Saint Monica's Episcopal Church
Messenger
February 2014
Re-defining lay ministry by Laurie Guidim, iconographer, liturgical artist, writer and lay preacher “The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knitted together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.” – Ephesians 4:11-16 I have to admit to feeling a surge of disappointment sometimes when some dedicated and faithful lay person discerns that they are called to ordained ministry. Everyone else will be greeting their decision with joy, and I will find myself a little on the edge, unable to fully celebrate with them. I've done a lot of soul searching about this. Why do I feel as I do? What does it mean? Am I jealous? Full of petty resentment? Maybe I should be thinking of the priesthood myself? The cause of my letdown, I have realized, is that I don't like the conclusion we all leap to – that because someone is very serious about their spiritual life and desirous of dedicating their days to serving God, they need to become a priest . I wonder if they are not mistaking a call to love God with all their heart, soul and might for a call to become a pastor in a church. I know that often people are genuinely called to that more specific way of being in relationship with Christ and Christ's church. When that is true, it is truly a cause for celebration. But so is any clear discernment of any calling. We ought to be celebrating each with equal verve. Our job in this era is to redefine for ourselves what it
Our Staff & Vestry Vestry: Chuck Barnett - Senior Warden, Dan Ferguson- Junior Warden, Ann Philen, Bill Ramsey, Melanie Velaski, Beth Woods, Linda Aligood, Tom Chaapel, Frank Murphy Carol Farrel - Treasurer Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva - Music Director Sally Putters - Parish Nurse
means to be a lay person. The church as we know it may not survive through this century, and if it does, leadership will look different than it does now. And so we common folk need to put our elbows out and bring to words for ourselves and for the Body of Christ what it means to be an on-fire bunch of saints bearing witness and living into our gifts right along with our priests. That means all our gifts, since each one Let your light shine! of us is called. We need to make places for ourselves that fit new found understandings of the need to put God first in our lives. There are no roles, so we need to do the arduous work of creating them. Reading through this passage from Ephesians I am stirred by the vision of a church in which every member promotes the growth of the Body of Christ, building it up in love. It is a place where each participant in the group has gifts, knows what they are, and uses them to the benefit of all the other members and the world beyond their doors. I am assuming that each gift is honored to the same degree as all the others. But who really knows. It's a sketchy picture at best. And it's probably also an ideal that was rarely actually realized. Still, it's something to hang on to as we re-imagine what is possible for us in living in Christian community. In this brand new year, as we each wake up to our relationship with God and allow it to set our hearts ablaze, let's use this model from Ephesians. In fact, let's use it and whatever else we can get our hands on to determine for ourselves how we ought to live together. How can we honor each of our gifts and our contributions to the Body? How can we encourage one another? How can we open for ourselves and one another new avenues for realizing God's dream for the world – right here and right now? Laurie Guidim is a religious iconographer and liturgical artist, a writer and lay preacher living in Fort Collins, CO. See her work online at Everyday Mysteries. With others she manages a website for the Diocese of Colorado highlighting congregations’ creative ministries: Fresh Expressions Colorado.
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Saint Monica’s Messenger
Valentine’s Day, February 14
Did you hear that?
Valentine’s Day is observed on February 14 every year throughout the world. It began as a liturgical celebration of one or more early Christian saints named Valentinus. Many people celebrate Valentine’s Day as a day of love between two individuals, but there can also be a focus on love and loving service to others on this day. Just as Jesus called for Mary and John to care for one another as he was dying, we are called to care for one another – for those who have experienced loss, whether it be a spouse, a child, a parent or source of income or support. There are opportunities all around to provide simple ways to love those in our communities who have suffered loss. The Episcopal Church urges us to use this day to make a difference in the lives of others. This Valentine’s Day, consider donating time, money, or resources to the new Beans and Rice Ministry, The Sisterhood of Quilters, our Emergency Food Pantry, or other places that are assisting those in need. Call someone or visit someone on the prayer list. They may just be waiting to hear from you. Show those less fortunate that there is still love and caring in this world.
By Nurse Sally
The Holy Smokers are at it again!
