Saint Monica's Episcopal Church
Messenger
April 2014
Making Room
by Richelle Thompson, republished from Episcopal Church Vital Practices
At the time, I didn’t think much about it. But when we left the church two years later, the woman stood up and shared the story. On her first visit to the church, she was bewildered. It had been a long time since she sat in a pew – and never in an Episcopal congregation. I spotted her worry and sat down next to her. Before the service began, I went through the service leaflet and explained different parts. The asterisk means stand up. LEV means this hymnal. During the peace, I whispered our custom and stayed at her elbow as she shook hands with other members of the congregation. Just before the Eucharist, I explained how all baptized Christians are welcome to receive and told her the dip-or-sip option for partaking the wine. After the service, I stayed with her, through coffee hour, and into introductions to other members of the parish. When she returned the next Sunday, I could see traces of apprehension, but the fear was gone. When we accepted a new call and the church held a farewell gathering, she told about that first visit. She was lonely and scared. Despite pleading, her husband wouldn’t come with her to the new church. She knew she was lost. By someone sitting with her, she felt included. It was the beginning of a connection to something bigger, a different direction for her soul. I didn’t change her life. God did. But I made room in my worship experience for her. It didn’t seem like that big of a deal then. But in that moment and time, I was her companion in the journey. On Easter Day, there will be many people just like this woman. Lost. Tired. Bewildered. It may have been years since they’ve come to church – or at least since last Easter. Our traditions will be unfamiliar. They may stand when the rest of us are kneeling and fumble through the pages of the blue hymnal when we mean the Song Book. On this day, perhaps more than any other, as we cele-
Our Staff & Vestry Vestry: Chuck Barnett - Senior Warden, Dan Ferguson- Junior Warden, Ann Philen, Bill Ramsey, Melanie Velaski, Beth Woods, Linda Aligood, Tom Chaapel, Frank Murphy Carol Farrel - Treasurer Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva - Music Director Sally Putters - Parish Nurse
brate the Risen Lord, make room in your own hearts for the stranger, for the wanderer. Come. Sit beside them. Share a hymnal. Help them find their place in the bulletin. And in God’s church.
Come celebrate the Risen Lord! Sunrise Service—7:00 am
Holy Eucharist—9:30am Followed by The Annual Egg Hunt & Easter Brunch!
Please sign up on the form in the Narthex
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Saint Monica’s Messenger
An Episcopal gathering to challenge the epidemic of violence The Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs
Bishops, clergy and laity from throughout the Episcopal Church are invited to gather April 9 – 11, 2014 to explore one of the major issues in today’s society – violence in all its forms. Reclaiming the Gospel of Peace: An Episcopal gathering to challenge the epidemic of violence will be held at the Reed Center and Sheraton in Oklahoma City, OK (Diocese of Oklahoma). www.episcopaloklahoma.org. “With Our Lord’s gospel of peace as the basis of our work, the Episcopal Church will look closely at the violence that surrounds our lives today,” noted Bishop Eugene Sutton of the Diocese of Maryland. Bishop Edward J. Konieczny of the Diocese of Oklahoma added, “It is significant that Oklahoma City was selected as it was the site of one of the most violent and devastating events in our history.” Oklahoma City is the site of the April 19, 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building that claimed the lives of 168 people, including 19 children. At this program, our church will come together to renew our commitment to the gospel call to make peace in a world of violence. The gathering will focus around four pillars: advocacy, education, liturgy, and pastoral care. On Thursday, there will be a full day of program with two plenary sessions including a panel highlighting unique Episcopal responses to violence, intentional community conversations, workshops, worship, and an opportunity for participants to organize their own working-group/ workshop sessions. On Friday, the conference will feature worship, intentional community conversations, and workshop opportunities in the morning. In the afternoon, the Conference will visit the Oklahoma City Memorial and will receive a special tour. Dinner will be held at the cathedral of the Diocese of Oklahoma followed by Eucharist with Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori preaching.
In addition to staff members of the Domestic & Foreign Missionary Society including Federal Ministries, the Offices of Communication and Government Relations, participating in the planning of this major event are representatives from the Dioceses of Atlanta, Chicago, Connecticut, Louisiana, Los Angeles, Maryland, New York, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Southeast Florida, Washington, West Texas, and Wyoming as well as other groups. In response to this challenge, how can we use our voices within the church and the community to draw attention to the issue of violence within our own community, and get involved to stop violence in all its forms, including gun violence, bullying, domestic violence, hate crimes, and gang violence?
