Weekly eNews for

November 20, 2025

NEW THIS WEEK

A LETTER FROM OUR INTERIM RECTOR

I've just returned from a three-day Clergy Retreat, led by Bishop Scharf. It was held at DaySpring, the diocesan camp and conference center in Parrish, Florida. It was a restful time, and a time of learning, as the Bishop helped us (all the clergy) reflect on what is needed in order for us to minister effectively to our congregations and people. He did a wonderful job, and helped me really remember how important it is to pray and to stay grounded, even when things are busy -- especially when things are busy!  Bishop Scharf is a terrific bishop, and we are blessed to have him leading our diocese! (If you haven't already, I encourage you to sign up for the Advent Quiet Day on December 6, 2025, at Trinity-by-the-Cove -- Bishop Scharf will lead us, and I think it will be a great way to start the Advent Season!)


I've counted up on my fingers. Between now and the end of December, I will be preaching fifteen times (count 'em, fifteen) as we move from late Pentecost into the season of Advent. (I'm making it sound worse than it is, because I counted every Saturday and Sunday, even though each weekend, I only preach the one sermon. Forgive me for being a bit of a drama queen!). But the next five weeks will be a busy time for Ken and for me.  Advent and the run-up to Christmas is a busy time for clergy! It just is.


Now, I've decided to conduct a little "test" to see who reads my Interim Rector's Letter and who doesn't. I am preaching this weekend on Christ the King Sunday, and if my words sound familiar, they are because I am preaching an updated version of a sermon y'all heard me preach three years ago. It's one of my favorite sermons, so I don't think you will mind. Plus, I just got back from the Clergy Retreat on Wednesday afternoon, so time for sermon-writing this week is kind of short! I try not to repeat any sermons I have already preached, but this one is kind of special. I don't think you will mind!


NEW MUSIC DIRECTOR

As many heard at the services over the weekend, we are thrilled to announce that we have a new Music Director, Allen Stock, who will join us, likely in February 2026. Both Allen and his wife, Patti, are church music directors. Patti has already accepted a position at a Catholic Church in Naples. They currently live in Naperville, IL. Allen has extensive experience as a church music director and is an extremely accomplished organist. While most of his experience is in the Catholic Church, he is already familiar with the Episcopal hymnal and is anxious to help us build our choir and our music program overall. Over our discussions with Allen, we found him to be genuinely interested in joining St. Monica's and ready to help us grow. He is excited about our new organ as well. 


To give you a flavor of his experience, there is a video below that he prepared for us. The entire Music Search Committee enthusiastically endorsed his selection. 

LESSONS & CAROLS   -  December 20th @ 6:30PM

We want to share an important update regarding the Advent Lessons and Carols that was scheduled for Saturday, December 20 at 6:30 p.m.



After further review and discussion, we have decided to cancel this year’s service. We are grateful for the interest and support shown, and we appreciate your understanding as we make adjustments during a very full season for our music ministry and volunteers.


Thank you for your flexibility and for being such a supportive community. We look forward to celebrating the Advent and Christmas season together in many other meaningful ways.


MEN'S BOOK GROUP

Our new book Living Buddha, Living Christ has generated engaging discussions. We will continue our exploration of this book, covering Chapter 5-7, at our next meeting Nov 24 at 9:30 AM in the church conference room. All men of St. Monica's are invited to join at any time. Please address any questions to Ed Strong.



STEWARDSHIP UPDATE

We are entering our second week of this stewardship season. As of this writing, we have received 12 pledges, amounting to $93,000 in commitments. Please carefully consider your commitment to St. Monica's as you complete your pledge, using the card you received in the mail, or (the easiest way) online through the Give portal on the church website. For those who might find the print size a bit difficult, there are full-page copies of the pledge at the back of the church. Thank you for all the love and support you give to and get from being part of our faith community.


WANT TO PUT A SMILE ON A FOSTER CHILD'S FACE?

This weekend, you will see our small tree decorated with some very special ornaments provided to us by Fostering Success. You generously donated to the plate collection for them this summer. Fostering Success helps foster children with tutoring, school supplies, shoes, bedding, summer enrichment programs, and yes, at Christmas, a few presents. Each ornament will have the age and gender of a child and 2 or 3 Christmas requests. We have 50 children to tend to and pray that all 50 get at least one of their wishes met in time for the December 12 deadline. All you have to do is take the ornament off the tree and get their gift or gifts (you can do any or all of their requests) and put their presents in a bag unwrapped under the tree. Please be sure to tape the ornament to the bag so they know who the gift is for.


