As I write this message, we are preparing for Holy Week at St. David's, with a new offering this year of the service of Tenebrae, designed by Deacon Cathy and our lay worship leaders. To fully understand the glory of the Happy Morning we so greatly anticipate, it is a deeply spiritual practice to participate in the worship events of Holy Week which trace the footsteps of Christ through Jerusalem to, finally, the Place of the Skull where his Cross would stand. Join us, won't you, for this week of passion which in its sadness also looks toward hope? It is there you will find your friends and neighbors, hearing the story of the Passion, and wakening to the New Life of the Resurrection. At St. David's, you are welcome for all our Holy Week and Easter services: Wednesday 3/27 7 pm Tenebrae Shadows of Darkness Thursday 3/28 7 pm Maundy Thursday Communion & Stripping the Altar Friday 3/29 7 pm Good Friday Prayer Saturday 3/30 4:40 pm Easter Vigil Music with Communion Sunday 3/31 9 am Easter Morning Music with Communion M. Claudia + Our Services--Saturdays 4:30 pm and Sundays 9 am

Baptism is the sacrament by which we become full members of the Body of Christ and take on our identity as Children of God. Here at St. David's we are preparing to welcome another member into our congregation and into the Christian family. We baptize youth and adults after a season of preparation and reflection; and we baptize infants whose parents and godparents receive instruction and take vows in their stead. Many congregations use the Lenten season to prepare candidates for baptism at the Easter Vigil--but we are happy to accommodate the timing of this special event to meet the family's needs. Please contact me or leave a message at the church office (716-674-4670) to inquire about baptism for your family member! M. Claudia + Our Services--Saturdays 4:30 pm and Sundays 9 am

I wonder sometimes why I still live here, in this region that buries us in the white frozen tundra several months of the year--but then I remember how much I love this place and these people. And part of my job is to care for my people in this congregation, and all the people in this community. And cancelling services during dangerous winter storms is part of how we do that here at St. David's. So yes, we are canceling both services the weekend of January 13-14 2024, so that you all may stay home, avoid bad road conditions, and look after your neighbors. The work of the Church will go on when the weather lets up. Until then, be safe and warm, and I pray that God keep you from all danger. M. Claudia + Our Services--Saturdays 4:30 pm and Sundays 9 am Comfort At Christmas Service--Saturday December 16, 4:00 pm.

The Christmas holidays are often difficult for our friends and loved ones who experience loss or grief. Even the loss of a job, or loss of good health can make the holidays rough for us and our neighbors. That's why St. David's has committed to offering Comfort at Christmas every year, to help those in grief name their loved ones and prepare themselves for the joy which awaits at Christmastime. Please recommend this service to anyone you know who might be struggling this season. Comfort at Christmas is a short, intimate experience of prayer, music, and healing blessings. We'd love to greet your loved ones and assure them that God embraces those who suffer. Many who attend find themselves ready to enter into the mystery of the Nativity of Our Lord with wonder and hope. Following this service will be our usual Simple Saturday service, a time for scripture and Holy Communion. Attendees at Comfort and Christmas are welcome to stay for this as well. M. Claudia + Our Services--Saturdays 4:30 pm and Sundays 9 am Comfort At Christmas Service--Saturday December 16, 4:00 pm.

If you have friended St. David's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/stdavidsepiscopal/) you see frequent posts titled "Thoughtful Thursday", which feature thought-provoking meditations by Christian authors, mystics, and others. Their purpose is to remind us of the many ways we can be Christ out in the world. Today, my blog will (hopefully!) inspire us to think about Thankful Thursday...that yearly "official" celebration of what many of us do far more frequently--give thanks for our many blessings which God has provided. Our annual member pledge campaign this year has adopted the theme of "GIFT-Growing in Faith Together". Giving thanks is part of the growth and development of most Christian families. We teach children their prayers, we pray in thanksgiving at the dinner table, we remember our favorite charities with contributions to their ministries. Let us remember that our faith communities need infusions of your thanksgiving gifts as well. St. David's is now conducting its annual pledge drive, and even non-members can send gifts to help sustain our mission and ministry. Please be thoughtful this season about the institutions and the charities that mean so much to our families. Please be thankful this year with your gift--and your GIFT--and ensure that our ministry in this community can continue! M. Claudia + Our Services--Saturdays 4:30 pm and Sundays 9 am Comfort At Christmas Service--Saturday December 16, 4:00 pm.

