Saint Monica's Episcopal Church
Messenger
November 2013
Flourish in Faith program nearing completion by Viv Welch, Stewardship Chair The “Flourish in Faith” bulletin inserts have inspired and the grocery store. However, I am embarrassed to adsome very interesting conversations during the Adult mit there were numerous entries that just were not that imChristian Education hour! I hope you have been as chalportant when it comes to giving more to God. There was a lenged and blessed by them as we have. lesson in that; always give to God first! One of the topics that created a lively discussion for us All the gifts of this life were given not to be squandered was the idea of praying for or used carelessly, but to do God’s guidance and whether or God’s work in the world. That is not we actually listen— espewhat it means to be a steward of cially when it comes to the diffiGod’s gifts. How we choose to cult stuff like giving. When we steward God’s gifts is a reflection say, “God’s will be done,” do we of who we are and of our relareally mean it? If I am perfectly tionship to God. It is an incredihonest, I know I sometimes want ble challenge and blessing, which God’s will to be done only as allows us to honor God and flourlong as it is the same as mine. ish in faith. Until recently, I had not As I consider this year’s thought much about whether or pledge to St. Monica’s, I have an not God agreed with the amount amazing sense of gratitude and of my pledge to the church, or if intend to increase my giving over God cared about my giving at last year. Certainly, it will not be all. Having spent some time Our faith tree is growing leaves, but we still have a long easy, but with prayer and the with the reflections over the last way to go before it flourishes. Have you added your willingness to listen, I can truly few weeks, I have come to a new blessings to the tree? rejoice in what I have been given understanding about God and by giving back. Because I begiving. I believe that God cares deeply about how we use lieve God delights in our acts of generosity, giving feels the resources and blessings of our lives. more like another gift than like a sacrifice. I was especially challenged the first week by the reflecIn the past few weeks we have heard from Jennifer tion question asked by The Rt. Rev. Robert C. Wright, Johnson and how our community of faith has changed her Bishop of The Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta; “how is inlife and the lives of her children. We heard a heartfelt stotentional giving a way to grow towards God?” ry from Connie Chamberlin about the common thread of He wrote, “Each of us will have to be persuaded that the persistence that has kept us going all these years. And we value we place on money is not worthy to be compared heard from Brenda Ferguson about how by cultivating, with the surpassing value of knowing Christ.” He suggest- tending, and toiling, both the earth and ourselves, we can ed that we pray, and then look at our checkbooks. become fruitful and flourish. I looked at the dozens of checks I had written last I look forward to still hearing from Melanie Velaski and month. There were those that, of course are necessities, Shirley Morreau and the insights about faith they will the mortgage, insurance, the power and water companies share with us. I look forward mostly to our Celebration Sunday on November 17 when we will bring our gifts forward. We will rejoice in the blessings that we have been Our Staff & Vestry given and celebrate that we have given a portion of them Vestry: Chuck Barnett - Senior Warden. back to God to enable His work to continue in the world Dan Ferguson- Junior Warden, through this community of faith we call St. Monica’s. Ann Philen, Bill Ramsey, Melanie Velaski, & Beth Woods In the meantime, I encourage you to join us for Adult Carol Farrel - Treasurer Education following the service. I am sure you will be Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva - Music Director Sally Putters - Parish Nurse blessed by the open and honest discussions we will have. God’s Peace.
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Saint Monica’s Messenger
An ounce of prevention by Nurse Sally
Welcome Home Saint Monica! It has been more than a year since the beautiful stained glass image of St. Monica was taken down from the narthex. The stress of gravity had begun to separate the lead from the glass and she was in danger of crashing. Earlier this year, we sent her to a stain glass artist for repair. On Saturday, October 19, she finally came home as a complete stained glass window and was reinstalled in the south window in the narthex .
