Saint Monica's Episcopal Church
Messenger
May 2014
Seat fillers
from Episcopal Church Vital Practices by Anna Olson on March 25, 2014
Sometimes I wonder if what we really want in our churches are seat fillers. Seat fillers are an LA institution. When the season of televised awards shows rolls around, certain production challenges arise: among them, what to do with unsightly empty seats that occur when people get up to go to the bathroom. Enter the seat fillers. An acquaintance who scored tickets to one of the lesser awards shows described leaving his seat and coming back to find it occupied by a beautiful and impeccably dressed woman. Not an award show veteran, he wasn’t sure how one handled such a problem gracefully. But she popped up without a word, leaving as quietly as she had come. She was a seat filler -- an attractive human who may or may not have been paid to keep the audience full while our friend used the restroom. At a big show like the Oscars, no payment is required. People vie for seatfilling gigs, work connections, buy new tuxes, all for the chance to be in the glittering theater for the big event. One of my most loyal parishioners missed my installation to be a seat filler at the Oscars. We all understood. It’s an LA thing. It makes us sad when our churches feel empty. When people get up and wander off -- to nursing homes, the suburbs, New Age spiritualities, megachurches, Sunday morning soccer leagues, or their final rewards -- they leave unsightly empty spots in the pews. We wish they were here, but if we can’t have them back, we would very much like for someone to fill their spots. Someone attractive and impeccably dressed, who already knows how to behave in church, who can navigate the hymnal and sing on key. Someone who will keep things full without demanding changes or adjustments in the system. We want more people, but we are much less sure
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 Viv Welch—Clerk of the Vestry Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva - Music Director Sally Putters - Parish Nurse
about new people. The problem, of course, is that God gives us neighbors, not seat fillers. More people means new people, and usually different people -- people who are not always properly dressed, and rarely know their way around the Book of Common Prayer. Worse yet, our neighbors may frame their spiritual needs in ways that don’t match very well with the Sunday morning experience we have on offer. They may not vie for the chance to fill our empty spots. Yet they are God’s gift to us, and we are meant to be God’s gift to them.
Join us Sunday, May 4 for
Saint Monica’s Day Holy Eucharist at 9:30 am
Followed by dinner on the grounds! Fried Chicken will be provided, just bring a side dish!
Children’s activities and more!
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Saint Monica’s Messenger
A New Beginning—a voice from the pew by Tom Chaapel Many of you probably remember the somewhat violet storm we had on Sunday and Monday April 13 and 14. My wife had adorned our backyard with several rose bushes. We noticed that a mother cardinal had built a nest in one of the branches. Walking very slowly up to it, we noticed it contained two mottled colored eggs. Through the night of the 13th and morning of the 14th, we watched the wind blowing and bending the branches of the rose bushes. We were worried as we were concerned if the mother cardinal was going to be able to weather out the storm with her unborn babies. To our dismay, we saw in the morning that the nest had blown out of the rose bush and the two eggs were lying in the grass on the ground. The mother was nowhere around. With a gloved hand, my wife carefully set the nest back in the bush and gently put the eggs back in the nest. We were happy to see that shortly after, the mother returned to the nest. We watched intently over the following days as the temperature plummeted and the rains fell cold and constant. The cardinal however held fast, covering her incubating eggs with her feathers. We observed her occasionally and made eye contact as if to say that she knew that we meant no harm to her or her eggs. Then came Holy Saturday, and we were overjoyed to see that one of her eggs had hatched. To this date, we don’t know if the other will hatch; but we felt blessed that we helped to save one tiny living creature. I’m reminded of our role in this in that beautiful hymn: “His Eye is on the Sparrow” I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free, For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me. I like to think that Our Lord and Savior was watching the cardinal and us that day.
Opening Day Saturday, May 3 @ 8 am
There’s something for the whole family! Bounce house, face painting free snow-cones & popcorn! The Jr. Humane Society & Panhandle Equine Rescue
will also be on hand. All your favorite vendors will be there too!
The cardinal hatchling in its nest in the Chaapel’s back yard rose bush.
