Saint Monica's Episcopal Church
Messenger
November 2015
From the Rector’s desk
by Rev. Anthony MacWhinnie, II
Fall is in the air! Finally… Right? Finally, there is that crispness in the air that I look for that signifies the change of our seasons here in Northwest Florida. We’ve just celebrated Halloween, and All Saints day here. Did you know that we had 200 kids come through our Trunk or Treat display? What great exposure that is! I love when we get out in the community and show them who St. Monica’s really is. And who we are is pretty special! This time of the year, for me, it feels like I should be getting ready for something. I don’t know why that is. Maybe it’s football season, or hunting season, or fall fishing, or gathering pecans; Or maybe it’s a combination of all these things. Something about right now is ingrained in me to prepare… to get ready… One thing that we’re getting ready for at St. Monica’s is The Annual Small Congregation Conference that we are hosting on November 14. The conference will go from 8:45AM to 2:30PM. The theme of the conference is “Out of the Pew and into the World.” And our very own Bishop Russell Kendrick will be speaking and facilitating discussion. Volunteer opportunities abound for this event! If you’d like to help with food, please speak with Beth Woods. She’ll be doing some decorating as well so check with her on that. Chuck Barnett is also coordinating volunteers for the day to help with set up and with hospitality for our guests. By the way, I’ve just spoken with the diocesan office today about this event and they have already got a HUGE turn-out of registrations and we are still weeks away from the event! This is an opportunity for our congregation to shine so I hope you’ll come on out that Saturday. One more thing that we should be getting ready for is
Our Staff & Vestry Rev, Anthony MacWhinnie, II, Rector 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
the Advent season. Our church new year begins on November 29th this year. Advent is a time of hopeful anticipation of the nativity of our Lord. It’s also a time when the Episcopal Church really shines. Look for a Wednesday night program during Advent this year and bring your friends to church during Advent! They need us. And they need our liturgical traditions. They just don’t know it yet! Elizabeth and Ruby MacWhinnie at Peace, Trunk or Treat, October 31, 2015 Anthony
We will be providing Thanksgiving Dinner for a family in our community with 5 children who attend Jim Allen School. Monetary donations to buy a large turkey and perishables Other items needed: Stove Top Stuffing, white potatoes, sweet potatoes, canned green beans, jars of gravy, canned cranberry sauce (Due to Small Church Conference, Please do not bring any items before November 15.)