be reimbursed.
  6. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.
  7. Must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be willing to carry multiple packages and pieces of equipment at the same time.
  8. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars, and coordinate production of multiple homework projects.
  9. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks.
  10. Must be able to assembly and carry out safety testing of hundreds of toys and battery operated devices.
  11. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product.
  12. Limited Promotion Prospects: Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills,
  13. Wages and Bonuses: None; job satisfaction is what you hopefully receive.
  14. Benefits: no paid holidays and no bonuses are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for free hugs for life if you play your cards right.
  15. Tenure: Forever.

Happy Mother’s Day.

Loving God, we thank you for the love of the mothers you have given us, whose love is so precious that it can never be measured, whose patience seems to have no end. May we see your loving hand behind them and guiding them. We pray for those mothers who fear they will run out of love or time, or patience. We ask you to bless them with your own special love. Invoking the intercession of Our Lord’s own mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary, we ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord. Amen.

NOTICES for this week:

By Order of the Bishop – “The Episcopal Church has suspended all in-person services, gatherings, and meetings until the end of May.”

  • View – Sunday mass– a videos posted are be found on the church’s website, Facebook via our YouTube channel. Do not forget to subscribe free so that we will in the future be able to retain our site.
  • Camp Wingmann – St. David’s Men’s Organization continues to financially support those of our youth who are interested in attending summer Christian camp in Avon Park at Camp Wingmann. Please notify Mike Riddle (email tdmr007@gmail.com) of your intent to participate either in the virtual summer camp during June or the onsite camp experience in July.
  • Urgent Message– Please continue to pray for an end to the COVID-19 virus and its victims and thank you for your continued financial support (check, automated bank transfers or electronic donations via https://www.myeoffering.com  to the life and witness our congregation in this community. For safety and security issue, please do not leave any checks in the communication mailbox attached to the parish building at the front door. For your daily devotional readying the May/June/July copies of Forward Day by Day are available there as well.
  • In case of a pastoral emergency, you can leave a message on our voice mail, and we will respond as quickly as possible.
  • Please Pray – For the sick: Caswell, Richard, Barbara, Carole, Patti, Sandy, Kim, Joe, Steve, Bob, Linda, Francine, Timone, Donna, Ashlyn, Robin. For birthday celebrations: Helena Bresnahan, Joey McFarland, Michel Guillaume, Megan Muir, Jackie Algood, George Pinnock, Chris LaBorde. For those celebrating a wedding anniversary: John & Jackie Algood. For our expectant mothers: Dani and Andrea.

Most loving Father, whose will it is for us to give thanks for all things, to fear nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all our care on you who care for us: Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which you have manifested to us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (The Collect for the Eighth Sunday after the Epiphany)

WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – May 3rd – Fr. Thomas

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‘…You don’t get out enough…none of us do

A former Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Runcie, wrote in his book Seasons of the Spirit that he once got into a train in England and discovered that all of the other passengers in the car were patients at a mental institution being taken on an excursion. A mental hospital attendant was counting the patients to be sure that they were all there:  “One, two, three, four, five. . .” When he came to Runcie, he said, “Who are you?” “I am the Archbishop of Canterbury,” Runcie replied. The Attendant smiled and, pointing to him, continued counting, “. ..six, seven, eight.. .”
Well, maybe during these days of confinement, some reading this may feel a little “stir crazy.” Incidentally, the phrase stir crazy is a slang term reference to a notorious prison (Newgate) in 19th-century London. The word stir means “prison.” According to the Barnhart Dictionary of Etymology, stir may have originated as a variation on Start, a nickname criminals gave to the prison throughout London’s history.
At this point, we’re not quite half way through the Easter season. Even though attendance at all live sporting events and other activities are cancelled or postponed, we are an “Easter People,” in and out of season, and Alleluia is our song. Next Tuesday is the commemoration of the conversion of Saint Augustine, the great theologian and bishop of the 5thc. who wrote:  “The Christian should be an Alleluia from head to foot.” And I say to that Amen, Amen.
NOTICES for this week:
  • By Order of the Bishop – the closure of all services and meetings will now be extended through the entire month of May.
  • Sunday Scriptures – Follow this link at anytime to refer to any scripture readings. https://www.lectionarypage.net/YearA_RCL/Easter/AEaster4_RCL.html
  • View – Sunday mass– a videos posted are be found on the church’s website, Facebook via our YouTube channel. Do not forget to subscribe free so that we will in the future be able to retain our site.
  • Urgent Message– Please continue to pray for an end to the COVID-19 virus and its victims and thank you for your continued financial support (check, automated bank transfers or electronic donations via https://www.myeoffering.comto the life and witness our congregation in this community. For safety and security issue, please do not leave any checks in the communication mailbox attached to the parish building at the front door. For your daily devotional readying the May/June/July copies of Forward Day by Day are available there as well.
  • In case of a pastoral emergency, you can leave a message on our voice mail, and we will respond as quickly as possible.
  • Please Pray – For the sick: Bob, Caswell, Richard, Barbara, Carole, Patti, Sandy, Kim, Joe, Steve, Bob, Linda, Francine, Timone, Donna, Ashlyn, Robin. For birthday celebrations: Ella Falco, Donna Halle. For those celebrating a wedding anniversary: Charles & Jenifer Elmore. For our expectant mothers: Dani and Andrea. For the faithful departed: Johnny Siggers.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, Physician of the body and soul, You restored sight to the blind, healed the lame and cured those with leprosy. Grant, we beseech You, the necessary knowledge and perseverance to all who are working on a vaccine to quickly end the spread of COVID-19. Have mercy on those who have died, and grant comfort to all who are affected in any way and those who are living in apprehension. Give us the grace each day to trust in You and Your loving mercy. We ask this in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

