Saint Monica's Episcopal Church
Messenger
September 2016
From the Rector’s desk by Rev. Anthony MacWhinnie, II
It’s back to school time! If you don’t have children or they aren’t in the house now, you’ll remember from your own experience of this time of the year. If you DO have school age children, by now, you’ve about gotten back into the routine of school for the kids. Lunches have to be made. Buses have to be caught. After school events have to be attended. Homework has to be done. Projects have to be remembered. And here’s the fun part that they don’t tell you when you’re a kid… We parents feel just as responsible for all those assignments that the teachers have the kids doing as the kids do themselves! Maybe even more so, because without us providing a good home and good meals and a quiet space, they’d never get that stuff accomplished! I have to confess something… I forgot Trey at school yesterday! I was so overwhelmed with the goings on here at the office (The list is long… Funerals, tractors, and thrift stores are on it.), that I forgot to leave and pick him up from school till late! On the way there I received a call from an unfamiliar number. It was Trey, calling from THE DEAN’S PHONE! I was pretty sure I was going to get detention for my tardiness! I was instantly transported back to my own middle school days, except back then the punishments were “licks or days”… Not that I’d know anything about that… You know, if we’re not careful, life can get ahead of us. And you know what? Even when we ARE careful, life can get ahead of us sometimes. People often say “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” But that’s not true is it? We are quite often in our lives inundated with WAY MORE than we can handle on our own. It’s just a fact. We
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
can’t do it all, sometimes. And while we hate to admit it, we just have to be okay with that and do what we can to work through those tough times. We have to admit that WE NEED HELP. Part of that admission is realizing that we can’t do it all alone. We need help, God’s and our neighbors. A friend and mentor offered to pray for everyone that needed it and requested it on his sabbatical time at a monastery. I thought “How wonderful.” And, I knew that I needed to be prayed for… But there was something in me that was holding me back from asking for his prayers. It’s some combination of pride and stubbornness that boiled down to the fact that I didn’t want to admit that I couldn’t do it all on my own. I was resistant. And that resistance made me realize I needed his prayers even more. I asked for those prayers. And even in the asking, there was a holiness. There was a connectedness to the one that created us all. It was the first step toward those needs being met, and my relationship with God being back in a more fruitful place. So, I want to offer to you the same thing that my friend offered me. I will pray for you, for your needs and wants, whatever it is you tell me. Just let me know. I will lift them up to God for you, with you. We can’t do it all alone and prayer is a great first step. Peace, Anthony+
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Saint Monica’s Messenger
Northwest Florida Wildlife Sanctuary, Charity of the Month From the agency’s website
Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida is a non-profit organization, that works to provide appropriate care to injured or orphaned indigenous wildlife. They receive injured or orphaned wildlife, provide medical care and fostering during recovery, and rehabilitate and release wildlife, if possible. They work in cooperation with local, state, and federal wildlife agencies and also provide educational outreach and conduct educational programs. Area wildlife needs your help. Wildlife rehabilitation is an important job, one that needs the continuing support of caring sponsors. Animals and birds try to co-exist with humans, but often end up becoming tangled in fishing line, hitting power lines, having their habitat destroyed, becoming orphaned, poisoned and getting into a whole host of other troubles. The Wildlife Sanctuary's motto is “Receive, Rehab, Release.” They are doing wonderful work, releasing large numbers of rehabilitated wildlife or giving them a peaceful sanctuary. But operating expenses are huge, and they are rising. They depend on the generosity of the public. Volunteers are dedicated and hard-working people who give up much of their time to lend a helping hand. Please help them continue this important work by supporting them as our Charity of the Month for September.
An injured owl takes a cooling dip in our fountain when Northwest Florida Wildlife Sanctuary visited St. Monica’s in celebration of Earth Day several years ago.
Here is a list of the supplies used on a daily basis. Your donations will be greatly appreciated. Purina Puppy Chow White copy paper Liquid laundry soap Sunflower seeds (no salt) Graham crackers Trash bags (13 and 45 gal.) 1st class stamps Astroturf mats Qt. freezer Ziploc bags Purina Cat Chow Fresh/frozen chicken Venison/red meat Fresh/frozen fish Fresh/frozen veggies Zip ties Wasp spray Shovels and rakes Pine straw Meat baby food Pecans and walnuts Suet cakes Amdro Masking and duct tape Rope Bungee cords Paper towels Kleenex Animal crackers Sweet potatoes Walmart, Lowes, Sam's, Home Depot, and Walgreens gift cards are always appreciated so that we can buy the supplies we need, when we need them!