Barbecued Pork Plates $6 Saturday, February 15 10:30 am until gone Plates include Pulled Pork Sandwich, Coleslaw & Baked Beans Tickets on sale now - see Beth Woods. Pre orders being taken on
Whole Boston Butts - $25 All proceeds will go toward playground improvements
Wasn't that a great sermon last week? YOU DIDN'T HEAR IT? It is estimated that 26.7 million Americans age 50 or older have hearing loss, only about one in seven uses a hearing aid. (Archives of Internal Medicine). This under use may result from people not using the right type of hearing aid causing them to give up wearing them. Hearing aids currently available include models that fit outside and inside the ear. The largest type consists of hard plastic case that sits behind the ear attached to a molded part that fits inside of the outer ear. They amplify the sound and are appropriate for most types of hearing loss. They cost between $500 and $1,000. A smaller version, the open fit, (costing $1000 to $1500) is less visible, and best for mild to moderate hearing loss. Inside-the-ear aids ($1000 to $1500) fit completely inside the outer ear, and are appropriate for moderate to severe hearing loss, while in-the canal ($1000 to $2000) hearing aids fit either partially or fully into the ear canal. Smaller designs like these may not incorporate volume control and directional microphones. They also may be awkward to handle if you have arthritis in your hands or impaired vision. Hearing aids do not return your hearing to normal. They work to amplify sounds so you can hear them better. Your perception of sounds will not be the same as when your hearing was keen. It may take several weeks or months to adjust, and initially your voice may sound loud in your head. If the aids do not fit correctly, you may experience feedback (a whistling sound) and it is possible you will experience a buzzing sound when using a cell phone. Contact your audiologist if you have any of these problems. You should have a 30-day trial period with new hearing aids to ensure proper hearing and fitting. The more you use the aids, the more quickly you adjust to the amplified sounds. Once you are happy with your aids, be sure to have an annual follow-up. Medicare does not cover the cost of hearing aids for adults; however, diagnostic evaluations are covered if they are ordered by a physician as part of a treatment plan. Financial assistance can be obtained through the National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders, but is very limited. Remember when you lose your vision; you get glasses. When you lose your hearing, why not hearing aids? We will be offering free heart health screening at the church on Saturday, February 15. Be sure to watch the Sunday bulletins and Facebook for more details. God Bless Nurse Sally
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February 13: Absalom Jones, 1746 - 1818 From the Public Affairs office of The Episcopal Church Protestant Episcopal Church, laying before Absalom Jones (1746-1818) was an Afrithe diocese three requirements: the Church can-American abolitionist and clergyman. must be received as an already organized After founding a black congregation in 1794, body; it must have control over its own afhe became the first African-American orfairs; and Jones must be licensed as laydained as a priest in The Episcopal Church. reader and if qualified, ordained as its minisBorn into slavery in Delaware at a time ter. when slavery was being debated as immoral Upon acceptance into the Diocese of Pennand undemocratic, he taught himself to read, sylvania, the church was renamed the African using the New Testament as one of his reEpiscopal Church of St. Thomas. The folsources. At the age of 16, Jones was sold to lowing year Jones became a deacon but was a shopkeeper in Philadelphia where he atnot ordained a priest until 1804, nine years tended a night school for blacks, operated by later. At 58 years old, he became the first Quakers. Following the purchase of his own black American priest. He continued to be a freedom in 1784, Jones served as lay minister for the black membership at St. George’s This famous image of Jones leader in his community, founding a day Methodist Episcopal Church. was rendered by Philadelphia school (as blacks were excluded from attending public school), the Female Benevolent The active evangelism of Jones and that of artist Raphaelle Peale in Society, and an African Friendly Society. In his friend, Richard Allen, greatly increased 1810. 1800 he called upon Congress to abolish the black membership at St. George’s. Alarmed by the rise in black attendance, the vestry decided to segre- slave trade and to provide for gradual emancipation of existing slaves. Jones died in 1818. gate blacks into an upstairs gallery without notice. When Just as Absalom Jones was not complacent to build a ushers attempted to remove the black congregants, the recongregation for African-Americans to come to on Sunsentful group exited the church. This exodus triggered the day, we must not be complacent in the march toward equal establishment of the Free African Society by Jones and rights for all God’s creation. While it is true that our nation Allen in 1787 to aid in the emancipation of slaves and to has come a long way, as evident by the recent Episcopal offer sustenance and spiritual support to widows, orphans, Church forum on racism, there is still much work to do. and the poor. What are you doing to raise your own awareness of this In 1794 Jones and Allen, with the assistance of local very important topic? Quakers and Episcopalians, established the “First African To learn more about the struggle for equality in the Church” in Philadelphia. Shortly after the establishment Episcopal Church, visit The Church Awakens – Africanthat same year, the African Church applied to join the American and the Struggle for Justice, visit or watch the recent webcast Fifty Years Later: The State of Racism in America. Happening is returning to the Central Gulf Coast, with the 52nd Happening weekend scheduled for March 14-16 at Holy Cross, PenWe bid a fond farewell to sacola. our beloved Kathy Vail Happening is a Christian experiand her husband Bill. ence presented by teenagers for Kathy has accepted the teenagers with the help of clergy and lay adult leadership. opportunity of a lifetime The Happening movement is a powerful instrument of reas a counselor at a US newal in the church. Participants examine their faith in a military base in Singapore. relaxed, fun, informal, and loving atmosphere. The HapThough we will miss her pening weekend gives those who attend the desire to ungreatly, we send our love derstand and serve God through his church. Happening is a and good wishes for a weekend of spiritual growth for teens in the 10th, 11th, productive “tour of duty” and 12th grades. and look forward to her For more information and forms, please contact, the return to us in two years! Happening Steering Committee at ofGod speed! Photo by Phyllis Condon fice@holycrosspensacola.org.
