Saint Monica's Episcopal Church
Messenger
April 2016
From the Rector’s desk
by Rev. Anthony MacWhinnie, II
We are a resurrection people! Happy Easter! How many times have you heard that phrase throughout your life? “Christians are a resurrection people.” A lot, I’m sure. And it’s true, we really are a resurrection people. Our church, our culture, our understanding of our God… Our very lives depend on this core concept of resurrection. Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, died and was buried, and on the third day rose again. Christ overcame death through death. He was resurrected. But what does it mean to be resurrected? Well, at the very heart of understanding resurrection is the understanding that something has to die first, to be resurrected. Yeah, that’s the hard part, isn’t it? That whole dying thing… If only we could get to the resurrection without having to die! Wouldn’t that be wonderful? Yes, it would. But it doesn’t work like that. For there to be a resurrection, there has to be a death. That’s why so often, our attempts to change ourselves, our lives, our core being, fall short. It’s because we haven’t fully died to the old life, the old way of being. We want the resurrection without the death! We want the easy way, the quick way. Death is hard work sometimes, and we have to diligently put the work in if we want to experience a resurrection to the new life on the other side. So, consider how you want to be resurrected in your life. What would be better if it were different? So, now… What is it in your life that needs to die, so that you can be resurrected in that new and glorious way? We are an Easter people. You are an Easter person. Find what needs to die, and let it. And then… Be Resurrected! Peace, Anthony+
Our Staff & Vestry Rev, Anthony MacWhinnie, II, Rector Vestry: Chuck Barnett - Senior Warden Dan Ferguson- Junior Warden/Co-Treasurer Linda Aligood —Treasurer Susan Early, Ann Philen, John Velaski & Beth Woods Viv Welch—Clerk of the Vestry Brenda Ferguson—Church Secretary Twinette McDonald - Music Director Sally Putters - Parish Nurse
How can you help? Doggie Wish list Purina Dog Chow (green bag) Purina ONE Healthy Puppy (red bag) Canned Pedigree (Adult & Puppy)/Canned Alpo (Chopped) Treats of all kinds! Purina Little Bites (yellow bag) Topical Flea Prevention Heartguard heartworm preventative Kitty Wish list KMR Kitten Weaning Formula (powdered) Purina Kitten Chow/Purina Cat Chow Canned Fancy Feast (No fishy flavors please) Carpeted Scratching Posts Corrugated Cardboard Scratching Pads Topical Flea Prevention Heartguard heartworm preventative Human Wish list Postage Stamps (URGENT!) #10 Security Left Window Envelopes Paper Towels Laundry Detergent Pine Sol Bleach 30 Gallon Garbage Bags Rubbermaid Professional Plus Mop heads Fabuloso Lowe's or Home Depot Gift Cards Clinic Wish list Paper Towels Newspaper 50 gallon trash bags used prescription bottles sheets, towels, linens laundry detergent (HE) liquid hand soap disinfectant wipes hand sanitizer Copy paper stamps AA lithium batteries
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Saint Monica’s Messenger
Spring has sprung!
About our Charity of the Month
By Nurse Sally
From the agency’s website
It’s here! It’s here! SPRINGTIME! A favorite time of the year for me. Trees and flowers are blooming and the grass is beginning to turn green. It makes one anxious to get in the yard and get to work. Making things beautiful is a real challenge and takes a very laborious effort. Along with that effort are the aches and pains of that labor, but in the end it is worth it. A big issue while gardening is the risk of insect bites (especially mosquitos) that spread disease. There are a few simple steps that can be taken to reduce mosquito populations without using insecticides. Some to consider are; 1. Empty water from containers such as flower pots, birdbaths, pet water dishes, tires and buckets. 2. Keep window and doors in good repair. 3. Wear long sleeves and long pants early morning and late evening when mosquito’s are most active. 4. Use an insect repellent and be sure to follow label directions regarding usage. We are familiar with the disease West Nile Virus, but this year we are being faced with a new one. Zika virus disease is caused by Zika virus that is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. According to the Center for Disease Control, the most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The disease is relatively mild with symptom lasting several days to a week after being bitten by an infected mosquito. People don’t get sick enough to go to the hospital and they very rarely die of Zika. For this reason many people might not realize they have been infected. Zika virus usually remains in the blood of an infected person for about a week but it can be found longer in some people. Once a person has been infected they are likely to be protected from future infections. As of this writing 283 cases of Zika have been documented with reported 59 cases in Florida. There is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat Zika virus. The best protection against Zika and other mosquito borne illnesses is to avoid mosquito bites by using the same precautions as those listed above. Practice good health habits, avoid mosquito bites and as always, wash hands thoroughly.