Saint Monica’s
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Brennis’ Cheese Ball Recipe Brennis Whaley passed away August 17 surrounded by her family. Brennis always brought something wonderful to the table for every Pot-luck. Father Anthony was especially fond of her cheese ball recipe and raved over it to her children following the memorial service. Her son, Trey sent the recipe to Fr. Anthony and it seemed only fitting that we share it with everyone. (8oz) cream cheese, softened A picture of Brennis 1/2 lb shredded sharp cheddar getting into character at cheese Trunk or Treat 2014. 2 tsp grated onions 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp lemon juice 1 tsp dry mustard 1/2 tsp paprika 1/2 tsp season salt 1/4 tsp salt 2 1/2 oz. deviled ham 2 tsp parsley, chopped 2 tsp pimientos, chopped 2/3 cup pecans, finely chopped Directions: Mix all ingredients well, except pecans, and form into ball. Press pecans evenly into the outside of the ball. Wrap in cling wrap and chill. Ready to serve when chilled Editor’s note: In sweet southern drawl: Yes, “Darlin’” we spelled your name right. It’s like Dennis, only with a Br!
Thanks to Ray Farrel, our sign has a new, visible “Episcopal” color scheme. Ray rehabbed the sign and a crew from August’s meeting of the Band of Brothers and Sisters installed it.
9/11 Southland Singers Gospel Concert Saturday, September 10, 6 pm Free Admission!
Mary Earl, Betty Gipson, Michael Cunningham, Jack Cunningham ,Ed White, Ken Hawkins, and Sherryl Hardy make up the Southland Singers. They have been singing for about 16 years as Southland Singers. Mike on lead guitar, Jack on bass guitar and lead singer Mary are family. They were raised in gospel music and felt the calling to sing for God’s glory and see souls won into the kingdom of the Lord through their music. Other members include Ken (Baritone), Ed (Bass) and Betty (singer- Piano).
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Saint Monica’s Messenger
Top Causes of Unintentional Injury &Death in Homes &Communities
Is your home safe? According to Injury Facts 2016, about 136,053 people died from unintentional-injury-related deaths in 2014. That's 136,053 times someone’s ordinary day turned tragic. Often, these tragedies happen when least expected – during a vacation, while doing chores at home or while driving across town. National Safety Center encourages everyone to be aware of hazards related to leisure and recreational activities and take proper safety precautions. Here, in order, are the top causes of unintentional injury and death in homes and communities. #1: Poisoning In 2011, poisonings overtook motor vehicle crashes for the first time as the leading cause of unintentional-injuryrelated death for all ages combined. Poisoning deaths are caused by gases, chemicals and other substances, but prescription drug overdose is by far the leading cause. Learn more about this epidemic and other poisons in the home. #2: Motor Vehicle Crashes No one wakes up thinking they will lose a loved one in a car crash, but motor vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of unintentional-injury-related death overall. Impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding and inexperience can cause a life to be cut short in the blink of an eye. Everyone has a role in making our roads safer. #3: Falls More than 29,000 people died in falls in 2013. Falling is the third leading cause of unintentional-injury-related death over all age groups, but it's the #1 cause of death for those 71 and older, according to Injury Facts 2015. The good news: Aging, itself, does not cause falls. Learn what you can do to help protect older loved ones. #4: Choking and Suffocation Suffocation is the fourth leading cause of unintentional injury-related death over all age groups, and choking on food or other objects is a primary cause. Suffocation is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for people 87 and older. Mechanical suffocation is the #1 cause of death for infants. Learn prevention and rescue tips. #5: Drowning Not including boating incidents, about 10 people drown every day. It's the fifth leading cause of unintentionalinjury-related death over all ages, and the #1 cause of death for children ages 1 to 4, mostly due to children falling into pools or being left alone in bathtubs. Learn how to keep yourself and your family safe. #6: Fires and Burns
Fire is the sixth leading cause of unintentional-injuryrelated death over all ages. About 2,200 deaths were caused by burns and injuries related to fire in 2013. Often fires start at night, when family members are asleep. A working smoke alarm will cut the chances of dying in a fire in half. #7: Natural and Environmental Incidents Disasters are front-page news even though lives lost are relatively few compared to other unintentional-injuryrelated deaths. Weather-related disasters claim hundreds of lives per year. NSC encourages families to learn all they can about emergency preparedness, and always have an emergency kit on hand.
