March 2018
From the Rector’s desk by Rev. Anthony MacWhinnie, II We’ve just come back from a fantastic Diocesan Convention! While there are many things to like about convention, from attending with parishioners to seeing old friends, the thing that I really love is this overwhelming sense that we are a part of something much bigger than ourselves. During a discussion break at convention, I explained how the smallest unit of the Episcopal Church really is the diocese (as opposed to the parish), so we are one massive church with 62 campuses in the Central Gulf Coast. Not three minutes later, from the podium, the next speaker spoke about someone who had referred to our diocese as a “mega-church with 62 campuses.” Providence? I think so. It seems to me that so many places in our diocese are experiencing similar, providential happenings. One word that keeps coming up all over the place for me and others is “invite.” Most people that come to church are invited to come to church at some point. A statistic that came up at convention was that the average Episcopalian invites someone to church once every 37 years… Yeah… That has to change! Part of inviting folks to church is getting to know them. Your CEV team is working on figuring out what that looks like. How do we get to know our neighbors? Well, first off, it starts with a genuine desire to get to know them. As much as we want it to be, it’s NOT about getting them to come to church. It’s really about talking to them and getting to know them. That’s how relationships are born and maintained. When we get to know our neighbors then we get to know what they need. Then we figure out how to be that for them. We can’t do these things without getting to know them! Convention also brought to the fore the importance of our youth. The phrase “the youth are the future of the church” kept coming up over and over. I have a little different take on that. The youth are our church NOW. The distinction I’m making is born out of the fact that when we relegate their importance to some far off future event or place, then we’re basically saying that they aren’t important now. And that’s just not the case. They are an im-
Our Staff & Vestry Rev, Anthony MacWhinnie, II, Rector Vestry: Beth Woods - Senior Warden, Jim Warner - Junior Warden Dora Giles—Treasurer Susan Early & Margaree Mills-Fitchett Twinette McDonald - Music Director Sally Putters - Parish Nurse
portant and vital part of our church, one that needs to be heard more. Think about it, when you see a healthy youth population at the church, doesn’t that make you feel good about the condition of the church? It’s pretty simple math, really. One thing that I want to reassure you about is that all this talk about youth and new people doesn’t mean that the focus of our church is going to change to the exclusion of the aging or long standing members. Far from it! Our seniors are super important as well, as are our longstanding traditions. You’ve got a lot to teach and show the new folks and youth! You are the backbone of this whole thing! And without you from whom will they learn? On the contrary, I see our seniors as being just as vital a component to the overall health of our church as I do youth and the newcomers. We’re in this together, y’all! Convention is a great reminder of that fact. We are one, though many. Let’s reach out together this coming year. Let’s make this church a stronger one, better able to meet the needs of the future while honoring our past. Peace. Anthony+
Wednesday, March 28, 6:00 pm Taize Thursday, March 29, 7:00 pm Maundy Thursday (w/ Stripping of the Altar) Friday March 30, 7:00 pm Good Friday (starting with Stations of the Cross inside) Saturday March 31, 7:00 pm, Easter Vigil Sunday April 1, 7:00 am Easter Sunrise (at the Pond) Sunday April 1, 10:00 am Easter Service Egg Hunt following
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Saint Monica’s Messenger
Your health & the Lenten Season by Nurse Sally Putters
The turnout for our Heart Health Screening event on February 15 was lower than we had hoped for. Three people attended who were not members of St. Monica’s attended. Two of those screened had no issues and were heart healthy. Screening revealed another had a low red blood cell count indicating some type of anemia. We arranged an appointment with a doctor for follow up. This person did not have a doctor because she was fearful that the doctor would find that she had a problem. Although she had no other complaints, she did experience occasional periods of fatigue. I was initially disappointed we had such a low turnout but discovering the anemia and providing counseling was rewarding for us and for her. I felt confident that she would see a doctor and receive treatment. We are now in our Lenten Season, a 40 day period of repentance in preparation for Easter, the Christian holiday that celebrates resurrection of Jesus Christ. Throughout this time people choose to give up an indulgence. Often they are food related such as chocolate, sweets, French fries and sodas. I know of people who have given up physical