Easter Eve – The Saturday before Easter. In the early church it was a day of fasting and preparation for the Easter Vigil. There is no celebration of the eucharist on this day, in accordance with church tradition. The term “Easter Even” was used by the 1549 Prayer Book. The 1979 BCP uses the title “Holy Saturday” for the Saturday before Easter (p. 283). The title distinguishes this day and its proper liturgy from the Easter Vigil. See Holy Saturday.

Easter Vigil – The liturgy intended as the first (and arguably, the primary) celebration of Easter in the BCP (pp. 284-95). It is also known as the Great Vigil. The service begins in darkness, sometime between sunset on Holy Saturday and sunrise on Easter, and consists of four parts: The Service of Light (kindling of new fire, lighting the Paschal candle, the Exsultet); The Service of Lessons (readings from the Hebrew Scriptures interspersed with psalms, canticles, and prayers); Christian Initiation (Holy Baptism) or the Renewal of Baptismal Vows; and the Eucharist. Through this liturgy, the BCP recovers an ancient practice of keeping the Easter feast. Believers would gather in the hours of darkness ending at dawn on Easter to hear scripture and offer prayer. This night-long service of prayerful watching anticipated the baptisms that would come at first light and the Easter Eucharist. Easter was the primary baptismal occasion for the early church to the practical exclusion of all others. This practice linked the meanings of Christ’s dying and rising to the understanding of baptism.

Vigil – 1) A service at night prior to a major feast or other important observance. The vigil anticipates and begins the commemoration of the following day. It may allow the participants an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of the next day’s service. Scripture texts that will be used at the service on the following day may be introduced at a vigil. Christian vigils have been observed since the early years of the church. The Easter Vigil dates from at least the second century, and it is described in Hippolytus’s Apostolic Tradition. The candidates for baptism spent the night in vigil, where they listened to readings and instructions. At cockcrow, the baptismal water was blessed and the candidates were baptized. The pilgrim Egeria mentions a vigil at the tomb in Jerusalem on Good Friday in the fourth century. Ancient sacramentaries provide evidence of a Pentecost vigil. The 1662 BCP lists sixteen feasts that were preceded by a vigil. Although the Easter Vigil was not retained as a vigil by the 1549 Prayer Book, the 1979 BCP includes a rite for the Great Vigil of Easter (pp. 285-295). The 1979 BCP also provides for a Vigil of Pentecost (BCP, p. 227), which resembles the Easter Vigil in a simplified form. The BCP also includes prayers for a vigil prior to burial of the dead (BCP, pp. 465-466). Psalms, lessons, and collects from the burial service may be used at this vigil. The Litany at the Time of Death may also be used. The BOS provides vigils for Christmas Eve, the Eve of the Baptism of our Lord, and the Eve of All Saints’ Day or the Sunday after All Saints’ Day. The BOS also includes a Vigil on the Eve of Baptism and a vigil Service for New Year’s Eve (Eve of Holy Name). 2) The term may also indicate a watch in the presence of the body of a deceased person prior to burial. See Wake.

https://episcopalchurch.org/library/glossary/holy-saturday

The Thursday in Holy Week. It is part of the Triduum, or three holy days before Easter. It comes from the Latin mandatum novum, “new commandment,” from Jn 13:34. The ceremony of washing feet was also referred to as “the Maundy.” Maundy Thursday celebrations also commemorate the institution of the eucharist by Jesus “on the night he was betrayed.” Egeria, a fourth-century pilgrim to Jerusalem, describes elaborate celebrations and observances in that city on Maundy Thursday. Special celebration of the institution of the eucharist on Maundy Thursday is attested by the Council of Hippo in 381. The Prayer Book liturgy for Maundy Thursday provides for celebration of the eucharist and a ceremony of the washing of feet which follows the gospel and homily. There is also provision for the consecration of the bread and wine for administering Holy Communion from the reserved sacrament on Good Friday. Following this, the altar is stripped and all decorative furnishings are removed from the church. (https://episcopalchurch.org/library/glossary/maundy-thursday).  An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church is a wealth of  valuable information.

Now for more tidbits from https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/common/maundy-thursday below.

The day is also known as Passion Thursday, Paschal Thursday or Sheer (or Shere) Thursday. It is the day before Good Friday and occurs during Holy Week.

Many Catholic and Anglican churches continue traditional Maundy Thursday rites that may include handing out special coins known as “Maundy money” to the aged and poor. Churches may also have the blessing of holy oil and feet washing as part of their Maundy Thursday service. Some churches have a tradition that involves priests washing the feet of 12 people to symbolize Jesus washing the feet of his disciples.

Many Maundy Thursday church services take place in the evening. Maundy Thursday is known as “Green Thursday” (Gründonnerstag) in Germany, where green vegetables and salad, including spinach salad, are served as part of the tradition. Maundy Thursday is known as skjærtorsdag in Norway and is a day off for workers and students. It is known as skärtorsdagen in Sweden and is linked to a folktale about a witches’ day.

Maundy Thursday occurs during Holy Week and remembers when Jesus Christ instituted the Eucharist during the Last Supper, an event that is told in the Christian bible. It also commemorates the practice of ceremonial foot-washing to imitate Jesus, who washed his disciples’ feet before the Last Supper as a sign and example of humility and love. Holy Thursday also commemorates the events that took place on the night before Jesus’ crucifixion.

