December 2017
From the Rector’s desk by Rev. Anthony MacWhinnie, II
Today, I want to think a little about silence. It’s something that we don’t get enough of, isn’t it? Yes, silence can be a little frightening for many, because who knows what thoughts may come up in the quiet? But, sometimes, that’s precisely the point. So often we busy ourselves with a myriad of tasks and problems to keep the silence away, just so that we can avoid those thoughts and feelings. It is in the silence that we can address them, and move on. In Romans 12:2 it says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will.” The world is busy. The world is chaotic. The world is stifling. God is none of these things. Instead, God is calm. God is ordered. And God is uplifting and transformative. Sometimes we just need a moment to check in with God. We need to slow down and listen.
Taize Prayer Service Tuesday, Dec. 5 Wednesday, Dec. 13 & Wednesday, Dec. 20 6:30 pm
Contemplative—Prayerful Meditative—Reflective Music-filled Find yourself and your joy in the silence this Advent Attend the Taize Serice
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
We don’t need to be concerned with the race to sucBe still cess or the drive of ambiand know that I am God tion. Sometimes we just need to take a deep breath, and then slowly exhale. In with the good air and out with the bad. On Wednesday’s in Advent (except the first Wednesday is rescheduled to that first Tuesday) we’ll be having Taize services at 6:30pm. If you are unfamiliar with Taize, it’s a different sort of contemplative, prayerful, and music-filled Photo of the cross on Weeks service. There will be music Bay at Beckwith Camp & Conference Center—photo by and readings and prayers Sarah McCarren. and silence. And it is this silence of which I speak. It is purposeful silence. A listening silence. A cleansing silence. It is not a fearful place. And, it is not a place of solitude. There is joy there. Come join us. Anthony+
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Saint Monica’s Messenger
St. Monica’s participates in Congregational Enrichment Venture On November 17 and 18, a team of six people from St. Monica’s traveled to St. Simon’s on the Sound in Ft. Walton Beach to participate in the first session of a two-year program sponsored by the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast called The Congregational Enrichment Venture. This program provides a structured opportunity for churches to explore ways to become more vital and viable congregations and further the Kingdom of God. The theme for the first year is Hopeful Leadership. Team members from 11 participating churches throughout the diocese will explore answers to questions such as: What kind of qualities, interactions and relationships create and sustain healthy churches? What type of leadership advances, rather than impedes, the mission of the church in the local congregation? How do we address change and conflict? What are the hidden dynamics that might frustrate the life of a church? The second year’s theme is Purposeful Apostleship where we will look at ways by which the congregation can more fully engage in our mission within and beyond our walls. With the input of the participating churches, we will discuss the practical aspects of mission including stewardship, evangelism, outreach and discipleship. Your team members are Chuck Barnett, Kathy Vail, Margaree Mills-Fitchett, Twinette McDonald, Viv Welch, Beth Woods (alternate), and Fr. Anthony. In preparation for the first session, Bishop Russell asked each team to meet together and answer the following contextual questions and submit the answers in writing. 1. What is the mission/vision/purpose statement for your church? And what are 2-3 current challenges for your church to live into your mission statement? 2. Describe an event/program when your church was most fully the church? 3. What was the last issue in your church that caused conflict? How was the issue resolved? 4. How would you describe a healthy church? 5. Using the following adjectives, or others of your own, describe the life-stage in which your church is living: birth, growing, redefining, declining, stagnation, survival, dying, fortress, transitioning. 6. Name one sign or more of the presence of the Kingdom
Your CEV Team; Fr. Anthony MacWhinnie, Twinette McDonald, Viv Welch, Margaree Mills-Fitchett and Kathy Vail. Not pictured, Chuck Barnett and Beth Woods (Alternate).
