Saint Monica's Episcopal Church
Messenger
September 2014
Leading from the Side From ECF Vital Practices by Elizabeth M. Magill, August 8, 2014 Often lay people tell me that they love so many things about their church, and that they hate so many things about their church. They describe how the congregation dreams of change and how change doesn’t happen. These members of churches ask me for advice, they look at their community life critically, they engage in creative thinking, they get excited about ideas that might work, and then they turn to me and say “you should talk to my pastor”. One minute they are full of energy for change, the next minute they are deferring all change to the work of the pastor. Let me say this clearly: you can change your church; you can make a difference. I know, you are not ordained, you are not the paid, you didn’t study church change, you aren’t an organizational guru, you can’t work on this full time, you have a family and a job, you have a hundred reasons you cannot work on this problem. Yet still I say to you clearly: you can change your church; you can make a difference; you are called to be part of the change. Every church exists as a system and every system changes when an individual decides to act differently. You can stop criticizing people and start calling out bad behavior, you can stop complaining in private and start speaking out in public, you can stop listing people’s weaknesses and start appreciating people’s strengths. You can refuse to rescue programs that need to die, refuse to do more work than can be done well, and refuse to take on the anxiety of others. You can pray for the complainers, pray for the blockers, pray for the despairing, pray for the neighborhood, and pray for the church. You can choose a different way. Choosing to act differently, choosing to see people differently, choosing to live by your values—all of these things will change the system of your church. If you are in charge at your church this choosing behavior is called leadership; if you are not in charge at your church this
choosing behavior is called leadership. It is leadership when it comes from the top; it is leadership when it comes from the side. We have high expectations of those who are leading from the top, we need to set higher expectations for all of us who are leading from the side. At work this leading from the side might be called managing the management, at home it might be called negotiating solutions, among your friends it might simply be described as assertiveness. If you try to change others by being aggressive, or passive, or passive-aggressive then you are not engaged in leadership, you are engaged in manipulation. Please don’t use manipulation to change your church! Change your church with assertive leadership from the side. Manipulation focuses on problems; leadership imagines opportunities. Manipulation pushes others to take sides; leadership guides others to the community’s values. Manipulation is quick and destructive; leadership is slow and creative. Draw a deep breath, begin a slower pace, take a tentative step, start leading at your church, leading from the side. Join God and your neighbor in slow and creative change. This post first appeared on The Mission Institute website and is reprinted with permission. The Mission Institute is a collaborative venture of Episcopal Divinity School, Episcopal City Mission, and the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts. It offers congregations and communities innovative learning opportunities that nurture leaders, strengthen communities, support spiritual growth, and advance positive transformation in our societies. Learn more about The Mission Institute here or visit their Facebook page.
Our Staff & Vestry
& Silent Auction
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 Twinette McDonald - Music Director Sally Putters - Parish Nurse
Saturday, November 8 To benefit St. Monica’s playground renovations
6 pm until Live Music and delicious food, door prizes Auction items include original art, handmade quilts, hand knitted apparel, holiday decorations, collectibles, home décor,
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Saint Monica’s Messenger
These unique pieces of recycled pallet wood furniture are the latest projects made by our own Ray Farrel and available at The Market. Come see Ray and other vendors on the first and third Saturdays now through October!
September 1 – Labor Day Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is an American federal holiday created in 1894 dedicated to the social and economic achievements of its workers. It also has become, in American culture, the symbolic end of the summer and a signal that the new school year has begun. Labor Day offers an opportunity to reflect on the hard work that has provided for our families, has built our communities, and helped make possible many of the economic blessings we have received and for which we are grateful. This also is a time to focus on domestic poverty and recognize those who, despite their hard work, are not able to find meaningful employment, and deserve our continuing help and support. One ministry within the Episcopal Church working toward alleviating domestic poverty in America is the Episcopal Appalachian Ministries (http://www.visit-eam.org). The Appalachian Region is a 205,000-square-mile region where 42 % of the population is rural, compared with 20 % of the national population. The poverty rates for Appalachia average about 18% and literacy rates remain well below national averages. The mission of Episcopal Appalachian Ministries is to inspire, nurture, and affirm those who address the environmental, cultural, and social needs of the people of Appalachia. Affirming a commitment to proclaiming the good news of God’s realm, they engage in advocacy, education, networking, and grassroots ministries in the Appalachian region. The Episcopal Church also addresses domestic poverty in many other ways: through its network of over 600 Jubilee Ministries; one- and two-year Justice and Advocacy Fellowships; Asset-Based Community Development; collaboration with diocesan and congregational ministries across the country; and annual block-grant programs for the development (or enrichment) of local ministry. To discover more about The Episcopal Church’s mission to alleviate domestic poverty issues, visit www.episcopalchurch.org/page/domestic-povertyministries.