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

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What happened to Easter? For most people confined to their homes during this pandemic, it seems like Lent has been extended. But we know the truth, and the truth, (at least spiritually) has set us free. We are an Easter people, and Alleluia is our song. (Alleluia, that Latin word, which originally derives from the Hebrew word Hallelujah, means “Praise the Lord.”) How and why did this expression of jubilation survive down through the centuries? Perhaps the Church found that other words were simply inadequate when we consider the awesome mystery of Christ’s resurrection. We know that our familiar words cannot always express what we feel and know. As Jesus commanded Lazarus to come out of the tomb, so God says to us, “Come out into the glorious light.” If not literally, we can bask in the glow of God’s love and joy, metaphorically during these days of incarceration, waiting for the glory that shall be revealed. We can say our prayers, in particular the “Daily Office,” i.e. morning, evening, noonday, and night prayers as provided in the Prayer Book or go to  https://www.missionstclare.com/  for the daily scripture readings and prayers. Know that “This too shall pass,” and it will be a joyful and glorious moment when we can gather together in person. So, when you get to wit’s end, you’ll find God is there, because as I’m fond of saying, “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.”

NOTICES for this week:

The Bishop’s Orders – “I am extending the closure of congregations, schools, and special ministries until at least the end of the academic year.   

  • View – Sunday mass– a videos posted are be found on the church’s website, Facebook via our YouTube channel. Do not forget to subscribe free so that we will in the future be able to retain our site.
  • Urgent Message– Please continue to pray for an end to the COVID-19 virus and its victims and thank you for your continued financial support (check, automated bank transfers or electronic donations via https://www.myeoffering.com to the life and witness our congregation in this community. For safety and security issue, please do not leave any checks in the communication mailbox attached to the parish building at the front door. For your daily devotional readying the May/June/July copies of “Forward Day by Day” are available there as well. As a reminder, the music ministry continues, outreach is still feeding the homeless. Some of us have already received the government’s stimulus checks, or discounts on various utilities or insurances, or simple savings of not going out to eat so often. We also have the ability to pray for others, donate blood, and particularly lessen the load on our medical resources by staying home and taking care of each other via phone calls; you never know who else needs to hear a friendly voice.
  • In case of a pastoral emergency, you can leave a message on our voice mail, and we will respond as quickly as possible.
  • Please Pray – For the sick: Carole, Patti, Sandy, Kim, Joe, Steve, Bob, Linda, Francine, Timone, Donna, Ashlyn, Robin. For birthday celebrations: John Algood, Therese Guillaume, Janice Jacques. For our expectant mothers: Dani and Andrea.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, Physician of the body and soul, You restored sight to the blind, healed the lame and cured those with leprosy. Grant, we beseech You, the necessary knowledge and perseverance to all who are working on a vaccine to quickly end the spread of COVID-19. Have mercy on those who have died, and grant comfort to all who are affected in any way and those who are living in apprehension. Give us the grace each day to trust in You and Your loving mercy. We ask this in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

https://www.facebook.com/SaintDavidsInThePines/

For the full scripture readings, please refer to The Lectionary Page by clicking the link below….

https://www.lectionarypage.net/YearA_RCL/Easter/AEaster3_RCL.html

Third Sunday of Easter – 4/26/20 – The Road to Emmaus.

Acts 2:14a, 36-41      Fifty days after Jesus’ crucifixion-resurrection (the Feast of Pentecost). Peter boldly preached the first Christian sermon on a Jerusalem street corner. Here are his concluding words and the effect of his sermon on those who heard him.

