Saint Monica's Episcopal Church
Messenger
March 2015
From the priest’s desk by The Reverend Anthony MacWhinnie, II I’m having the hardest time with my Lenten discipline this year. And it’s not because it’s so difficult; it’s not. My discipline is just to take a good exercise walk every day. That’s not a hard thing to do. On top of that, I thoroughly enjoy walking: the exercise, the fresh air, the change of scenery. I really do enjoy it. But, I’ve actually not done it even ONCE as of the writing of this piece. Not once… And we’re now officially one week into the season of Lent. Why, you may ask, why have I not done my discipline even once so far this Lent? Well, I’ve been busy, honestly. Ash Wednesday is Ash Wednesday for a priest, with extra services and preparation. Then, immediately, as the gospel of Mark would say, we went into diocesan convention which was in the foreign, far off land of Mobile, Alabama. While there, baby Ruby got sick and has been sick with a fever and other less palatable symptoms until just this morning. Those of you who have experienced this know that there are never enough hands to help out with a sick baby. When I say I’ve been busy, I mean I’ve been BUSY! But still, that’s no excuse. I HAD to have had time somewhere in there to take a walk… I mean really, it’s just a walk, for God’s sake. Still though, taking even that amount of time out to do something other than the myriad other responsibilities I have at present is a burden. In the words of our gospel, it is my “cross.” Jesus says that to be his followers we must DENY OURSELVES, and TAKE UP OUR CROSS and follow him. All too often we’re ready to take up someone else’s cross because it looks good. It looks like we’re doing something meaningful when we take a burden off of someone else (and we are, but not exactly what the gospel means here). That looks like taking up a cross. But we’re not listening to the words of Jesus when we think that that’s what he’s talking
Our Staff & Vestry The Rev, Anthony MacWhinnie, II, Priest in Charge 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
about here. He starts out with DENY YOURSELF, then follows with TAKE UP YOUR CROSS. I’ve been busy as all get out, and yet I haven’t denied myself anything. I haven’t taken up my cross at all. I haven’t denied myself at all. I’ve just been all about a whole bunch of other crosses… This Lent, how are you denying yourself and how are you taking up your cross? Being busy isn’t either of those things. So, do yourself a favor, and get on with the business of Lent, and I’ll try to do the same. Peace, Anthony+
Palm Sunday, March 29 Sunday School begins at 9 am Liturgy of the Palms & Holy Eucharist at 10 am Monday, March 30, Morning Prayer at 11 am Tuesday, March 31, Morning Prayer at 11 am Wednesday, April 1, Healing Eucharist at 11 am Maundy Thursday, April 2 Foot Washing and Stripping the Altar at 6 pm Good Friday, April 3 Stations of the Cross at 5:30 pm Saturday, April 4, Easter Eve Liturgy at 11 am Easter Vigil at 5:30 pm Easter Day, April 5 Sunrise Holy Eucharist at 7 am Holy Eucharist and Baptism at 10 am Easter Egg Hunt after Holy Eucharist
Page 2
Saint Monica’s Messenger
Central Gulf Coast diocese elects James Russell Kendrick as bishop By diocesan staff, February 24, 2015 [Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast] The Rev. James Russell Kendrick, rector of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Birmingham, Alabama, was elected as bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast on Feb. 21, pending the required consents from a majority of bishops with jurisdiction and standing committees of The Episcopal Church. Kendrick, 54, was elected during the diocese’s 44th annual convention held at Trinity Episcopal Church in Mobile, Alabama. He was elected on the third ballot out of a field of three nominees. He received 97 votes of 163 cast in the lay order and 32 of 53 cast in the clergy order. An election on that ballot required 82 in the lay order and 27 in the clergy order. Kendrick has served as rector of St. Stephen’s since 2007. In 1984, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in architecture and marketing from Auburn University in Alabama; and in 1995, he received a Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria. Russell is married to Robin. They have two children, Aaron and Hannah. “I am keenly aware of and deeply humbled by the trust and hope that this election carries. Robin and I look forward to returning to the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast and serving our Lord with the people that once formed us and sent us forth into the larger church. I take this election to be a call for collaboration, cooperation and creativity as we seek to be apostles for Jesus in God’s world,” said Kendrick following the election. Under the canons (III.11.4) of The Episcopal Church, a majority of bishops exercising jurisdiction and diocesan standing committees must consent to Kendrick’s ordination as bishop within 120 days of receiving notice of the election. The other nominees were: The Very Rev. Edward Francis O’Connor, dean, Cathedral Parish of St. Andrew, Jackson, Mississippi; and The Rev. Doctor William Charles Treadwell III, rector, St.