activities like dancing and running. I have a friend who gave up wearing slacks for Lent. Lent can be an introspective time where individuals may give up negative thoughts and criticism to create room for more loving, supportive and positive thoughts. Lent is a perfect time to develop or strengthen a discipline of regular prayer. The Liturgy of the Hours, an ancient practice of praying throughout the day, is a good place to start. It is a good time to examine ways to get involved in something new and to make resolutions to actually do it. Whatever your Lenten discipline is, it is a great time to make life changes that can lead to better, more healthy living. Remember, we celebrate the Irish Holiday of St. Patrick’s Day during Lent this year on March 17, so be careful not to let it get you off track. God Bless, Nurse Sally
The art of Coffee Hour We at St Monica’s enjoy a lovely time to visit after church on Sundays known as Coffee Hour. Several devoted members agree to provide snacks and clean up the narthex afterwards. Many years ago Coffee Hour typically consisted of coffee and a sweet snack or two. More recently there has often been a greater selection of offerings. Please remember that the most important aspect of this process is the fellowship. What makes Coffee Hour great is you - having a great time, extending your joy to others, talking to them about them, learning the art of connection. If you are hosting coffee hour, please don’t over extend your budget by buying too much. Bring what you can afford and coordinate with your fellow host. Thanks to all of you who provide the snacks each week. We are most grateful for your gift of hospitality. God Bless.
Making Palm Crosses Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week and the story of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem when the people took palm branches and went out to meet him. It is interesting to note that only one of the four gospels (John 12:12-16) mention palms. On Palm Sunday, we pass out palm leaves which we wave during our procession. Often it is these same palm leaves that are later burned to produce the ashes that are used to make the sign of the cross on Ash Wednesday. The finest specimens of palms grew at Jericho and Engedi and along the banks of the Jordan. In ancient times, palm branches symbolized goodness, well-being, and victory. They were often depicted on coins and important buildings. To give even more meaning to the palm frond, we pin palm crosses to our clothing. The palm frond formed into the shape of a cross symbolizes the ultimate victory of Christ in his sacrifice on the cross. On Sunday, March 18, you are invited to stay after church and participate in making these Palm Crosses to be used in our service on Palm Sunday. Like an old-fashioned quilting bee, seasoned pros will show newcomers various techniques to achieve the crosses.
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Saint Monica’s Messenger
Our charity of the month: The Junior Humane Society story Our charity of the month for March is The Junior Humane Society. It was established in 1986 at Brownsville Middle School in Pensacola, FL, as a service organization for its students. Its mission then, as it is today, was to teach kindness and compassion for all living creatures and respect for the earth we share. Having served the animals and communities of Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties for 30 years, countless lives of innocent dogs and cats have been saved through the Junior Humane Society. Thousands of spay and neuter surgeries have been performed under JHS’s spay/neuter program; and good, loving homes for thousands of homeless dogs and cats have been found. The Junior Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) Non-profit animal rescue. It has no paid positions and no building. It is completely volunteer driven and its adoptable dogs and cats are fostered in volunteer homes. The Junior Humane Society rescues. They provide nutritional diet, shelter, medical care and lots of love. They open their hearts and homes to those who have no voice. In addition to the donations from the community, Junior Humane Society volunteers work tirelessly to raise money to help fund the cost of caring for those under their safekeeping. They work at the Pensacola Bay Center, have yard sales, raffle items and find new ways to raise money all for the animals that no one cared for and no one wanted. They advocate and educate. The only way they can make a change is to advocate for those animals and to educate the public. They distribute flyers regarding animalrelated issues to help the public know more about local
Taize Service
Wednesdays in Lent Through March 28 If prayer is a significant practice in your life, you might enjoy the style of worship created by the community of Taizé in France. Taizé worship is based around structured rhythms of contemplation and silence that provide a way to turn off the world and experience prayer anew. We would love to have you join us for this special service of prayer, song, and silence.