Psalm 116: 1-3, 10-17     The psalmist is filled with thankfulness because God has delivered him from some danger which threatened his life. The latter part of the reading has for the Christian overtones which suggest the Eucharist: “the cup of salvation” (v.11). “the sacrifice of thanksgiving” (v.15).

1 Peter 1:17-23        In Acts 2, Peter is telling Jerusalem what the Lord’s resurrection means to him weeks after the event. Here, more than a generation later, he gives a more profound view of what Christ’s resurrection means.

Luke 24:13-35     This resurrection appearance indicates something of the impetus which caused the Lord’s Supper to be so universally observed from the very first. Jesus had evidently performed the mealtime ritual – “he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them” (v. 30) – so many times with his followers that the act was indelibly associated with remembrance of him.

Challenge Questions:

  1. As the two travelers walk along the road and talk with the stranger (who is actually Jesus), how do they describe the events of the previous three days?
  2. What is their understanding about Jesus and the recent happenings in Jerusalem? How do they feel about their prospects for the future?
  3. As Jesus walks with them, how does he explain the things about himself as revealed in the Scriptures? Why was it important for him to interpret these things to them?
  4. In addition to the revelation of Scripture, Jesus is recognized through the breaking of the break (Lk. 24:35). How do you feel the presence of Christ in the Eucharist and in other ways in your own life?
  5. In the Epistle reading (1Pet. 1:17-23), what is expected of those who belong to the new community of believers in Christ? How do we carry out these responsibilities today?

 

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

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We know by now that New York state leads the country in the number of deaths due to COVID-19.  Apparently, though, there are not enough burial plots for the recently increased number of victims, so corpses are being “stockpiled.” This situation reminds me of a town in France where, decades ago, a similar outbreak occurred forcing the mayor to issue a law forbidding anyone who lived in that town to die.

Well, sadly, we don’t have that option, regardless of the municipality we live in.  However, the Good News is that we have a home in heaven waiting for us! Some may have to wait longer than others to reach their final destination, but imagine the joy and celebration in heaven when we do.  If death came into the world through the first act of disobedience with Adam and Eve taking fruit from the tree, everlasting life with God came by Jesus’ death on a tree.  This is Good News every day, every week, month, and year because Easter is not merely one day or season, but a way of life.  Thanks be to God who gives us the victory because there’s plenty of room in heaven for all who believe and walk down that road that leads to eternal life. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

NOTICES for this week

  • View – Sunday mass– a video will be posted on the church’s website, Facebook via our YouTube channel. Don’t forget to subscribe free so that we will in the future be able to retain our site.
  • Urgent Message– Please continue to pray for an end to the COVID-19 virus and its victims and thank you for your continued financial support (check, automated bank transfers or electronic donations via www.myeoffering.com  to the life and witness our congregation in this community. As a reminder, the music ministry continues, outreach is still feeding the homeless, Some of us have already received the government’s stimulus checks, or discounts on various utilities or insurances, or simple savings of not going out to eat so often. We also have the ability to pray for others, donate blood, and particularly lessen the load on our medical resources by staying home and taking care of each other via phone calls; you never know who else needs to hear a friendly voice.
  • In case of a pastoral emergency, you can leave a message on our voice mail, and we will respond as quickly as possible.
  • Please Pray – For the sick: Carole, Patti, Sandy, Kim, Joe, Steve, Bob, Linda, Francine, Timone, Donna, Ashlyn, Robin. For birthday celebrations: Emma Torres, Michelle Gardner, Erin Thomas, Assad Thompson, Patricia Burke, Kathleen Lannaman, Blake Wolliston, Phyllis Gibbs-Thomas. For those celebrating a wedding anniversary: Rudy & Pat Bernard, Victor & Jeanne Champagne, Howard & Karen Brown, Daryl & Shelby Walcher. For our expectant mothers: Dani and Andrea. For the faithful departed: The Rev. Harvey Klein.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, Physician of the body and soul, You restored sight to the blind, healed the lame and cured those with leprosy. Grant, we beseech You, the necessary knowledge and perseverance to all who are working on a vaccine to quickly end the spread of COVID-19. Have mercy on those who have died, and grant comfort to all who are affected in any way and those who are living in apprehension. Give us the grace each day to trust in You and Your loving mercy. We ask this in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

https://www.facebook.com/SaintDavidsInThePines/

Second Sunday of Easter – 4/19/20- Peace Be With You.