Paul’s Episcopal Church, Waco, Texas. Pending the required consents, the bishop-elect will be ordained and consecrated on July 25 at Christ Church Cathedral in Mobile, Alabama. The bishop-elect will succeed the Rt. Rev. Philip Menzie Duncan II, who is the third bishop of the diocese. Bishop Elect, The Rev. James The Episcopal Diocese of Russell Kendrick the Central Gulf Coast includes southern Alabama and the panhandle of Florida, 62 churches, and approximately 20,000 members.
Delegates approve resolution for prison reform Delegates unanimously approved a resolution to call upon state officials in Alabama and Florida to end inmate abuse in prisons. The resolution calls upon Gov. Robert Bentley, Gov. Rick Scott, the attorney generals, the commissioners of the Departments of Corrections, and leaders of both houses of the Legislature in Alabama and Florida to “continue to take necessary actions to end all forms of abuse in prisons, and to uphold the fundamental dignity of every human being.” It also urges other Episcopal diocese to take similar action. According to our Baptismal Covenant, it is the duty of every Episcopalian to “strive for justice and peace among all people and to respect the dignity of every human being.” As a body, we are speaking for those who have no voice. “We are 20,000 strong and they have to listen to us,” said Father Anthony of the legislators in a report to the congregation on February 22 following the convention.
Don’t be late for church!
Sunday March 8
Bishop Duncan commissioning the Dominican Republic Mission Team during the 44th Annual Convention of the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast. Photo by Robbie Runderson, Church of he Good Shepherd, Mobile.
Saint Monica’s Messenger
A reflection on Diocesan Convention and the election of a Bishop By Viv Welch Well, it’s over - all the hard work by so many, the angst and anticipation, the planning and the praying. We have a new Bishop! The Rev. James Russell Kendrick, rector of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Birmingham, received 60 percent of lay votes and 59 percent of clergy votes in the third ballot and has accepted the call. What a holy and Spirit-filled experience this has been. The convention delegates, both Trinity Episcopal Church, clergy and lay, spoke with one Mobile, AL by Viv Welch mind and one voice. As the theme for this year’s convention suggested, they were not conformed to the world, but were transformed by renewing their minds. They were able to test and approve what God’s will was, His good, pleasing and perfect will for this diocese. Bishop Duncan will retire this summer and we will bid him the fondest of farewells. A new Bishop will lead us into the future and we must welcome him with excitement and joy. One chapter of our story has closed and a new chapter is unfolding before us. But this is OUR story. We, the people of this diocese, are writing this book. How will we develop the plot? Will we be simply observers as the story unfolds around us? Or will we use the excitement and energy we have experienced during Convention to be active participants in its writing? We have a holy opportunity to write every word of a Best Seller! As faithful followers of Christ, we must tell our story to the world. Take it to the streets, to the workplace, to the prisons and everywhere in between. We cannot look to a new Bishop to end poverty in our communities or raise up young people who know and love Christ. A new Bishop will not increase our membership or build our churches. That is our work to do, each of us must use the gifts the Holy Spirit has given us to help build God’s Kingdom on earth. “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” (Romans 12:4-8, NIV) Go out and tell our story.