Beginning with this issue, each month we will try to provide you with more information about our Charities of the Month. In this issue, we feature The Pensacola Humane Society.
Happy Days Nurse Sally
The mission of The Pensacola Humane Society is a commitment to improving the lives of companion animals in our community through advocacy, adoption, education and sanctuary. The Pensacola Humane Society is an organization comprised of passionate advocates who love animals as much as they love us: unconditionally. They are a unique mix of dreamers, idealists, and optimists grounded in reality and fueled by an overwhelming commitment to the wellbeing and care of all animals within our community. They are known both within our community and nationally as an exemplar animal agency. They are changing our community four paws at a time. To be agents of change within our community, the Pensacola Humane Society believes in offering unique services that help others in need. Pet Therapy The Pensacola Humane Society offers pet therapy to the community. In order to branch out in the community, they need more volunteers and pets. All pets should be up-to-date on all vaccinations, calm, clean, flea- and tickfree, have their nails trimmed and get along with other animals. Pets also should be well-behaved and not afraid of wheelchairs or walkers. Most animals are accepted and are required to be Delta Society certified. If you and your pet would like to help make a difference in an older person’s life, contact Sarah Humlie at 850-432-4250 for more information, or email director@pensacolahumane.org. Reading, Writing, and Rover Program The Reading, Writing and Rover program is a fun, school program that teaches responsible pet ownership to children. In order to encourage protection and welfare of animals, children should be educated at an early age about how to care for a pet. The program involves volunteers going into the classrooms with pets. A basic outline on pet care is followed and the children are encouraged to ask questions. Volunteers are currently needed who have Delta Society Certified dogs. If you would like further information on this program or if you would like to volunteer, please contact Janice Monks at 850-477-8700 or gtmpens@bellsouth.net.
Saint Monica’s Messenger
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Don’t miss Diocesan Discipleship Day On Saturday, April 9 at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, The Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast will present a day of workshops offering resources and training designed to support and strengthen congregational vitality. You'll leave empowered and invigorated! Each individual workshop will be a full day of activity and learning, so each registrant can only register for one workshop. Invite-Welcome-Connect: Facilitator, Mary Parmer, Newcomer Ministry Project Consultant, Diocese of Texas Invite, Welcome, Connect: It couldn't be more simple, but we don't do it very well in many cases. Each is a vital step for building healthy, vibrant and growing congregations. This workshop will promote the principles of INVITEWELCOME-CONNECT and is designed to educate participants on how to create intentional and transformational newcomer ministries in local congregations. The INVITEWELCOME-CONNECT materials that project consultant Mary Parmer created and developed in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas provide creative, concrete resources and tools to assist congregations in forming systematic and intentional newcomer ministries. Who should attend? Clergy and Lay leadership who are 1) wanting to see their church grow; 2) interested in having their congregations flourish, and 3) open to new possibilities and creative approaches. Wardens and Vestry: Managers or Ministers? Facilitator: Bishop Russell Kendrick & others, Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast This workshop is intended for those who are serving on congregational vestries either as a member or a warden. The workshop will look at the unique dynamics of congregational leadership, explore the concept of vestry as ministry, and review practical ways to enrich your experience of being on the vestry. Who should attend? New (or not so new) vestry members, Senior Wardens, and Junior Wardens. Stewardship That Works Facilitators: Judy Gettys, Senior Warden & Rev. Reid McCormick, Rector, St. Thomas, Greenville Does the word STEWARDSHIP make you groan? Have you been practicing the definition of insanity when it comes to stewardship, i.e. doing the same thing and expecting a different result? Have you looked at other stewardship formats and felt they don't/won't fit with your church? Come hear the story of St. Thomas Greenville's transformational experience through stewardship and learn how you can apply the same principles and strategies in your congregation. This workshop will teach you how to create a stewardship plan that can be adapted to your situation. It is important that several leaders attend and participate in this program together in order to begin to collaborate and embark a new and refreshing direction.