The 9:01 Gate at the National Memorial, Oklahoma City. The Gates 9:01 and 9:03 capture the memorial in the time and space in which the blast occurred. The before (9:01) represents the last minute of innocents, and the after represents the beginning of the healing process.
Pensacola Group Workcamp
Opening Day & Barbecue Sale! Saturday, May 3 @ 8 am
In celebration of St. Monica’s 60th Anniversary! Special children’s activities & more! $6 Barbecue Plates!
As many as 65 Pensacola residents will benefit from work involving a projected 400 adult and teenage volunteers at the Pensacola Workcamp, beginning June 15. The Workcamp will provide free home improvements sponsored locally by GRACE of Pensacola. Christ Church, Pensacola, is one of the sponsoring congregations. Currently more than 25 parishioners from Christ Church are working in some capacity on the logistics of this project. This is an excellent opportunity for youth groups in the churches of the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast to experience a meaningful, spiritual event relatively close to home. For more information, go to: http:// groupmissiontrips.com/workcamps. For more information, contact Warren Jerrems at 850586-1030 or warren@jerrems.com.
Saint Monica’s Messenger
Mind over matter
by Nurse Sally
Most of you know my husband Bill recently had emergency neck and back surgery and spent the last month in Rehab. To the amazement of the doctor’s and staff, he never complained of pain. He took a few very mild pain pills to appease them. A coincidence occurred during this time when I received my Newsletter from the Cleveland Clinic. The cover page article was “How Your Brain Controls Your Response to Pain. In the quest for pain relief, one of the most bene- Mr. Bill talks with Dodie ficial tools is within you.” Need- Matlock on his 1st day less to say it piqued my interest back at church. why Bill was not suffering any pain. Pain is defined as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience. We know regardless of where the pain is coming from, our brain is telling us it is more, and negative emotions can increase chronic or acute physical pain. Pain is transmitted along multiple pathways from a source, such as an arthritic joint, back to the brain. There is a sensory pathway that transmits a physical sensation. “Pain is not what occurs at the periphery, and by and large there are no pain generators per se.” How to harness the brain’s power to turn down pain: Research has shown the development of chronic pain can be associated with legitimate psycho social stressors or traumatic events and current negative emotions. According to experts, pain is what the brain perceives and can be altered by enforcing positive emotions and beliefs. 1. Exercise and other positive reinforcements, such as social activity, have been shown to help break the pain cycle. 2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), including relaxation techniques and positive coping strategies, has been shown to help diminish chronic pain within a few weeks. 3. Use of chronic pain medication (such as opioids) for long periods of time may not be recommended. Some patients actually develop opioid-induced hyperalgesia, a condition where the medications you are taking to help the pain actually make it worse. 4. The American Chronic Pain Association can help you better understand your pain and work effectively with your healthcare team. For more information, go to the ACOA's website at www.theacpa.org, or call toll free 800-5333231. Thanks Cleveland Clinic. I believe Mr. Bill is an example of positive attitude effect on pain. PLEASE NOTE: On June 19, 2014 we will offer free Osteoporosis screening at St, Monica’s. Then on December 6, 2014 we will offer FREE Flu Shots again. Watch for more details in future issues of The Messenger. God Bless, Nurse Sally
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A Lenten Quiet Day at St. Simon's, Fort Walton Beach By Diocesan News Team
Dr. Lynn Huber, a nationally recognized writer and speaker, will lead a special Lenten Quiet Day at St. Simon's on the Sound, Fort Walton Beach, April 12, the Saturday before Palm Sunday, from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm. The Quiet Day will feature a series of talks by Huber followed by time for small group discussion, individual meditation, and journaling. The theme for the day is "Letting Go!" An important step in a Lenten discipline, the practice of spiritual emptying or letting go encourages growth and can provide fresh perspective in preparation for Holy Week. A native of Erie, Pennsylvania, Huber is a spiritual director, writer, and retreat leader. She did her doctoral studies in social work at Case Western Reserve University. She is the author of Revelations on the Road: a Pilgrim Journey, the current book selection for St. Simon's Daughters of the King book group. Huber lives in Colorado with her husband Frank, an Episcopal priest. She is an oblate at Benet Hill Monastery in Colorado Springs. The cost for the day is $10.00 and covers a light breakfast and lunch. The Rev. Eric Zubler will lead a closing Eucharist at noon. Huber will also preach on Palm Sunday at the 8:00 am, 10:30 am, and 5:15 pm services. St. Simon's is located at 28 Miracle Strip Parkway, SW in Fort Walton Beach. For more information, contact Fr. Zubler at 244-8621 or associate@stsimons-fwb.org.
