July 2017
From the Rector’s desk? In the last week I had a health scare. I guess I’m getting to the age where that might happen! The issue was my blood pressure. It got really noticeably high. I had to go into the hospital and get checked out. They did all sorts of tests, most of which involved poking me with needles. They also did a stress test on me. I had to ride a special bike until I got my heart rate up to a certain, really high, level and then I had to keep it there for a while. They put me in machines and scanned me. They did all sorts of things to me to test if my issue was a heart attack or heart related. In a few words; it wasn’t. All my numbers are either perfect or really good. My issue probably stems from eating too much salt and drinking too much caffeine, and maybe some genetics thrown in there for good measure. They weren’t even worried about my weight, although improving that should improve the other. This whole thing got me thinking about several things. First, acknowledging that I had a problem was difficult. I was really reluctant to do that. Nothing looked wrong. Nothing was sticking out of me or broken or otherwise visibly wrong. I just “felt” wrong. I had to admit something was wrong. It was almost like I had to convince myself that there was a problem. And then admit to someone else that I had a problem. These two things were way tougher than they should have been. Really, if you feel bad, you should just be able to say, “Hey, I feel bad. Now let’s do something about it.” But it’s not like that for some of us. Admitting something is wrong is a huge obstacle, I think, in part, because we believe that no one else will believe us. We think we’ll have to convince them of our problem. And really, that should be the farthest thing from our minds. The people we surround ourselves with just want the best for us, or they should. I have to remember to not let that fear be an obstacle to my wellbeing. And second, little things matter. For instance, salt… If
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
you had asked me if I ate a lot of salt in my diet on Friday of last week, I probably would have said “No.” But things changed on Saturday and I had to think about how I cook and not just for me, but for my family. That’s the scary part for me; my family. Incrementally through the years I’ve increased my/our salt intake. And coincidentally, my blood pressure was always just a little high… Not enough to alert the docs, but consistently… It was probably salt with the added kick of caffeine. Incremental changes can end up being big changes if you make them over the course of decades. So, it makes me wonder, what other things are like that? Exercise comes to mind. Doing a little less as time goes by means eventually you’re a couch potato. Prayer also comes to mind, and in a like manner. Maybe we can became prayer couch potatoes if we don’t keep after it. I have to ask myself, what else have I, or am I neglecting, not because I’ve rejected it, but just through incremental changes through the years? And what about you? If you gave up salt today, would it matter? If it would, then maybe you have the same problem I had. What else? Prayer, exercise, caffeine, blood pressure… What do you need to have a reset of in your life? What incremental changes are affecting you, your health, your wellbeing, and your family’s health and wellbeing? Think about it. You’re important. Anthony+
Screening Thursday, July 13 9 am—11:30 am
Provided by Sacred Heart Health System’s Mission in Motion
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Energy Savings coming to Saint Monica’s! By Twinette McDonald
Recently, a group of church members met with Jean Piecuch from Gulf Power to do an energy audit and discuss ways to lower our electric bill. She identified many ways that we can lower our energy consumption. We will be sharing the information with you over the next few months. After discussion with Father Anthony, Senior Warden Chuck Barnette, and Junior Warden Jim Warner, we decided to make some changes in the way we are billed for electricity. Gulf Power offers a special commercial rate for churches, like St. Monica’s, using less the 499 kilowatt hours (kWh) per month. Beginning on July 6, electrical use on the church building (but NOT on Thee House) will be calculated and billed using variable rates based upon the time of day of electrical usage. This is somewhat similar to the Energy Select residential rate program offered by Gulf Power. By being mindful of when power is used (and therefore purchased), the church stands to substantially lower its bill. This will be particularly important during Gulf Power’s “peak demand” summer months during a five hour period each weekday afternoon. From June 1 to September 30, we need to use as little electricity in the church building as possible during peak rate times from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday. This is the time when electricity will be billed at a very high rate per kWh. The greatest draw on power is air conditioning. Air conditioning thermostats will need to be off as much as possible, in a pre-programed setting, or used as little as possible during peak rate times. There are also “good” and “best” times (during hours outside of peak demand times) to purchase electricity. The “Intermediate” rate period (11 am to 1 pm, and 6 pm to 8 pm weekdays) offers lower rates for power purchases during daylight hours. The “Off Peak” rate period (8 pm to
11 am weekdays and all weekend long) provides the church with the lowest and best rates for electrical use. In all other months (October through May) of each year, there is a flat rate charged for each kWh of electricity used. Monthly Pricing Customer Base Charge $48.10 / month Summer Energy Charges (June 1 - September 30) On-Peak 26.061¢ / kWh (1 pm to 6 pm) Intermediate 13.313¢ / kWh (6 to 8 pm, and 11 am to 1 pm) Off-Peak 8.877¢ / kWh (8 pm to 11 am and all weekend) Winter Energy Charge 10.137¢ / kWh (October 1 - May 31, all times) Note: Independence Day and Labor Day are billed as “Off -Peak”. Let us prayerfully consider how to become better stewards of our resources. If you have questions, please see
7 simple ways to share church on social media For those engaged in social media, here are seven simple ways we can embrace our churchy-ness on social media, particularly Facebook: 1. Like your church on Facebook and post a review 2. Check-in at church on Facebook. It takes three seconds! If you are feeling up to it, write a sentence about why you wanted to attend that day, then post a followup comment on why you are glad you went 3. Share that you are going to a church event, such as a concert series, Bible study program, or parish picnic. 4. Post a picture of yourself with friends at choir practice, helping beautify the church grounds, setting up the altar or grilling food at the church cookout. 5. Share something your church posted on their Facebook page. A sermon for instance, or a scripture quote or prayer. 6. Invite others to join you at church this Sunday or to the next event. Let them know it is okay to "come as you are." 7. Share your story, your worries, your joys, ask for prayers. Sharing parts of yourself with others is as much for you as it is for them. Sharing your church life on social media can take some people outside their comfort zones, but imagine yourself being someone who shares the boundless love of Christ. It can be transformational for you and quite possibly someone else.
