April 2017
From the Rector’s desk—Seeds in the ground by Rev. Anthony MacWhinnie, II
I don’t know where I picked up my love for gardening, but pick it up I did. I have come to realize that I just don’t feel right about the world unless I have some seeds in the ground come spring. My grandmother, from whom we derive Ruby’s middle name Corinne, used to plant tomatoes every year. Perhaps it was from her that I received this penchant. I can never plant a tomato without thinking about her axiom of never planting a tomato in the ground before Easter. And she grew amazing tomatoes! Each year I’d get reports that her pesky box turtle friend had returned and had been there taking bites out of her tomatoes. Every year it was the same turtle, returning to pester Corinne’s tomato plants. It was a funny relationship, my grandmother’s and that turtle. It’s almost like she planted those tomatoes as much for him as for us. Seeds in the ground lead to all sorts of good things. In a short stint living in a Gulf Breeze apartment before I bought my house there, I bonded with the seemingly gruff next door neighbor in the house next to the apartment complex. It was obvious that his familial relationships weren’t positive, as evidenced by the loud “conversations” they’d have at times. Equally obvious was his escaping to the garden in his backyard to have some “me time”. There he had bed after bed of onions. They were bunching, selfdividing scallions. He’d planted a bunch 20 years before and they were still dividing. We got to talking and I told him I was jealous of his onions. He told me he’d love to give me some and when we got settled in a place with a good garden bed that I could come and get as many as I wanted. I saw him give away onions to multiple other people as well. I wonder how many of his onions are in the
Our Staff & Vestry Rev, Anthony MacWhinnie, II, Rector Vestry: Chuck Barnett - Senior Warden Jim Warner- Junior Warden Beth Woods, Susan Early & John Velaski Twinette McDonald - Music Director Sally Putters - Parish Nurse
world. I’ve missed him on a couple of occasions, and I wonder if he’s actually still alive. I know his onions are… Seeds in the ground bring new sensations and feelings. One of the greatest pleasures there is is going out to the garden and cutting a fresh batch of green things for the family salad. Spinach, arugula, mesclun, lettuce, mixing them all together in a tightly planted bed, in just a few minutes of work, after they’ve been planted and grown of course, you can feed your family with the freshest flavors available. And occasionally I notice that rabbits have been in the lettuce bed. I don’t mind. They don’t eat much. Seeds in the ground lead to new relationships and strengthening of old ones. They lead to discovering things about yourself and those around you. They break down barriers and offer a safe haven for the gruff and the soft alike. It’s that time of the year again. It’s the time to be putting seeds in the ground, of one sort or another. You should plant something. See what grows. Anthony+
7 am Sunrise Service By the Pond 10 am Service In the Nave
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Saint Monica’s Messenger
St. Paddy’s Day Fish Fry “nets” over $1,000 Wow! What a successful and fun time we had at our first ever Saint Paddy’s Day Fish Fry at Saint Monica’s! It was truly at act of love the way everyone worked together to make it happen. Blue skies, moderate temperatures and light breezes made it an absolutely perfect day for dining outdoors or indoors. We sold over 100 tickets and cleared $1,007 AND had fish left over for an impromptu fish lunch on Sunday. Like any successful project, the Episcopal Church Women began planning months in advance researching the best price on fresh mullet, soliciting donations and advertising. Twinette McDonald was most instrumental in organizing the event. Things really ramped up on Wednesday and Thursday as Fr. Anthony, Robert Westbrook, Ron Philen, Dodie Matlock and Twinette McDonald cleaned and filleted the fish. Dodie, Twinette, Beth Woods and Audrey Westbrook began setting up for serving and dining. Beth made baked beans, Audrey made the Cole slaw and Viv Welch provided the iced tea. Our fish fryers were Fr. Anthony, Fred Woods, Robert Westbrook, Ron Philen and Jeff Woods. Others assisting in various ways were Ann Philen, Larry McDonald, Traci Ferguson and Margaree Mills-Fitchett. Louis Galatas and Vince helped throughout the event and with taking down tents and cleaning up after. Thanks also to all the women of the ECW who baked or brought goodies for the bake sale. You are all appreciated! The money we made was certainly a good thing, but perhaps more important was the community support we received. The number of guests from the community exceeded out expectations. Thanks to everyone who came out to support us! Way to go Team St. Monica’s!
