October 2016
From the Rector’s desk by Rev. Anthony MacWhinnie, II
It’s October, the month fall weather starts, the month that Ghosties and Ghoulies patrol the neighborhoods querying for candy, and the traditional month when stewardship campaigns begin and end all across Christendom. Stewardship… That oft dreaded word. It means so many things to so many people. Often it doesn’t mean what it’s supposed to mean for us. Many times stewardship brings up visions of boring presentations about money in the church, or vague plays on our guilt about how much we tithe to the church, or overused tropes like “time, talent, and treasure” when really we “know” that the treasure is what this month is all about. Let me just say this, I know that you know that this church needs money to pay bills. I also know that you know that the biblical tithe is 10%. You’ve heard it all your life. And you’ve also heard pleas for pledges because it helps us to make actual plans for how we’ll cover the bills during the year. It all makes sense and it’s totally practical and useful information. I also know that most people in the church give what they can. Sure some can give more. Others can’t. Facts are facts and resources are what they are. So, I say, give what you can. Every little bit counts. Really it does. Now, let’s talk about Stewardship. That word doesn’t just mean tithing. It implies taking care of something. Taking care… It implies more than just a job of taking care, but an actual feeling, an emotion, a state of mind that is “care”. Stewardship is a mindset. It’s a way of being that, in our case, means that we care about not just the church, but the world around us. Stewardship is how we live. Stewardship is the Christian way of life. And part of that is inviting people in to
Our Staff & Vestry Rev, Anthony MacWhinnie, II, Rector Vestry: Chuck Barnett - Senior Warden Jim Warner- Junior Warden Beth Woods, Susan Early, Ann Philen & John Velaski Twinette McDonald - Music Director Sally Putters - Parish Nurse
the life of the church. I always say that Jesus Christ is attractive to people. Look at those crowds that followed him around throughout his life. He was attractive, not in a “looks” sort of way, but in a personal sort of way. People wanted to be where he was. And that is what we want to achieve as a church, Jesus’s attractiveness. If we aren’t attractive to people, then we need to figure that out! Fred Woods has graciously taken on the task of coordinating the Stewardship Campaign for this year. He’s got some great ideas! Let’s help him out with doing our part. And on Sunday mornings at 9:00 come join me in the Adult Sunday School as we explore the book of Acts. What did the early church have to say about stewardship? Come and see… Peace, Anthony+
Exploring The Book of Acts Sundays at 9 am
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It’s Fall and it’s flu season. Are you protected? by Nurse Sally Putters Autumn has arrived, what a special season and it’s my favorite. The temperature becomes more pleasant as the hot temperatures go away leaving a slight chill in the air. The fall colors are so comfortable and are my favorites. It is a busy time of year with many events on our schedule. I want to thank Viv Welch for stepping up and becoming the “Camp Nurse” at St. Monica’s while I was ill this summer. She did a wonderful job continuing to provide health-related topics for our newsletter. Thanks so much. Free flu shots will be given on Saturday, November 5, 2016 from 9 to 11:30 am in the Narthex. This is an annual service being provided by Sacred Heart Faith Based Nursing Program. Injections will be administered and health information provided. If you have questions before getting the injection, please call me. Each year thousands of people die from the flu and many more are hospitalized. The flu is caused by the influenza virus and is spread mainly by coughing, sneezing and close contact. Anyone can get the “flu”. It strikes suddenly lasting for several days. Symptoms vary by age, but can include fever, chills, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, coughing, headache, and runny or stuffy nose. The flu vaccine cannot keep you from getting the flu, but can make it less severe if you do get it, and keep you from spreading the flu to your family and others. There are no live viruses in the vaccine and getting an injection cannot cause the flu. It takes two weeks for protection to develop after vaccination, and protection should last through the flu season. This year bring your family and friends. Our annual parish picnic will be October 16, at Camp Beckwith in Fairhope, Alabama. The day will begin with a beautiful church service in Resurrection Chapel overlooking the Weeks Bay followed by tons
