Saint Monica's Episcopal Church
Messenger
August 2016
From the Rector’s desk by Rev. Anthony MacWhinnie, II
When I was a young man, in my teens, I spent my summers in the bayou. And when I say “in the bayou”, I mean “in” the bayou. I grew up in Warrington right outside of NAS Pensacola. Walking distance from my house were three different bayous and Pensacola Bay. Long time members of St. John’s owned a piece of land, right around the corner from our house, on Pou Station Road. Their property was large. It was dark with 200 year old live oaks. There was a pond and a saltmarsh. There was also beach front they’d let me walk to so that I could slip into the warm waters behind Rock Island and White Island, to ply my chosen weapons: dip net, cast net, fishing rod, gig, and Hawaiian sling… On occasion, I took friends or my father came with. We caught blue crabs in the dip net, sometimes luring them with a chicken neck or fish backbone on a long string, teasing them via their stubbornness and tenacity to within scoop of the net. Sometimes we just cruised the flats looking for them, the angry flash of their outstretched claws giving them away before they attempted disappearing into a puff of bayou-silt-covered smoke. One had to sweep with reckless abandon in the spot the crab was going to be, not where he was, to have a chance of seeing that azure claw snapping inside that white mesh. Stone crabs were a different sort. Slow and lumbering, they were every bit the tank of the crustacean ilk. Turning over a long defunct train trestle’s rock rip-rap that ever-soneatly parted the sand of the flats that were the mouth of Bayou Grande, Davenport Bayou, and Starlake Bayou as they flowed into Pensacola Bay, would occasionally reveal the vice like crunching and tearing claws of the stone crab, ready to grab hold of you and crush whatever was put before them. Stone crabs took grit and determination, and many times a partner, to capture. Removing one claw, we put the crab back to grow us another one for the next time we came across him in his trestle rock home. It’s the dog days of summer now, and I can still feel
those waters coursing through my veins; briny but not too briny. Muddy, but not too muddy. Warm, but not too warm… For some reason, this is memory making season. School hasn’t started yet. Church is in the long green. Afternoon thunderstorms prevent guaranteed outdoor activities, unless you’re willing to dodge them. We’re tied to nature whether we want to be or not and this time of the year reminds us over and over. Really, I think that that is all part of God’s plan. There are thin-places and thin-times, places and times where the veil of the here and now, the reality of this world, is thinner and we can dimly see through to the next. You might be tempted to think that the great heat has gotten to my brain, and maybe it has! But, think back… When were those magical times in your life? Were you cold and freezing? Or were you hot and in a bathing suit, looking to cool off with your friends and family? I say, go make some memories and come back refreshed, ready to change the world. You deserve it! The world deserves you! And God sure as heck calls you to it. God bless you and stay cool. Peace, Anthony+
Our Staff & Vestry Rev, Anthony MacWhinnie, II, Rector Vestry: Chuck Barnett - Senior Warden Jim Warner- Junior Warden Beth Woods, Susan Early, Ann Philen & John Velaski Twinette McDonald - Music Director Sally Putters - Parish Nurse
To volunteer or for information on when and where to drop off donations, contact Dawn Hayes
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Saint Monica’s Messenger
Reach for safer medicine
From the National Safety Council and Nurse Sally Every day we make decisions that have a direct impact on our health. Making smart food choices and exercising regularly can help keep us in shape and avoid many injuries. However, if an injury does occur, we can still protect our health when deciding what medications to take. Prescription painkillers such as OxyContin, Percocet and Vicodin, known as opioids, account for more drug overdoses than heroin and cocaine combined. Every day, 52 people die from prescription opioid overdoses. (NSC analysis of NCHS mortality data) These legally obtainable drugs are highly addictive and actually less effective than a combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen. What Are the Signs of Opioid Painkiller Addiction? It’s not always easy to tell if someone is addicted to opioid painkillers. Experts say common symptoms include: Excessive mood swings or anxiety Sleepiness Slurred speech Confusion or poor decision making Small pupils or shallow breathing Continually “losing” prescriptions so more must be written Seeking prescriptions from more than one doctor Stealing, forging or selling prescriptions Should you work or drive while taking opioid painkillers? Certain side effects of opioid painkillers could hinder your ability to drive or work safely. These side effects include: Dizziness Sleepiness Blurred vision Confusion or unusual thoughts Delayed reaction Difficulty following directions Talk to your family about the risks of opioid painkillers. Discuss the dangers of mixing prescription drugs with alcohol. Explain how painkillers are made from opioids, which are similar to heroin. Talk to your parents, grandparents and caregivers about how to safely store medications. Secure any opioid painkillers, sedatives, sleep medications or stimulants in a locked drawer or container. Keep young children safe around medications. All medicines and vitamins should always be kept up and away and out of a child’s reach. Practice safe medicine storage and remind houseguests to keep purses, bags or coats up and away when in your home.