of God which Jesus brings near. 7. What kinds of things do you hope to learn about your congregation? 8. What dynamics in your congregation are you concerned about? The team concluded that anxiety over finances, poor internal communications and an aging congregation were our biggest concerns. The topic for the first session was Know Who You Are and How it Affects Who You Will Be – Discerning Our Congregational Dynamics. The Rev. Jacques Hadler Jr., a priest in the Diocese of Washington, who retired from Virginia Theological Seminary in 2010, introduced us to Systems Theory as it applies to the church. Basically every church, like every family, regardless of its faith tradition has to deal with the reality of the cumulative effect of the emotional systems of its members. (For an exercise in Systems Theory, click here.) With this understanding, it is believed church members and leaders can better manage conflicts that may arise in congregations. In his email to the team members, Bishop Russell wrote, “I am excited and hopeful about the journey on which we are about to embark. Like Abraham and Sarah, you have made a decision of hopeful leadership by “going, not knowing where we are going.” I pray that God will give us the light of holy wisdom, saintly courage and sacred creativity as we venture forth.” Your team is also excited about the journey and promises to be fully committed to the entire two-year process. Other churches participating are Epiphany, Crestview; St. Paul’s, Daphne; Epiphany, Enterprise; St. Simon’s, Fort Walton Beach; Redeemer, Mobile; St. Andrew’s, Mobile; Trinity, Mobile; St. Michael’s, Ozark; St. Andrew’s, Panama City; St. Patrick’s, Panama City and St. Cyprian’s, Pensacola. We would appreciate your continued prayers throughout this process. To learn more about the Congregational Enrichment Venture, visit the diocesan website at https://
Saint Monica’s Messenger
Healing Service offered St. Monica’s has had its share of struggles, misunderstandings and anxieties in recent years. Some of us have, to some degree, been wounded by these struggles. Maybe we were deeply invested in a ministry that failed and we feel a sense of loss and are grieving. Maybe we feel hurt by clergy or another member in some way. Perhaps some projects were derailed before leaving the station and we are reluctant to risk getting involved in other things that might fail. The CEV Team is striving for ways to conduct our church activities where differences of opinion are recognized, our people are respected, and talents are resourced, not rejected. As a means to that end, Fr. Anthony has scheduled a special afternoon service following the Annual Meeting on December 17. The Service of Healing and Reconciliation offers an opportunity for worship, reflection on God’s word and opening ourselves afresh to God’s grace, forgiveness and the healing of mind, body and spirit. Gathering together in community to seek God’s guidance - drawing near to God and to each other - is the heart of what we do as Christians. The members of the team are filled with hope for the future and confidence in the Spirit’s guiding presence as we continue our journey together. As Christians we are people of reconciliation. Whatever might be holding you back from being fully engaged in the life of the church, we hope you will attend the Service of Healing and Reconciliation. It is a new church year and this is an ideal opportunity to lay all those feelings, anxieties and concerns on the altar so we all may start over with a renewed hearts and become the church God wants us to be.
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Please join us for an Advent Musical Event Sunday, December 10 at 3:30 pm
Forever Finding our way home for Christmas
Featuring adult and costumed children’s choirs!
This vocal presentation is sure to bring to mind memories of Christmases past, while celebrating new traditions and the glorious hope of God.
Charity of the month Visit the
Angel Tree
In the Narthex For the Christmas wishes & needs of two children who need our help this Christmas.
For more information, see Margaree Mills-Fitchett
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Saint Monica’s Messenger
Holiday health & safety tips By Nurse Sally Putters
The holiday season is a great opportunity to enjoy time with family and friends, celebrate life, to be grateful, and reflect on what is important. It is also a time to appreciate the gift of health. Here are some holiday tips to support your efforts for health and safety this season. Wash your hands often. Keeping your hands clean is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Wash your hands with soap and clean running water, and rub them together for at least 20 seconds. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough and sneeze. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow not your hands. Stay warm. Cold temperatures can cause serious health problems, especially for infants and older adults. Stay dry, and dress warmly in several layers. Manage stress: The holidays don’t need to take a toll on your health and pocketbook. Keep your commitments and spending in check. Balance work, home, and play. Get support from family and friends. Keep a relaxed and positive outlook. Make sure you get proper sleep. Travel safely: Whether you are traveling across town or around the world, help ensure your trip is safe. Don’t drink and drive and don’t let someone else drink or drive. Wear a seat belt every time you ride or drive a vehicle. Buckle children in car seats using a child seat that is appropriate for his/her age, height, and weight. Watch the kids. Keep a watchful eye when they are eating and playing. Be sure to develop rules about acceptable behavior and have fun. Eat healthy and be active. Choose fresh foods that are festive and sweet to substitute for candy than other sweets. Limit fats, salt and sugary foods. Also limit the amounts so you don’t overeat. Activity: Do fun things such as dancing or active play games. Adults should be active 2 1/2 hours/week. Kids need to be active for at least 1 hour per day. Have a very safe holiday season. God bless, Nurse Sally