Acts 2:14a, 22-32   This is part of the first Christian sermon of which we have any record. Peter delivered it on the streets of Jerusalem on the Jewish Feast of Pentecost, which is fifty days after the Feast of the Passover at which Jesus was crucified. Notice that Peter is a brave, bold man in contrast to the fearful fellow who had denied Jesus at the time of his trial. Notice also that he is unshakably convinced that Jesus has risen from the dead.

Psalm 16     This psalm, which is in part set in the form of a prayer, is an affirmation of trust in God. The psalmist sums up his wholehearted commitment to the Lord with the words, “I have set the Lord always before me”” (v.*).

1 Peter 1:3-9               Peter is writing approximately two generations after the crucifixion-resurrection to Christians in a time of persecution; notice how central is his conviction of the Lord’s resurrection.

John 20:19-31        The earliest record of resurrection appearances is in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8. These fall into two categories. The first group (to Peter and others) has a church-founding significance. The second group (to James and others) has a mission-inaugurating significance. The two appearances described in John 20 are in the first category. Jesus binds the disciples together in their conviction of his risen presence. The Holy Spirit is bestowed, and the Church as a spiritual entity begins.

Challenge Questions

  1. Try to imagine that you are among those gathered behind closed doors on Easter evening. How would you describe the atmosphere in the room? How do you think the disciples might have felt when Jesus suddenly appeared among them? Why do you think he showed them his wounds?
  2. In John 20:19, 21, and 26, Jesus says, “Peace be with you.” Why do you think he repeats this greeting? What effect do you think these words had on the disciples? How are they important to us today?
  3. What is the mission that Jesus gives to his followers in verses 21b-23, and how are they empowered for this? How are we as individuals and as the Church to fulfill this mission today? How are we enabled to do so? In particular, what does it mean that we are to forgive and retain sins?
  4. As you read the exchange between Thomas and Jesus in Verses 24-29, how would you characterize the words and actions of both Thomas and Jesus here? What do you think moves Thomas to declare that Jesus is Lord and God? What do we learn from this passage about doubt, faith, and belief?
  5. All of the readings for today proclaim the reality and implications of the Resurrection. Read the Epistle for today in 1 Peter 1:3-9 and reflect on your understanding of the implications of the Resurrection in your own life.

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

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We all like to receive presents, especially those in pretty wrapped boxes.  Our curiosity plays with our emotions; could the gift be a key to a new car, a book, piece of jewelry, a new garment, or gift card to a favorite restaurant.   However, what if the box were empty?  Wouldn’t we be disappointed, puzzled?  Perhaps not if we had anticipated something bad was in the box like insects or rotting food?  In this case, we’d feel relieved.

An incident was reported in a newspaper about a car which had driven off the road and into a canal.  A passing motorist noticed the car’s headlights and called 911.  The police came and ran the license tag number to find the name of the owner.  The woman who owned the vehicle turned out to be the mother of the driver who had used her car to drive to work that evening.  When she arrived at the site of the accident, she stood in horror awaiting to see the lifeless body of her son.  Finally, the car was pulled out of the water and rested on the bank, but there was no body in the car.  However, minutes later, the young man was found on the opposite side of the canal; somehow he had managed to release himself from the car and swim to safety. The ecstatic mother rejoiced in the good news.

On that Easter Sunday morning, the women rejoiced to find an empty tomb, and they ran and told all their friends the good news.  Jesus’ empty tomb is good news for us too.  Because His grave was empty, we know ours will be empty too, except for the lifeless body we leave behind when we join Him in heaven to live forever.  The Lord is risen indeed.  Alleluia.

NOTICES for this week

  • View Good Friday & Easter Sunday Mass – a video will be posted on the church’s website, Facebook via our YouTube channel. Don’t forget to subscribe free so that we will in the future be able to retain our site.
  • Urgent Message – Please continue to pray for an end to the COVID-19 virus and its victims and thank you for your continued financial support (check, automated bank transfers or electronic donations via com)to the life and witness our congregation in this community.
  • In case of a pastoral emergency, you can leave a message on our voice mail, and we will respond as quickly as possible. Please continue to pray for an end to the COVID-19 virus, for its victims, and for those who are working on preventative measures.