Page 3
Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori Lent Message 2015 Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs, February 10, 2015 Lent is about to begin. That word in English comes from an Old English word that means “to lengthen,” and it’s a reminder of the days getting longer as we move toward summer out of the dark of winter. But in a number of other languages, particularly Spanish and French, the word for “Lent” reflects “forty days,” “cuaresma.” Forty days of wandering in the desert, forty days of Jesus out in the desert. It’s also about a journey. And it’s a journey that is about enlightenment if we’re willing to think about it that way. Lent is an ancient tradition of solidarity and preparation for those who look forward to Baptism at the Easter Vigil. It has always been a time for prayer and study, fasting, self-denial, and alms-giving, sharing what we have with those who do not have. Prayer is an opportunity to reflect on who walks with us in the desert, who brings light into the world. Study is an opportunity to do the same kinds of things looking at the history of our tradition, where have human beings found light and direction in their journey through this world. Fasting and self-denial are an inwardreflection on what it is that keeps us in the dark, or what it is that keeps us directionless, or that keeps us overly selffocused. And it becomes an invitation to turn outward and share what we have with those who have not. To build solidarity among God’s people and the rest of the earth. One of the most memorable Ash Wednesdays I ever spent was in San Jose, Costa Rica, in a school for children. I was asked to place ashes on the foreheads of toddlers. It was a provocative experience in the deepest sense, reminding very small children that they are mortal. That cross that comes on our foreheads on Ash Wednesday is a reminder of the cross that’s put there at Baptism. You are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ’s own forever. The cross that comes at Ash Wednesday is a reminder that you are dust and to dust we shall return, that we share that dust with every other human being who has ever walked this planet, that we share that dust with the stars and the planets, that we share that dust with all that has been created. We are made for relationship with creator and creation. Lent and cuaresma is a journey to walk toward that light. May it be a blessed one this year. The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori Presiding Bishop and Primate The Episcopal Church
Page 4
Saint Monica’s Messenger
Our March Charity of the Month!
Episcopal Peace Fellowship in Pensacola By Elizabeth MacWhinnie
Items needed include: Diapers (mostly new born), wipes, pull-ups, Underwear and socks for boys and girls up to age 18, Juice boxes and individually wrapped snacks, gently used or new clothing. A complete list is available in the Narthex
It was a busy February On Super Bowl Sunday, February 1, we wrapped up the month-long Souper Bowl of Caring campaign. We collected 129 pounds of food and $21 for Manna Food Pantries, our Charity of the Month for January. February was National Heart Health Month. On February 3, Nurse Sally and Sacred Heart Health Systems hosted a Heart Health Screening at the church. Clients received blood pressure checks, screening for glucose levels, hematocrit, hemoglobin and cholesterol. On February 11, Kerri Riggs, LCSW, also from Sacred Heart Health Systems, presented an Advanced Directive Seminar. Advance Care Planning is the process of understanding, reflecting, discussing and planning for a time when you cannot make your own medical decisions. For more information on Advance Care Planning, visit the website at http://www.sacred-heart.org/advancecare/. On Valentine’s Day, the Vestry hosted a dinner for our newcomers. Seven of our newcomers were present and enjoyed a feast of Baked Ziti, Chicken Alfredo, Egg Plant Parmesan and a variety of decadent desserts. The Parish Hall was filled to capacity on Shrove Tuesday for our Annual Pancake Supper on February 17. Shrove Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday when we feast and is a reminder that we are entering Lent, a season of penance and self-denial. Father Anthony held two services on Ash Wednesday with Imposition of Ashes and Holy Eucharist at noon and 6 pm. In his sermon, he reminded us that Lent is a time to reflect on what happens “Between the Ashes.” February ended on a high note with Father Anthony, Chuck Barnett, Danise Beadle and Ron Philen representing St. Monica’s as delegates at the 44th Annual Convention of the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast at Trinity Episcopal Church, Mobile, AL. Also attending convention were Elizabeth and Ruby MacWhinnie, Brenda Ferguson, Ann Philen and Viv Welch. The 45th Annual Convention will be held at St. Paul’s, Daphne, AL and the 46th will be held at Nativity, Dothan, AL.
EPF is a national organization whose purpose is to provide a place for conversation, prayer, and action regarding issues of justice and peace. EPF began as The Episcopal Pacifist Fellowship on November 11, 1939, Armistice Day. More information can be found online at epfnational.org. I was a participant and eventual co-leader of the EPF chapter at Seminary of the Southwest when I was a student there from 2005-2008. In my time there we held prayer services for specific issues of violence, candle vigils alongside the protests against executions in front of the governor’s mansion in the state of Texas, and wrote letters to prisoners around the world for Amnesty International. The Episcopal Peace Fellowship now officially has a chapter in the Pensacola area. We are just getting started and have not held any events, per se, as of yet. But, we do have a Facebook page (Episcopal Peace Fellowship – Pensacola Area) and we are promoting events in the area. We also meet on the second Wednesday of each month for prayer, discussion, and fellowship at the home of Bill Sloan and Sharon Gibb in Pensacola. The next event the Pensacola Chapter is promoting is the 50th anniversary of the march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, on Sunday, March 8 at 2:30 PM. Please join Anthony, Trey, Ruby, and me for a trip up to Selma after church on the 8th. We plan to bring sandwiches to eat before leaving the church as the drive up to Selma from Cantonment is about 2 hours and 45 minutes. Please see me at church or give me a call if you have any questions: 850-736-6126.