Medication safety By Nurse Sally After going through a drug reaction situation with Mr. Bill, I wanted to write about what you need to know about the medications you take, both prescribed and Over the Counter supplemental. Older adults are more vulnerable to reactions as their kidneys and liver are less efficient when it comes to processing drugs. Usually when new drugs are tested in clinical trials, older adults are not participants, so reaction warnings pertain to the younger population. What can you do to protect yourself? Tell your doctor about any new symptoms you experience while taking medications. If a new drug is prescribed, ask your doctor if the dosage is appropriate for someone your age. Take a list of all of the medications you take (RX and over-the counter) with you every time you visit your doctor and keep it updated with any new medications. Seek your doctor’s advice before stopping a particular medication. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any herbal supplements. Check with your healthcare provider before taking a medication prescribed to a spouse, partners or a family member. Mr. Bill was acutely ill and admitted to the hospital’s ICU three times with fever of over 103, chills, respiratory distress, and low blood pressure. On each occasion he had taken a prescribed tablet (Bactrim) which contains sulfa causing all of his systems to shut down. He was diagnosed with pneumonia, UTI or Congestive Heart Failure, none of his symptoms matched the diagnosis. Then a wise older Infectious Disease Doctor sat down and talked with Bill, Patty and I about each day that the episodes occurred and identified the sulfa allergy reaction. Make sure you and your doctor know what you are taking and why, those near death experiences are scary. Your pharmacist should know your allergies, so don’t jump around to different pharmacies.
St. Augustine’s Fish Fry & Yard Sale St. Augustine’s Navarre will be holding its annual fish fry in conjunction with a community yard sale this year on September 27 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Almost 40 booths are already spoken for and the Fire Department will provide a Fire Truck for the kids to explore. There will be bargains to be had by all from a combination of vendors, artists, and purveyors of second hand goods. Allison Hollinger is organizing the yard sale activity, while Tony Thompson and Eric Straight are planning the food and refreshments as a fundraiser for St. Augustine’s. Make sure you mark your calendars! Whether you want to sell, shop, enjoy the food and fellowship, or volunteer some time to help a good cause, you should plan to be there. If you would like to reserve a booth, Allison (Allison@swapyall.com).
Saint Monica’s Messenger
Jr. High Fall Kick-off at Beckwith Join us for the Junior High Fall Kickoff for 6th through 8th graders on Sunday, September 21st for the day at Beckwith. We will begin with some group games at 11 am, lunch cookout at 12 pm followed by praise and worship, pool games, waterfront activities with canoeing and kayaking, volleyball and field games. The focus of the event is fellowship with the larger Episcopal youth community of our diocese. We will provide lunch, snacks and drinks and all event costs will be covered by the Diocesan Youth Department. For groups coming from further away, we have reserved cabins, but each church will need to provide its own chaperones. Our long term goal is to offer a Junior High (6-8th grade) retreat weekend in the spring. Please RSVP by September 17th to James Lawrence, Diocesan Youth Coordinator at (251) 612-2162 or email james@beckwithal.com.
Cursillo 153; September 25-28 Cursillo #153 will be held at Beckwith on September 25-28. Karen Jackson of Nativity in Dothan will serve as lay rector. So what is Cursillo? Cursillo is a three-day weekend that introduces people to simple methods for nurturing and growing their relationships with Christ. It provides an experience of living in a Christian community centered in worship, prayer, study of scripture and interaction with other Christians. Its mission is to build up our parish churches by encouraging and empowering its members to prepare for doing the work of the church- the spreading of the Gospel. If you are interested in attending, contact your parish’s Cursillo, liaison or pastor. Pilgrim applications are available at the Diocese website or from Elizabeth Ray at elizabethray@bellsouth.net. Note: the former email address registrar@coastalpilgrims.com is no longer active. Please join us for the next Ultreya on Saturday October 11, 2014 starting at 12 Noon. The program includes Worship with Eucharist and witness talk, a few songs of joy and celebration in the Parish Hall, Potluck lunch, 20 minutes at tables sharing closets moment to Christ, Piety, Study, etc. We will close with music and dismissal prayer. Bring a dish to share. Drinks will be provided.
