Saint Monica's Episcopal Church
Messenger
October 2014
Walking the way to generosity We are delighted that you have found a spiritual home here at St. Monica’s. We are blessed to share together our walk in Christ. On Sunday, October 5th, we will embark on a six-week annual giving campaign: Walking the Way. You will hear how the practice of giving is essential to following the Way of Jesus. The 2014 Stewardship Narrative Series, Walking the Way, is designed to complement and support our annual giving campaign. This year, eight contributing writers serve as our companions and guides, exploring principles and practices that help us to embrace the Way of Jesus in regard to giving and generosity. Early Christians were known as the People of The Way. They were recognized for their love of their neighbor, fellowship in the breaking of bread, and their commitment to follow the life and practice of Jesus. The Apostle Paul confessed to worship God according to The Way (Acts 24:14). Jesus shows us that the way to life abundant is through the practices of prayer, forgiveness, giving, and unconditional positive regard and respect to all, especially to those who live on the margins of society. Jesus shows us The Way into the heart of God. The purpose of pilgrimage is to journey to the unfamiliar to find new life in Christ. On pilgrimage, you only carry what you need. On pilgrimage, you stay focused on the necessities of life: food, water, physical health, a place to sleep, the hospitality and kindness of others. On pilgrimage, you learn to give and receive in gratitude, recognizing that what is given comes from the provision and grace of God. On a pilgrimage, a deep trust in God emerges and
Our Staff & Vestry 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
permeates the journey. How can we bring the pilgrimage experience to our day-to-day living? How does the spiritual practice of giving shape us into being a People of the Way? We hope that you will use this series to embrace the Way of Jesus through the spiritual practice of giving. Our ministries here at St Monica’s have life and give life through the generosity of all our members. Each week, we are nurtured in word and sacrament, we care for those who are ill and grieving, and welcome all searching for a connection to God and community. At St. Monica’s our vision to build God’s reign is funded entirely by the generosity of financial commitments from our worshipping community. While giving levels vary in the congregation, what is important is that we are asked to make a gift that reflects our love for God and for one another. The life of faith is a journey we make together, not a solo expedition. The annual giving campaign is a time set aside to reflect on how this community has nurtured you and your family in the walk of faith. It is a time set aside to reflect on how the practice of intentional giving deepens your walk with Christ. We are a pilgrim people, meaning together we strive and support one another in taking on the mind of Christ. Jesus called himself “the Way.” A popular refrain that is said on the pilgrims’ journey is “the Way is made by walking.” Transformation comes through practice. When you receive your 2015 pledge commitment card, we invite you to pray these words — the way is made by walking — over the next six weeks and see how the Holy Spirit calls you to follow the Way of Jesus through giving. If you are not sure where to start in considering your pledge commitment, you may want to compare other financial commitments you make to what you pledge to your faith community. For instance, consider what you might spend on dining out for a year versus your gift to the church. Know that God’s blessing will be upon your prayerful decision and will further God’s vision through the community of faithful of St. Monica’s. We give thanks to have travelling companions in you as we walk the Way of Jesus.
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Saint Monica’s Messenger
Autumn Fundraiser to benefit playground renovations Have you seen our playground lately? Ugh, it’s an eyesore! The good news is that we have plans to renovate it! The bad news is it is going to be expensive! That’s why we are planning a great event to raise the necessary funds. On Saturday, November 8 beginning at 6 pm, we will host an Autumn Soiree and Silent Auction in the Narthex. It’s going to be a lot of fun with live music, lots of food and we even have some fabulous door prizes! The committee has been planning for months and collecting some great things for the auction. Over 100 items will be available including hand-crafted quilts, a crocheted bead spread, hand-knitted apparel, original artwork by local artists, vintage jewelry, collegiate collectibles, fall and Christmas decorations, and some wonderful gift baskets. The timing is perfect for you to pick up some Christmas gifts while helping to fund a project for future generations. Our plans for the playground include 100% recycled rubber mulch ground cover, an eco-friendly sail cloth shade cover and new playground equipment. How can you help? We are a small congregation and we need all the participation we can get to make this event a success. Support this worthy cause by purchasing tickets for just $10 each which include dinner and beverages. Tell your friends and neighbors about it and invite them to join you. If you cannot attend, consider purchasing a ticket anyway and passing it on. If someone you know has a business, ask them to donate products, services or gifts for the auction. Donations are tax deductible and if you need an official letter, please see Viv Welch or Brenda Ferguson. We will gladly accept cash donations as well. There is a sign-up sheet in the narthex if you would like to volunteer to bring food or assist in the production. Please, spread the word and join us so you can help make our playground a place where our children and our neighbors’ children can play safely.
Join us Halloween Night Friday, October 31 6-8 pm
Come park and decorate your trunk, truck beds or SUVs! Dress up if you like and give out candy to the children! We are now accepting candy donations in the Narthex Please see Susan Early if you would like to volunteer!
Pictured above is an example of the type of shade sail we hope to install on our playground. Below is a playground with recycled rubber surfacing.