All Saints’ Day—November 1 The New Testament uses the word “saint” to describe the entire membership of the Christian community. All Saints’ Day celebrates all Christian saints, particularly those who have no special feast days of their own. The day after All Saints’ Day is the Commemoration of All Faithful Departed or All Souls’ Day, when bereaved parishioners can offer prayers and remembrances for their loved ones who have died. On November 1, All Saints’ Day, we will be blessed to have The Reverend Albert Kennington, one-time Vicar of St. Monica’s, as our celebrant. Following the Eucharist, Fr. Kennington will lead the congregation out of the church to the Memorial Garden and lead us in prayers for loved ones buried there. As we remember all the saints on All Saints’ Day, we should also remember that we are all saints. We may not be perfect but we can try our best to be closer to God and help others become closer, too. Let us be thankful for the many examples of saints we have, and remember that each of us is also called to be a saint, during this life and after. Just as All Saints’ Day is tied into the belief that all of God’s people are connected in one communion, the Commemoration of All Faithful Departed (or All Souls’ Day) is a time to remember those that have gone before us. Take time to remember all the friends and family that are no longer on this earth, relive happy memories, and give thanks to God for special people that have been part of your life.
Influenza causes more than 200,000 people in the US to be hospitalized every year and about 36,000 die from flu-related causes. When it comes to Influenza, prevention is extremely important. The first line of defense WASH YOUR HANDS: Use warm water and anti-bacterial soap. Wash all surfaces including the wrist, palms, back of your hands and fingers, and fingernails for at least 20 seconds. Rinse your hands with clean water and dry them completely with a clean towel. COVER THAT COUGH: When you feel like you have to cough or sneeze, practice good manners and good health by coughing into your elbow or sleeve or into a tissue to prevent the spread of the germs. GET A FLU SHOT: The flu shot is an excellent way to prevent contracting the flu. It is low cost (even FREE at St. Monica’s), easy to get, and known to be effective in preventing certain strains of the virus. It does protect against the latest strains. MAKE HEALTHY CHOICES: Living a healthy lifestyle by staying active and eating healthy foods can protect you against a cold or the flu by strengthening your immune system. Drink plenty of water and eat your fruit and vegetables. Try to get plenty of sleep and 30 minutes of exercise a day whenever possible. If you or a family member is not feeling well, do not hesitate to seek care. VACCINE: Points of interest: Today’s vaccine does not contain eggs or a flu virus. Instead, DNA technology is used to produce the virus gene, which it targets for antibodies. Roll up your sleeves! We will be offering free flu shots at St. Monica’s on November 16, from 9:00 to 11:30 am inside the church. Have a Happy Thanksgiving and don’t overdo the sweets, but be sure to have fun!
Flourish in Faith Celebration Sunday November 17 Bring your pledge cards & enjoy a delicious Barbecue Feast!
Saint Monica’s Messenger
Holiday Shoppe & Gala in Daphne Coastline, Oct. 29: New and “gently used” treasures will be offered for sale at the 11th annual Holiday Shoppe at St. Paul's, Daphne, November 22-24. Sponsored by the parish's Thrift Shop, the Holiday Shoppe will feature quality items donated during the year and held back for the Holiday Shoppe and new items acquired especially for this event. Shop for antiques, collectibles, religious items, jewelry, furniture, ladies-men-children's boutiques, framed art, home and holiday décor, and surprises. Baked goods and other homemade items will also be available. “This will be a great place to shop for your Thanksgiving desserts and goodies,” says Eileen Roberts of St. Paul's. A preview Gala will be held Friday, November 22, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the St. Paul's Life Center. The Gala ticket includes light hors d'oeuvres, two beverages, complimentary glass, and early bird shopping. Tickets are $15.00 in advance and $20.00 at the door. Tickets went on sale Sunday, October 6 at St. Paul's, after the 10:30 am church service, and may also be purchased by contacting the Thrift Shop at 251-626-6102. The Holiday Shoppe will be open on Saturday from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm, and on Sunday from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm. St. Paul’s, Daphne is located at 28788 N. Main Street, Daphne, AL. From I-10, exit 35, south on US-98, right on Van Buren St., then right onto Main St.