Saint Monica’s Messenger
Favor House, July Charity of the Month From the agency’s website
Our Charity of the Month of July is FavorHouse, a certified domestic violence center for Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Favor House is the primary charity the Sisterhood of Quilters supports by making quilts for the agency’s clients. The composition of the Florida Panhandle is rural, urban and coastal, hence a diversity of lifestyles which includes military, manufacturing, tourism, retail, fishing, industry, and agriculture. In 1976, a task force was formed to study the housing needs of women in Northwest Florida. From that study, it was apparent there was no housing available for victims of spouse abuse and their children. To address that need the Task Force on Spouse Abuse was formed under the guidance of the YWCA. In June 1979, the Task Force became the Favor (Family Anti-Violence in Organized Response) House Advisory Council, a program of the YWCA. During that year, funding became available from the Marriage License Trust Fund. FavorHouse was the designated program recipient for funds. Because of growth and expanded services, the YWCA felt it could not accept the responsibility of a growing program. Consequently in 1980, the FavorHouse Advisory Council became independent of the YWCA and incorporated as FavorHouse of Northwest Florida, Inc., and a Florida not-for-profit corporation. The FavorHouse mission, “With a commitment to excellence in our service to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, we actively work toward every intimate relationship to be violence free.” The Escambia emergency shelter capacity is 50 beds with a children’s playroom and a children’s counseling room. In November 1993, the Board completed construction of a new counseling center. The center encompasses 2,400 square feet and provides facilities for board meetings, victim’s programs counseling, the batterer’s intervention program, community education, and professional seminars. Donations have a direct impact on FavorHouse’s ability to provide victims and their families with shelter, counseling, education, and prevention programs. Please considering supporting the quilters and the clients they serve at to FavorHouse this month with monetary donations.
Special Thanks to everyone who helped with the Spaghetti Dinner. We served 80 dinners!
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Protecting your skin this summer By Nurse Sally
The summer sun is here (really). This month, I want to mention some concerns about skin problems that result from too much exposure to the sun. The first is melanoma which is one of the most common cancers in the United States. Melanoma remains a mystery to many of us and there are some myths I want to clarify. Myth #1 Melanoma is not serious. Wrong. It is very serious and can be life threatening if it spreads to other parts of the body. Myth #2 People with dark skin can’t get melanoma. Wrong again. Because people with dark skin have increased pigment, their skin does need protection whenever they go outside . Myth #3 A dark-colored mole is the only sign of melanoma. Not necessarily. In some cases, melanoma doesn’t appear as a colored mole with irregular borders that we expect . Instead, it can be a pink spot or sore that does not heal. Change is what is the most important. If the spot is evolving, it could be melanoma. From Skincancer.org Being active outdoors is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Getting regular exercise and fresh air help to keep us all healthy. While it's important to get up and get outside regularly, it's also important to protect ourselves from the sun before we head outdoors. There are many simple ways we can protect ourselves from the sun. Taking the proper steps to prepare yourself before heading outdoors helps to shield your skin from the Sun's harmful UV rays that cause damage and can even lead to skin cancer. Taking a few moments to apply sunscreen and wear sun protective clothing helps keep you sun safe. NOTICE: We will be hosting Free Osteoporosis Screening at St. Monica’s on Thursday, July 13, from 9 am until 11:30 am. Screenings will be provided by Sacred Heart’s Mission in Motion team. Please let your family, friends, and neighbors know about this important health screening.