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Remembering Paul Jones Episcopal Bishop of Utah From The Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs Bishop Paul Jones was a prominent pacifist. In 1918, Bishop Jones was forced to resign his position because of his outspoken opposition to World War I as “unchristian.” He spent the next 23 years continuing a ministry within The Episcopal Church dedicated to peace and conscience, advocating for marginalized people worldwide. He was a founder of the interdenominational Fellowship of Reconciliation and served as its secretary for 10 years. He helped found the Episcopal Peace Fellowship prior to his death in 1941. During the early years of World War II, he helped resettle Jews and others who fled Nazi Germany, and he argued for greater understanding in relations with Japan. He also supported conscientious objectors, urging the whole church to do so. In 1966, on the eve of the Vietnam War, EPF altered its commitment statement to accommodate peace-makers who were not necessarily pacifists. Today, EPF seeks to address confusion, ambivalence, fear and hatred by helping individuals and groups cultivate the spirituality and everyday practice of active nonviolence. EPF is organized in local chapters that work on local issues within their parish and communities as well as national and international issues. Chapters sponsor and cosponsor prayer and public witness such as peace vigils, liturgies, service projects and demonstrations. In addition, EPF holds regional meetings throughout the United States. EPF’s Young Adult Brain Trust coordinates a growing group of 18-to-20-something activists. EPF also maintains action groups on a number of issues, including Iraq, the death penalty, peace and the Millennium Development Goals, Israel and Palestine, Iran, Cuba, conscientious objectors, and nuclear abolition. Bishop Paul Jones stood firm in proclaiming the Gospel of the Prince of Peace. He is a strong example of the Fourth Mark of Mission to “…seek to transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and to pursue peace and reconciliation.” His story is an example of the need to continue to spread the message of peace and alternatives to violence in every form. To learn more about the Episcopal Peace Fellowship, visit their web site at http://epfnational.org/
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Saint Monica’s Messenger
September 7 is Grandparents’ Day Grandparents’ Day was created to honor grandparents and to help younger generations understand and connect with the wisdom and heritage their grandparents provide. It also touches on the very real needs of lonely elderly people living in nursing homes or other care facilities. More than one in three Episcopalians is over the age of 65, and another 41% of Episcopalians are between the ages of 45 to 64. The 2003 General Convention passed resolution A007, establishing the Task Force for Older Adult Ministries. In 2009, General Convention passed a further resolution, D004, recognizing the church’s need for Older Adult Ministry and the importance of endeavoring to answer the following questions: How do we recognize, honor, and utilize the experience, wisdom, and gifts of “older” adults? How do we develop ministries that integrate and weave multiple generations together spiritually? How do we cultivate Christ's message of hope and service for older adults, families, and their caregivers? How do we examine, explore, and create innovative and contemporary liturgical, spiritual, and service ministries by, with, and for all generations in the Body of Christ? The Episcopal Church’s Older Adult Ministry has a robust collection of resources available to parishes on topics related to our church elders, including lifelong spiritual learning, resources for congregations, and elder abuse. For more information and resources, visit http:// www.episcopalchurch.org/page/older-adult-ministries or http://www.episcopalchurch.org/page/adult-formationlifelong-learning
The pews were full on Sunday, August 10 as family and friends of Ron and Ann Philen joined us for church and a BBQ lunch to help the Philens celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary.