It’s the Merry ole Month of May! By Nurse Sally
May is a month when trees and beautiful flowers burst into bloom….unfortunately, so does the pollen! We have so much to celebrate and be thankful for in the Merry Ole Month of May. I recall so many events of the past, May Day and the decorated basket left on the porch (I later found out it was mom that hung the basket there) and The May Pole at school! Some of you remember I'm sure. The most precious event is Mother’s Day when we remember our mothers whether they are living or deceased. It is a very special time to recall the good times and the sad times. Of course those of us who are mothers really get special consideration and joy and that is a treat. “I know how special mothers can be. But you know what I have discovered? I see my mother every day when I look in the mirror, and it is up to me to make her smile. I like that, so I always try to make her smile by doing the best I can each day. I hope she is proud. I know she must be, she always smiles back.” Author unknown We celebrate Memorial Day with parades, picnics and prayer. We salute all Americans who have died in all wars. May is also the month when we have so many activities here at St. Monica’s. If you are going to be involved in food handling, remember your “cleanliness is next to Godliness” manners. When handling food, wear the gloves provided. If you are handling other things such as money, remember to change gloves as well, and use the hand sanitizer that is available. So, get busy and fill in your calendars for your special days in the beautiful month of May. I haven’t spent a lot of time on Health Issues in this particular article, so be sure to read the bulletin boards in the restrooms. You’ll find lots of helpful healthful information there. Don’t forget, June is hurricane preparedness month.
Saint Monica’s Messenger
ECW attends Spring Day Away By Viv Welch
From left to right, Viv Welch, Brennis Whaley, Rusty Supernaw, Beth Woods, Connie Chamberlin and Brenda Ferguson in front of the altar at Church of the Advent.
Six women representing St. Monica’s ECW attended the 2014 Episcopal Church Women’s Spring Day Away on Saturday, April 5 at Church of the Advent, Lillian, AL. Also in attendance were more than 50 other women from throughout the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast. We began the day by reciting the Episcopal Church Women’s Prayer in unison. Then we heard a presentation by the Reverend Carol Mead, Priest-in-charge, St. Peter’s by the Lake, Brandon, MS and author of two devotional books, Holy Ordinary and Practically Holy. Rev. Carol used anecdotes and humorous stories to illustrate two different kinds of knowledge: Logos, the knowledge of information versus Mythos, the knowledge of transformation. She identified the tension in today’s society toward Christianity from failing to distinguish the difference in those two forms of knowledge. Logos, she said, is “information or fact,” while mythos she describes as “something bigger than fact.” She discussed ways people of the Episcopal Church can approach and manage those tensions so a Christian’s intellect can be used in the service of their faith. She encouraged us to deepen our own spirituality and bring others to Christ by letting go of the need for certainty and nurturing our awareness of the transformational power of Scripture. By putting each decision we make–in our jobs, our families, our relationships, our recreation–in the hands of God, He enters our lives every day, and in the everyday. Each of us can become a vessel to bear the presence of God to our fractured and wounded world. Each task in an ordinary life or an ordinary day can become a chalice to carry the presence of God to someone who needs Him. Following a delightful lunch in the Parish Hall, the event concluded with a Public Service of Healing, the installation of the Diocesan ECW Commission, a sermon by The Rev. Marie Butterbaugh, Rector St. Johns, Pensacola, and Holy Eucharist celebrated by The Rev. Martha Kreamer, Vicar, Church of the Advent, Lillian.
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A Holy Man
Thurgood Marshall Thurgood Marshall (1908-1993) is best known as a United States Supreme Court justice and early advocate for pressing the nation's courts in matters of civil rights. He also was a lifelong Episcopalian. Marshall was the first director of the Legal Defense Fund and was chief counsel for the NAACP when he successfully argued and won the landmark Brown versus Board of Education case before the Supreme Court. Although much progress has been made, The Episcopal Church continues to focus on the civil rights issues facing our country today. In testimony accompanying the resolution requesting Marshall's inclusion in the book of Lesser Feasts and Fasts, a priest wrote, "The Spirit working through this man gave him an intuitive sense of justice in which he saw all of life as sacred and all persons equal before God." Holy Women, Holy Men: Celebrating the Saints, the official revision of Lesser Feasts and Fasts, seeks to expand the worshiping community’s awareness of the communion of saints, and to give increased expression to the many and diverse ways in which Christ, through the agency of the Holy Spirit, has been present in the lives of men and women across the ages, just as Christ continues to be present in our own day. Faced with circumstances most often very different from our own, these courageous souls bore witness to Christ’s death-defying love, in service, in holiness of life, and in challenge to existing practices and perspectives within both the Church and society. In Holy Women, Holy Men, May 17 is set aside as the Feast Day for Thurgood Marshall. Shine a light on his work by following his example to recognize that we are all God's children, brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ, who teaches us to love one another.
Holy Smoke Barbecue! Saturday May 3
10 am until gone Pulled Pork Sandwiches
$6 per plate
Includes beans & slaw!
