Weekly eNews for

Nov 5th, 2026

NEW THIS WEEK

FROM OUR SR. WARDEN


Last week I asked you to keep Laura Stamper in your prayers. Laura is back at work and feeling much better. But now I have to ask for prayers for Allen Stock who reports he contracted the same bug that his wife had and he may be out for 3-4 days. Choir practice for this week is cancelled. It seems like we have several parishioners with either the flu or covid. If you know of anyone we should be reaching out to, please notify the church office and we will forward the request to Shirley Woolaway, who has graciously agreed to channel such requests to our cadre of support people. This is an interim measure while Deacon Ken is away. Last Sunday our welcome team hosted a brunch for newcomers. There are some pictures on the church Facebook page you might want to check out. It was a nice affair and we had good feedback from the group on a range of topics. Our gratitude goes out to the entire welcoming committee for all their hard work in revamping the system and hosting this event - the members are: Melanie Rose, Rita Allen, Colleen Rossomando, Gail Fraser, and Heather Williamson.

**A Loving Reminder to Our Church Family**


As we care for one another, we kindly ask that if you are feeling unwell, please take the time to rest and recover at home. You can still worship with us through our YouTube livestream until you are feeling better.


One of the simplest ways we can show love for our church family is by helping keep one another healthy. We will miss your presence, but your health and well-being matter to us.


We look forward to welcoming you back with open arms when you are feeling healthy and well again!


You will be able to view this weekends service < HERE >

WE NEED YOU! JOIN THE ALTAR GUILD


St. Monica’s Altar Guild is looking for new volunteers to help prepare our church for worship at both services.


No experience is necessary! We will provide all the training you need. All we ask is a willing heart and a desire to serve.


Being part of the Altar Guild is a meaningful way to serve our church and help make each worship service special.


Interested in joining or learning more? Please contact Heather Williamson for more information.


We would love to have you join our team!

NOVEMBER PLATE OFFERING - THIS WEEKEND

HARVEST TIME MINISTRIES OF BONITA SPRINGS

Can We Beat October's $564? 


Let's Do It! 


Thanks to your generosity, St. Monica's collected $564 in October for Harvest Time Ministries! But we're not finished yet! This weekend, November 7 & 8, we'll collect another special plate offering, with every dollar added to October's total to help local farmworker families in need. Let's see if we can raise even more in November! Together, we can make an even greater difference! Checks should be made payable to St. Monica's Episcopal Church, with Harvest Time Ministries in the memo line. For questions, please contact Heather Williamson or Fred Cable.

2027 PLEDGE UPDATE


We recently opened our 2027 Stewardship Drive. To date, we have 12 pledges totalling $58,360. Our target for 2027 is $426,000, an increase of about 25%, mostly driven by factoring in the cost of a new rector. Please prayerfully consider how you can help and return your pledge as soon as you are able, either online or by return the pledge card. You can find the online option by visiting the church website at www.stmonicasnaples.org and using the Give button at the top of the front page.

STEWARDSHIP BRUNCH

NOVEMBER 15th

We distributed flyers announcing the November 15 brunch at both services last weekend. So far we have 14 responses covering 27 guests. Our deadline for reservations is November 10 in order to complete the order with the caterer. Last year we had a wonderful turnout with 60 people attending the event. 


We have mentioned during the announcements at church that there will be a raw bar, we can add to that teaser - there will be braised short ribs, and turkey thighs plus plenty of other offerings. We are repeating last year's offering of mimosas plus the usual brunch assortment of drinks - coffee, tea, etc. There will also  be some fun activities. 


You can sign up online by visiting <THIS LINK>. There are some old fashioned forms at the back of the church that you can use as well. Please come and join us as we kick-off our stewardship campaign for 2027 with gusto.

LADIES & GENTS LUNCHEON - THIS MONDAY


Join us for our next Fellowship Lunch on Monday, November 9, at 12:30 PM at Old 41, located at 25091 Bernwood Drive in Bonita Springs. 


This will be our final Luncheon of 2026



We will be taking a break during the busy December holiday season. Our monthly lunches will resume in January 2027. We hope you can join us for one last afternoon of good food and wonderful fellowship before the new year!

MEN'S BOOK GROUP


The Men's book group will conclude its discussion of The Last Lecture at its next meeting, November 9 at 9:30AM in the church conference room. The following week for November 16 the group will watch the video of the actual lecture. On November 23 the group will begin discussions of its new book, The Miracles Among Us by Dr. Marc Siegel. We remain open to all the men of St. Monica's. Please come and join us at any point. Address questions to Ed Strong.

SATURDAY POTLUCK IS CANCELLED


The potluck scheduled for Saturday, November 7, following the 5PM worship service, has been cancelled due to our upcoming Stewardship Brunch. Our Saturday potluck gatherings will resume in December. We look forward to seeing everyone then!

OFFERING ENVELOPES FOR 2027


If you have already submitted your 2027 pledge and requested envelopes, your box is ready for pickup on the table near the church entrance. If you still need envelopes, simply select “Yes” on your pledge card or online submission, and your box will be available at the following weekends worship service.