Alzheimer’s Workshop Are you dealing with Alzheimer's or dementia? A workshop is available to enhance understanding of these conditions and to provide information and skills for assessing, counseling, and assisting those with the condition and their caregivers. The workshop was developed by the Parish Nurses Network and the Commission on Affirmative Aging. It is sponsored by the Commission for Episcopal Church Women. Three hours of continuing education credit have been approved by the bishop’s office for priests and deacons and by the West Florida Area Health Education Center for Parish Nurses and licensed health care providers. Please plan to attend on Saturday, October 4, from 1:00 to 4:30, at Beckwith Retreat Center. The workshop is free but you may register for lunch at Beckwith for a minimal fee. More information is available at http:// www.diocgc.com/digital_faith/events/3161736.
Saint Monica’s Messenger
Ouch! Osteo what? By Nurse Sally “OUCH, MY ACHING BODY!” It’s that time of the year when we are more aware of body aches and pains. Perhaps it’s the change in the weather or maybe we are not getting outside as much for needed exercise. “Have you checked with your doctor?” “Yes, he says I have ‘OSTEO’ Porosis or Arthritis? He didn’t say which. Is there a difference?” Yes, there is a difference and I will clarify that. These are two different conditions that share the prefix “osteo” and that is where the similarities end. The fact is that osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease of cartilage that causes joint problems and osteoporosis is disease of the bone, which results in fracture. The diseases, their causes, symptoms and treatment are very different. The word osteoporosis literally means porous bones. A disorder characterized by decreasing bone strength resulting from reduced bone quantity and quality, osteoporosis results in fractures. One of the most common is vertebral compression fractures, which may result in a “dowagers hump” a rounding of the upper back. While women over age 50 are the primary targets of osteoporosis (sit in the back of church and note how common it is, myself included), 20 percent of cases in the US are men. Osteoporosis is a “silent disease” meaning it is asymptomatic until fracture. Early diagnosis and treatment are important because patients have low bone mass long before the first fracture. OA (osteoarthritis) is a wide spread condition. This disease differs from osteoporosis in that it involves thinning or destruction of smooth cartilage that covers the ends of bones, causing changes to the bone underlying the joint cartilage. There are multiple medications for treatment of osteoporosis to build bone mass to reduce both hip and spinal fractures. Fosamax, Actinel, Reclast and Boniva are first line treatments for low bone mass. The newest is Prolia, given by injection every six months. For persons with very low bone mass Forteo, a daily injection, can be used with a monthly cost of about $1,200. Pain relief is the primary goal for OA sufferers. Common medications are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDS, which include over the counter NSAIDS such as glucosamine and chondroitin. When the pain is so intense, you may think you must have both conditions. It is possible, but a dual diagnosis is rare. I hope this article clarifies “OSTEO” conditions for you. (Facts from Cleveland Clinic Research) October is such a fun time at St. Monica’s! Get ready for Trunk or Treat and enjoy the fall colors and the cooler temperatures. Don’t forget we will be offering Free Flu Shots on December 6 from 9 until 11 am in conjunction with the ECW Yard Sale! If you have any questions on these topics or any other medical conditions, please call me. Nurse Sally
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Beckwith to host Fall Camp From The Coastline, September 16
Did you enjoy Summer Camp at Beckwith? What was your favorite activity at camp? Water trampoline? Giant swing? Dodgeball? Water hockey? Haunted forest? The diocesan youth commission is planning that and more at its new Fall Camp, October 31 through November 2, at Beckwith. This event will run concurrently with Baylights, but will be exclusively for youth in grades 6 through 12. Whether you've been to Summer Camp or not, you're sure to have a blast at Fall Camp! So that no one will be excluded, the cost has been set at a super-affordable $50.00 for the weekend. This includes lodging in cabins, meals, snacks, drinks, and more. Check -in will be Friday between 6:00 and 8:00 pm. Snacks, but not dinner, will be provided the first night. Halloweenthemed activities will follow. Summer Camp counselors have been hired to provide supervision, activities, and care for the youth attending this event. The event will conclude with a cookout on Sunday, November 2, at noon, with pick -up at 1:00 pm. Are you ready to sign up? Register Online at www.BeckwithAL.com. No paper applications will be accepted to attend the Fall Camp. Contact James Lawrence with questions at james@BeckwithAL.com or (251) 616-2162.
Sunday, October 12
Beckwith Camp & Retreat Center Grab your picnic basket and join us! Holy Eucharist in Resurrection Chapel at 10:30
Followed by picnic & fun under the Pavilion! For directions or if you need a ride, contact a member of the vestry.