National “Back to Church Sunday” is Sunday, September 18. Back to Church Sunday (www.backtochurch.com) is an initiative that is “Inviting America Back to Church.” It seeks to reach people who have never attended church, or who once attended church but don't any more and invite them to return on a special Sunday. In 2013, a Gallup survey stated that 82% of people who don’t attend church say they would attend if invited by a friend, yet only 2% of Christians ever invite someone to church. Since its inception seven years ago, National Back to Church Sunday participating churches have extended an estimated 8.5 million invitations to their churches. Over 30,000 churches representing 120 denominations are expected to invite over 3 million people to church this year. There are nearly 100 million Americans, including teens and children, who are presently un-churched as people increasingly move away from attending church and practicing religion. Back to Church Sunday is a movement to empower church members to invite everyone to come to church. It is designed to help combat the decline of evangelism and church attendance by providing an easily implemented “invite-able" event that gives church members a reason to invite, and gives people a reason to try church again or for the first time. Although it is not the only day church members are encouraged to invite their friends, family, and neighbors, 84% of churches who participated in Back to Church Sunday in 2014 recognize that having a designated day to invite people plays an important role in motivating members to reach out with an invitation. Back to Church Sunday is a springboard to help churches become outreach-focused throughout the year. Back to Church Sunday has an interactive Facebook page (www.facebook.com/backtochurch) and a roster of participating churches on the Back to Church website at BacktoChurch.com/find_a_church. There’s still time for YOU to invite someone BACK TO CHURCH.
Beth Woods
Trey MacWhinnie Katherine Chaapel John Velaski & Dave Somerville Jeff Woods & Chuck Barnett Carol Farrel Julianna Horn & Jackie Wright
Katherine Chaapel & Bailee McGuffin Tom Chaapel & Dave Somerville Bill Ramsey & Jim Warner Beth Woods Danise Beadle & Rowena Chaapel To the glory of God Beth Woods
Trey MacWhinnie Katherine Chaapel
Dave Somerville
Jim Morningstar & Ray Farrel
Ann Philen
Ann Philen & Audrey Westbrook
To the glory of God
Valerie Smith
Carol Farrel
Beth Woods
Acolytes
Altar
Ushers
Nursery
Coffee Hour
Flowers
Arrangers
Eucharistic Visitor
Vestry of the Day
John Velaski
Susan Early
Carol Farrel
Ann Philen
TBA
Jackie Wright
Jeanine Black Pauline Somerville Ray Farrel
To the Glory of God To the glory of God
Pauline Somerville & Caro Farrel
Carol Farrel
To the glory of God
POTLUCK
TBA
Valerie Smith
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
October 2
Katherine Chaapel & Bailee McGuffin
Ray Farrel
* If you are unable to meet your obligation, please call a replacement, or swap with someone.
John Velaski
Ray Farrel & Jim Warner
Trey MacWhinnie
Pauline Somerville
John Velaski
Lector Epistle reading
Carol Farrel
Chuck Barnett
Beth Woods
Carol Farrel
Psalm
Ron Philen
Connie Chamberlin
Fred Woods
Connie Chamberlin
Trey MacWhinnie
Dave Somerville
September 25
Lector 1st Lesson
Ron Philen
September 18
John Velaski
September 11
Eucharistic Minister
September 4
Service Schedule for September 2016
September Prayer Requests
Military and First Responders Prayer List
Toni Bartlett 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 Bob Matlock
Connor Aligood Adam Blankenship Josh Brayman Daryl Coy Field Cross Mark Feely Patrick Ferguson Aaron Gaff Adrian Gaff Benjamin Gaff Tim Heartford
The McGowin Family Laura Mcaughlin Jean Moss Rochelle Phearn Holly Pierce 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 September
6, Brenda Ferguson; 12, Wanda Shearer; 19, Tom Condon; 21, Chuck Barnett; 22, Wayne Horn; 30, Deb Fulgham
Anniversaries in September
11, Bill & Nancy Holland; 18, Ron & Dora Giles; 22, Maurice & Mary Currie; 23, Tom & Phillis Condon
If your birthday or anniversary is not listed or not listed correctly, please let the office or 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 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. Sept. 4, Crenshaw County Jail, Luverne, Alabama Sept. 11, Covington County Jail, Andalusia, Alabama Sept.18, 2016 Coffee County Jail County Complex, New Brockton, Alabama Sept. 25, 2016 Choctaw County Jail, Butler, Alabama