MISIÓN PENIEL CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF MINISTRY


This October marked the 20th anniversary of Misión Peniel, a ministry dedicated to serving farmworker families in Immokalee. What began as a humble street ministry has grown into a vital source of food, assistance, and pastoral care for our neighbors in need.


Thanks to the generosity of volunteers and supporters, Misión Peniel's food pantry now serves more than 1,800 families each month.


Volunteers help maintain the community garden, sort donations, prepare food bags, and welcome families each week.


Misión Peniel is also preparing for its annual Christmas Joy Drive, bringing holiday cheer to children in the community. Donations continue to help families facing difficult circumstances by providing assistance with food, housing, utilities, medical needs, and other essential expenses.


As Misión Peniel enters its next 20 years of service, we celebrate the difference this ministry makes and thank everyone from St. Monica's who has supported its mission through volunteering, donations, and prayer.


**To learn more, support the Christmas Joy Drive, or make a donation, visit <THIS LINK>.**

“Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.”   Psalm 34:3

THINGS TO COME

Do you knit or crochet? Now to Nov 2026

CAN you help me, help sick and premature babies in Uganda?



Let me introduce myself, my name is Ellen Milan. I am a member of St Monica’s and a retired neonatal intensive care nurse and a volunteer with Health Volunteers Overseas, a private non-profit dedicated to improving the availability and quality of health care in developing countries through training and education of local health care providers. I have been teaching, and working with, Ugandan neonatal healthcare providers, and families of sick and premature babies, since 2001.


DID YOU KNOW… newborns (especially prematures) can lose a significant amount of heat from their heads (the largest surface area of their bodies), which puts them at risk for hypothermia (low body temperature). Hypothermia in the newborn period is considered an important contributor to newborn morbidity (illness) and mortality (death) especially in low-resource countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes newborn thermal care as a critical component of essential newborn care. 


Premature births are common in Uganda and other parts of Africa and this is due in part to the high rate of “natural twinning”. Twins and higher order multiples (triplets or more) have an increase risk of being born prematurely.


Covering a baby’s head can make a substantial impact in avoiding hypothermia even in the smallest of babies. Knit and crochet hats can be life saving.


God willing, I will return to Uganda in November 2026.


If you have any questions or would like more information, you can find me in the directory located HERE.


With gratitude, Ellen Milan

LET'S MAKE A CHILD SMILE THIS CHRISTMAS

Gift of Giving with Fostering Success


St. Monica’s parishioners are invited to join Fostering Success for its annual Gift of Giving event on Saturday, December 5, 2026, at Super Target, 2415 Tarpon Bay Blvd. in Naples.


Volunteers will be paired with a foster child and spend a couple of hours helping them shop for Christmas gifts for their siblings and foster parents. Each child will receive a gift card, which has already been generously provided by another donor, so all that is needed from volunteers is their time and a willingness to help make the day special.


Melanie and Janet have participated for the past three years and say it is a wonderful experience. There is something especially meaningful about watching the children carefully choose gifts for the people they love.


If you would like to participate this year, please contact Melanie Rose for more information or to let her know you are interested.

BULLETIN BOARD

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.

STAY SAFE ONLINE - YOU ARE A TARGET!


Have you ever received an email that looked like it came from us, your bank, or even a friend, only to wonder if it was really legitimate?


Scammers are becoming more convincing every day, and churches are one of their favorite targets. That's why we've created a new Online Safety & Security page filled with simple tips to help you recognize scams, protect your personal information, and know what warning signs to watch for. The page explains how scammers impersonate trusted people, why they target churches, and the easy steps you can take to stay safe online.


Take just a few minutes to explore this valuable resource & share with others. It could help you avoid becoming the next target.


 👉 Visit our Online Safety & Security page < HERE >

COME PRAY WITH US

Your faith and scripture will come alive as we pray together. We invite you to spend a special hour with us each week.


All are welcome to gather in the church sanctuary every Tuesday at 10 am. We will praise God with song, read and pray with Scripture, share faith experiences, share intercessory prayer for our needs and the needs of others and also healing prayer.


For more information  contact Theresa Miller

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. 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 email the church office 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


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.

If you'd like to download & print this prayer you can do so by clicking < THIS > link for the image or < THIS > link for just the text.

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.

OCTOBER 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

John Kuechmann

Dick Rumpf

Barbara Williamson

11/18

Jim Moritz

Nancy Nick


11/20

Lorraine Ciano


11/22

Betty Devlin


11/22

Carol Yarusevich


11/23

Kate Russell


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 contact the church office during office hours 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 published on the website or included in the eNews, as both are publicly accessible.


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 would like to receive our eNews, they do not need to wait for the church office. The fastest way to sign up is to visit our website: www.stmonicasnaples.org, click the orange “THIS WEEK” button, and select “Sign up for the Weekly eNews.” Once they complete the form, they will begin receiving the eNews every Thursday at 5PM.


If someone has already contacted the office or signed up but has not received the eNews by the following week, please ask them to follow up so we can confirm their email address was entered correctly.


Thank you for helping others stay connected and informed about what is happening at St. Monica’s.