Sunny skies and a cool March breeze made cooking and dining outdoors an enjoyable experience at our Fish Fry.
ECW Meeting
(Episcopal Church Women)
Sunday, April 2, 2017
Fred woods removes a batch of perfectly fried homemade hush puppies from the grease while Father Anthony batters up some fish.
Christ Walk miles adding up Ten of our members have taken on a unique spiritual discipline during the time of Lent. They are reading devotionals from the book Christ Walk: A 40-Day Spiritual Fitness Program. The book suggests several routes to walk, which mirror several paths from the Bible. The reading is done individually. In addition, participants committed themselves to walking, exercising, praying or volunteering and keeping track of the miles/points each day. On Wednesdays at 5:15, Dodie Matlock was given they walk together at St. Mon- The Golden Trowel Award ica’s just before the Lenten for her efforts to beautify Supper. our campus. Dodie Matlock is one of those participating. For her discipline, Dodie chose to work at the church weeding the flower beds, pruning the bushes, edging the drive and walkways and doing several other often overlooked chores. Because of the drudgery of such volunteerism, and as a lighthearted nod to her persistence, Dodie was presented with the Golden Trowel Award! Everyone involved in the Christ Walk Challenge this Lent has been working hard to maintain a spiritual discipline preparing themselves for the celebration of Easter. They all deserve our continued prayers.
Saint Monica’s Messenger
Spring is allergy season By Nurse Sally Putters
Are you suffering from seasonal allergies? Nurse Sally offers advice on the best treatment options.
Greetings, yes it is officially springtime, believe it or not! On St. Paddy's day our Fish Fry was a monumental success! It was great to see so much activity and new faces. Thank you to the crew that worked so hard. The next day, on March 18, we gathered for a memorial service for Jackie Wright. It was so Jackie! It was a tribute and party to someone who was such a supporter at St. Monica’s. Thinking of Jackie always brings a smile to my face. Let’s talk about allergies. Spring is a time of the year for seasonal allergies, as the trees, grasses and flowers bloom. In America approximately 58 million (1 in 5) people fall prey to allergies commonly known as Hay Fever. There is no cure for allergies, so we treat the symptoms. Initially a person should have testing to determine what they are allergic to. Allergies can be environmental, something you ingest or touch, or a weak immune system. Testing consists of injection (miniscule amount) of the suspected allergen (causal agent). The injected area will react with swelling or redness indicating the release of histamine (chemical) to indicate a positive reaction confirming the identity of allergens. These allergens often produce runny, itchy eyes and nose, along with coughing and sneezing. These pollens can travel through the air for miles, so it may not be from your immediate neighborhood. After testing for and identifying the allergen treatment begins. Much of the treatment can consist of OTC (over the counter) medicine which can be topical, oral or injected. Usually if stronger medications are needed a doctor will issue a prescription. Most of us have some type of allergy, so I wish you Good Luck and Good Health. Nurse Sally
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Keeping Cantonment beautiful
Volunteers fan out along Hwy. 95-A for St. Monica’s first quarterly highway beautification ministry.
Twinette McDonald and Elizabeth MacWhinnie really want to give a huge thanks to all who stayed after the potluck on March 26 for our first quarterly HWY 95A Trash Pick Up! 16 people stayed to help. Wearing our stylish florescent green, reflective vests and blue gloves, we picked up a truck load of trash (12 bags) and recyclables (5 bags) along with a tire and a desk! We are partnering with Keep Pensacola Beautiful who lent us the vests and gave us trash and recycling bags to use. We will log our time and the amount of trash picked up for their records. In return, they will be giving us a sign to post on the highway that says something to the effect that the beautification of the highway is thanks to St. Monica’s Episcopal Church. While the advertisement will be great, and it is wonderful to see the area around our church cleaned up, one the most rewarding things about starting this ministry is getting to spend time talking and singing with fellow parishioners as we do our part to help the environment. Be sure to keep an eye out for the next clean up announcement. Then you can join in on the fun! For more information on Keeping Pensacola Beautiful, visit their website here or their Facebook page.