Be part of the Global Advent calendar Be part of the #AdventWord Global Advent Calendar. This innovative way to engage people from across the globe in the season of Advent is now in its fourth year. Sign up for daily email meditations, then simply respond to the daily meditation emailed to you with images and prayers that speak to your heart. Your images and prayers will appear in the Advent Calendar with others from around the world. AdventWord begins on Sunday 3 December 2017. Images and meditations will be made available through email, and on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. During the 23 days of Advent, a daily email featuring the AdventWord of the day will go out at 5 am in the recipients own time-zone. You are also encouraged to share your own images and short reflections via social media and on the AdventWord and St. Monica’s Facebook Pages using the hashtag #AdventWord along with a hashtag (#) for the word of the day. Remember to put a space between the hashtags, for example #AdventWord #Hope. Images should reflect your own interpretation of the Advent Words of the Day listed below. St. Monica’s will be sharing our images as well. Daily AdventWord: 3 December #Awaken 4 December #Journey 5 December #Gather 6 December #Simplify 7 December #Heal 8 December #Mend 9 December #Focus 10 December #Prepare 11 December #Messenger 12 December #Watch 13 December #Voice
14 December #Wilderness 15 December #Trust 16 December #Among 17 December #Light 18 December #Dazzle 19 December #Open 20 December #Embrace 21 December #Renew 22 December #Greeting 23 December #Child 24 December #Believe 25 December #Celebrate
Saint Monica’s Messenger
A St. Nicholas Story
Fr. Anthony’s wows the crowd at Trunk or Treatwith his card tricks
Holy Eucharist—7 pm with choir Holy Eucharist—11pm
Once upon a time there lived far away in the East a pious man, the Bishop Nicholas. One day he heard that far in the West was a big town. In this town all the people had to suffer hunger, the children also. Then Bishop Nicholas called his servants who loved him and said to them 'Bring me the fruits of your gardens and the fruits of your fields that we can still the hunger of the children in that town.' The servants brought baskets full of apples and nuts, and on top lay honey cakes which the women had baked. And the men brought sacks of wheat. Bishop Nicholas had all these things taken onto a ship. It was a beautiful ship, quite white and the sails of the ship were as blue as the sky and as blue as the mantle of the Bishop Nicholas. The wind blew into the sails and sped the ship along, And when the wind grew tired the servants took to the oars and rowed the ship westward. They had to sail for a longtime; for seven days and seven nights. When they arrived in front of the big town it was evening. The roads were empty, but in the houses there burnt lights. Bishop Nicholas knocked at a window. The mother in the house thought a late wanderer had come and she asked her child to open the door. Nobody was outside. The child ran to the window. There was nobody outside the window either. But instead, there stood a basket filled with apples and nuts, red and yellow, and a honey cake lay on top. By the basket stood a sack which was bursting with golden wheat grains. All the people ate the gifts and once again became healthy and happy. Today St. Nicholas is in the heavens. Every year on his birthday he starts on his journey down to the earth. He asks for his white horse and journeys from star to star. There he meets Mother Mary, who gathers silver and golden threads for the shift of the Christ Child. Mother Mary says to him: "Dear St. Nicholas please go again to the children and bring them your gifts. Tell them, 'Christmas is nigh and soon the Christ Child will come.'" The earth is wide and great. There, where St. Nicholas cannot go himself, he asks a good and pious person to go to the children and take them apples and nuts and tell the children of the coming of the Christ Child. By Margaret Meyerkort, Wynstones School, Whaddon, Gloucester, UK., from Winter: A collection of Poems, Songs and Stories for young children, Jennifer Aulie and Margaret Meyerkort, eds, copyright © 1978, 1983, 1999, reprinted 2005 Wynstones Press. Used by permission.
Saint Monica’s Messenger
Happening is back!
Happening is a spiritual formation weekend presented BY TEENAGERS, FOR TEENAGERS! The weekend includes a summer camp-like experience over a weekend at one of the churches in our diocese. This year it will be held at St. Christopher's in Pensacola, Florida February 2 through 4, 2018 | Happening #54 . Happeners participate in fun things like games, music, prayer, tons of good food, talks given by clergy and teenage staff, and unique worship experiences. For 10th - 12th graders. Cost is $60. Financial assistance available. Contact Addie Boyd-Quina, Happening coordinator, at addie@beckwithal.com with any questions or if your parish would like to host a drive for materials needed for the weekend.