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Saint Monica’s Messenger
Episcopal Church joins National Day of Prayer National days of prayer are nothing new in the United States. The first call to prayer came in 1775 when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming the nation. In 1952, President Truman signed a joint resolution by Congress declaring an annual national day of prayer. Then, in 1988, the Truman law was amended and signed by President Reagan, permanently establishing the first Thursday of May as the National Day of Prayer. Our country has been uniting in prayer on that day ever since. Now, with the nation’s concerns about the wars in the Middle East and with the economy, the President, our leaders, and every man and woman in uniform need God’s guidance more than ever. The National Day of Prayer invites people of all faiths to pray for the United States. The theme for this year is “One Voice, United in Prayer” and emphasizes the need for individuals to come together and pray for our nation as one. The Episcopal Church joins our National Day of Prayer to pray for the leaders of our communities and nation, for the decisions they make daily on our behalf, and for each of us to work together in a civil manner to accomplish the hard task of creating a better world for ourselves and future generations. On Thursday, May 1, we partner throughout the day with people of faith across the nation in a great continuous prayer meeting for our President, leaders, and troops. UniThe following was submitted by an anonymous parish member as an offering of comfort to those who need it: A Little Prayer Hello God, I called tonight to talk a little while. I need a friend who’ll listen to my anxiety and trial. You see, I can’t quite make it through a day just on my own. I need your love to guide me so I’ll never feel alone. I want to ask you please to keep my family safe and sound. Come and fill their lives with confidence for whatever fate they’re bound. Give me faith, dear God, to face each hour throughout the day, And not to worry over things I can’t change in any way. I thank you God for being home and listening to my call, For giving me such good advice when I stumble and fall. Your number, God, is the only one that answers every time. I never get a busy signal, never had to pay a dime. So thank you, God, for listening to my troubles and my sorrow. Good night, God, I love you too and I’ll call again tomorrow.
fied prayer is powerful. In the Bible it says “for where two or three come together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20) For more information, visit the National Day of Prayer web site. Here are some suggested prayers: O God, Our Supreme Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth. To all in administrative authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties. To those who make the laws in our nation, state, and town, give courage, wisdom and foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to fulfill our obligations in the community of nations. Give understanding and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served. And finally, teach all people to rely on Your strength and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well-being of our society. Almighty God we commend to Your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with Your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which confront them; and grant them a sense of Your abiding presence wherever they may be. Amen
TBA Audrey Westbrook & Twyla Hinton
Connie Chamberlin
Tom Chaapel & Dave Somerville Bill & Sally Putters Ushers Bill Ramsey & Ray Farrel Ann Philen Viv Welch & Dora Giles To the glory of God
John Velaski
Chuck Barnett & Connie Chamberlin
Ron & Ann Philen
Ushers
Jim Morningstar & Jeff Woods
Connie Chamberlin
St. Monica’s Day!
To the glory of God
Jeanine Black
Carol Farrel
Altar
Greeters
Oblation Bearers
Ushers
Nursery
Coffee Hour
Flowers
Arrangers
Eucharistic Visitor
Carol Farrel
Beth Woods
John Velaski
Jackie Wright
To the glory of God
POTLUCK
TBA
Melanie Velaski
To the glory of God
TBA
TBA
TBA
Jeff Woods & Bill Ramsey TBA
Ushers
Ron & Ann Philen
Chuck Barnett & Connie Chamberlin
TBA
TBA
TBA
June 8
Ushers
Beth Woods
Valerie Smith & Dave Somerville
John Velaski
Beth Woods
Melanie Velaski
May 25
* If you are unable to meet your obligation, please call a replacement, or swap with someone.
John Velaski
Pauline Somerville
To the glory of God
Jim Morningstar & Frank Murphy
Ushers
Viv Welch
John Veleski & Dave Somerville
Dave Somerville
Ray Farrel
Acolytes
Ron Philen
Jackie Wright
Connie Chamberlin
Lector 1st Reading
Dave Somerville
May 18
Frank Murphy
May 11
Eucharistic Minister, 9:30
May 4
Service Schedule for May 2014
May Prayer Requests Todd Aligood Rosalynda Blackburn The Brown Family Max & Marie Cartwright Destiny Coy Ora Early Mack Farrel Ray Farrel Diane Fink Cliff & Debbie Foggatt Ron Giles Scott Gilliam Theresa Halloran Debbie Heath Bill Holland
Jane Hunter Bishop Ci Jones Chuck Knight Charlie Martinson Bob Matlock Shirley Moreau Mindy Kathryn Pate Paul Palmer Dorothy Pemberton Bill Putters Leroy Robbins Tiny Robinson Barbara Roper Melton Scott
Military Prayer List Rusty Sellers Pauline Somerville Malcolm Strickland Nichole Teague Bob Tebbs Faye Walker Brandon Warrick Frank Welch Brennis Whaley Ken Whiting Seth Whiting Marcella Young
Birthdays in May… 14, Dave Somerville
Anniversaries in May… 22, Ray & Carol Farrel
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 Aaron Gaff 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