St. Monica’s volunteers picked up a truck load of trash and recyclables along a stretch of 95-A!
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Saint Monica’s Messenger
Celebrate Beckwith with us on April 30 On Sunday, April 30 we will be participating in Beckwith Sunday along with other parishes across the Diocese. For generations of Gulf Coast families, Camp Beckwith has offered respite and renewal. In 1932, heirs of the late Bishop C.M. Beckwith bequeathed the 40-acre tract of timbered land on Weeks Bay to the Diocese of Alabama. Later it would become property of the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast when the new diocese was established. This year Beckwith Camp and Retreat Center celebrates 58 years serving hospitality and 45 years serving young people with camp ministry. Beckwith is many things to many people. What does it mean to you? It may be a place for a welcome escape, to fellowship with peers, commune with nature, and experience the wonder of God. It may be where they experienced Cursillo, enjoyed a retreat for work, or attended a friend’s wedding or a parish social. In this tranquil setting, removed from the everyday world, each person may discover new energy, inspiration, and purpose. Youth know Beckwith as a favorite summer camp, holding fast to sailing and campfire memories. And always looking forward to the next session! To ensure that each of our potential campers from St. Monica’s have an opportunity to experience summer camp, our Charity of the Month will be for a Beckwith Scholarship Fund. Scholarships through Beckwith are available, but the requirements are the family pays 1/3, the church pays 1/3, and Beckwith pays the other 1/3 (each 1/3 is about $160). Cash or check donations of any amount may be placed in the offering plate with a check notation or envelope that designates that it is for Beckwith Scholarships. Please help all our youth experience Beckwith. On Beckwith Sunday celebrate with us! Wear your shorts and flip-flops, your Camp Beckwith T-shirt (if it
Fr. Anthony, Trey MacWhinnie and Kathryn Chaapel during Eucharist at Resurrection Chapel, Beckwith during our Parish Picnic 2016
still fits) and nametag, your Cursillo nametag, or anything else Beckwith related. We will be singing praise songs from the Alleluia III song book, sharing Camp Beckwith stories and hearing from those who have enjoyed the wonder that is Beckwith.
Kathryn Chaapel, Trey MacWhinnie, (both attended Summer Camp at Beckwith) and Ashton Resmondo enjoying the pool at Beckwith.
Summer Camp 2017 Leaders in Training (Sr. High)
14 yrs & up
June 4-9
$480
Session 1
Grades 3-5
June 11-16
$480
Session 2
Grades 7-0
June 18-23
$480
Sailing Camp (overnight)
Grades 4 & up
June 18-23
$530
Session 3
Grades 6-8
June 25-30
$480
Session 4
Special Ministries
July 5-8
Session 5
Grades 5 & 6
July 9-14
$480
Session 6
Grades 6 & 7
July 16-21
$480
Session 7
Grades 3 & 4
July 23-27
$330
Family Camp
1st grade & up
July 28-30
$240
Early Registration discount of $15 applied for campers paid in full by March 31. Final Payments for all sessions due in full by May 1st and must be fully paid to reserve your campers space.
For registration and scholarship information, see Ann Philen.
Saint Monica’s Messenger
New Merchandise Arriving Daily!
Open Tuesday—Friday 10 am - 5 pm Saturday 9 am - 5 pm Volunteers Needed! We also need your plastic shopping bags!