Welcome to the Altar Guild—Altar Guild President Dave Somerville and Senior Warden Chuck Barnett present Tom Chaapel with an Altar Guild pin. Tom became the newest member of the Altar Guild by signing up during our SWEEPS Ministry Fair in September.
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Roll up your sleeve! Get your FREE Flu Shot! Brought to you by Nurse Sally & Sacred Heart Health Systems’ Mission in Motion
Saturday, November 16th 9 - 11:30 am
50 years - JFK and Civil Rights John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States, was assassinated by a gunman on November 22, 1963 in Dallas, Texas. President Kennedy proposed the initial Civil Rights Act, even as he faced personal and political conflicts over the legislation. He was also influential in the civil rights movement prior to his election, and the African American votes he received in the presidential election provided the winning edge to defeat Richard Nixon. Kennedy defined the civil rights crisis as moral, as well as constitutional and legal. As we approach the fiftieth anniversary of his assassination, we are reminded that we are called to respond to human need by loving service (Mark 3 of the Five Marks of Mission) and to transform unjust structures in our society (Mark 4 of the Five Marks of Mission). This year marks other significant landmark anniversaries in the struggle to end discrimination, provide equal rights and combat racism: the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, the 50th anniversary of the pivotal March on Washington, the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Medgar Evers, and the 100th birthday of Rosa Parks. In 1964 the Civil Rights Act was signed into law. The Episcopal Church will devote two days to the exploration of a critical topic: Fifty Years Later: The State of Racism in America. On November 15, there will be a 90 minute live forum held at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Cathedral in Jackson, MS beginning at 1 pm Central Time. There is no fee to view this live forum. Access is available through the Episcopal Church website: www.episcopalchurch.org/stateofracism. On November 16, faith leaders and educators will gather to discuss and create curriculum and tools on the topics raised in the forum. The workshops and plenary sessions will be videotaped for viewing on demand after the event. For more information, contact the Rev. Angela Ifill, Episcopal Church Missioner for Black Ministries.
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Saint Monica’s Messenger
Attend worship services on November 11 and thank a veteran World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.” In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…” The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m. The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926. An Act approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated
and known as “Armistice Day.” After American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting in its place the word “Veterans.” With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars. We owe our veterans a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice. Caring for veterans in tangible ways is a wonderful testimony for their service. On Sunday, November 10, we will honor the veterans in our congregation with a special celebration at Coffee Hour. Show your patriotism and gratitude on that day by attending worship services and thank a veteran! Market ends with special visitor: At the season wrap-up of The Market at St. Monica’s on October 19, Maverick, the mascot for the Pensacola Ice Flyers hockey team, stopped by to greet fans. Pictured here, Audrey Westbrook gives Maverick an authentic St. Monica’s welcome!
Bishop appoints Youth Coordinator Bishop Duncan has announced the appointment of James H. Lawrence, II, as Diocesan Coordinator for Youth and Young Adult Ministries. He will also serve as Summer Camp Director at Beckwith Camp and Conference Center. Lawrence was youth minister at Church of the Holy Nativity in Panama City until 2005. He was also a ropes course facilitator and senior counselor at Beckwith at that time. Lawrence will begin his duties November 1. He and his wife Emmi, along with infant son Grayson, will be relocating to Baldwin County.
