Saint Monica's Episcopal Church
Messenger
August 2015
From the Rector’s desk— It’s a new day! by The Rev. Anthony MacWhinnie, II
It’s a new day in the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast. We have a new bishop! The Right Reverend James Russell Kendrick, or “Russell” as he prefers to be called, was consecrated bishop last Saturday in the Mobile civic center. Among the twelve bishops seated on the dais were the Right Reverends Duval, second bishop of this diocese, Duncan, third bishop of this diocese, the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, Katharine Jefferts-Schori, and the Presiding Bishop-elect, Michael Curry. The preacher for this service was the Right Reverend McKee “Kee” Sloan, bishop of the diocese of Alabama. There were a lot of Right Reverends at this event! It was spectacular! It’s an exciting time to be an Episcopalian at St. Monica’s, in the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast, AND in America on the national scene. Change is in the air and all
Bishop Phillip Duncan, 3rd Bishop, passes on the Bishop’s Crozier to Bishop Russell Kendrick the 4th Bishop of the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast during the consecration on July 25 as Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts-Schori, left, oversees. Photo courtesy of Good Shepard Church, Mobile.
Our Staff & Vestry The Rev, Anthony MacWhinnie, II, Rector Vestry: Chuck Barnett - Senior Warden Dan Ferguson- Junior Warden/Co-Treasurer Linda Aligood —Treasurer Susan Early, Frank Murphy, Ann Philen & John Velaski Viv Welch—Clerk of the Vestry Brenda Ferguson—Church Secretary Twinette McDonald - Music Director Sally Putters - Parish Nurse
of it seems very positive. I, for one can’t wait to see what’s in store for us. We’ve already begun to grow here at St. Monica’s. What will happen on the bigger scene? It seems like the Holy Spirit is on the move in our Church. Praise be to God! As we embrace the new and look to the future, it’s good to remember the past and honor the good work done there. Nothing happens in a vacuum. No great beginning happens without a great ending. In other words, I believe that we are in a place of eager change and the ability to reach out and strive for the work of the Kingdom of God because Bishop Philip Duncan was the right man, the right bishop, the right priest, and the right shepherd of this diocese for the last 14 years. He shepherded us through some very tumultuous times on the national level and on the diocesan level and he has helped me personally many times both professionally and personally. I thank him for that. I thank the diocese that elected and consecrated him to be its bishop. And I thank God that he was, and is, my bishop. God bless you and keep you Bishop Duncan. As always these days, please keep in your prayers the future of this church. We’re still actively working toward starting the St. Monica’s Thrift Store. There will be a fundraising indoor sale to raise money for the thrift store on September 12. Please save items for this and for the store. Every little bit counts! God bless you all, Anthony+
St. Monica’s Beans & Rice and Emergency Food Pantry
On the last Saturday of every month St. Monica’s gives away dried pinto beans and rice to anyone who stops by. Other weeks of the month people come by the church hungry and in need of help. We are able to assist them with your generous donations of non-perishable food items and monetary donations.