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: Office@st-monicas.org

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.