Bishop search committee update The Search Committee for the next bishop of the Central Gulf Coast thanks those who have filled out its survey online and those who have attended a focus group. It thanks the entire diocese for their prayers and support. The committee will meet with HolyCow! Consulting within the next few weeks to review the results of the survey. Their survey consultant will also assist them with synthesizing the information as it relates to developing the diocesan profile. To stay abreast of what is going on with the search, check out the Diocesan Search Committee's web site at www.bishopsearch.diocgc.org. The committee invites you to join them as they continue working to accomplish this important ministry for the entire Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast. They ask your continued prayers, in particular for the use of the prayer “For the Election of a Bishop or other Minister” found in our Book of Common Prayer on page 818: Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a bishop for this Diocese that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Saint Monica’s Messenger
St. Monica’s choir director to tour Kazakhstan with orchestra St. Monica’s organist and choir direcof Zherym could be described as Retor, Kadisha Onalbayeva, will be on flection, Pastoral, and Celebration sabbatical during most of May. She and Dance. Reflection consists of various her husband, Mike, will be returning to recollections that represent the counKadisha’s homeland of Kazakhstan try’s long history and culture. Pastoral where she will be performing several represents the various landscapes and concerts with the Kazakhstan National beauty of Kazakhstan which includes Orchestra. imagery of travel by both horse and Kadisha will be premiering a new camel. Celebration Dance represents symphonic poem she has composed the freedom of horse riding and uses an entitled Zherym. She will be performirregular asymmetric meter to create a ing Liszt's Piano Concerto No. 1 as pisense of unpredictable forward motion. Kadisha Onalbayeva ano soloist with the orchestra. She and There are also moments in the woodMike will both have string quartets performed by the Nawinds and brass sections that represent Kadisha’s recent tional String Quartet in two different cities, and Kadisha experience of hearing street bands while living in New will also be performing piano with the string quartet on a Orleans which connects her life to both the U.S. and Kawork by Dvorak, Piano Quintet op.81. zakhstan. Throughout the work the chords of the leitmotif Zherym (2014) is a symphonic poem written for the create both boundaries between the sections and will apState Academic Symphonic Orchestra of the Republic of pear as background effect. Kazakhstan. It is dedicated to both the orchestra and Kadisha’s friend, Mukhtar Utaeev. In a conversation, a friend suggested that Kadisha add Kazakhstan's best known national instrument, the dombyra Earth Day provides the world with an (a stringed instrument played by plucking) as soloists with opportunity to focus on our planet as a the orchestra and thus formed the basis of the composition. unique, bountiful gift. It helps us reThe dombyra soloists premiering the work are Erlan member that we must continue to protect Ryskaly and Nurken Ashirov of Kazakhstan. The use of our air, water, and natural resources so the dombyra is to demonstrate various techniques of that generations to come may enjoy this dombyra performance that are representative of different beautiful gift of Earth. regions of Kazakhstan. Millions of people around the world will celebrate the Zherym ("Motherland") is a programmatic piece about 44th national Earth Day – a day to demonstrate support for imagery from Kadisha’s homeland. It is composed in the protection of the Earth. The Episcopal Church recogthree sections connected by a leitmotif (refrain) that connizes this as an opportunity to reflect on and raise consist of loud, dissonant chords which represent power and sciousness about our call to care for all God’s creation. expression of freedom and independence indicative of KaOur church works “to safeguard the integrity of creation zakhstan. and sustain and renew the life of the earth” as one of its Throughout the work there are folk-like melodies comFive Marks of Mission. bined with contemporary sound effects. The three sections Many churches will use this time to revisit and renew their commitment to the Genesis Covenant. Most simply stated, the covenant challenges faith institutions to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of each facility they maintain by 50% in ten years. The Episcopal Church adopted the Genesis Covenant at the 76th General convention in July 2009. In so doing, the church explicitly accepted that challenge, and implicitly recognized the importance of taking practical actions to address climate change. Care and justice for all creation is a core value of The Episcopal Church. The Episcopal Church’s Eco-justice Ministries seek to heal, defend, and work toward justice for all God's creation and to respect the kinship and connection of all that God created through education, advocacy, and action. Visit The Episcopal Church’s Eco-Justice Ministries page at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/page/eco-justice for more information and ways to become involved in carThe Kazakhstan National Orchestra. ing for our precious earth.