Happeners register here >> Adult staff register here >> Youth staff register here >> For more youth news, subscribe to the Youth Newsletter
Meet our newest acolyte Say hello to our newest acolyte, Gabriel Hernandez! Gabe’s first experience on the altar St. Monica’s was carrying the Bishop’s Crosier following Confirmation. He’s been acolyting officially for several weeks now and is doing a great job! Welcome to St. Monica’s, Gabe!
Summer Camp at Beckwith Give the youth in your life the gift of SUMMER CAMP AT BECKWITH for Christmas!
Registration opens December 1 >>
Jim Morningstar
Ann Philen Connie Chamberlin & Bernice Warner To the glory of God Valerie Smith
Beth Woods
Barbara Cross & Julie Hart
To the glory of God
Beth Woods
Ray Farrel
Nursery
Coffee Hour
Flowers
Arrangers
Eucharistic Visitor
Carol Farrel
Ray Farrel
Beth Woods
To the glory of God
John Velaski
Valerie Smith
To the glory of God
POTLUCK
Danice Beadle & Jane MacWhinnie Carol Farrel & Kathy Vail
Ann Philen
Beth Woods
Carol Farrel
Trey MacWhinnie, Katherine Chaapel, Rachel Ludwig & Gabe Hernandez John Velaski & Tom Chaapel Ray Farrel & Jim Warner
Trey MacWhinnie, Katherine Chaapel, Rachel Ludwig & Gabe Hernandez Valerie Smith & Carol Farrel Jeff Woods & Chuck Barnett
Ray Farrel
Bill Hart
Carol Farrel
Ron Philen
December 31
Trey MacWhinnie, Katherine Chaapel, Rachel Ludwig & Gabe Hernandez Connie Chamberlin & Chuck Barnett Bill Ramsey & Jim Warner
* If you are unable to meet your obligation, please call a replacement, or swap with someone.
Ushers
Altar
John Velaski
To the glory of God
Trey MacWhinnie, Katherine Chaapel, Rachel Ludwig & Gabe Hernandez John Velaski & Carol Farrel Jim Morningstar & Ron Giles
Trey MacWhinnie, Katherine Chaapel, Rachel Ludwig & Gabe Hernandez John Velaski & Tom Chaapel Bill Ramsey & Jim Warner
Acolytes
Beth Woods
Ray Farrel
Lector Epistle reading John Velaski
Beth Woods
Fred Woods
Trey MacWhinnie
Bill Hart
Psalm Bill Heart
Chuck Barnett
Bill Hart
Kathy Vail
John Velaski
Carol Farrel
Connie Chamberlin
December 24
Lector 1st Lesson
Ron Philen
December 17
Ray Farrel
December 10
Eucharistic Minister
December 3
Service Schedule for December 2017
December Prayer Requests
Military and First Responders Prayer List
Ruth Bates Leroy Bell Myrna Claywell Bill Cross Tierra Demby Kim Dyson Tammy Edwards Elmer Fitchett Ashton Gaff Paul Giles Ron Giles
Adam Blankenship Brian Condon Field Cross Patrick Ferguson Aaron Gaff Adrian Gaff Benjamin Gaff
Sherry Johnston James Klinginsmith Charlene Lee Bob Matlock Frank Murphy Chris Palma Maggie Rose Rodak Mickey Sams & Family Rusty Sellers Texann Stephens
Anniversaries in December 16, Bob & Dodie Matlock
If your birthday or anniversary is not listed or not listed correctly, please let the office or Viv Welch know.
Birthdays in December
12, Susan Early; 23, Dodie Matlock
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!
Justin Hanson Andrew Kuntz Cody Melancon Chase Scott
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.
Dec. 3 - Bay County Jail, Panama City, Florida Dec. 10—Calhoun County Jail, Blountstown, Florida Dec 17— Gulf County Jail, Port St. Joe, Florida Dec. 24—Escambia County Jail, Pensacola, Florida; Escambia County Jail, Brewton, Alabama Dec. 31—Jackson County Corrections Facility, Marianna, Florida