Food Pantry, Charity of the Month “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.” Matthew 25:35 Our charity of the month for August is St. Monica’s Emergency Food Pantry. The emergency food pantry was founded to provide food, personal care items and household supplies to a growing number of people in our community who lacked these basic resources. We currently serve individuals and families from various backgrounds and financial means. Emergency food is shared with love and respect to those who come to us for assistance. It is our belief that they receive not only food for their physical hunger, but kindness and grace which feeds their spiritual and emotional hungers as well. How can you contribute? Food contributions such as tuna, canned soup, canned fruit, canned vegetables, dry and evaporated milk, pudding mix, baking mixes and coffee or tea are always welcome. Health regulations do not permit us to accept home-prepared items. Personal care items such as soap, razors, shampoo, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, baby wipes and diapers are also needed. With monetary donations we can purchase food and other items that are especially for particular needs. We are able to provide this important community service only because of your contributions. Thank you for your generosity.
Saint Monica’s Messenger
Summer camp donates beans & rice
The theme for the 6th and 7th grade campers at Beckwith Summer Camp was “Joy and Wonder.” The campers crafted, danced, sang, ate, worshipped and enjoyed a funfilled, spiritual week in “God’s Front Yard.” Led by Fr. Keith Talbot, Rector at St. Paul’s Foley, the kids also packaged 800 pounds of donated dried beans and rice for St. Monica’s Beans and Rice Ministry. Fr. Anthony, Chuck Barnett and Connie Chamberlin attended the closing service where the boxes containing the beans and rice were stacked in Resurrection Chapel and used as the altar for the closing Eucharist. Following the service, the boxes were loaded into Fr. Anthony’s Tahoe and brought back to St. Monica’s where they were placed on the altar and blessed the following Sunday. Some of those beans and rice were used this past Saturday when we were able to provide food for 20 families. Thank you, kids of Camp Beckwith. Thank you, churches of the Central Gulf Coast who donated the beans and rice. Thank you, Fr. Keith for such and awesome example of God’s love!
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Retreat hosted by DoK The Central Gulf Coast Assembly of The Order of the Daughters of the King, Inc.®, will hold its Fall Retreat on September 10, 2016, at St. Agatha’s Episcopal Church, in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. The theme will be “Using Prayer Beads in the Episcopalian Tradition.” Discussion will be about how prayer beads can be used as a tool to enhance and focus daily prayer life. In the afternoon, attendees will make their own set of prayer beads and Bishop Russell will bless them during closing Eucharist. Please arrive at 9:00 for registration and refreshments. Lunch will be provided. The cost of the retreat is $20 per person to cover costs of food, materials and rosary supplies. A registration form can be found on the Diocesan website or click here. Please return the form with payment to Vicky Patterson, 111 Moonlight Drive, Panama City Beach, FL 32413 by Monday, August 29. For more information, contact Vicky at vickypatterson@gmail.com.
A Diocesan Homecoming Weekend and Beckwith Event Fundraiser September 30—October 2
Weekend Events:
Friday The Undercroft Cafe w/ music on the lawn by Rock Bottom Saturday Outdoor activities & Televised College Football (giant water slide, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, cornhole, badminton, blooper ball, pool volleyball) Bishop's BBQ Diocesan Ultreya Live Auction - Low Country Boil and Music by Kate Kelly and Forest Fire Gospel Choir
Auction items include: Vacation Homes, Condos, Hunting and Fishing trips, Art (Please consider a donation to the Live Auction - contact Eleanor Reeves for details)
Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy a weekend of good food, music, dancing, fun and fellowship! Sunday 10:00 am Holy Eucharist
Photos by Rev. Anthony MacWhinnie.