‘New and creative ways of prayer’ available for everyday life Episcopal News Service—What is being called “a daily office for the 21st century” is now available to members of the Episcopal Church and beyond. “Daily Prayer for All Seasons,” developed by the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music offers a variation on the Book of Common Prayer’s tradition of prayers for morning, noon, evening and nighttime. The books are divided by the liturgical year, and each of the services for each of the eight canonical hours of the day has a theme, including praise, discernment, wisdom, perseverance and renewal, love, forgiveness, trust and watch. A complete service covers one or two pages. The prayer book presents a variety of images of God, uses inclusive and expansive language for and about God, and presents a rich variety of language, including poetry, meditation and prayers from the broader community of faith, according to a press release. Clergy, teachers and spiritual leaders across the Episcopal Church contributed to the work. “These prayers will help you pray at all times and find the right words when necessary,” the Rev. Mark BozzutiJones, a contributor to the volume who serves as priest for pastoral care and community at Trinity Wall Street, New York, said in the release. “In their diversity, these prayers are manna from heaven for folks who are seeking new and creative ways of prayer. This book will teach you how to pray.” The Rev. Gay Clark Jennings of Ohio, president of the House of Deputies, said she is “grateful to the leaders from across the Episcopal Church who have collaborated on this important new set of prayers for everyday life.” Some of the prayers are being used during Nuevo Amanecer, a church-wide gathering of Latino/Hispanic members of the Episcopal Church, at the Kanuga Conference Center in North Carolina. Work began in April 2007 on what eventually became known as “Daily Prayer for All Seasons,” according to the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music’s report to the 76th meeting of General Convention (page 187) in 2009. The next meeting of convention in 2012 approved the book (via Resolution A055) and it has now been published in English and Spanish in various formats by Church Publishing Inc. It is available in print and in eBook versions including Kindle, iBook and Nook formats. The print volume can be imprinted with a recipient’s name. Soft cover and leather-bound editions are available. A 37-page sampler from the book is available for viewing by clicking here. To order a print version from Cokesbury Resources, click here.
John Veleski & Dave Somerville Viv Welch
TBA Viv Welch & Jennifer Johnson
Connie Chamberlin
Tom Chaapel & Dave Somerville Bill & Sally Putters Ushers Bill Ramsey & Ray Farrel
TBA Beth Woods & Dora Giles To the glory of God Beth Woods
Ray Farrel
Chuck Barnett & Connie Chamberlin
Beth Woods
Ushers
Jim Morningstar & Frank Murphy
TBA
Connie Chamberlin & Kathryn Pate
To the glory of God
Pauline Somerville
Carol Farrel
Altar
Greeters
Oblation Bearers
Ushers
Nursery
Coffee Hour
Flowers
Arrangers
Eucharistic Visitor
John Velaski
Carol Farrel
Melanie Velaski
To the glory of God
POTLUCK
TBA
Jeff Woods & Bill Ramsey
Ray Farrel
Valerie Smith
To the glory of God
Jeanine Black & Rowena Chaapel
TBA
Jim Morningstar & Jeff Woods
Ushers
Beth Woods
Ron & Ann Philen Ushers
Chuck Barnett & Connie Chamberlin
Connie Chamberlin
Melanie Velaski
Jackie Wright
Wimberly Murphy
Frank Murphy
October 5
Valerie Smith & Dave Somerville
Dave Somerville
Beth Woods
Carol Farell
Fred Woods
Connie Chamberlin
* If you are unable to meet your obligation, please call a replacement, or swap with someone.
Ray Farrel
Jackie Wright
To the glory of God
Jim Morningstar & Dan Ferguson
Ushers
John Velaski
Ray Farrel
Acolytes
Ron Philen
Chuck Barnett
Eileen Jenks
Dan Ferguson
Lector Epistle reading
Texan Stephens
Mike Scordato
Pauline Somerville
Ray Farrel
Connie Chamberlin
Eileen Jenks
Dave Somerville
September 14 September 21 September 28
Psalm
Eucharistic Minister, 9:30 Lector 1st Lesson
September 7
Service Schedule for September 2014
September Prayer Requests Roy Aligood Danise Beadle Herman Boudreaux Rosalynda Blackburn Max & Marie Cartwright Destiny Coy Debi & Cliff Frogatt Ron Giles Mike Godwin Nancy Holland Jane Hunter
Ann & Ralph Kirkland Lascenica Knapp Savanah & Maverick Knapp Erik Koonce Myron Lewis Laura Lowe Charlie Martinson Bob Matlock Aurelia Medina Bill Nix Bill Putters
Military Prayer List Leroy Robbins Tiny Robinson Barbara Roper Bob Tebbs The Walker Family Brandon Warwick Frank Welch Polly Welch Todd Wilson Marcella Young
Brian Condon Daryl Coy Mark Feely Aaron Gaff Benjamin Gaff Tim Hartford Johnny Hurd James Klinginsmith William Knapp Andrew Kuntz Nicholas Matroni Jeremy Wright
Birthdays in September… 6, Brenda Ferguson; 17, Ashton Resmondo; 19, Tom Condon; 21, Chuck Barnett; 22, Wayne Horn; 25, Lois Tabor; 30, Deb Fulgham
Anniversaries in September… 11, Bill & Nancy Holland; 22, Maurice & Mary Currie; 23, Tom & Phyllis Condon 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 The peace of the Lord be always with you.