THANKSGIVING IS AROUND THE CORNER

As we look toward Thanksgiving next week, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on all that has been happening here at St. Monica’s. These past few months have been full of movement, planning, and new experiences. We have welcomed new ministries, continued long-standing traditions, supported outreach efforts, and worked together through both the smooth days and the challenging ones. Through it all, God has been steady and present.


It has been a blessing to see how our parish family pulls together. Whether it is preparing for Christmas, helping foster children, gathering for study groups, sharing music, or offering a simple act of kindness, each moment shows who we are as a community. Even when plans shift and schedules change, we continue to witness how God guides us, opens new doors, and brings good out of unexpected places.


As we head into the holiday week, please know how grateful we are for every person who calls St. Monica’s home. Your presence, your prayers, and your willingness to serve make this parish strong. We look forward to the Advent season and all the meaningful moments still ahead.


Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful and joyful Thanksgiving. May God’s grace surround your gatherings and fill your homes with warmth.


With gratitude,

Laura Stamper - Parish Administrator

DO YOU FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK?

If not, you’re missing out on all the fun things happening around St. Monica’s. Be sure to follow our page so you can stay connected with photos, events, and moments from our parish family.



Our latest post features our St. Monica’s Baby Basics team attending the Baby Basics luncheon and fundraiser. It was a wonderful event filled with community, purpose, and a lot of smiles. Take a look and join the conversation online!

THINGS TO COME

MISIÓN PENIEL FRIDAY –  December 12th @ 1:30PM
Please join us while serve the hardworking farming community in Immokalee. We will spend the day, along with members of Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church, bagging and distributing food, clothing, and other goods to workers and their family members. What a great way to give back during the holidays! We will meet to carpool at the St. Monica’s parking lot at 1:30pm, and plan on returning by 6:00 pm. Please contact Debbie Corey to let her know if you would like to be part of this meaningful service mission. Her contact information is in the directory, or contact the church office for her contact.


COME HELP DECORATE THE CHURCH  – December 21st

Sunday, December 21, right after the 10am service


The Flower Guild is inviting everyone to stay after the 10am service on December 21 to help decorate the church and set up the Christmas tree. This is always a warm and joyful time as we prepare the space for Christmas together. All ages are welcome and there are plenty of simple tasks if you just want to lend a hand.


We would love to have you join us as we get the church ready for this beautiful season.



PAUSE, REFLECT, PREPARE  –   December 6th @ 1:30PM


Advent Quiet Day with Bishop Douglas Schart

Saturday, December 6, 2025     10 AM - 3 PM

Trinity by the Cove, Naples


Everyone is invited to take part in a peaceful Advent Quiet Day led by Bishop Douglas Scharf. The Daughters of the King and Trinity by the Cove are hosting this time of spiritual reflection and preparation for the season ahead.


For centuries Christians have prepared for the celebration of Christ’s birth by remembering the voices of the ancient prophets who pointed toward the coming of the Messiah. One of the oldest traditions linked to this season is the singing of the “O Antiphons,” reflected in the well loved hymn O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. Each verse highlights a different name for the Messiah such as Key of David and Bright and Morning Star.


This Quiet Day will offer short meditations from Bishop Scharf, along with unhurried time for silence and prayer. There may even be a little singing along the way.


To register, click > HERE <



Have You Filled Out the Directory Survey Yet?

We’re reaching out again to all members and friends of St. Monica’s with an important request. Our new Directory Survey was shared recently, but so far only a small number of people have responded. We’re very grateful to those who have already updated their information, but we truly need everyone to take a few minutes to complete the survey.


This isn’t just about keeping the Directory up to date. The survey also helps us confirm that everyone can access it correctly and that all contact details are accurate. Even if you believe your information is already correct, please fill out the survey so we can verify everything.


If you’ve had trouble accessing the Directory, there’s a place in the survey to let us know. Someone from the church office will follow up to help.


Please take a few minutes to complete the survey today. Accurate and accessible contact information helps us stay connected and ensures you don’t miss important eNews or church updates.


Thank you for your help as we continue to strengthen our St. Monica’s family connections.


For any questions, contact the parish administrator.

TAKE THE SURVEY

BULLETIN BOARD

NAME BADGES HELP KEEP ATTENDANCE

Please take a moment to find and wear your name tags because it makes it easier for visitors and other parishioners to recognize you by name and allows the office to note your attendance (a requirement for the Diocese). As you leave the church, please leave them in the baskets near the doors and they will be placed back on the board for pick up the following weekend.