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Saint Monica’s Messenger
Diocesan Small Church Conference, November 15 The Commission on Diocesan Missions invites all churches to the Small Church Conference and announces three excellent speakers who will present information to help small churches. The event will be held Saturday, November 15, at St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church in Pensacola. Dwight Babcock, the new administrator of the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast, will give an overview of his plans for the diocese. He has “hit the ground running” with lots of new ideas. Dwight is a long-time Episcopalian with an extensive background in healthcare insurance operations, product management, and information technology. His expertise includes managing large enterprise-wide teams and projects, consulting across business units to define and implement organizational change, budgeting and strategic planning for large organizations, implementing cost-saving measures, and financial analysis. While his wife was in seminary at Sewanee's School of Theology, he served as the health insurance liaison between the school and the Church Medical Trust. He has an MBA from Georgia Institute of Technology (Finance) and a BS in Business Administration from the University of Montana (Finance/Economics). Dwight and his wife Jessica met in the Peace Corps while serving in the Marshall Islands. They have been married for 22 years and have two daughters who attend Pensacola Catholic High School. Dwight has lived and traveled all over the world. He loves camping, canoeing, and gardening. James Lawrence, Diocesan Youth Coordinator and Summer Camp Director, will present information on working effectively with the youth in the diocese. James is a life-long Episcopalian who was raised in the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast. He has spent the majority of his time in ministry with children, youth, and young adults in the Episcopal Church. He has served churches and dioceses in Florida, Texas, and California and has gained a wide
Now collecting items for the annual
Yard Sale Saturday, Dec. 6
If you have items to donate, please see Susan Early
The beautiful façade of St. Cyprian’s, Pensacola.
variety of experiences. James participated in the Episcopal Summit on Camps, Retreats and Faith Formation in 2011 while completing his Bachelor's Degree in Adventure Education: Recreation Management. He is also connected with Province IV Youth Ministries as well as those across the Episcopal Church. James is passionate about the Episcopal Church, the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast, the ministry with young people, and the work involving camp and conference centers. Phyllis D. Findley, administrator of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Mobile, will share information on stewardship. Phyllis has been a member of St. Andrew’s for 28 years. She has served the Episcopal Church and the diocese in the following capacities: Cursillo staff, delegate to Diocesan Convention, deputy to General Convention, President of Episcopal Church Women, and member of the third Search Committee for Diocesan Bishop. She lives in Mobile, is a realtor, and is married to Carey Findley. Phyllis enjoys gardening, ministry to the homeless and less fortunate, and has an avid stained glass hobby. All three speakers will make their presentations during the morning sessions. The conference will continue after the lunch break with roundtable discussion on topics such as outreach, fundraising, helping hands, and other topics of attendees’ choice. Please bring ideas and suggestions to share with the group at this time. The small church conference has something for everyone. The committee has planned an awesome day. Mark your calendar and plan to attend this special gathering. St. Cyprian’s is located in the North Hill Historic District of Pensacola, at 500 N. Reus Street. Registration information for the conference has been sent to congregations. The cost is $10.00 per person.
John Veleski & Dave Somerville Viv Welch
To the glory of God Beth Woods
Connie Chamberlin
Tom Chaapel & Dave Somerville Bill & Sally Putters Ushers Bill Ramsey & Ray Farrel
TBA PARISH PICNIC To the glory of God Pauline Somerville
Ray Farrel
Chuck Barnett & Connie Chamberlin
Beth Woods
Ushers
Jim Morningstar & Frank Murphy
TBA
Jeanine Black & Rowena Chaapel
To the glory of God
Valerie Smith
Carol Farrel
Altar
Greeters
Oblation Bearers
Ushers
Nursery
Coffee Hour
Flowers
Arrangers
Eucharistic Visitor
John Velaski
Carol Farrel
Jackie Wright
To the glory of God
POTLUCK
TBA
Jeff Woods & Bill Ramsey
Ray Farrel
Melanie Velaski
To the glory of God
Linda Aligood & Brenda Ferguson
TBA
Jim Morningstar & Jeff Woods
Ushers
Beth Woods
Ron & Ann Philen Ushers
TBA
Connie Chamberlin
Melanie Velaski
Jackie Wright
Wimberly Murphy
Frank Murphy
November 2
Valerie Smith & Dave Somerville
Dave Somerville
Beth Woods
Carol Farell
Fred Woods
Connie Chamberlin
October 26
* If you are unable to meet your obligation, please call a replacement, or swap with someone.
Ray Farrel
Julianna Horn & Audrey Westbrook
TBA
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
October 19
Connie Chamberlin
Eileen Jenks
Dave Somerville
October 12
Psalm
Eucharistic Minister, 9:30 Lector 1st Lesson
October 5
Service Schedule for October 2014
October 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 Leroy Robbins Tiny Robinson
Military Prayer List Barbara Roper Bob Tebbs The Walker Family Brandon Warwick Frank Welch Polly Welch Todd Wilson Marcella Young
Birthdays in October…
Brian Condon Daryl Coy Mark Feely Aaron Gaff Benjamin Gaff Tim Hartford Johnny Hurd James Klinginsmith William Knapp Andrew Kuntz Nicholas Matroni Jeremy Wright
2, Maurice Currie; 3, Phyllis Condon; 16, Robert Westbrook; 16, Texann Stephens; 23, Ray Farrel
Anniversaries in October…
Chuck Barnett & Connie Chamberlin 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.