Youth Ministry Training at HC On April 8, the diocese is pleased to offer a training event for all youth ministers or those that work with youth (6th-12th). We will offer two tracks: one geared toward paid youth ministers that serve on a church's staff; another for volunteer youth leaders or clergy that are supporting youth ministry in smaller churches. The cost is $10 person or $25 per church group of 3 or more. Mail check to: Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast, PO Box 13330, Pensacola, FL 3259-3330 or pay at the door. The Presenters Brad Fiscus has been in ministry with teenagers since 1985. He is the director of Next Gen Discipleship in the Tennessee Conference of The United Methodist Church. The mission of Next Gen Discipleship is to assist the local church in increasing their capacity to build disciples through ministry with adults, children, youth, young adults, college students, and family systems. Additionally, he serves as a staff consultant with Ministry Architects. Brad has been a contributing author to Group Magazine and Faith Trust Institute. Brad's newest work call Small(er) Youth Ministry: No Staff, No Money, No Problem was co-authored with Stephanie Caro. Leslie Manning served on the Diocese of Alabama's bishop's staff for almost ten years as the diocesan youth coordinator and later, as director of Sawyerville Day Camp, a free summer camp and academic program offered by the diocese in one of the poorest counties in Alabama. Prior to working on the diocesan level, Leslie served as a youth minister in two Episcopal parishes. Currently, Leslie is a lead consultant for Ministry Architects and a coach for the Center for Youth Ministry Training.
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Caring for those with cancer On Sunday, March 26, Father Anthony blessed Chemo Caps handmade by Audrey Westbrook. Mrs. Westbrook crochets about one hat per night before going to bed. Whether you call them Knots of Love, Crocheting for Cancer, or Head Huggers, a chemo cap is a hat intended for wear by cancer patients who are losing, or has lost, their hair due to chemotherapy or radiation treatments. Chemo caps are popular crochet, knitting, and sewing projects. Local oncology centers and medical centers welcome these donations, as well as other charities serving cancer patients. The cancer patients who lose their hair receive these very soft handmade caps to comfort and warm their heads and their souls. Because they know someone cared enough to knit a cap for them they know they are loved and are being prayed for during this traumatic period in their lives.
Monday in Holy Week Morning Prayer at 11 am
Tuesday in Holy Week Morning Prayer at 11 am
Maundy Thursday at 7 pm
Holy Eucharist with Foot washing Followed by Stripping of the Altar
Good Friday at Noon
Stations of the Cross With Holy Eucharist from Reserve Sacrament
Holy Saturday at 7 pm Easter Vigil
Easter Sunday
Sunrise Service with Eucharist by the Pond at 7 am Holy Eucharist with Baptism at 10 am
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Saint Monica’s Messenger
25th Annual Historic Apalachicola Home and Garden Tour, May 5 A time-honored tradition, the “Historic Apalachicola Home & Garden Tour” is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Trinity Episcopal Church pays homage to all the home and garden owners who have generously shared their homes and gardens with visitors for a quarter of a century. Join the festivities as we wow you with this year’s selections of homes and gardens. From a stately mansion and two-story homes to tiny houses, we have a delightful array of dwellings to share with you. Evensong service at Trinity Episcopal ChurchSixth Street between US 98 and Ave D, Apalachicola, FL, the traditional opening for the home tour, begins at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 5, followed by a reception to which all are invited. Homes will be open only on Saturday, May 6, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Pre-sale tickets are available at $25 each on our website or at the church office through Friday, May 5. On Saturday, May 6, tour tickets will be $30 and ticket sales commence at 9:30 a.m. A luncheon will be served at Benedict Hall on the grounds of Trinity Church from 11:00 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. on the day of the tour (tickets are $12). Simultaneous with the tour, a silent auction will be he held from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Tour includes 8 homes and two gardens. Funds are used to maintain restoration of Trinity Episcopal Church, Benedict Hall, and rectory. For more information or ticket sales please contact Trinity Episcopal Church at (850) 653-9550 or the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce at (850) 653-9419. Please visit the tour website at: apalachicolahistorichometour.org
Little Light Singers (Up through 4th grade) Practice during children’s church. We will be singing on Easter. Saint Monica’s Choir (all ages) 8:30 - 9:15 Rehearsals are upstairs. We are rehearsing for Holy Week and Easter. We welcome any new members. Hope to see all your energetic faces on Sundays.