Happening coming to Holy Cross
Zaijian Kathy & Bill!
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Saint Monica’s Messenger
Focus on hunger and human rights on Souper Bowl Sunday Feeding the Hungry The Super Bowl is the championship game of the National Football League (NFL), and it has become an annual event for Americans (and many others around the world) to gather with family and friends to watch the game. The “Souper Bowl of Caring” leverages Super Bowl weekend in America to mobilize people to fight hunger and poverty in their local communities. Its vision is to transform Super Bowl weekend into America’s largest youth-led weekend of giving and serving. People collect monetary and food donations during the week leading up to Super Bowl Sunday, which is given directly to local charities of the group’s choice. Manna Food Pantry is our charity of choice. In 2013, 551 participating groups collected $1,420,116 in cash and food items for charities in their area. On Sunday, February 2 we will have our Soup Pot on the altar to collect your donations. Bring your donations of canned or non-perishable food items or money to church on Sunday and place them in and around the pot. These donations will be blessed by the priest and will be taken directly to Manna Food Pantry for distribution in our community. Fighting Human Trafficking Super Bowl Sunday has also been called the single largest human trafficking day in the United States. While there is debate over whether this claim is true, the truth about human trafficking in our midst is true, real, and terrible. Human trafficking is modern-day slavery, and The
Summer Camp Registration Open Online registration for summer camp at Camp Beckwith opened on January 17: Session 1 Session 2 Session 3 Session 4 Session 5 Session 6 Session 7 Session 8 Session 9
Grades 10, 11, 12 Grades 8 & 9 Grades 3 & 4 Special Ministries Grades 4 & 5 Grades 5 & 6 Grades 6 & 7 Grades 7 & 8 Grades 1, 2, 3
June 9-14 June 17-22 June 25-29 June 30-July 4 July 8-13 July 16-21 July 24-29 July 31-Aug. 5 August 8-10
For more information or to register online, visit: www.beckwithal.com/summer-camp. If you have questions, contact james@beckwithal.com
Episcopal News Service, Jan. 28, 2014: Rita Fishman, who represents the International Council of Jewish Women on the NGO Committee to Stop Trafficking in Persons, explains the origin and purpose of the U.N. GIFT Box. Photo: Lynette Wilson/ENS
Episcopal Church has been called to act. Human trafficking involves victims who are forced, defrauded or coerced into labor or sexual exploitation. Annually, about 600,000 to 800,000 people – mostly women and children – are trafficked across national borders. And that figure does not count millions trafficked within their own countries. Each year, the city that welcomes droves of partyminded Super Bowl fans also (unwillingly) hosts increased incidents of underage prostitution. The weekend of Super Bowl XLIV alone brought an estimated 10,000 prostitutes to Miami. It is estimated that 17,500 men, women, and children are trafficked into the United States each year, and an additional 100,000 U.S. citizen children are trafficked within the United States. They join the more than 20 million women, men, and children worldwide who are victims of human trafficking and who have been sold for an average total cost of $90 U.S. dollars. We are called by God, and urged by our General Convention (2012: D042) in response to that call, to attend to this modern injustice that traps so many vulnerable in the bonds of exploitive servitude; commanded to protect and support through education, service, and advocacy those who are exploited and silenced. So as we enjoy this Sunday’s big game and as we recommit to our responsibilities after the game’s final touchdown, we must also re-commit to fighting the horrific exploitation of human trafficking; re-commit to emancipating those robbed, plundered, and trapped, yet whom God has called by name. To learn more about what you can do to protect human rights, visit the Global Justice Page on The Episcopal Church web site.