Favor House Wish List Plastic pillow case covers Bath & kitchen towels Wash cloths Laundry detergent (High efficiency only) Fabric softener sheets Kleenex Toilet paper Paper napkins General House Keeping Paper towels Garbage can liners Items: Food storage bags Twin bed sheets Bleach Twin blankets Liquid hand soap Pillowcases Hand sanitizers Plastic mattress covers
Shelter:
Baking pans—cake, muffin, cookie sheets Pots & pans, skillets for flat top stove Flatware—knives, forks, spoons Kitchen cooking utensils Kitchen dish towels
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Saint Monica’s Messenger
What are Charitable Gift Annuities? From the Episcopal Church Foundation A charitable gift annuity (CGA), administered by the Episcopal Church Foundation, enables you to make a substantial gift to the church and receive guaranteed income from those assets for yourself or a beneficiary that you name as long as you and/or the beneficiary lives. This is one way to put treasure where your heart is, the church, and still take care of your needs and those of your family. A CGA is a contract between you and the Episcopal Church Foundation, which guarantees a fixed amount of income for life. You can fund your annuity with cash or marketable securities. You receive an income tax deduction in the year that you establish the annuity for the gift portion of the contract. You receive a guaranteed periodic income that is not affected by the fluctuations of the marketplace. A portion of your annuity income is free of federal income taxes. Generally you are able to prorate any capital gains taxes over the expected life of the annuity payments and you are free from concern about money management. The minimum amount required to establish a charitable gift annuity through the Episcopal Church Foundation is $5,000. The minimum age to receive income is 55. The expected annuity rate depends upon whether one or two people will receive income from the gift and upon the age of the recipient(s). For example, the guaranteed rate is higher for a 75-year-old donor than for a 60-year-old donor. The annuity rate is based on those recommended by the American Council on Gift Annuities. The three different types of annuity agreements are: Single Life (one person receives payments during his or her lifetime), Two Life: Joint & Survivor (two people receive payments; when one person dies, survivor receives the full amount), and Two Life: Successive (initial donor receives payments for lifetime until death when second named annuitant, if survivor, receives payments).
Aloha Elizabeth! Sunday, October 27 was Elizabeth Lewin’s last Sunday with us. Elizabeth has accepted a position as Lay Pastor at a small church in Hawaii the job of a lifetime! We will miss her deeply spiritual insight, gorgeous voice in the choir and presence in our midst. Elizabeth, A hui hou kakou until we meet again!
Income from the annuity can be paid immediately or can be deferred until a later time. When it is deferred, it is called a Deferred Payment Gift Annuity and can be an effective retirement tool. You have the satisfaction of knowing that your gift can benefit your church at the time of your death. You cannot add to a charitable gift annuity, but you can establish additional annuity agreements at any time. The annuity is an irrevocable agreement. If you would like to establish a charitable gift annuity, please contact the Episcopal Church Foundation toll free at 800-697-2858 or visit our website at www.EpiscopalFoundation.org. ECF can provide a customized illustration showing your expected income tax deductions and projected income based on the size of your gift and the age(s) of the beneficiary(ies).
Book sheds light on Episcopal bishops’ stands during Civil War While slavery and secession divided the Union during the Civil War, they also severed the northern and southern dioceses of the Episcopal Church. A new book, Challenges on the Emmaus Road, by T. Felder Dorn, focuses on the way bishops on both sides confronted and responded to the issues and events of their turbulent times. Published by the University of South Carolina Press in hardcover, the book has 472 pages, including 16 illustrations. It sells for $49.95 and may be ordered by calling (800)768-2500. “Felder Dorn provides us with a treasure trove of information about the Episcopal Church and slavery during the period surrounding the Civil War,” said the Rev. Andrew G. Kadel, director of the Keller Library at the General Theological Seminary in New York. “His profiles of the bishops of the church, particularly in the slaveholding states, are fair, comprehensive and meticulously documented. He writes with great clarity, allowing readers to make their own conclusions.”
Saturday, November 16 8 am—1 pm Shop for homemade gifts, Christmas decorations, baked goods & more!
Highlights from the Annual Parish Picnic
Jeremy Wright, one of our military members home on leave, tosses a football to his children Alex and Mady.
Fred Woods tuning up for service.
