Saint Monica's Episcopal Church
Messenger
December 2015
From the Rector’s desk
by Rev. Anthony MacWhinnie, II
“It smells so good in here!” Elizabeth exclaimed, as our batch of beef jerky got up to speed in the dehydrator. We’re getting ready for a family vacation up to North Georgia, so Trey and I got into the kitchen and got working on making one of the tastiest and most nutritious treats you can have while you’re hiking: jerky. We’re also fans of turkey jerky, so the second batch was all turkey, all the time. Making all this together is such fun for the family! It bonds us. It saves a few dollars. It gives us a Father Anthony and Ruby on Vacation product that’s better than anything Photo by Elizabeth MacWhinnie you can get in the store and on top of that it’s better for you without all those unnecessary prePeace, servatives and chemicals added. Anthony+ But there is something else that it does for us that is noteworthy. It gives us a foretaste of what’s to come, both literally and figuratively. We’re not on vacation yet, but we ARE in a way. We’re preparing for it. We’re getting ready. We’re anticipating the future by doing this work now. We’re hopefully anticipating, just like what Advent is supposed to be about. And you know what? It’s joyful! It’s wonderful working and preparing and anticipating a future in which this sometimes hard work will pay off in an enjoyable, literal mountain top experience. It makes the “now” better as well as making the “then” better. So, knowing this, and knowing that Advent, a season unto itself, is all about hopeful anticipation, how are you going to prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas during Advent? This little jerky experience has really taught me a lesson that going alone is not always the best way to go. It’s better for all involved when we work together for
the common cause. It brings us together. It bonds us. It’s easier on each of us because many hands make light work. And in the end we have a shared experience of both the journey and the destination that can only be achieved through mutual striving. On Wednesday nights at 6:00PM in Advent, we’ll be having what I am calling “ADVENTure.” We’ll come together to eat and to learn and to work together to prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ. Invite your friends and come join us! Sign up in the Narthex. Maybe we’ll make jerky…
WEDNESDAYS IN ADVENT “Adventure”
Our Staff & Vestry
6:00pm on Wednesdays in Advent
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
Join us for dinner, discussion and hands on participation in Advent. We’ll be discussing topics that revolve around the Advent concept of “Hopeful Anticipation”. Each week we’ll delve into the biblical occurrences of ideas such as “hope,” “anticipation,” “preparation,” and “waiting.” We will also craft parts of the Sunday Eucharistic service that week. Join us in this ADVENTure!
St, Monica’s Advent Schedule Sundays 9:00 Sunday School 10:00 Worship Wednesdays 6:00 pm ADVENTure Christmas Eve 7:00 pm Family Service 11:00 pm Midnight Mass Come join us!
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Saint Monica’s Messenger
How to beat holiday stress By Nurse Sally
The holiday season has arrived and we find ourselves busier than ever. We are dealing with our normal activities plus added holiday activity. We feel ourselves getting stressed. Stress occurs when the demands in your life exceed your ability to cope with them. Many things can cause stress— from simple things such as having to stand in line at the checkout counter to more serious challenges such as caring for an ailing family member or dealing with life style changes. Whatever the cause of your stress, if it’s overwhelming you, you need to address it. Stress is a serious health risk. When you experience stress, your heart beats faster, your blood pressure rises and your breathing becomes rapid. After a stressful moment (threat) passes, your body relaxes again. The problem is we have similar responses to various situations and if these continue to pile up with no chance to recover it makes you more vulnerable to long term health problems. Stress may contribute to development of an illness. It may aggravate an existing health problem or trigger an illness if you are at risk. Cardiovascular disease: Incr eases in hear t r ate and blood pressure in response to daily stress, may add to your risk of a heart attack. Gastrointestinal problems: It is common to have a stomach ache when stresses and increased stress worsen symptoms. Mental health stresses, such as a death of a loved one may trigger depression and anxiety. Stress may worsen skin conditions, asthma and arthritis. Treatment: Find ways to r elax to calm your mind and body. Find a comfortable position lying down or sitting. Inhale slowly and deeply with your mouth closed and shoulders relaxed, hold for a count of six, pause for a second, exhale through your mouth