Church guide

Come celebrate Advent and Christmas with old and new friends!

Be sure to go to the St. Stephen's Church, Lakeland Facebook page to LIKE and FOLLOW, so that you’ll always have access to posts like this. This was the Collect for this Sunday. It was written many years ago. And yet it is perfect for now.

Have you been unsure about how things would fit together as we join St. Stephen's? Are you one who looks for signs? Here’s your answer: The huge, heavy, old brass cross from the St David’s sanctuary is now hanging at the St Stephen’s altar. It couldn’t be a more perfect fit. It’s as if it was designed for the space. We are so incredibly grateful for the welcome we all received this morning, at our first services together. How nice it is to experience this homecoming among our new church friends. See you Sunday at St Stephen’s! 9am - traditional 11am - contemporary

This is great news!

When your dad is the priest, and the church is moving, and you have no school - this is how you spend your day! Quite a lot is happening as we move! The items that we’ve used in worship are sacred and beloved. They will continue to be used in a new home.

Were you part of our closing service yesterday? Reply to this post with your photos, stories, and memories.

This is a lovely telling of yesterday’s closing service.

As St David’s merges with St Stephen’s, we encourage you to like and follow this Facebook page. You’ll want to stay in the know, and this is one way to do that! (Click on the link and then like that page. Don’t just like this post.)

Some of us need to hear this over and over. Peace!

Happy new school year!

A church in transition is a very busy church indeed! Lots of changes are happening at St. David's! We don't want to bombard everyone with the details. BUT - we know that some of you LOVE details. So, if you would like a daily (or nearly) update from Fr. Rob, just fill out this simple form. (For the rest of you, you will be updated, but just not quite as often!) https://goo.gl/forms/bSAuHYgqHXBRcno33

A message from Rev. Robert Moses (aka Father Rob): As you likely know, Saint David’s has been presented with an opportunity to sell the current property and make some big changes. I want to keep you all updated as we move through this process. 1. Regarding the Sale of the Property: Since the news broke that Saint David’s would be selling its property, there has been quite a bit of interest, as well as formal offers. Using the Diocesan ordered appraisal and under the guidance of Diocesan leadership, the Parish Vestry made counter-offers to interested parties. An agreement on a contract with Redemption Church was reached, and the contract was forwarded to an attorney (recommended by the diocese) for review. The contract should be voted on by the Diocesan Board at their August meeting. The closing date is not yet determined but should be some time in late September or early October. 2. The Work of the “Next Steps” Task Force When the pursuit of the sale of property was approved by the Vestry, a Task Force was established to discuss the future of Saint David’s and consider all options. These options ranged from dissolving completely to merging with another church to replanting elsewhere. Through much discussion, the Task Force rated the options in a variety of categories (including affordability, longevity, participation, and mission-orientation, among others). In the end, the highest rating achieved was a true merger of Saint David’s with St. Stephen's Episcopal Church (in Lakeland, on County Road 540A). This joining together will include myself as a priest, as well as Deacon Ray. And, hopefully, YOU! I presented the work of the Task Force to Bishop Brewer at a meeting on Thursday (08/09/18). With the Bishop’s blessing and the support of the Diocese, I am very hopeful for a Gospel centered vision for building the kingdom of God. I honestly believe that this can be a plan of faithfulness, hope, renewed mission, and even redemption. While there is grief in death, our story will always be Resurrection. We appreciate the bishop’s wisdom and guidance as we prepare to move forward in mission and ministry to the world. Please do not hesitate to call or email me with any questions or thoughts. We will post details on some related upcoming events, and will share that information in the replies to this post. Please make every effort to participate as much as you can. YOU are very much part of the past, present, and future of our faith community!

How will they know we are Christians? Oh, by our LOVE!!

Dinner tonight is an EXTRAORDINARY salad bar! Come join us at 6 o'clock!

Alleluia!!

In case you missed our children adding their own flourish to the choir this morning, here's a little snippet!

From the festival of native Honduran peoples Mission trip day 4

The youth group went caroling tonight, and stopped by Fr Rob's house! What a treat!!

Father Rob took the ALS ice bucket challenge!

This is happening right now at St David's! Thirty moms, plus babies and toddlers, are gathered for Babywearing Ballet! What a beautiful sight!