Register now here
Beth Woods Pauline Somerville & Carol Farrel To the glory of God Beth Woods
Ann Philen
Rowena Chaapel & Jackie Wright
To the glory of God
Valerie Smith
Carol Farrel
Susan Early
Nursery
Coffee Hour
Flowers
Arrangers
Eucharistic Visitor
Vestry of the Day
Ann Philen
Ann Philen
Carol Farrel
Chuck Barnett
Carol Farrel
Beth Woods
John Velaski
Jackie Wright
Jeanine Black Pauline Somerville Ray Farrel
To the glory of God
To the glory of God
To the glory of God
POTLUCK
TBA
Ray Farrel & Jim Warner
Barbara Cross
Dave Somerville
Valerie Smith
Beth Woods
Trey MacWhinnie Katherine Chaapel
Katherine Chaapel & Bailee McGuffin
John Velaski
Beth Woods
Fred Woods
John Velaski
September 4
Trey MacWhinnie Katherine Chaapel John Velaski & Dave Somerville Jeff Woods & Chuck Barnett
Ray Farrel
* If you are unable to meet your obligation, please call a replacement, or swap with someone.
Ushers
Altar
John Velaski
Katherine Chaapel & Bailee McGuffin Tom Chaapel & Dave Somerville Bill Ramsey & Jim Warner
Trey MacWhinnie Katherine Chaapel Chuck Barnett & Connie Chamberlin Jim Morningstar & Ray Farrel
Acolytes
Trey MacWhinnie
Pauline Somerville
John Velaski
Lector Epistle reading
Carol Farrel
Chuck Barnett
Beth Woods
Carol Farrel
Psalm
Ron Philen
Connie Chamberlin
Fred Woods
Ron Philen
Connie Chamberlin
August 28
Dave Somerville
Lector 1st Lesson
Ron Philen
August 21
John Velaski
August 14
Eucharistic Minister
August 7
Service Schedule for August 2016
August Prayer Requests
Military and First Responders Prayer List
Toni Bartlett Janice Courson The Dufort Family Ashton & Tracie Ferguson Gabriel Ferguson Ashton Gaff Kari K. Garcia Marie Gibbs Angela Scordato Hinkle Julianna Horn Christina Humphries Brian Jack Bob Matlock Jean Moss
Connor Aligood Adam Blankenship Josh Braymen Daryl Coy Field Cross Mark Feely Patrick Ferguson Aaron Gaff Adrian Gaff Benjamin Gaff Tim Heartford
Maggie Rose Rodak Rusty Sellers Dee Dee Slettahaugh Eddie Velaski Melanie Velaski Brennis Whaley Heidi Woods Jackie Wright
Birthdays in August
7, Ron Philen;11, Tom Chaapel; 12, Danise Beadle, Jeannine Black; 20, Melanie Velaski; 23, Connie Chamberlin
Anniversaries in August
7, Frank & Wimberly Murphy; 10, Wayne & Juliana Horn If your birthday or anniversary is not listed or not listed correctly, please let the office or 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 All are welcome!
Mark Hill Johnny Hurd James Klinginsmith William Knapp Andrew Kuntz Cody Melancon Chase Scott Jeremy Wright
Prison Ministry Cycle of Prayer 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. Aug. 14, Pike County Jail, Troy, Alabama Aug. 21, Conecuh County Jail, Evergreen, Alabama Aug. 28, Baldwin County Jail, Bay Minette, Alabama Jul. 31, Barbour County Jail 24, Clayton, AL Sept. 4, Crenshaw County Jail, Luverne, Alabama Sept. 11, Covington County Jail, Andalusia, Alabama Sept.18, Coffee County Jail County Complex, New Brockton, Alabama Sept. 25, 2016 Choctaw County Jail, Butler, Alabama