Who should attend? Anyone interested in or involved with stewardship ministry. The cost to attend is $5 per person or $15 per church team of three or more. Lunch will be provided. To register for any of the workshops, visit the Discipleship Day web page at http://www.diocgc.org/#!discipleshipworkshop/adzwb.
Session 1 Sailing Overnight Camp Session 2 Session 3 Sailing Day Camp Session 4 Session 5 Session 6 Session 7 Family Camp
Grades 7 & 8 4th Grade and up Grades 4 & 5 Grades 8 & 9 4th Grade and up Special Ministries Grades 5 & 6 Grades 6 & 7 Grades 3 & 4 1st Grade and up
June 12-17 June 12-17 June 19-24 June 26-July 1 June 27-30 July 5-8 July 10-15 July 17-22 July 24-28 July 29-31
Click here for on line registration.
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Saint Monica’s Messenger
More about Wilmer Hall Continued from last month
Tutoring Sessions The children and young adults of Wilmer Hall participate in tutoring sessions on school day afternoons under the supervision of an Education Coordinator, a Master's level educator. The goal is for each student to reach their full academic potential. Close relationships have been developed with the administrators and faculty of the schools the children attend. This allows monitoring of their individual progress as well as development of specific tutoring plans for each student. Student volunteers from Spring Hill College and the University of South Alabama work one-on-one with the children to assist with homework, projects and papers. Attention is given to skill building and strengthening areas of academic weakness. The goal is for each young person to have a positive scholastic experience. The success of this program is reflected in a 100 percent high school graduation rate each of the past three years. Most graduates continue their education with postsecondary course work. Transitional Living Program The Transitional Living Program at Wilmer Hall is designed to give young people, who have the potential and desire to succeed, a place to live with the encouragement and support they need to become productive members of their community. Referrals come from social service agencies, non-profit organizations who work with children and youth, community agencies, social workers, schools, clergy, educators, family members, government agencies and private referrals. After screening and evaluation, the staff works with each young person to develop a personal program to fit his or her aspirations, skills and needs. The program helps participants develop personal life skills, such as job interviewing, home management, budgetary and financial management and sound nutritional habits. The key to past success has been an individualized approach, positive reinforcement of successes, thoughtful and caring responses to setbacks, and genuine concern about the spiritual well-being of each young person.
Prison Ministry Cycle of Prayer Please make your prayers for the inmates, staff, victims of crime, and their families at each of these institutions rather than for the institutions themselves. Apr. 3, 2016 Holmes Correctional Institution, Bonifay, Florida Apr. 10, 2016 Jackson Correctional Institution, Malone, FL & Jackson Juvenile Offender Correctional Center, Marianna, Florida Apr. 17, 2016 Northwest Florida Reception Center & Annex, Chipley, Florida Apr. 24, 2016 Okaloosa Correctional Institution, Crestview, Florida
Upcoming Youth Events
Summer Camps at Beckwith - May 29-August 2 Episcopal Night at the Ballpark - Friday, June 17th at 5:30 pm (Maritime Park, Pensacola) Diocesan Acolyte Festival - Saturday, August 20th (Christ Church Cathedral, Mobile) EYC Kickoff - Sunday, August 28th (Beckwith) Baylights Weekend - September 30th - October 2nd (Beckwith) National Acolyte Festival - October 8th (Washington National Cathedral) Province IV Leadership Gathering - December 1-3 (Lake Logan Episcopal Center, Canton, NC) Happening #53 - February 3-5, 2017 (Holy Nativity, Panama City)
Iconographers Workshop Iconographer Teresa Harrison will conduct a five-day retreat on icon writing at St. Christopher's, Pensacola, April 18-22. Icons are aids to prayer and meditation, considered to be expressions of devotion rather than works of art. Icons are said to be "written," not "painted." Each day will begin with a celebration of the Eucharist, guided by spiritual reflection, periods of silence, and group discussion. This process inspires prayerful meditation, both while creating the icon and reflecting on the finished piece. Beginners and experienced iconographers are welcomed. Teresa Harrison is a lifelong Episcopalian who has been writing icons for twenty years. She has benefited from study with master iconographers. Teresa's patient and calm spirit as well as her contagious joy in icon writing inspires beginners as well as experienced iconographers. The Rev. Bob Graves will join Teresa as chaplain for this retreat. Class fee is $430.00 and class size is limited. Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm each day and lunch will be provided. For more information and registration contact: Dianne Blair at (850) 377-4167 adblair52@gmail.com Teresa Harrison at (619) 206-8116 tshart2@gmail.com, www.teresaharrison.com.
