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WEEKLY NEWSLETTER – February 23rd – Fr. Thomas

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Next Wednesday is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent.  Someone once asked me what I think about the practice of “Drive-through” administration of ashes on Ash Wednesday.  This fad gained attention some years ago and seems to have increased in notoriety.  People who seemingly don’t have time to actually go to mass or make a confession, simply remain in their cars and get a smudge of ash on their foreheads in route to work, school, their favorite fast food restaurant or coffee shop.  If that wasn’t enough, according to the Wall Street Journal, some years ago there was the fad of taking “Ash Wednesday Selfies.”  Some individuals apparently gathered together and took a group picture with ashes on their foreheads and posted the photo on their social media site.  There seems to be divergence of opinions on this practice.  One priest was quoted as saying that, “Any way we can encourage people to think about their faith, we support.”  Others believe it’s narcissistic; i.e. antithetical to the whole Lenten message of “self-less-ness.”

I suppose some would even be content with “drive through Holy Communion,” if it didn’t interfere with their already frantic schedules.  (Or drive through confessionals.  It could be called “Toot and tell or go to . . . .)  But where is the act of contrition?  Where is the intention to transform and renew one’s behavior and attitude?  What value is in the sign:  ashes, a wedding band, the water of Baptism, without the necessary act of faith and commitment which gives meaning to the sacramental act in the first place?

Maybe I’m old fashioned, but there is something to be said for “shared experiences.”  With the advent of Netflix and digital movies, cinemas were worried that they would be the next victim of technological advance.  Just the opposite has happened.  Movies theatres are still standing.  Athletic events continue to be well attended because people want to cheer together for their team.  Our sacramental worship provides something one cannot receive from sitting at home in front of a TV – specifically the Bread of Life, absolution, fellowship and the shared experience of worshipping together and being edified by God’s Holy Word.   Perhaps there’s something to be said for what our Church has to offer, because “All Change is not growth, and all movement is not forward.”

Please take advantage of the traditional disciplines of prayer, fasting, study and almsgiving during this holy season; and here’s wishing you a holy season of Lent.

This Week at St. David’s

Congratulations – to those children who have completed their First Communion preparation and will be receiving the Sacrament for the first time: Mia Hogan, Jackson Hogan, Tristan Barreca, Wyatt Barreca, Caleb Stepp.

Hospitality Hour – Episcopal Church Women

Women’s Bible Study – Sunday, 11:15 a.m.

No mass Tuesday morning, February 25th

Men’s Bible Study – No meeting – please join us at the Pancake Supper

Rummage Sale – sponsored by the Episcopal Church Women – today

Pancake Supper – Shrove Tuesday – February 25th, 5:30 p.m.

Ash Wednesday – February 26th, 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Youth Group – meets next Sunday, March 1st, at 11:15 a.m. in the big Classroom.

Evensong – St. David’s Feast Day, Sunday March 1st, 4:00 pm

Parish Picnic – Sunday March 8th         1-4:00 p.m. Pavilion #3 at Village Park on Pierson Road

Stations of the Cross & Meditation – Friday, during Lent 6:30 p.m. dates to remember: 2/28, 3/06, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27, 4/03.

Please Pray – For the sick: Natalie, Steve, Bob, Tania, Michelle, Toni, Linda, Laurie, Francine, Timone, Donna, Ashlyn, Robin. For birthday celebrations: Anne Guillaume. For wedding anniversaries: Dennis & Yvonne Wright. For our expectant mothers: Sofia and Dani.

Flower & Candles – dates are available for designation of altar flowers for $40.00

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER – February 16th – Fr. Thomas

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Today, of course, is Valentine’s Day. Who was St. Valentine? We don’t know much about him historically except that he was a martyred priest in ancient Rome who ministered to Christian prisoners, and that he was buried north of the city on February 14th, in the mid- 3rd century. It is also uncertain if the name “Valentine” is associated with one person, or more saints of the same name. His popularity likely spread in response to a pagan custom where boys wrote down girl’s names on cards as part of their petition to honor the Roman fertility gods. Another custom associated with this date is in recognition of a medieval belief that birds choose their mates at this time of year. Nonetheless, because of the lack of firm evidence, his liturgical commemoration was never included in the official list of saints in the Western Church; although, he is still venerated by florists, greeting card companies and candy makers!

Valentine’s Day can be a lonely day for some people- even couples, but it’s never a bad idea to pray for all couples, and particularly that their relationships manifest the same grace and love of Christ for His Church, even to the point of offering his own life for those he loves. In the Eastern Church, there’s a tradition that both the bride and groom wear a crown on their wedding day. But over time, crowns give way to curlers, and a man’s majesty gives way when “the king” can’t find his socks! Maybe that’s why we consider marriage a sacrament in the Church; it’s a journey which, if entered into realistically and nurtured by God’s grace, can indeed grow into an “outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace,” as the Prayer Book catechism defines it. Marriage is like the journey of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus following the Resurrection, who only gradually recognize Jesus in their midst as a companion on the way; through the discoveries and disappointments, the Good Fridays and the Easter Sundays. As has been said, “Marriage is not simply gazing adoringly into each other’s eyes; but looking together in the same direction.”