Dates to remember July 2 July 4 July 13 July 22 July 30
ECW Meeting Office closed Osteoporosis Screening Cleaning Day Potluck lunch
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Saint Monica’s Messenger
Southland Singers
Episcopal Church Women Our next meeting will be Sunday, July 2 after church. All women are invited We offer special thanks to The Southland Singers who performed another free concert on Saturday, June 17. We also want to thank Ray Farrel for arranging the concert.
During July and August, we will be taking song requests out of the hymnal or the Alleluia III songbook. Please write the hymn along with your name on paper and put in the box on our mission info table. Choir rehearsals 9:00-9:50 AM Sunday mornings, and we welcome new members always. Hey Kids! We would love to see you for Sunday morning worship. Ms. Kathy always teaches a great bible story based on the scripture readings, and Ms. Twinette teaches new music
Want Free Pizza?
Come help us clean Thee House & Thee Apartment on Saturday, July 22!
Bottles and cans everybody, just clap your hands! These folks got together on Saturday, June 24 and picked up trash along Highway 95-A for Keep Pensacola Beautiful. Photos by Anthony MacWhinnie and Twinette McDonald.
We will have Two 2-hour shifts 9 am till 11 am and 11:30 am till 1 pm ECW will order pizza for the 11 to 11:30 break. Pick your shift & enjoy lunch on ECW!
Ann Philen
To the glory of God Jim Morningstar
Carol Farrel Dora Giles & Dodie Matlock To the glory of God Jeanine Black
Ray Farrel
Trey MacWhinnie, Katherine Chaapel Rachael Ludwig John Velaski & Tom Chaapel Ray Farrel & Jim Warner
Beth Woods Beth Woods & Twinette McDonald To the glory of God Valerie Smith
Trey MacWhinnie
Trey MacWhinnie, Katherine Chaapel Rachael Ludwig
John Velaski & Carol Farrel
Jeff Woods & Chuck Barnett
Ann Philen
Danise Beadle & Jeanine Black
To the glory of God
Beth Woods
Carol Farrel
Lector Epistle Reading
Acolytes
Altar
Ushers
Nursery
Coffee Hour
Flowers
Arrangers
Eucharistic Visitor
Ray Farrel
Valarie Smith
Trey MacWhinnie, Katherine Chaapel Rachael Ludwig
Beth Woods
Trey MacWhinnie
Carol Farrel
Margaree Mills-Fitchette & Pauline Somerville
Connie Chamberlin & Chuck Barnett
Trey MacWhinnie, Katherine Chaapel Rachael Ludwig
Ray Farrel
Fred Woods
* If you are unable to meet your obligation, please call a replacement, or swap with someone.
John Velaski
Bill Ramsey & Jim Warner
Jim Morningstar & Ron Giles
John Velaski
Chuck Barnett
Tom Chappel
Psalm
Kathy Vail
Carol Farrel
Ray Farrel
Connie Chamberlin
Connie Chamberlin
July 23
Lector 1st Lesson
Ron Philen
July 16
John Velaski
July 9
Eucharistic Minister
July 2
Service Schedule for July 2017
Carol Farrel
Beth Woods
To the glory of God
POTLUCK
Carol Farrel
Jeff Woods & Chuck Barnett
John Velaski & Tom Chaapel
Trey MacWhinnie, Katherine Chaapel Rachael Ludwig
Trey MacWhinnie
Connie Chamberlin
Chuck Barnett
John Velaski
July 30
July Prayer Requests
Military and First Responders Prayer List
Connie Chamberlin Bill Cross Traci Ferguson Ashton Gaff Cindy Holifielder Camilla Johnson Tommy Johnson Cathy Johnson Jan Mann Kelley Mann Bob Matlock
Adam Blankenship Field Cross Aaron Gaff Adrian Gaff Benjamin Gaff Justin Hansen James Klinginsmith Cody Melancon
Jean Moss Frank Murphy The Quilters Jean Rasmussen Maggie Rose Rodak Kathy Vail Beth Woods
Prison Ministry Cycle of Prayer
Birthdays in July
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.
Anniversaries in July
Jul. 2, 2017—Ventress Correctional Facility, Clayton,labama Jul. 9, 2017— L.I.F.E. Tech Transitional Center, Thomasville, Alabama Jul. 16, 2017—Federal Correction Institution & Camp, Marianna, Florida Jul. 23, 2017—Federal Prison Camp, Pensacola, Florida Jul. 30, 2017—Barbour County Jail 24, Clayton, Alabama
4,John Nicholls, Margaree Mills-Fitchett: 5, Ron Giles:8, Pauline Somerville: 12, Norma Ramsey; 24, Sally Putters, Nancy Argabrite: 27, Bill Ramsey
5, James & Bernice Warner; 11, Ron & Ann Philen
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!