Please Pray – For the sick: Carole, Patti, Sandy, Kim, Joe, Steve, Bob, Linda, Francine, Timone, Donna, Ashlyn, Robin. For birthday celebrations: Dale Pugliese, Mike Riddle, Shirley Fenner, Gabriel Falco, Kerry Jackson, Madge Tinglin, Earl Williams. For those celebrating a wedding anniversary: David & Leila South, Walter & Georgette Dzubiak. For the faithful departed, and for our expectant mothers: Dani and Andrea.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, Physician of the body and soul, You restored sight to the blind, healed the lame and cured those with leprosy. Grant, we beseech You, the necessary knowledge and perseverance to all who are working on a vaccine to quickly end the spread of COVID-19. Have mercy on those who have died, and grant comfort to all who are affected in any way and those who are living in apprehension. Give us the grace each day to trust in You and Your loving mercy. We ask this in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

https://www.facebook.com/SaintDavidsInThePines/

Easter Sunday – Resurrection – 4/12/20

Acts 10:34-43     Peter was the leader of the Twelve and the first to see the risen Lord (Lke. 24-34). Here is part of one of his early sermons, in which it is obvious that the resurrection of Christ is of crucial importance.

Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24     This psalm is “a powerful testimony to the strength of faith that flows from the direct experience of the help of God”. After that introduction, there is the thanksgiving of an individual (vss. 5-21). The portion of this section which we read sounds like the thanksgiving of the risen Lord himself (vss. 18, 22). The latter part of the psalm (vss. 22-29) is the chorus of pilgrims attending the feast. Read on this day, it is an appropriate Easter hymn.

Colossians 3:1-4     The conviction that the risen Lord has conquered both sin and death, is meant to influence all that the Christian is and does.

John 20:1-18     The Easter morning account in John is, first of all, Mary Magdelene’s story. She is baffled by the empty tomb, suspecting foul play, and she is the first to see the risen Lord. Her meeting him in the garden is peculiar to John and is one of the warmest and most touching of all the resurrection appearances. Included is the enigmatic command, “Do not touch me,” and a perplexing reference to his impending ascension. There is no further allusion to the ascension in John, as there is in Luke.

Challenge Questions

  1. As you read John 20:1-18, put yourself in the place of Mary Magdelene, Peter, or the “other disciple” as they came to the tomb. What did they expect to find, and how do you think they might have felt when the tomb was empty.
  2. In verse 8, why do you think the “other disciple” believed? We are told in verse 10 that the disciples returned to their homes. How do you think they might have explained what they had just discovered to the others?
  3. The story continues in verses 11-18. As you read this section, discuss how Mary was finally able to identify the Risen Jesus.
  4. The meaning of the Resurrection for the early Church and for Peter is expressed in today’s reading from Acts 10:34-43. How would you explain the truth of the Resurrection to someone else?
  5. How do you think Mary and the other disciples were changed by their experience of the empty tomb? How is your life different because of the events of Easter morning 2000 years ago?

EASTER SUNDAY – Resurrection of our Lord

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 Resurrection of Jesus – The belief that Jesus was raised bodily from the dead by God on the third day after Jesus’ crucifixion and burial, exalting him to the near presence of God in eternal glory. The resurrection of Jesus is at the heart of Christianity (Acts 2:22-36). Christian faith would be meaningless without the resurrection of Jesus (1 Cor 15:14). The reality of Jesus’ resurrection was experienced by chosen witnesses and proclaimed by the early Christian community. Easter is the day of Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus is understood to have been raised on the Sunday following the Friday of his crucifixion. The resurrection is to be distinguished both from resuscitation (restoration to the prior mode of human existence) and the immortality of the soul. Jesus’ resurrection began the transformation and glorification of the whole cosmos, including the redeemed Christian community. Christ was raised as the “first fruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Cor 15:20). By Christ’s resurrection, this same new mode of existence is made available to all. The Catechism notes that “By his resurrection, Jesus overcame death and opened for us the way of eternal life” (BCP, p. 850). Jesus’ resurrection is celebrated by Christians at all times, especially at Easter and throughout the Great Fifty Days of the Easter season, and on Sunday, which is the Lord’s Day and the day of resurrection.

 Easter – The feast of Christ’s resurrection. According to Bede, the word derives from the Anglo-Saxon spring goddess Eostre. Christians in England applied the word to the principal festival of the church year, both day and season. 1) Easter Day is the annual feast of the resurrection, the pascha or Christian Passover, and the eighth day of cosmic creation. Faith in Jesus’ resurrection on the Sunday or third day following his crucifixion is at the heart of Christian belief. Easter sets the experience of springtime next to the ancient stories of deliverance and the proclamation of the risen Christ. In the west, Easter occurs on the first Sunday after the full moon on or after the vernal equinox. Easter always falls between Mar. 22 and Apr. 25 inclusive. Following Jewish custom, the feast begins at sunset on Easter Eve with the Great Vigil of Easter. The Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates Easter on the first Sunday after the Jewish pesach or Passover (which follows the spring full moon). Although the two dates sometimes coincide, the eastern date is often one or more weeks later. 2) Easter Season. See Great Fifty Days.

https://episcopalchurch.org/library/glossary/resurrection-jesus