of food, games and fellowship. Come out and enjoy the healthy fresh air. It promises to be a great time for all. On October 31, All Hallows Eve, we will host Trunk-or-Treat. This is one of our biggest outreach events and is always a big success. We always have hundreds of children come to enjoy trick-or-treating, hayrides, great music, food and a fun. You will be hearing more about these events as time approaches. God Bless, Nurse Sally
Looking for Love? John 13:34-35, A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
Saint Monica’s Messenger
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We’re Greening the church Normally the phrase “greening the church” means that we will be hanging beautiful greens around the church for the Advent season, but now it also means something entirely different, though perhaps not less holy. Members of St. Monica’s have wanted to engage in more green practices for some time at our beautiful church as a way to preserve our planet, to be an example to others in the community, and to fulfill God’s call to us to care for his creation and be good stewards of the gifts we have been given. Recently, members Twinette MacDonald, Beth Woods, Chuck Barnett, and Elizabeth MacWhinnie began to discuss some practical ways that St. Monica’s could fulfill the Biblical mandate to care for the Earth through actions at St. Monica’s. A proposal was written up by the group and presented to the vestry, who fully supported the initiative. The ways that St. Monica’s can take care of the planet might change and grow over time, but listed below are some of the ideas that the group would like to get to work on over the upcoming year: 1. Get rid of Styrofoam: This project is already underway. Members of the group have donated two utility carts (one for clean coffee mugs and one for dirty) and Twyla Hinton has donated two bus tubs for dirty coffee mugs. Starting in October, the group asks members of the church to donate a mug or two to St. Monica’s. The group will take the carts back and forth from the Got Mugs? narthex to the kitchen on Sunday so that coffee drinkers can pick up a clean mug right next to the coffee pots and place their dirty mugs in the grey tubs – also next to the coffee pots. How can you help? Donate a mug or two, occasionally volunteer to help wash the mugs after church. 2. Wildlife habitat certification: This project requires a $20 certification fee (which has already been donated) and comes with a sign for our property that is an outward and visible sign of our belief that it is important to provide a place for God’s creatures to survive and thrive. We most likely already qualify for this certification, which requires that your property provides food, water, shelter, and a place for young to be born and grow, but we welcome ideas to improve on what we already have. Beth Woods is coordinator of this project.
How can you help? Speak with Beth about your ideas. More ideas: Compost, varying types of recycle bins – paper, plastic, batteries, Styrofoam, highway clean up, energy audit, environmentally safe mosquito control. From time to time, you will hear announcements in church from this new environmental group – letting you know what project is underway and how you can be a part of it. Please reach out to Beth, Twinette, or Elizabeth any time with your ideas. It will take help from everyone at the church for these projects to be truly successful and make an impact on our environment.
Yearning to be at one with nature? Enjoy the great outdoors at St. Monica's Saturday, October 29, from 8-12. Bring your gardening tools, hedge clippers, edgers and blowers, and we will spruce up the flower beds and bushes. If you are interested, just show up, see Twinette at church or call/text 850-748-0335.
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Food Pantry and thrift store are Charities of the Month
Monica’s Attic is now open on US 29 just 2 blocks north of St. Monica’s. Items are needed for everyday operations. A variety of canned goods and other items are needed for our Emergency Food Pantry. See a complete list below.
Our charities of the month for October are St. Monica’s Emergency Food Pantry and Monica’s Attic Thrift Store. The emergency food pantry was founded to provide food, personal care items and household supplies to a growing number of people in our community who lack these basic resources. We currently serve individuals and families from various backgrounds and financial means. Food from the Emergency Pantry is shared with love and respect to those who come to us for assistance. It is our belief that they receive not only food for their physical hunger, but kindness and grace which feeds their spiritual and emotional hungers as well.
Pack your lawn chairs and picnic gear And join us
Sunday, October 16 Camp Beckwith Holy Eucharist begins at 11 am In Resurrection Chapel Followed by Picnic at the Pavilion Episcopal Church Women will provide Fried Chicken Please bring side dishes, desserts and drinks. There will be plenty of fun for the whole family!