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Beans & Rice Ministry feeds 20 families and blesses more It was gray, damp and chilly when our first Beans and Rice Distribution got underway on Saturday, January 25, but the smiles on the faces of those we served soon brightened the day. We prepared to give away 30 units of beans and rice and twice as many sausage biscuits. We had no idea whether there would be 1 or 100 people showing up. It didn’t matter. We were following the Holy Spirit. In the media, we invited anyone who wished to support this vital ministry to contribute or to volunteer to assemble food and help give it away. What a blessing it was when Norma Jean and Terry showed up just in time to help cook and assemble the sausage biscuits. They are not related to anyone at St. Monica’s. They don’t live in Cantonment and they aren’t even Episcopalians! They just read about us and wanted to help. They just wanted to be a part of something they believed in! The total units of beans and rice we gave away that day was 20. That may not seem like an overwhelming number, and in reality, it probably isn’t. But, for the people who received the Beans and Rice, it was an overwhelming gesture. We did not ask for any income statements or credentials. We just asked if we could pray for them. Most filled out a prayer card and asked for prayers for finances, relatives, relationships, health and other human conditions. When we started, we wondered if we would have enough. We did. Everyone there was blessed by this ministry, especially those of us who were volunteering. Next month there may be 20 or there may be 200. If the Lord wants this ministry continue, then we will have enough….enough food, enough energy and enough people! Thanks be to God. The next Beans and Rice distribution will be Saturday, February 22 beginning at 9 am. If you are interested in assisting, please contact Connie Chamberlin at 587-5022
Thanks be to God that the winter storm on January 28 left no ill effects on the church except for a few icicles!
or email clchamberlinb@aol.com. “...for I was hungry and you gave me food...Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” --Matthew 25:
Connie Chamberlin, offers additional assistance information to beans and rice recipients during the Beans and Rice Distribution on Saturday, January 25.
Welcoming with Spirit Bags Have you welcomed any visitors lately? In December, St. Monica’s launched a new “Welcome” program. We have prepared Spirit Gift Bags, which we will give to our visitors and newcomers. We call them “Spirit Bags” because they are RED with red tissue paper spilling out the top – Get it? Holy Spirit ----Spirit Bags! Items inside sometimes vary, but ALWAYS include a fish key chain, an inspirational book mark, information about St. Monica’s and the Episcopal Church, a recent copy of Forward Day by Day, a single-sized loaf of homemade banana bread, a visitor’s inquiry card and prayer card for them to fill out and return in the offering plate, or mail back at their convenience. The bags are kept in the vesting room. The banana bread is kept in the freezer in the fellowship hall and is added at the last minute. If you are the first to greet a newcomer, please let a member of the welcoming committee know. Current members are Connie Chamberlin, Viv Welch and Beth Woods. WELCOMING is a job all of us should take seriously! Every Sunday we should take notice of who’s new and who’s missing. If someone is new to you, introduce yourself and introduce them to someone else. While there is a fine line between welcoming and overwhelming, it’s better to smother someone with kindness than to ignore them.
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Understanding Diocesan Convention Diocesan Convention meets annually for two and a half days in February. This year the Convention: “All Things New” will be held at St. Christopher’s Pensacola on February 20-22. The bishop presides over the diocesan convention, the ultimate organizational decision-making body comprised of clergy and lay members known as delegates. Convention Delegates provide a link between the congregation and the Diocese by representing the congregation, and by reporting back to the congregation on events, actions and decisions that occur. All congregations have at least one delegate, larger congregations have more as determined by the diocesan canons. A lay delegate should be someone who can represent the congregation and vote on its behalf on a variety of subjects. All congregational clergy also serve as delegates and should be considered as part of the congregation's delegation. Every delegate should review the contents of the Convention materials in advance since these items will all come to a vote at the Convention. To review pre-filed resolutions on line, visit http://www.diocgc.org/What%20we%20do/ cgcfuture.html. The convention decides the diocesan budget (based on recommendations from the Budget and Finance Committee), elects members of the diocese’s various administrative, executive and judicial bodies and votes on any resolutions—including those that amend or add to the Constitution or Canons. A considerable number of resolutions this year propose to amend the canons of our diocese. There are workshops on Thursday afternoon of Convention, and at other times depending on the schedule. The subjects vary from year to year. Business Sessions of the Convention are presided over by the Bishop, and subject to the Rules of Order contained in the Diocesan Canons. A recap of all Convention actions
Free Health Screening Could save your life!