REGULAR CHURCH GATHERINGS


Zoom Only

  • Contemplative Prayer: Wednesdays, 11am – Zoom


In-Person and Zoom 

  • Bible Study: Fridays, 9am – Library
  • Men's Book Group: Mondays, 9:30am – Conference Room


In-Person Only   

  • Prayer and Faith Sharing: Tuesdays, 10am – Church   
  • Ladies & Gents Luncheon: 2nd Monday, 12:30pm – Different locations   

Please call the church office at 239.591.4550 or email for the link and password to the Zoom meetings.

OFFERING ENVELOPES - Just as a Reminder

We are so grateful for your ongoing generosity and faithful giving. Every offering you give helps us continue the mission and ministry of St. Monica’s, and we truly appreciate it.


That said, we have a small but important request: please do not tape the flaps of your offering envelopes


As shown in the image, the envelope flaps are designed to stay closed once you seal them with the glue inside the flap. When tape is added, it makes it much harder for our office staff to open them quickly and carefully. It slows down the processing, increases the risk of tearing checks or cash inside, and adds extra steps to what is already a detailed task


We know the intention behind taping is likely to keep the contents secure, but we assure you the envelopes are kept safe and handled with care from plate to processing


Thank you for helping us by leaving the flap untaped, it’s a small act that makes a big difference.

A ST. MONICA'S PRAYER

Dear Friends,

 

In our Tuesday staff meeting we ended with St. Monica's prayer. It was for her son to return to the church. When he finally returned he became the future Saint and Bishop Augustine of Hippo who became a prominent Christian theologian and philosopher.

 

We thought we might share it with you:


St. Monica, I need your prayers. You know exactly how I'm feeling because you once felt it yourself. I'm hurting, hopeless, and in despair. I desperately want my child to return to Christ in his Church but I can't do it alone. I need God's help. Please join me in begging the Lord's powerful grace to flow into my child's life. Ask the Lord Jesus to soften his heart, prepare a path for his conversion, and activate the Holy Spirit in his life. Amen.

ANNIVERSARIES

11/7

George & Anita Lackey



11/ 26

Herb & Marciadee Newman

BIRTHDAYS

11/2

Eric Bodley

GiGi Camilari

Rob Crevier

Susan Shrewsbury


11/5 

Bill McCown


11/7 

Charla McHenry


11/8

Dayona Paz Pedroza


11/9

Kathy Crevier


11/17

Dick Rumpf

Barbara Williamson

11/18

Barbara Donovan

Hugh Gower

Jim Moritz

Nancy Nick


11/20

Lorraine Ciano


11/22

Betty Devlin

Carol Yarusevich


11/23

Greg Smith-Landwehr


11/27

Debbie Corey


PRAYERS & VISITS

PASTORAL CARE
If you go to or are going into the hospital, or your spouse, partner, or family member is experiencing a pastoral or health care issue, please call the church office during office hours at 239.591.4550 and after hours please reach out to:  Deacon Ken McCaslin at 610.608.0704.

PASTORAL CARE MESSAGE

Your clergy are here to walk with you. Pastoral care is an important part of the ministry of the clergy, so please don't be shy! At any time reach out to one of us and we would be happy to talk to you, anoint you, pray with you, or walk with you. If something is going on medically or otherwise in your life, let us know. If you are going into the hospital, let us know ahead of time so we can visit, and, more importantly, be praying with and for you.

ACCESSING THE PRAYER LIST:
For the safety and privacy of our members, the Prayer List will no longer be viewable in the on the website nor added back to the eNews due to the public accessibility of both.

 

We understand how important this list is to our Church family, and we want to ensure you can still access it in the following ways:

 

1.   Online Access: Log in to our  Members Directory. Once logged in, click on "Additional Pages" and select "Prayer List".


2.   Printed Copies: Printed versions are available at any of our services or can be picked up from the front office.

 

Thank you for your understanding and support as we prioritize the privacy and safety of our members.

SHARE THE eNEWS WITH OTHERS

If someone approaches you expressing interest in receiving our eNews, you can let them know that they don't need to wait for the office to handle it. The quickest and easiest way for them to sign up is by visiting our website at www.stmonicasnaples.org/ and registering themselves. By taking this simple step, they'll start receiving our updates promptly. If they've previously contacted the office to be added and haven't received the eNews the next week, advise them to reach out to confirm that their email address was correctly noted. We want to ensure everyone stays connected and informed about all the exciting happenings at St. Monica's. Thank you for helping others get connected to our eNews community!