How can you contribute? Specific items needed this month include peanut butter and jelly, individually wrapped crackers with cheese/ peanut butter, pudding cups, fruit cups, raisins, grits, juice boxes, granola bars or cookies, canned Chef Boyardee items, canned soups, beef stew, chili, vegetables and fruits, and canned meats such as tuna, chicken and Vienna sausages. Personal care items such as soap, razors, shampoo, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, baby wipes and diapers are also needed. With monetary donations we can purchase food and other items for particular needs. Monica’s Attic Thrift Store is now open for business. It is our prayer that in time, the thrift store will generate funds that can be used to expand our other outreach ministries such as Beans and Rice Distribution. As you know, the store operates mostly on volunteerism and we have a way to go before we have excess funds. With that in mind, there are expenses that we can try to limit with donations. Like any business, there are things that are needed that are recurring expenses. Items such as paper towels, toilet tissue, toilet bowl cleaner, window cleaner, all purpose cleaner and Zip-lock bags in gallon sizes are greatly needed. Also, don’t forget if you are downsizing or cleaning out your closets, Monica’s Attic still needs your donations of clothing, toys, household goods and other items to sell. Donations are accepted at the store during regular business hours Other donations for the Charities of the Month can be dropped off in the Narthex on Sunday Mornings. We are able to provide these important community services only because of your contributions. Thank you for your generosity. For more information, see Ann Philen.
Saint Monica’s Messenger
Mission to Dominican Republic
Choir notes
By Twinette McDonald
Since 2006 The Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast has sent construction mission teams to our Companion Diocese in the Dominican Republic. Our mission teams have gained the reputation of building good, solid and beautiful church furniture thus giving our impoverished neighbors a more attractive and comfortable place to worship. Since 2006 we have furnished many Dominican Episcopal churches with pews, pulpits, baptismal fonts, lecterns, processional crosses, prie-dieus, credence tables, clergy and bishop’s chairs, bookshelves, doors and altars. How Can You Be A Part Of This Exciting and Rewarding Ministry? You can be a part of this mission ministry. All you need is a spirit of adventure and a desire to help other Christians less fortunate than those of us in the US. Neither prior experience with building furniture nor an ability to speak Spanish is necessary. For more information about becoming a team member or to schedule a program presentation of this mission ministry at your church, please call Construction Team Leader, Geary Gaston at (251) 649-7327.
Special Potluck Lunch After church, November 6
In celebration of the blessing of Chris Palma & Rachel Feinstein s wedding. Our regular potluck lunch will still be held on October 30 as usual.
The Saint Monica’s Choir would like to welcome our newest member, Mike Scordato. We would also like to extend and invitation to all who are interested in singing to join us on Sunday Mornings from 8:30 to 9:15 am. We would love to have you as we get ready for the Advent and Christmas seasons. For more information, please see Twinette McDonald or contact her at 850-748-0335 or Melodyakker@gmail.com.
Calling all singers ages 6-15! Join Youth Praise Singers Starting October 2, 9:20 am - 9:45 am
Saint Monica's is forming a group of young praise singers. We will sing or perform short skits once every two months. There are also plans to go caroling during Advent season and sing on Christmas Eve. If you would be interested in singing with us, please come to practice on Sunday mornings from 9:20 to 9:45. We will meet in the children's classroom beginning October 2, to learn songs to share with the folks at Saint Monica's. Hope to see all your energetic faces on Sundays. For more information and to sign up, please contact Ms T (Twinette McDonald) at 850-748-0335 or Melodyakker@gmail.com
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Episcopal Church Women and Beckwith host Becca Stevens of Thistle Farms Join women from across the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast in this exciting weekend with Becca Stevens and her amazing team as they share their message of the healing power of love the weekend of October 21-23. Becca Stevens is many things‌an author, speaker, social entrepreneur, founder and president of Thistle Farms, the largest social enterprise in the US run by survivors. When Becca speaks the listener is struck by her earnest, empathetic delivery infused with her personality and sense of humor. Her message is honest and she offers groups a way to move from fear and cynicism into inspired action. She is an international voice for the growing global movement for women's freedom and a fervently hopeful and determinedly loving champion for the marginalized.
Welcome to the movement that celebrates women's freedom. We are a growing community committed to the truth that love is the most powerful force for change in the world. We are made up of circles around the world of survivors, donors, volunteers, residents, graduates, producers, social media advocates, and strangers who come together to practice hospitality and exercise our economic power and voice. At the center of this circle are women who have survived lives of trafficking, addiction and prostitution. Thank you for joining us, we need one another to heal. #loveheals. Peace and love, Becca Stevens
Single room/all meals $236.00 per person Double room/all meals $187.70 per person Dorm room/all meals $122.60 per person Commuter rate/all meals $84.80 per person Above overnight rates are for 2 nights - Friday and Saturday Contact Eleanor Reeves, at Beckwith, 251-928-7844 or email eleanor@beckwithal.com
Monday, October 31st 5-7 pm
Dress in your favorite Halloween costume, decorate your trunk or tailgate and join us in the parking lot as children from the community trickor-treat in a safe environment.
