Flourish in Faith program nearing completion by Viv Welch, Stewardship Chair
Our Staff & Vestry Vestry: Chuck Barnett - Senior Warden.
Dan Ferguson- Junior Warden, Ann Philen, Bill Ramsey, Melanie Velaski, & Beth Woods
Carol Farrel - Treasurer Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva - Music Director
Sally Putters - Parish Nurse
The “Flourish in Faith” bulletin inserts have inspired
some very interesting conversations during the Adult
Christian Education hour! I hope you have been as chal-
lenged and blessed by them as we have.
One of the topics that created a lively discussion for us
was the idea of praying for
God’s guidance and whether or
not we actually listen— espe-
cially when it comes to the diffi-
cult stuff like giving. When we
say, “God’s will be done,” do we
really mean it? If I am perfectly
honest, I know I sometimes want
God’s will to be done only as
long as it is the same as mine.
Until recently, I had not
thought much about whether or
not God agreed with the amount
of my pledge to the church, or if
God cared about my giving at
all. Having spent some time
with the reflections over the last
few weeks, I have come to a new
understanding about God and
giving. I believe that God cares deeply about how we use
the resources and blessings of our lives.
I was especially challenged the first week by the reflec-
tion question asked by The Rt. Rev. Robert C. Wright,
Bishop of The Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta; “how is in-
tentional giving a way to grow towards God?”
He wrote, “Each of us will have to be persuaded that the
value we place on money is not worthy to be compared
with the surpassing value of knowing Christ.” He suggest-
ed that we pray, and then look at our checkbooks.
I looked at the dozens of checks I had written last
month. There were those that, of course are necessities,
the mortgage, insurance, the power and water companies
Saint Monica's Episcopal ChurchSaint Monica's Episcopal Church
MessengerMessenger November 2013November 2013
and the grocery store. However, I am embarrassed to ad-
mit there were numerous entries that just were not that im-
portant when it comes to giving more to God. There was a
lesson in that; always give to God first!
All the gifts of this life were given not to be squandered
or used carelessly, but to do
God’s work in the world. That is
what it means to be a steward of
God’s gifts. How we choose to
steward God’s gifts is a reflection
of who we are and of our rela-
tionship to God. It is an incredi-
ble challenge and blessing, which
allows us to honor God and flour-
ish in faith.
As I consider this year’s
pledge to St. Monica’s, I have an
amazing sense of gratitude and
intend to increase my giving over
last year. Certainly, it will not be
easy, but with prayer and the
willingness to listen, I can truly
rejoice in what I have been given
by giving back. Because I be-
lieve God delights in our acts of generosity, giving feels
more like another gift than like a sacrifice.
In the past few weeks we have heard from Jennifer
Johnson and how our community of faith has changed her
life and the lives of her children. We heard a heartfelt sto-
ry from Connie Chamberlin about the common thread of
persistence that has kept us going all these years. And we
heard from Brenda Ferguson about how by cultivating,
tending, and toiling, both the earth and ourselves, we can
become fruitful and flourish.
I look forward to still hearing from Melanie Velaski and
Shirley Morreau and the insights about faith they will
share with us. I look forward mostly to our Celebration
Sunday on November 17 when we will bring our gifts for-
ward. We will rejoice in the blessings that we have been
given and celebrate that we have given a portion of them
back to God to enable His work to continue in the world
through this community of faith we call St. Monica’s.
In the meantime, I encourage you to join us for Adult
Education following the service. I am sure you will be
blessed by the open and honest discussions we will have.
God’s Peace.
Our faith tree is growing leaves, but we still have a long way to go before it flourishes. Have you added your blessings to the tree?
Page 2 Saint Monica ’s Messenger
Influenza causes more than
200,000 people in the US to be
hospitalized every year and about
36,000 die from flu-related caus-
es. 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 vege-
tables. Try to get plenty of sleep and 30 minutes of exer-
cise 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 anti-
bodies.
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!
An ounce of prevention by Nurse Sally
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 pa-
rishioners 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 Com-
memoration 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.
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 win-dow and was reinstalled in the south window in the nar-thex .
Flourish in FaithFlourish in FaithFlourish in Faith Celebration SundayCelebration SundayCelebration Sunday
November 17November 17November 17 Bring your pledge cardsBring your pledge cardsBring your pledge cards
& enjoy a delicious& enjoy a delicious& enjoy a delicious Barbecue Feast!Barbecue Feast!Barbecue Feast!
Page 3 Saint Monica ’s Messenger
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.
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 Novem-
ber 22, 1963 in Dallas, Texas. President Kennedy pro-
posed the initial Civil Rights Act, even as he faced per-
sonal 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 anniver-
saries 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 ex-
ploration 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 Ca-
thedral in Jackson, MS beginning at 1 pm Central Time.