A special Eucharist commemoration on the Thursday of Holy Week was first mentioned in the North African Council of Hippo’s documents around 393 CE. There have been many references to Maundy Thursday observances after that date. Maundy Thursday was also known as Shear, Char, Shrift, and Sharp Thursday. These names are believed to have derived from cutting or trimming hair or beards before Easter during the 14th century. This particular custom signified spiritual preparation for Easter.

Roman nobility practiced washing other people’s feet during the mid-19th century. This practice is no longer common in some Protestant churches but many Catholic and Anglican churches still celebrate this Maundy Thursday rite.

The name “Maundy” most likely stems from the Latin word mandatum (or mandatum novum) which relates to the English words “commandment” or “a new mandate”. It refers to Jesus’ words after he washed his disciple’s feet. He instructed them with a new commandment – to love one another as he loved them.

The ritual is symbolic of the end of winter and the renewal of spring and the regeneration of nature, but for those of us who live year round in South Florida the change of season is not so dramatic.  This makes it even more important that we observe the change in the liturgical “mode.”  For example, we “bury” the Alleluia during the season of Lent; it’s not heard again in our worship until the Great Vigil of Easter on Saturday evening, April 11^th.

For us today, this practice may seem somewhat extreme, but I’m reminded of what the mother superior of one of our religious orders told me years ago: “When we fast, we fast; and when we feast, we feast!”  Lent is the time to fast; not merely to “lose weight” or to make some feeble attempt to identify with the poor; as if that were possible.  Rather, Lent is to help us reflect on the magnificent generosity of God’s grace to us, undeserved and often unrewarded.

Even though we could never “outdo” God in loving and giving, every act of thanksgiving is a step in the right direction.  The Jewish body of literature, the Talmud claims, “One will have to give account in the judgment day of every good thing which one might have enjoyed and did not.”  Or, as I’m fond of saying, “Justice is getting what we deserve, Mercy is not getting what we deserve, and Grace is getting what we don’t deserve.”

I pray each of you has a fruitful Lent.

This Week at St. David’s:

Hospitality Hour – Episcopal Church Women

Daughters of the King – meets at 8:45 a.m. in the Parish Hall, March 1^st and March 8^th

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

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

Evensong – St. David’s Day at 4:00 p.m., followed by a reception in the Parish Hall

Holy Eucharist – Tuesday 8:30 a.m.

Men’s Bible Study – Tuesday 7:00 p.m.

St. David’s Men’s Organization – meets on Tuesday, March 3^rd at 8:00 p.m.

Adoration – Wednesday, March 4^th, 6:00 p.m.

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

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

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

Please Pray – For the sick: Bill, Kim, Joe, Natalie, Steve, Bob, Tania, Linda, Laurie, Francine, Timone, Donna, Ashlyn, Robin. For birthday celebrations: Kati Erickson, Sue Ashe, Jackie Whiting, Jim Philistin. For our expectant mothers: Dani, Andrea.

Daylight Savings Time – will begin at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 8, 2020

Lenten Liturgical Practices:

Each year the holy season of Lent calls us to prayers, fasting, and almsgiving. At this point in history let this not be a mere routine done out of habit. The world, our nation and our community need our prayers. The spirit and character of the season is conveyed to the eye as well as to the ear.

During Lent we follow an ancient Anglican practice. In pre-reformation England, purple was not normally used in Lent. Brocaded silk vestments of all color were given up. Instead, priests wore chasubles of unbleached linen, suggestive of sackcloth. The same was true for altar hangings, but symbols of the Passion, such as crosses and thorns, were painted on them in red and black.

Gold and silverware were likewise removed in place of earthenware vessels. Flowers have traditionally not been used in Lent either. The Gloria and Alleluias are omitted.

In the spirit of self-denial and repentance, these changes strengthen our sense of the meaning of the season and provide a contrast to the solemnity of the Queen of Feasts whereby we celebrate the Lord’s resurrection.

Saint David – Patron of Wales – March 1^st

Saint David was born in Wales about the year 500 and died close to the end of the 6^th century. He was the most famous of the saints in the early church of the British Isles.

He was the son of noble parents and studied in the region of Cardigan. Soon after David became a priest he traveled to a lonely island to study with a blind teacher named Paulinus. There he learned to preach eloquently. One day while preaching many people could not see nor hear him. To help them, the ground under David rose up to become a hill and snow-white dove appeared upon his shoulder. Statues and images show him with a dove, the emblem of peace.

David went on to found monasteries, the last of which in Menevia, a coastal town on the western edge of Britain, where he remained to become its bishop. He was a strict spiritual director. Admission to the monastery was only after ten days of demanding self-denial. David was called “The Waterman” because his monks did not drink the customary beer or wine of the time. At the beginning of the “Dark Ages” when people were being drawn away by pagan religions, he maintained the flame of Christian faith during an age of despair and confusion. He was a patron of education and founded a library in the city. The present cathedral still standing in the ancient city of St. David’s was built on the site of David’s original one. A piece of stone from the monastic ruins in that city is anchored to the base of the altar at St. David’s Church in Wellington.

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 25^th

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 25^th, 5:30 p.m.

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

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

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

Parish Picnic – Sunday March 8^th         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

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

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. 9^th – 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 9^th, 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 9^th, 12:00- 3:00 in the parish hall

Episcopal Church Women (ECW) – Meeting  Friday, Feb. 14^th  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 15^th 6:00 p.m. – $10pp – 3 winners – potluck

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

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

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

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

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

Parish Picnic – Sunday March 8^th 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