It’s Lent, but we have Easter to look forward to! You can make a special offering for Easter flowers in remembrance of someone dear, for a blessing or in thanksgiving. Sign up in the Narthex or see a member of the flower guild.
Trey MacWhinnie Tom Chaapel & Dave Somerville Viv Welch Ushers Ray Farrel & Jeff Woods TBA Audrey Westbrook & Juliana Horn No Flowers—Lent No Flowers– Lent
Connie Chamberlin
Chuck Barnett & Connie Chamberlin
Beth Woods
Ushers
Dan Ferguson & Bill Ramsey
TBA
Wimberley Murphy & Danise Beadle
No Flower—Lent
No Flowers—Lent
Carol Farrel
Acolytes
Altar
Greeters
Oblation Bearers
Ushers
Nursery
Coffee Hour
Flowers
Arrangers
Eucharistic Visitor
John Velaski
No Flowers—Lent
Carol Farrel
No Flowers—Lent
No Flowers—Lent
Ray Farrel
No Flowers—Lent
No Flowers—Lent
POT LUCK
Jeanine Black & Rowena Chaapel Carol Farrel & Pauline Somerville No Flowers—Lent
TBA
Jim Morningstar & Dan Ferguson TBA
Ray Farrel & Bill Ramsey
Ushers
TBA
Jim Morningstar & Frank Murphy
Ushers
Beth Woods
Ron & Ann Philen
Bill & Sally Putters Ushers
Dave Somerville
John Velaski
Valerie Smith & Dave Somerville
Dave Somerville
Ron Philen
Texann Stephens
Mike Scordato
Eileen Jencks
March 29
John Velaski & Dave Somerville
Connie Chamberlin
* If you are unable to meet your obligation, please call a replacement, or swap with someone.
Ray Farrel
John Velaski
Beth Woods
Lector Epistle reading
Ray Farrel
Eileen Jencks
Connie Chamberlin
Jackie Wright
Carol Farrel
Psalm Chuck Barnett
Dan Ferguson
Pauline Somerville
Wimberley Murphy
Fred Woods
Connie Chamberlin
March 22
Dave Somerville
March 15
Frank Murphy
March 8
Ray Farrel
Eucharistic Minister Lector 1st Lesson
March 1
Service Schedule for March 2015
March Prayer Requests
Military and First Responders Prayer List
Brian Bartels Avery Beadle Adam Blankenship Don Blankenship Herman Boudreaux Jimmy Cain Justin Camber Margie Daly Michael Daly Diane Duncan Jack Estop Tracie Ferguson Amy Franklin Tina Frye Mike Godwin
Connor Aligood Brian Condon Daryl Coy Mark Feely Aaron Gaff Benjamin Gaff Tim Hartford Johnny Hurd James Klinginsmith William Knapp
Nancy Holland Jane Hunter Shaylee & Roy Knudson Charlene Lee Steven Martinson Bob Matlock Bob Murphy Gina Palma Donnie Pugh Maggie Rose Rodak Pauline Somerville Susan Frank & Polly Welch Marcella Young
Birthdays in March… 26, Bill Vail
Anniversaries in March…
18, Tom & Rowena Chaapel; 30, Waymon & Deb Fulgham If your birthday or anniversary is not listed or it is not correct, please let Viv Welch know.
Saint Monica’s Episcopal Church 699 South Highway 95-A Cantonment, Florida 32533
Phone: 850-937-0001 E-mail: Office@st-monicas.org We’re on the web at Www.st-monicas.org The peace of the Lord be always with you.
Andrew Kuntz Nicholas Matroni Chase Scott Jeremy Wright