There is no fee to view this live forum. Access is availa-
ble through the Episcopal Church website:
www.episcopalchurch.org/stateofracism.
On November 16, faith leaders and educators will gath-
er 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, Epis-
copal Church Missioner for Black Ministries.
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, com-
plimentary 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.
Holiday Shoppe & Gala in Daphne
Saint Monica ’s Messenger Page 4
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 hos-
tilities, between the Allied nations and Ger-
many went into effect on the eleventh hour
of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
For that reason, November 11, 1918, is gen-
erally regarded as the end of “the war to end
all wars.”
In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson pro-
claimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Ar-
mistice 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 sus-
pension 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 No-
vember in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated
to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated
Shelter: Baking pans—cake, muf-
fin, cookie sheets
Pots & pans, skillets for
flat top stove
Flatware—knives, forks,
spoons
Kitchen cooking utensils
Kitchen dish towels
General House Keeping
Items: Twin bed sheets
Twin blankets
Pillowcases
Plastic mattress covers
Plastic pillow case covers
Bath & kitchen towels
Wash cloths
Laundry detergent (High
efficiency only)
Fabric softener sheets
Kleenex
Toilet paper
Paper napkins
Paper towels
Garbage can liners
Food storage bags
Bleach
Liquid hand soap
Hand sanitizers
Favor House Wish List
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 veter-
an!
Bishop Duncan has an-
nounced the appointment of
James H. Lawrence, II, as Di-
ocesan Coordinator for Youth
and Young Adult Ministries.
He will also serve as Summer
Camp Director at Beckwith
Camp and Conference Center.
Lawrence was youth minis-
ter at Church of the Holy Na-
tivity 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 relocat-
ing to Baldwin County.
Bishop appoints Youth Coordinator
Market ends with spe-cial visitor: At the sea-son wrap-up of The Mar-ket at St. Monica’s on October 19, Maverick, the mascot for the Pen-sacola Ice Flyers hockey team, stopped by to greet fans. Pictured here, Audrey Westbrook gives Maverick an au-thentic St. Monica’s wel-come!
A charitable gift annuity (CGA), administered by the
Episcopal Church Foundation, enables you to make a sub-
stantial 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 con-
tract. 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 do-
nor. The annuity rate is based on those recommended by
the American Council on Gift Annuities.
The three different types of annuity agreements are: Sin-
gle 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 an-
nuitant, if survivor, receives payments).
What are Charitable Gift Annuities? From the Episcopal Church Foundation
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 ef-
fective 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 addi-
tional 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 cus-
tomized 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).
Sunday, October 27 was Elizabeth Lewin’s last Sunday with us. Eliza-beth has accepted a posi-tion as Lay Pastor at a small church in Hawaii - the job of a lifetime! We will miss her deeply spir-itual insight, gorgeous voice in the choir and presence in our midst. Elizabeth, A hui hou kakou - until we meet again!
Aloha Elizabeth!
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 con-
fronted 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 infor-
mation 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 docu-
mented. He writes with great clarity, allowing readers to
make their own conclusions.”
Book sheds light on Episcopal bishops’
stands during Civil War
Saturday, November 16 8 am—1 pm
Shop for homemade gifts, Christmas decorations, baked goods & more!
Saint Monica ’s Messenger Page 5
Prayers were answered as the
weather on Sunday, October 20
was absolutely perfect for a pic-
nic! 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 Cen-
ter 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 heart-
felt Stewardship talk on persis-
tence 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 horse-
shoes or corn hole.
Others enjoyed strolls on the
campus, tossing the football, sit-
ting 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.
Jeremy Wright, one of our military members home on leave, tosses a football
to his children Alex and Mady. Bishop Ci and Mrs. Jones
Fred Woods tuning up for service.
A great shot of Kathryn Pate and her daughter Connie Chamberlin.
Twyla Hinton, Carol Farrel, Mady Wright and Elizabeth Lewin. Photo by Mandy Wright
Shirley Morreau gives us a grin.
Rowena Chaapel wins a game of washers! Ashton Resmondo does a cannonball with Alex &
Mady Wright.
Highlights from the Annual Parish Picnic
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Saint Monica’s Episcopal Church
699 South Highway 95-A
Cantonment, Florida 32533
Phone: 850-937-0001
E-mail: [email protected]
Office hours: Monday thru Thursday, 9 am - 1 pm
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
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.
We’re on the web at Www.st-monicas.org
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
Faye Walker Brandon Warrick Ken Whiting Seth Whiting Marcella Young
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
November Prayer Requests Military Prayer List
Anniversaries in November… We have no November anniversaries recorded.