Saturday, February 15 9 -11:30 am in the narthex Brought to you by Mission in Motion From Sacred Heart Health Systems
Featuring Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar, Cholesterol and Anemia Screenings Call 416-7826 for more information.
is contained in the annual Diocesan Journal which is distributed to all churches following the convention and is available online at www.diocgc.org. The Bishop's Address is the Bishop's one opportunity to talk to both clergy and lay representatives from every congregation. It generally summarizes the past year and offers words of inspiration and a charge for the coming year. The Bishop makes several appointments, some of which need the consent of the Convention. Those requiring consent are: the Secretary, the Chancellor, the Treasurer, the Commission on Ministry, and the Disciplinary Board. There are elections for several offices such as Standing Committee. The Standing Committee serves as an advisory group to the Bishop, recommends candidates for Ordination, makes recommendations on requests from congregations concerning alienation of property, and consents to the elections of all bishops in this country. A pre-filed resolution proposes to change from a Standing Committee to a Diocesan Council. Resolutions must be sponsored by a member of Convention and are screened by the Resolutions Committee. There is generally some debate on the floor of Convention about each resolution, and the resolutions may be amended at that time. Voting is done initially by voice vote. If there is no clear majority, there is a counted vote. The Diocesan Budget is recommended by the Finance Committee. At Convention, there is an open hearing on the budget, as well as a formal presentation by the chair of the Finance Committee during the legislative session. Annual reports are made by various diocesan committees and agencies such as Camp Beckwith and Wilmer Hall. A few reports are presented orally, but most of them are written and all are distributed in the registration packets and later contained in the Journal. There may be some courtesy resolutions, other special presentations, and often a guest speaker. Exhibits designed to provide information and resources are set up by various diocesan committees and Episcopal organizations. There are several opportunities to come together and worship. The most spectacular is the Opening Eucharist on Thursday afternoon. Others include opening prayers and noonday prayers. The convention concludes on Saturday afternoon. Please pray for your delegates this year, Chuck Barnett, Ray Farrel and Viv Welch that they make wise decisions.
TBA
Jeff Woods & Bill Ramsey Carol Farrel
Jim Morningstar & Frank Murphy Connie Chamberlin
TBA Pauline Somerville
Bill & Sally Putters Ushers Bill Ramsey & John Nichols Ann Philen Beth Woods & Norma Ramsey TBA Jeanine Black
Ron & Ann Philen
Ushers
Jim Morningstar & Jeff Woods
Mandy Wright
Connie Chamberlin & Melanie Velaski
TBA
Valerie Smith
Carol Farrel
Greeters
Oblation Bearers
Ushers
Nursery
Coffee Hour
Flowers
Arrangers
Eucharistic Visitor
Carol Farrel
Viv Welch & Dora Giles
Viv Welch
John Velaski
Beth Woods
TBA
POTLUCK
Beth Woods
Tom Chaapel & Dave Somerville
John Velaski
* If you are unable to meet your obligation, please call a replacement, or swap with someone.
John Velaski
Ushers
Ushers
Ushers
Valerie Smith & Pauline Somerville
Chuck Barnett & Connie Chamberlin
Altar
John Velaski & Dave Somerville
Dave Somerville
Connie Chamberlin
John Velaski
TBA
Jackie Wright
TBA
TBA
Margaree MillsFitchett
Ron & Ann Philen
TBA
TBA
Beth Woods
Acolytes
Chuck Barnett
Kathy Vail
TBA
Ron Philen
Melanie Velaski
March 2
Jackie Wright
Connie Chamberlin
February 23
Lector 1st Reading
Dave Somerville
February 16
Frank Murphy
February 9
Eucharistic Minister, 9:30
February 2
Service Schedule for February 2014
February Prayer Requests Todd Aligood Rosalynda Blackburn The Brown Family Max & Marie Cartwright Miles Cooper Destiny Coy Diane Duncan Ora Early Ray Farrel Tracy Ferguson Ron Giles Scott Gilliam Mildred Hamby Debbie Heath
Matthew Hinton Jane Hunter Bishop Ci Jones Chuck Knight Charlie Martinson Bob Matlock Dorothy Pemberton Bill Putters Ashton Resmondo Leroy Robbins Tiny Robinson Barbara Roper Philip Scafe Rusty Sellers
Military Prayer List Pauline Somerville Nichole Teague Bob Tebbs Baby Jase Velaski John Velaski Faye Walker Brandon Warrick Ken Whiting Seth Whiting Marcella Young
Birthdays in February… 6, Kathy Vail; 9, Rita Nicholls; 13 Mary Currie
Anniversaries in February… 16, John and Melanie Velaski 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 Office hours: Monday thru Thursday, 9 am - 1 pm The peace of the Lord be always with you.
Brian Condon Daryl Coy Mark Feely Benjamin Gaff Tim Gibson Tim Hartford Johnny Hurd James Klinginsmith William Knapp Andrew Kuntz Nicholas Matroni Seth Muenks Richard Pinner Florin Ryder Alex Sibbach John Townsend Jimmy Tracy Clinton Webb Darren Walker Jeremy Wright