as you count to six, pause and repeat several times. Other techniques involve relaxing a series of muscles one at a time. Begin by lying or sitting in a comfortable position, loosen tight clothing and close your eyes. Tense each muscle group (head to toe) for five seconds then relax for at least 30 seconds. Repeat once before moving to the next muscle group. Lying quietly picture yourself in a pleasant, peaceful setting. Allow thoughts to flow through your mind, don’t focus on any of them. Tell yourself you are relaxed, that your hands and arms are heavy and warm and your heart is beating calmly, breathe slowly, regularly and deeply. Imagine yourself in a favorite place and just relax,. Let go for about 10 minutes then gradually get yourself up. Your entire body and mind will feel relaxed and you can take on your busy tasks. Try these techniques to see if they help you get through those hectic times. If symptoms persist, seek medical advice. Have a wonderful, stress-free holiday season. Nurse Sally
More than 130 people representing 30 churches in the diocese attended the Conference for Small Congregations at St. Monica’s on Saturday, November 14
A thank you note from the Commission on Diocesan Missions November 15 2015 Dear Friends at St. Monica’s, On behalf of the Commission on Diocesan Missions, I want to thank you for hosting the historic 2015 Conference for Small Congregations It was a fantastic day filled with the very inspiring presentation by Bishop Russell, wonderful fellowship and delicious food. The day seemed perfect in every way. I know how hard you all worked to keep up with the ever increasing numbers. All of the hard work was evident in the flawless flow of the day’s activities Thank you again for a day that the Diocese will always remember. Sincerely, Lynn Ferren Chair of the Commission on Diocesan Missions
For our December Charity of the Month, we will be helping a family of 5 children with food and gifts. We will be meeting the mother at Walmart to shop for Christmas toys and clothes for her children. We need monetary donations for the toys and gifts. We also need donations of food for a holiday meal including nuts and candy; and small gifts for the children such as small toys, story books, coloring books, crayons or other art supplies. The children are a girl age 7 and boys ages 6, 8, 9, and 12. The children attend Jim Allen and Ransom schools. Both parents work, but have a hard time making ends meet with nothing extra for Christmas. This family was referred to us by Jim Allen School. Thank you again for your generous donations to our charities this year.
TBA TBA TBA
Ushers Ray Farrel & James Warner Carol Farrel
John Velaski & Dave Somerville Viv Welch Ushers Jim Morningstar & Chuck Barnett Ann Philen Pauline Somerville & Carol Farrel
Trey MacWhinnie & Bailee McGuffin Tom Chaapel & Dave Somerville Bill & Sally Putters Ushers Bill Ramsey & Jeff Woods Beth Woods Rowena Chaapel & Jackie Wright To the glory of God Pauline Somerville
Chuck Barnett & Connie Chamberlain
Beth Woods
Ushers
Ray Farrel & James Warner
Carol Farrel
Dodie Matlock & Mike Scordato
To the glory of God
Jeanine Black
Ray Farrel
Altar
Greeters
Oblation Bearers
Ushers
Nursery
Coffee Hour
Flowers
Arrangers
Eucharistic Visitor
Carol Farrel
Ray Farrel
Jackie Wright
To the glory of God
Potluck Lunch
Ron & Ann Philen
Trey MacWhinnie & Bailee McGuffin Valerie Smith & Dave Somerville
* If you are unable to meet your obligation, please call a replacement, or swap with someone.
John Velaski
Beth Woods
Fred & Beth Woods
Katherine Chaapel
Ray Farrel
Katherine Chaapel
Pauline Somerville
Acolytes
Beth Woods
Chuck Barnett
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
Lector Epistle reading
Carol Farrel
Connie Chamberlin
Trey MacWhinnie
Carol Farrel
Psalm
TBA
Mike Scordato
Tom Chaapel
Chuck Barnett
Dave Somerville
Fred Woods
January 3 TBA
December 27 Connie Chamberlin
December 20
Ron Philen
December 13
John Velaski
Eucharistic Minister, 9:30 Lector 1st Lesson
December 6
Service Schedule for December 2015
December Prayer Requests
Military and First Responders Prayer List
John Aligood Bill Cross Jamie Vail Dickensen & Baby Zoey Tracy Ferguson Ashton Gaff Goodwin Family Hogan Family Jason Huelsbeck Knapp Children Myron Lewis Blake & Christopher Love Bob Matlock
Connor Aligood Adam Blankenship Josh Brayman Brian Condon Daryl Coy Field Cross Mark Feely Patrick Ferguson Aaron Gaff Adrian Gaff Benjamin Gaff
Margaret Schaff Rusty Sellers Dave Somerville John Smith Frank Welch Marcella Young Ronald Young
Birthdays in December…
Tim Heartford Mark Hill Johnny Hurd James Klinginsmith William Knapp Andrew Kuntz Nicholas Matroni Chase Scott Jeremy Wright
8, Bill Holland; 9, Waymon Fulgham; 12, Susan Early; 15 Joseph Johnson; 22, Earnest Johnson; 23, Dodie Matlock; 27, Paul Palmer
Anniversaries in December… 16, Bob & Dodie Matlock
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 All are welcome!