ordinances, heartworm prevention, foods and plants poisonous to dogs and cats , and other items of interest. They find loving homes. This is generally all a pet needs to fulfill its life – a good, loving family that is willing and able to provide for its needs: a safe environment, exercise, medical care, emotional attention, and a nutritious diet. They always recommend training for dogs. It builds a stronger bond and enables pet families to communicate with their canine family member. A home visit is done for the adoption of all dogs going into a new home prior to being released to the adopting family. The Junior Humane Society maintains the right to deny any adoption it feels may not be in the best interest of the animal. They do all of this because they believe that humans are intended to be the caretakers of all other sentient creatures. As such, they try to set an example for others to learn mankind’s responsibility to them. Their desire is to further serve the animals and people in the community through volunteer opportunities and to provide educational material, especially to youth. They believe that working together with communities, they can one day put an end to the pet overpopulation crises and “kill shelters.” Only then will their job be done. Donations may be made by mail or by visiting the website: www.juniorhumanesociety.com or their Facebook page: Junior Humane Society We will be collecting items at the church from the list below and monetary donations through March. What they need: Volunteers Dog and cat toys Gas cards Foster homes Monetary donations Grants Sponsorships Flea/tick preventatives (such as Nexgard and Capstar) Bedding for dogs and cats Visa/Mastercard gift cards Used, but clean towels, sheets, comforters Leashes Collars Cat litter Copy/printing services Postage stamps Disinfectants – (OdoBan,
Simple Green, bleach) Lawn bags Van/animal transportation vehicle Heartworm preventatives Wire crates Chain-link dog runs/kennels
ECW Meeting Sunday March 4 After church
Saint Monica’s Messenger
Prayer of Spirit and Body Retreat
The Feast of St. Patrick
“An introduction to yoga and other forms of body prayer as Christian spiritual practice” “Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit?” writes St. Paul. As human beings our bodies, minds, and spirits do not exist as separate components, but are mysteriously woven together so that outer movements of our bodies have a way of connecting with and releasing the inner movements of the Spirit and vice versa. This retreat is an invitation for participants to explore and celebrate the truth that prayer is a response to God with our whole being: body, mind, and spirit! Participants will experience a variety of ways of praying with the body including: gentle movements and postures of prayer drawn from themes of Holy Scripture, breath prayer, walking meditations, praying in response to the Spirit as embodied in creation, and yoga as Christian spiritual practice. Registration closes April 8th. Facilitators: The Rev. Marshall Craver is spiritual director for the clergy of the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast and Priest Associate at Christ Church Cathedral. He is also an adjunct faculty for The Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. Jan Craver is a retired RN, a member of Yoga Alliance and Kripalu Teachers Association. Jan has been teaching yoga classes on a weekly basis for the past fourteen years and leads yoga retreats in the Central Gulf Coast Diocese and beyond.
(c. 390-c. 460). Bishop and missionary of Ireland. He was born into a Christian family somewhere on the northwest coast of Britain. Patrick was the son of a local town councilman and deacon of the church. When Patrick was about sixteen, he was captured by Irish pirates and forced to serve as a slave for six years. Patrick either escaped or was freed. He eventually returned to Britain. He was ordained deacon, priest, and bishop. Around 435, he returned to Ireland. The exaggerated popular view of Patrick maintains that he converted the whole country by himself. As a missionary bishop, Patrick established his see at Armagh. He promoted monasticism, established schools, and evangelized some of the people. His major writing is an autobiographical Confession. “St. Patrick's Breastplate,” Hymn 370 in The Hymnal 1982, is attributed to Patrick. Patrick is commemorated in the Episcopal calendar of the church year on Mar. 17.