Jim Morningstar & Dan Ferguson
Pauline Somerville Katherine Chaapel Tom Chaapel & Dave Somerville Ushers Bill Ramsey & Ray Farrel Ann Philen Beth Woods & Twila Hinton To the glory of God Beth Woods
John Velaski
Bailee McGuffin
Chuck Barnett & Connie Chamberlain
Ushers
Jim Morningstar & Jeff Woods
Carol Farrel
Barbara Cross & Brenda Ferguson
To the glory of God
Pauline Somerville
John Velaski
Dan Ferguson
Lector Epistle reading
Acolytes
Altar
Oblation Bearers
Ushers
Nursery
Coffee Hour
Flowers
Arrangers
Eucharistic Visitor
Vestry of Day
Linda Aligood
Ray Farrel
Jackie Wright
To the glory of God
John Velaski
John Velaski
Valerie Smith
To the glory of God
Potluck Lunch
Bernice Warner & Danise Beadle
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
Carol Farrel
Beth Woods
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
Ushers
Valerie Smith
Katherine Chaapel
Ray Farrel
Carol Farrel
Chuck Barnett
May 1 TBA0
Ray Farrel & Jim Warner
Trey MacWhinnie & Bailee McGuffin John Velaski & Dave Somerville
Tom Chaapel
Ron Philen
April 24 Connie Chamberlin
* If you are unable to meet your obligation, please call a replacement, or swap with someone.
Beth Woods
Carol Farrel
Ushers
Beth Woods
Chuck Barnett
Psalm
John Velaski
Fred Woods
Chuck Barnett
Dave Somerville
April 17
Ron Philen
April 10
John Velaski
Eucharistic Minister Lector 1st Lesson
April 3
Service Schedule for April 2016
April Prayer Requests
Military and First Responders Prayer List
Linda Aligood Gayle Bass Bill Cross Zoey Dickinson Tafa Dunlap Ronnie Edge Ashton Gaff Benjamin Gaff Karik Garcia Juliana Horn Julian Lewis Myron Lewis Bob Matlock
Connor Aligood Adam Blankenship Josh Brayman Brian Condon Daryl Coy Field Cross Mark Feely Patrick Ferguson Aaron Gaff Adrian Gaff Benjamin Gaff
John McBride Mike McElligot Frank Murphy Ashton Resmondo Maggie Rose Rodak Becky Scott Dee Dee Slettahaugh Rick Thompson Brennis Whaley Trey Whaley Roy Whaley, Jr. Melanie Velaski
Tim Heartford Mark Hill Johnny Hurd James Klinginsmith William Knapp Andrew Kuntz Cody Melancon Chase Scott Jeremy Wright
Birthdays in April…
2, Katherine Chaapel; 4, Ella Kizer, Brenda Ferguson; 13, Rowena Chaapel; 26, Audrey Westbrook, Rusty Sellers; 29, Brian Condon, Juliana Horn
Anniversaries in April… 12, Dan & Brenda Ferguson
If your birthday or anniversary is not listed or not listed correctly, please call the church office.
Saint Monica’s Episcopal Church 699 South Highway 95-A Cantonment, Florida 32533 We’re on the web at Www.st-monicas.org
Phone: 850-937-0001 E-mail: Office@st-monicas.org All are welcome!