Trees are turning, and colors are becoming vibrant; the air is cooling and the fragrance of autumn fills the air! Autumn is the perfect time of year to consider giving thanks for God's grace and abundance. St. David's Vestry chose the theme "Growing in Faith Together" for its annual Pledge Drive, and we hope you will give in a spirit of joyful gratitude. Like so many other houses of worship, time takes its toll on our buildings and grounds. Your "GIFT" helps us run our administrative processes and budgeting work more smoothly. If you've never taken the plunge and filled out a pledge card, why not do so now? Your pledge can be recalculated at a later time if your financial status changes. What are you thankful for this season? How has St. David's made a difference in your faith and prayer life? M. Claudia + Our Services--Saturdays 4:30 pm and Sundays 9 am All Saints Holy Eucharist with Southern Erie Deanery--Wednesday November 1, 12 noon. Brown bag lunch to follow. All are welcome! Online Worship from the National Cathedral https://cathedral.org/

Like most churches, St. David's relies on fundraisers to support our programs. But unique to our BBQ rib dinners is the sense of camaraderie our volunteers enjoy together during these events, working with one another and greeting our neighbors and friends from West Seneca and beyond. Come and pick up a delicious dinner from 3-6 pm on Friday October 13 and support our work in the community. You'll be glad you stopped by--and we'll be glad to greet you! M. Claudia + Our Services--Saturdays 4:30 pm and Sundays 9 am BBQ Ribs Fundraiser--Friday 10/13 3-6 pm, $13 take out only Online Worship from the National Cathedral https://cathedral.org/

St. David's will again host a booth at the Thursday Farmer's Market on August 3rd! You will meet some of our friendliest members, learn about our ministries and events, and peruse our cookbook collection! You can trust your prayer requests to us, and I will be present to greet you and offer your pets a blessing too! St. David's likes to support our local growers and businesses in their endeavors, as well as honor God's creation by celebrating the fruits of our neighbors' harvests. Come out and say hi to us! We look forward to connecting with you! M. Claudia + Our Services--Saturdays 4:30 pm and Sundays 9 am BBQ Ribs Fundraiser--Friday 8/25 3-6 pm Online Worship from the National Cathedral https://cathedral.org/

A year ago this week our neighbors in Buffalo suffered devastating loss when a lone gunman targeted people of color to become his murder victims. On Sunday, May 21st at our 9 am service, St. David's honors the names of those lost in this racist incident, and prays for their souls, their families, and that we will be able to eradicate the causes of gun violence in our communities. We Christians are a Resurrection people, but that doesn't mean we are blind to the injustices and injuries occurring among the living in our neighborhoods and targeting the poorest and most vulnerable. There seems to be a force out there threatening us into believing that more guns will keep us safer. We who mourn with the families of those whose lives are lost to gun violence will not agree. We who strive to be people of peace following Jesus' example insist more guns are not the answer. It is long past time to stand up and repent for the system which has allowed such racist violence to be perpetrated. Come with us on May 21st, and speak the names of those who died in the Tops shooting, and pray that we as a nation can tackle these problems which threaten our own neighbors. All are invited to wear the color orange on this date, as it is the color of Protesting Gun Violence. M. Claudia + Our Services--Saturdays 4:30 pm and Sundays 9 am BBQ Ribs Fundraiser--Friday 6/23 3-6 pm Online Worship from the National Cathedral https://cathedral.org/