This Week at St. David’s

Bunco – Saturday, February 15th 6:00 p.m. – $10pp – 3 winners – potluck

Youth Group – meets Sunday, February 16th, at 11:15 a.m. in the big schoolroom

Hospitality Hour – Daughters of the King

Women’s Bible Study – Sunday, 11:15 a.m.

Holy Eucharist – Tuesday 8:30 a.m.

M000en’s Bible Study – Tuesday 7:00 p.m.

Holy Eucharist And Rosary – Wednesday 6:30 p.m.

Rummage Sale sponsored by the Episcopal Church Women – Saturday February 22nd & Sunday February 23rd

Pancake Supper – Shrove Tuesday – February 25th, 5:30 p.m.

Ash Wednesday – February 26th, 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Evensong – St. David’s Feast Day, Sunday March 1st, 4:00 pm

Parish Picnic – Sunday March 8th, 1-4pm, Pavilion #3 at Village Park on Pierson Road

Stations of the Cross – Friday, during Lent 6:30 p.m.

Please Pray – For the sick: Steve, Bob, Tania, Michelle, Toni, Linda, Laurie, Francine, Timone, Donna, Ashlyn, Robin. For birthday celebrations: Dawn LaBorde, Jedidiah Kalphat, Dennis Wright, Howard Barrett. For our expectant mother: Sofia. For the faithful departed: Larry Saifman

Flower & Candles – dates are available for designation of altar flowers for $40.00

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER – February 9th – Fr. Thomas

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You may have seen episodes of a television series, Undercover Boss.  It’s a program about corporate CEO’s who disguise themselves and work alongside of the company employees, particularly in factories, restaurants, and sales departments.  Whether it’s “staged” or totally spontaneous, it reveals how employees at the “ground level” feel about their jobs, and their customers, for good or bad.

I remember many years ago a priest in our diocese, while on sabbatical, dressed up in a vagrant’s outfit, grew a beard, and totally changed his appearance.  He visited his own parish one Sunday incognito, and was sad to find that he was completely ignored, and in some cases, people even went out of their way to avoid him – totally oblivious to his true identity!

So, I remind all of us again, to welcome the stranger as if we were welcoming Christ Himself.  Make the effort to extend a hand and simply say, “Hello,” to those whom we may not know by name or face. If it helps, here are a list of things not to say to a visitor.

  1. You can’t sit in that pew, it belongs to the Doe family.
  2. We’d like you to wear this red bull’s eye on your forehead so everyone will know that you’re visiting.
  3. OH, we’re so glad that you’re here; our offerings are down this year.
  4. Would you like to teach Vacation Bible School?  It won’t take much of your time.
  5. The bathroom?  Just down the hallway on the right, take a left at the stairs, go down two flights, third door on the left.
  6. A nursery?  Maybe someday if we have enough children.
  7. The Hispanic/Asian/African-American church is just down the street.
  8. Oh, thank God – fresh blood.
  9. Here’s what you’ll need for the service:  our leaflet, the readings, the prayer book, hymnal, supplemental text, song sheet, and notices.
  10. Have you ever been on a vestry – we need a new Property Committee Chairman?

THIS WEEK AT ST. DAVID’S

ECW Sunday – Feb. 9th – As a token of our appreciation to the parishioners for their support throughout the year, we will be giving a red carnation to each household after the 8am and 10am masses today.

Blood Drive – sponsored by Outreach – today, Sunday, February 9th, 8:30am-12noon

Hospitality Hour – St. David’s Men’s Organization

Women’s Bible Study – Sunday, 11:15 a.m.

Holy Eucharist – Tuesday 8:30 a.m.

Men’s Bible Study – Tuesday 7:00 p.m.

Holy Eucharist & Rosary – Wednesday 6:30 p.m.

Cursillo Reunion– Sunday, February 9th, 12:00- 3:00 in the parish hall

Episcopal Church Women (ECW) – Meeting  Friday, Feb. 14th  11:00 a.m. Lunch follow the meeting.  Nancy Schroeder (561)792-0244 or e-mail schroeder.nancy@gmail.com.  All ladies are welcome to join us!

Bunco – Saturday, February 15th 6:00 p.m. – $10pp – 3 winners – potluck

Youth Group – meets next Sunday, February 16th, at 11:15 a.m. in the big schoolroom

Rummage Sale – sponsored by the Episcopal Church Women – Saturday February 22nd & Sunday February 23rd

Pancake Supper for Shrove Tuesday – February 25th, 5:30 p.m. – sponsored by the St. David’s Men’s Organization

Ash Wednesday – February 26th, 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Evensong – St. David’s Feast Day, Sunday March 1st, 4:00 pm

Parish Picnic – Sunday March 8th 1-4 p.m. Pavilion #3 at Village Park on Pierson Road

Stations of the Cross – Friday, during Lent 6:30 p.m.

Please pray – For the sick: Steve, Bob, Tania, Michelle, Toni, Linda, Laurie, Francine, Timone, Donna, Ashlyn, Robin. For birthday celebrations: Rohan Wolliston, Jim McKeown, Ralph Robinson, Britney LaBorde. For wedding anniversaries: Desmond & Ann Chambers. For our expectant mother: Sofia. In thanksgiving for life at the birth of Joseph W. to Megan Taylor & Joey Piconcelli.

Flowers & Candles – dates are available for designation of altar flowers for $40.00