Weekly Message October 27th , 2013 Fr. Thomas In the strange world of coincidences, Charles Darwin and Abraham Lincoln were born on the same day! Yes, February 12, 1809. That may be where the similarity ends. Lincoln dedicated his presidency to seeing that all of God’s creatures become free, while Darwin’s ideas evolved into “Social Darwinism.” (Actually, it was a sociologist named Herbert Spencer who developed the “survival of the fittest” concept in a work published in 1857 titled, Progress: Its Laws and Consequences.) Spencer’s theory, applied to society, culminated in the Nazi application and has been used to support other racial ideologies. The “Big Bang Theory” holds up until one asks the question, “Where did the original hydrogen particle that commenced the entire process come from?” Classic Christian theology parallels the idea that something came from nothing (Ex Nihilo) but puts a Name and Face on the Person/Being/Higher Power who started it all. Believing that billions of years of random development, with no apparent design or reason, requires a great deal of “blind faith.” Scientific principles teach that something cannot come from nothing – with this one exception - the entire universe. I find it hard to believe that billions of years of random chance culminated in a well structured universe, with absolute laws, and that it all emanated from one atom. Even Professor Stephen Hawking in his elder years has somewhat softened his opposition to the possibility of Intelligent Design. (I had a chance meeting with him fifteen years ago in Cambridge; ask me for the whole story.) The Church is not opposed to the possibility of life changing and transforming over a lengthy period of time; but religious belief says that Someone had to oversee the process. I think science and religion can coexist if we remember that science asks the question, “How;” but religion asks the question “How Come?” Living a faithful life can hopefully answer that question. ANNOUNCEMENTS Congratulations to our own Izzy Parrado of Okeeheelee Middle School who was named Middle School Counselor of the year for the State of Florida. Well Done!! HOSPITALITY HOUR is hosted by E.C.W. next week 11/03 it will be the Congregation. EVENSONG Sunday, November 3rd at 4:00 p.m. Invite your friends. TIME “Fall Back” Don’t forget to set your clocks back 1 hour next weekend. E.C.W. FASHION SHOW & LUNCHEON Saturday, November 9th, at Madison Green, call Cindy Hernandez 307-7154. PLEASE PRAY…For the sick: Earl, Holly, Elizabeth, Debbie, Martha, Ray, Sean, Sylvia, Allison, John, Ray, Greg, Stan, Pat, Miguel, Maryana, Geoff, Sherry, Jacob, Sharon, Karen, Isabel, Kimberly, Waverlee, Rene, Robert, Linda, Bonnie, Greta, David, Paul, Carolyn, Larry, Connie, Jacinth, Jeri, Jan, Gail, Al. For those celebrating a birthday: Fay Ishmael, David Leslie, Allen Dicks, Jr., Gwendolyn Osbourne, Emily Dicks, Zoe Chung. For the wedding anniversary of Olga & Russell Evans, and Alvin & Connie Hunter. For the faithful departed: NOTICES as you may have noticed, mass notices are now being announced at the beginning of mass, by our priest or lector. If you have information that needs to be heard, please notify the office to schedule in advance of your need. MINISTRY FAIR Sunday, October 27th, come see what we are all about. EPISCOPAL SCHOOLS SUNDAY is Sunday, October 27, support our school. BULLETIN-PROGRAM please feel free to take home a copy of the weekly bulletin/program as it contains today’s readings and commentary as well as scripture study for next Sunday. GRANDMA’S PLACE is always in need of items such as: backpacks, bottled water, children’s bikes, formula, gift cards, toilet paper, diapers – any size, paper towels, Ziploc bags. A receptacle will be provided in the narthex for your donations. Thanks!! OFFERTORY ENVELOPES for clarification & facilitating crediting accounts… WHITE envelopes for Sunday Offering and General fund/upkeep of the church YELLOW envelopes specific areas; mortgage, outreach, music, capital projects, as the front designates, or for guests or those who have forgotten their weekly envelopes. If you E-give, you may use this envelope and check mark the bottom box which indicates that you donate through E-give, so as not to feel left out when the offering plate is passed E-Give How to contribute to St. David’s Church electronically: 1. Go to church website saintdavidsinthepines.org (or paste this link to your URL) 2. Click on “Make a contribution” 3. Click on “Contribute” 4. Click on the box which says 5. Follow directions on “Givers Login” The process is safe, secure, and reduces any chances of error on our part or the bank’s.
Posted on: Sat, 26 Oct 2013 00:51:13 +0000