For more information and to sign up, please contact Ms. Twinette McDonald at 850-748-0335 or email Melodyakker@gmail.com
MEETS Join us
this Sunday, April 2, 9:20 - 9:45 Do you love to sing, but having trouble getting up the staircase to sing with us???
We are looking for singers downstairs who would appreciate being able to go over new music once a month without a commitment to join the choir. We will go over new hymns and communion music for the month of March.
We will meet this Sunday, April 2, 9:20 - 9:45. All are welcome!
Ann Philen & Twinette Mcdonald
Trey MacWhinnie, Katherine Chaapel Rachael Ludwig Chuck Barnett & Connie Chamberlin Jeff Woods & Chuck Barnett Ann Philen Danice Beadle & Jeanine Black
Trey MacWhinnie, Katherine Chaapel Rachael Ludwig John Velaski & Tom Chaapel
Bill Ramsey & Jim Warner
Carol Farrel
Beth Woods & Twyla Hinton
Lent
Lent
Ray Farrel
Ushers
Nursery
Coffee Hour
Flowers
Arrangers
Eucharistic Visitor
Carol Farrel
Lent
April 23
John Velaski
TBA
Easter
Ray Farrel
Carol Farrel
TBA
To the glory of God
To the glory of God TBA
Picnic Potluck
Dora Giles & Dodi Matlock
Ann Philen
Jim Morningstar & Ron Giles Carol Farrel
John Velaski & Tom Chaapel
Valarie Smith
John Velaski Ray Farrel & Jim Warner
Trey MacWhinnie, Katherine Chaapel Rachael Ludwig John Velaski & Tom Chaapel
Trey MacWhinnie, Katherine Chaapel Rachael Ludwig
Pauline Somerville
John Velaski
Fred Woods
Ray Farrel
April 30 (St. Monica’s Day)
Trey MacWhinnie, Katherine Chaapel Rachael Ludwig
Beth Woods
Tom Chaapel
Kathy Vail
Connie Chamberlin
* If you are unable to meet your obligation, please call a replacement, or swap with someone.
Altar
Lent
Beth Woods
Trey MacWhinnie
Pauline Somerville
Lector Epistle Reading
Acolytes
Carol Farrel
Chuck Barnett
John Velaski
Psalm Ray Farrel
Ron Philen
Connie Chamberlin
Fred Woods
Ron Philen
Lector 1st Lesson
John Velaski
April 16 (Easter)
Ray Farrel
April 9
Eucharistic Minister
April 2
Service Schedule for April 2017
April Prayer Requests
Military and First Responders Prayer List
Dave Alverson Janice Courson Bill Cross Darla Crowder Ashton Gaff Marie Gibbs Julianna Horn Bob Matlock Jean Moss Frank Murphy Chris Penning The Quilters Sarah Rivera & her boys
Connor Aligood Adam Blankenship Daryl Coy Field Cross Mark Feely Patrick Ferguson Aaron Gaff Adrian Gaff Benjamin Gaff
Rusty Sellers Dee Dee Slattahaugh Texann Stephens Gloria Williamson Heidi Woods
Tim Heartford Johnny Hurd James Klinginsmith William Knapp Andrew Kuntz Cody Melancon Chase Scott Jeremy Wright
Prison Ministry Cycle of Prayer
Birthdays in April
Please make your prayers for the inmates, staff, victims of crime everywhere, and their families at each of these institutions rather than for the institutions themselves.
Anniversaries in April
Apr. 2, Holmes Correctional Institution, Bonifay, FL Apr. 9, Jackson Correctional Institution, Malone, FL & Jackson Juvenile Offender Correctional Center, Marianna, FL Apr. 16, Northwest Florida Reception Center & Annex, Chipley, FL Apr. 23, Okaloosa Correctional Institution, Crestview, FL Apr. 30, 2017 Santa Rosa Correctional Institution, Milton, FL
2, Kathryn Chaapel; 4, Ella Kizer, James Warner; 13, Rowena Chaapel; 15, Dawn Hayes; 20, Michael Scordato; 26, Audrey Westbrook, Rusty Sellers; 29, Juliana Horn
12, Dan & Brenda Ferguson
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!