Earth Day and the Genesis Covenant
Dave Somerville
Connie Chamberlin Tom Chaapel & Dave Somerville Bill & Sally Putters Ushers Bill Ramsey & Frank Murphy
John Velaski
Chuck Barnett & Connie Chamberlin
Ron & Ann Philen
Ushers
Jim Morningstar & Jeff Woods
Connie Chamberlin
Acolytes
Altar
Greeters
Oblation Bearers
Ushers
Nursery
Coffee Hour
Beth Woods
Carol Farrel
Arrangers
Eucharistic Visitor
Carol Farrel
Melanie Velaski
John Velaski
Valerie Smith
To the glory of God
* If you are unable to meet your obligation, please call a replacement, or swap with someone.
John Velaski
Jackie Wright
To the glory of God
To the glory of God
Flowers
To the glory of God
EASTER BRUNCH
Dodie Matlock & Jennifer Johnson
Sally Putters & Sylvia Weller
POTLUCK
Carol Farrel
No attendant scheduled, parents may stay with their child in the nursery
Ann Philen
TBA
Jeanine Black
To the glory of God
St. Monica’s Day!
TBA
TBA
Jeff Woods & Bill Ramsey
Jim Morningstar & Frank Murphy
Ron & Ann Philen
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
May 4
Ushers
Beth Woods
Valerie Smith & Pauline Somerville
John Velaski
Beth Woods
Melanie Velaski
April 27
Ushers
Ushers
Viv Welch
John Veleski & Dave Somerville
Chuck Barnett
Ron Philen
Jackie Wright
Connie Chamberlin
Lector 1st Reading
Dave Somerville
April 20
Frank Murphy
April 13
Eucharistic Minister, 9:30
April 6
Service Schedule for April 2014
April Prayer Requests Todd Aligood Rosalynda Blackburn The Brown Family Max & Marie Cartwright Miles Cooper Destiny Coy Ora Early Ray Farrel Cliff & Debbie Foggatt Ron Giles Scott Gilliam Theresa Halloran Mildred Hamby Debbie Heath Matthew Hinton
Bill Holland Jane Hunter Bishop Ci Jones Chuck Knight Charlie Martinson Bob Matlock Dorothy Pemberton Bill Putters Ashton Resmondo Leroy Robbins Tiny Robinson Barbara Roper Rusty Sellers Wanda Shearer Pauline Somerville
Military Prayer List Nichole Teague Bob Tebbs Faye Walker Brandon Warrick Ken Whiting Seth Whiting Marcella Young
Birthdays in April…
2, Kathren Chaapel; 4, Ella Kizer; 7, Brenda Ferguson; 13, Rowena Chaapel; 26, Audrey Westbrook, Rusty Supernaw; 29, Brian Condon, Juliana Horn.
Anniversaries in April…
There are no anniversaries on record for April. If your birthday or anniversary is not listed or not listed correctly, please let Viv Welch know.
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 Office hours: Monday thru Thursday, 9 am - 1 pm The peace of the Lord be always with you.
Brian Condon Daryl Coy Mark Feely Benjamin Gaff Tim Gibson Tim Hartford Johnny Hurd James Klinginsmith William Knapp Andrew Kuntz Nicholas Matroni Seth Muenks Richard Pinner Florin Ryder Alex Sibbach John Townsend Jimmy Tracy Clinton Webb Darren Walker Jeremy Wright