Twyla Hinton, Carol Farrel, Mady Wright and Elizabeth Lewin. Photo by Mandy Wright
Prayers were answered as the weather on Sunday, October 20 was absolutely perfect for a picnic! Volunteer organizers began working on Saturday to gather up the necessities for an ideal outdoor feast. The vestry provided fried chicken from Publix Supermarket and attendees brought side dishes. Some 35 members traveled to Beckwith Camp and Retreat Center in Fairhope, AL for our Annual Parish Picnic. Holy Eucharist was held in the beautiful Resurrection Chapel overlooking Weeks Bay. The Right Reverend Ci Jones (Ret.) was our celebrant. Fred Woods and his guitar provided the music for both the service and picnic. Connie Chamberlin gave a heartfelt Stewardship talk on persistence and Bishop Jones reiterated with encouraging words about our community of faith. Following the 11 am service, Bishop Jones and his wife joined us for lunch at the pavilion. There were mountains of delicious food including some decadent desserts. After lunch, some members of the parish challenged each other at “washers,� a game played with metal washers similar to horseshoes or corn hole. Others enjoyed strolls on the campus, tossing the football, sitting on the pier or just chatting with one another. The children were brave enough to try the pool, though the near 70 degree water temperature was a bit chilly for less adventurous adults.
Rowena Chaapel wins a game of washers!
Bishop Ci and Mrs. Jones
A great shot of Kathryn Pate and her daughter Connie Chamberlin.
Shirley Morreau gives us a grin.
Ashton Resmondo does a cannonball with Alex & Mady Wright.
John Velaski John Velaski & Dave Somerville
EYC Bill Ramsey & John Nicholls
Connie Chamberlin
Chuck Barnett & Connie Chamberlin
Bill & Sally Putters
EYC
Jim Morningstar & Jeff Woods
Ann Philen
Connie Chamberlin & Melanie Velaski
TBA
Melanie Velaski
John Velaski
Acolytes
Altar
Greeters
Oblation Bearers
Ushers
Nursery
Coffee Hour
Flowers
Arrangers
Eucharistic Visitor
John Velaski
Jeanine Black
TBA
Carol Farrel
Pauline Somerville
TBA
* If you are unable to meet your obligation, please call a replacement, or swap with someone.
Carol Farrel
Valerie Smith
TBA
BARBECUE
Beth Woods & Norma Ramsey
POTLUCK
Mandy Wright
Margaree MillsFitchett
Carol Farrel
TBA
Beth Woods
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
Bill Ramsey & John Nicholls
Jim Morningstar & Jeff Woods
Bill & Sally Putters
TBA
Pauline Somerville & Mary Plantz Shelby Kizer
TBA
TBA
TBA
December 1
John Velaski
Beth Woods
Melanie Velaski
November 24
EYC
EYC
Bill Ramsey
Tom Chaapel & Dave Somerville
Dave Somerville
Frank Murphy
Connie Chamberlin
November 17
EYC
Beth Woods
Ron Philen
Jackie Wright
Lector 1st Reading
Frank Murphy
John Velaski
November 10
Eucharistic Minister, 9:30
November 3
Service Schedule for October 2013
November Prayer Requests Rosalynda Blackburn The Brown Family Max & Marie Cartwright Miles Cooper Destiny Coy Diane Duncan Ora Early Ray Farrel Debi Froggatt Ron Giles Mildred Hamby Jane Hunter Wendy Johnson Jim & Judy Knapp
Chuck Knight Tommy Loudon Charlie Martinson Bob Matlock Fran & Llewellyn Newton Dorothy Pemberton Leroy Robbins Tiny Robinson Maggie Rose Rodak Rusty Sellers Pauline Somerville Nichole Teague Bob Tebbs Baby Jase Velaski
Military Prayer List Faye Walker Brandon Warrick Ken Whiting Seth Whiting Marcella Young
Birthdays in November… 11, Rose Touart; 13, Shelby Kizer; 14, Fred Woods; 17, Ann Philen, Viven Welch; 18, J.W. Johnson If your birthday or anniversary is not listed or not listed correctly, please let Viv Welch know.
Anniversaries in November… We have no November anniversaries recorded.
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 Bryan Fuller Benjamin Gaff Tim Gibson Tim Hartford 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