Highway 95-A Clean-up Sunday, March 11 after church
The Feast of St. Joseph (The husband of Mary.) A pious Jew, a carpenter from Nazareth, and a descendant of King David, Joseph is also known as the "Guardian of Our Lord." Joseph was faced with an awkward situation when he learned that his betrothed wife was pregnant, and he knew he was not the father. He made plans to divorce her quietly, but when an angel of God came to him in a dream and revealed God's plans for him, Joseph took Mary as his wife without further hesitation. He traveled with Mary to Bethlehem, assumed legal responsibility for the child Jesus, and saw that the religious obligations were met through the circumcision of the child and the purification of the mother. Because of the silence of the gospels, and because Jesus entrusted Mary to the care of John, it is generally believed that Joseph died a natural death after the visit to Jerusalem when Jesus was twelve, but before the baptism of Jesus when he was thirty. Some believe that Joseph was much older than Mary. Joseph is considered the patron saint of the working person. His life is commemorated on Mar. 19 in the Episcopal calendar of the church year.
Beth Woods, Jennifer Johnson
POTLUCK Carol Farrel & Kathy Vail
Ann Philen Danise Beadle and Jane MacWhinnie
Trey MacWhinnie, Katherine Chaapel Rachael Ludwig & Gabe Hernandez Connie Chamberlin & Chuck Barnett
Bill Ramsey & Jim Warner Carol Farrel Connie Chamberlin & Bernice Warner LENT Jim Morningstar
Trey MacWhinnie, Katherine Chaapel Rachael Ludwig & Gabe Hernandez
John Velaski & Carol Farrel
Jim Morningstar & Ron Giles
Beth Woods
Barbara Cross & Julie Hart
LENT
Valerie Smith
John Velaski
Acolytes
Altar
Ushers
Nursery
Coffee Hour
Flowers
Arrangers
Eucharistic Visitor
Ray Farrel
Beth Woods
LENT
Valarie Smith & Carol Farrel
Trey MacWhinnie, Katherine Chaapel Rachael Ludwig & Gabe Hernandez
John Velaski
Valerie Smith
TBA
Jim Morningstar
EASTER
TBA
Ray Farrel & Jim Warner
LENT
TBA
Trey MacWhinnie, Katherine Chaapel Rachael Ludwig & Gabe Hernandez
TBA
TBA
John Velaski & Tom Chaapel
Trey MacWhinnie, Katherine Chaapel Rachael Ludwig & Gabe Hernandez
Ray Farrel
Bill Hart
* If you are unable to meet your obligation, please call a replacement, or swap with someone.
Carol Farrel
Carol Farrel Beth Woods
Jeff Woods & Chuck Barnett
Fred Woods
Beth Woods
Lector Epistle Reading John Velaski
Beth Woods
John Velaski
Trey MacWhinnie
TBA
Psalm
Carol Farrel
Chuck Barnett
TBA
Bill Hart
Ray Farrel
April 1
Kathy Vail
Ron Philen
March 25
Lector 1st Lesson
John Velaski
March 18
Ray Farrel
March 11
Eucharistic Minister
March 4
Service Schedule for March 2018
March Prayer Requests
Military and First Responders Prayer List
Barbara Anagnostis Ruth Bates Jerry Brown Vashawn Brown Francis Bruce Myrna Claywell Chuck Collins Bea Collins Bill Cross Ken Dyson Tammy Edwards Elmer Fitchett Trace Ferguson Michael Hartsfield Twyla Hinton Helen Johnson
Adam Blankenship Brian Condon Field Cross Patrick Ferguson Aaron Gaff Adrian Gaff Benjamin Gaff Justin Hanson William Knapp
Sherry Johnston James Klinginsmith Charlene Lee Daniel Lynch Diana Lynch Bob Matlock Frank Murphy John Nicholls IV Rachel Palma Dawn Plant & Family Ashton Resmondo Maggie Rose Rodak Rusty Sellers Texann Stephens
Birthdays in March
26, Bill Vail; 28, Lawanna Joyner
Anniversaries in March
18, Tom and Rowena Chaapel; 30, Waymon and Deb Fulgham
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!
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. Mar. 4, 2018—Calhoun Correctional Institution, Blountstown, Florida Mar. 11, 2018—Century Correctional Institution, Century, Florida Mar. 18, 2018—Graceville Correctional Facility, Graceville, Florida Mar. 25, 2018—Gulf Correctional Institution, Wewahitchka, Florida