Drop off candy donations in the basket in the Narthex through Halloween.
The Holy Spirit was certainly in the house at the Southland Singers concert on Saturday night, September 10. Thanks to Ray Farrel for arranging the performance.
See Beth Woods for details
Trey MacWhinnie Kathryn Chaapel John Velaski & Dave Somerville
Kathryn Chaapel & Bailee McGuffin Tom Chaapel & Dave Somerville Bill Ramsey & Jim Warner Beth Woods Carol Farrel & Kathy Vail To the glory of God Beth Woods
Trey MacWhinnie Kathryn Chaapel
Dave Somerville
Jim Morningstar & Ray Farrel
Carol Farrel
Barbara Cross & Pauline Somerville
To the glory of God
Jackie Wright
Carol Farrel
Acolytes
Altar
Ushers
Nursery
Coffee Hour
Flowers
Arrangers
Eucharistic Visitor
Carol Farrel
John Velaski
Jackie Wright
Jeanine Black Pauline Somerville Ray Farrel
To the glory of God
POTLUCK
Carol Farrel
Jim Morningstar & Ron Giles
To the glory of God
Beth Woods & Twyla Hinton
Ann Philen
Ray Farrel & Jim Warner
Dave Somerville
Valerie Smith
To the glory of God
BECKWITH PICNIC
(Beckwith)
Jeff Woods & Chuck Barnett
Trey MacWhinnie Kathryn Chaapel
Pauline Somerville
Tom Chaapel
Kathy Vail
John Velaski
October 30
Katherine Chaapel & Bailee McGuffin
Ray Farrel
* If you are unable to meet your obligation, please call a replacement, or swap with someone.
John Velaski
Trey MacWhinnie
Pauline Somerville
John Velaski
Lector Epistle reading
Carol Farrel
Chuck Barnett
Beth Woods
Kathy Vail
Psalm
Ron Philen
Connie Chamberlin
October 23
Connie Chamberlin
Fred Woods
Tom Chaapel
Dave Somerville
Lector 1st Lesson
Ron Philen
October 16
John Velaski
October 9
Eucharistic Minister
October 2
Service Schedule for October
October Prayer Requests
Military and First Responders Prayer List
Joel Blankenship Myrna Claywell Janice Courson Bill Cross The Dufort Family Ashton & Tracie Ferguson Gabriel Ferguson Ashton Gaff Kari K. Garcia Marie Gibbs Angela Scordato Hinkle Julianna Horn Christina Humphries Brian Jack Ashley M. Bob Matlock The McGowan Family
Connor Aligood Adam Blankenship Daryl Coy Field Cross Mark Feely Patrick Ferguson Aaron Gaff Adrian Gaff Benjamin Gaff Tim Heartford
Jean Moss Rochelle Phearn Holly Pierce Randy Pinner The Quilters Maggie Rose Rodak Rusty Sellers Dee Dee Slettahaugh The Spencer Family Texan Stephens Greg & Rose Touart Eddie Velaski Melanie Velaski Heidi Woods Angela Weidle Jackie Wright
Birthdays in October
2, Maurice Currie; 15, Dora Giles; 16 Robert Westbrook; 19, Texan Stephens; 23, Ray Farrel; 27, Shirley Morreau
Anniversaries in October
17, Chuck Barnett & Connie Chamberlin; 13, Anthony & Elizabeth MacWhinnie; 18, Fred & Beth Woods
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!
Mark Hill Johnny Hurd James Klinginsmith William Knapp Andrew Kuntz Cody Melancon Chase Scott Jeremy Wright
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. Oct. 2, 2016 Dale County Jail, Ozark, Alabama Oct. 9, 2016 Geneva County Jail, Geneva, Alabama Oct. 16, 2016 Henry County Jail, Abbeville, Alabama Oct. 23, 2016 Houston County Jail, Dothan, Alabama Oct. 30, 2016 Butler County Correctional Facility, Greenville, Alabama