Weekly eNews for

July 2, 2026

NEW THIS WEEK

FROM THE DESK OF THE REV. SYLVIA R. CZARNETZKY


Dear Everyone,


As so often happens, I was living my life, minding my own business, when, in February, I developed symptoms that could indicate cancer. Since then, my life has taken a slight detour! I've seen two cancer doctors. I ended up having surgery, which revealed that I, in fact, had endometrial cancer. It is Stage IA (very early), and it has not spread, so all of that is good news indeed.


According to my doctors, here's what is ahead of me: Three courses of radiation therapy, followed by three doses of chemotherapy. We are in the process of scheduling the radiation treatments, and, once we complete the radiation therapy, then we will schedule the chemotherapy treatments. All of the treatments are designed to further reduce my chances of the cancer recurring to 5%. (It's 15% now.) So, again, all of this is preventive! So, I am counting my blessings in that regard!


My plan is to create a "Caring Bridge" site for myself once the treatments begin. I will post medical updates there (rather than in the e-news!), so that those who want to follow the course of my treatment may. I'll let you know when I set that up. That way you have a choice, and I can talk in my newsletter about something besides cancer!


In the meantime, many thanks for all the prayers, love, and concern you have shown me. I am more thankful than you'll ever know.

WELCOME, THE REV. JEAN HITE


We are pleased to welcome The Rev. Jean Hite back to St. Monica's this weekend as she serves as our celebrant and preacher while The Rev. Sylvia Czarnetzky is away.


Many of you have come to know and appreciate Jean through her previous visits to St. Monica's, and we are grateful for her willingness to lead us in worship once again.


Please join us in extending a warm St. Monica's welcome to Jean this weekend, and keep both Jean and Sylvia in your prayers as they continue their ministries.


We look forward to worshiping together this weekend!

As we celebrate this Fourth of July weekend, I wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a very happy Independence Day!


This year is especially meaningful as our nation celebrates its 250th birthday, marking two and a half centuries of history, freedom, perseverance, and hope. It is a wonderful time to gather with family and friends, enjoy the traditions of the holiday, and reflect on the many blessings we have been given.


As we celebrate, let us also remember the men and women who have served and sacrificed to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. As people of faith, we are reminded that true freedom is found in Christ, who calls us to love God, love our neighbors, and serve one another with grateful hearts. I pray that God will continue to guide our nation with wisdom, grant peace to our communities, and bless each of you and your families.


Whether you're traveling, enjoying a backyard barbecue, watching fireworks, or simply spending time with loved ones, I hope your weekend is filled with joy, laughter, gratitude, and cherished memories.

From my family to yours, I wish you a safe, happy, and blessed Independence Day weekend.


Happy Fourth of July, happy 250th birthday, America, and may God continue to bless the United States of America!


Laura
Parish Administrator

ARE YOU AN ACOLYTE?
WE STILL NEED 2 MORE


We are still looking for acolytes to serve on the following Saturdays:


August 8th & August 15th


If you currently serve as an acolyte and are able to attend one of these Saturday evening services instead of your usual Sunday service, we would be sincerely grateful for your help.


Your willingness to serve is an important ministry and helps make our worship services meaningful for everyone.


If you are available to assist on any of these dates, please let the church office know. Thank you for sharing your time and ministry with our St. Monica's family!


A special thank you to Debbie Corey for graciously volunteering to serve on July 18, July 25, and August 1. We truly appreciate her willingness to help ensure our Saturday services continue to run smoothly.

oNE NEED AT A TIME

MONTHLY OPEN PLATE GIVING

This summer, we are trying something a little different with our Open Plate offerings.


During the months of July, August, and September, the Open Plate collection on the first weekend of each month will be dedicated to a special "Fund a Need" project here at St. Monica's. These are items that would benefit our church community but are not currently included in this year's budget.


We have several worthwhile projects planned, ranging from needed repairs and maintenance to improvements that will help us care for and enhance our church home. Each month, your gifts will go directly toward meeting a specific need.


JULY OPEN PLATE CONTRIBUTION

On the weekend of July 4th & 5th, we will be collecting for some additional lighting for the altar. We have heard from several parishioners that our altar seems a bit darker with the addition of the speakers. Ralph Pike has already received a quote of around $500. With that, we can easily install the lighting ourselves and quickly see a difference!


Our goal is to fully fund this project in July, and with everyone's help, we believe we can make it happen.


We appreciate any donation. Please make a note on your check: "Fund a Need", "Open Plate".


If you have any questions, please reach out to Heather Williamson.

MESSAGE FROM OUR Sr. WARDEN


Toni and I are back from visiting her family in New York State. We are back in PA for a while now. But I am as accessible as if we were in Naples.


The Vestry will meet for its second work session to explore options for a new priest that will make our search more competitive than the first one. I will report on that next week. The Vestry met in its regular session on June 17. A copy of the minutes can be found in this link. The Vestry is also working on the major goals of the strategic plan to flesh out timelines and activities. We will update you on the status in a separate email shortly. The biggest effort has been revamping the welcoming process. That is nearing completion.


Ed Strong, Senior Warden

FINANCE REPORT

May Financial Update


As mentioned before, we are now in the slowest part of the year financially and attendance-wise. As noted below, we are still ahead year to date. Our treasurer's (Scott McCurdy) projections put us staying within budget by the end of the year, if past years' projections continue to hold. The full financial report can be found in this link.


May 2026

Income - $38,156

Expenses - $45,451


Year to Date

Income - $252,740

Exencses - $215,838


Please direct any questions to Scott McCurdy, Treasurer or Ed Strong, Sr. Warden.

THINGS TO COME

Baseball with the Bishop is back

At Tropicana Field on Friday, August 28!

Join Bishop Doug Scharf and Episcopalians from across the Diocese of Southwest Florida as the Tampa Bay Rays take on the San Diego Padres at 7:10 p.m.


Bring your friends, family, youth groups, and fellow parishioners for a fun night of faith, fellowship, and baseball. Our goal is 1,000 Episcopalians in the stands, and if we reach it, Bishop Scharf will throw out the first pitch!


Tickets are $36.60, with $5 from every ticket supporting Episcopal Charities.


Reserve your seats today through the link below or contact Rafael Lazala at 727-825-3445 or rlazala@raysbaseball.com for group seating.


                     > Purchase Tickets Here<

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. 


Prematures are many in Uganda and other parts of Africa and this is do in part to the high rate of “natural twining”. 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 be returning again, 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

Why Join Education for Ministry (EfM)?

To deepen your Christian faith.

To learn how to articulate that faith.

To let that faith inspire you into action!


Through study, prayer, and reflection, trained mentors (Kathy Schillreff and Jean Hite) facilitate small group discussions and guide participants to examine life through an increasingly informed and inspired theological lens. More than Bible study, EfM participants read and discuss the Old Testament (year 1), the New


Testament (year 2), Church history (year 3), and theology and ethics (year 4).

You do not have to commit to all four program years nor complete in four years.

 

Our current participants were asked what the title of a book would be if they were to write one about their EFM experience this year. Here are a few of the responses:

  • From Legends to Love
  • EFM: Everything You Wanted To Know About Christianity
  • Finding The Way
  • Ever Changing - Ever New
  • Swept Away - How the Currents of Community, Joy & Love Rose to Embrace Me


If those “titles” intrigue you, we hope you’ll consider joining us when the new EFM year beings  on Sept. 8th. We meet most Tuesdays from 2:30 - 5 p.m. We look forward to welcoming new people.

We are a hybrid in-person and Zoom group so snowbirds are able to join us.

 

If you have questions, please contact Susan Docimo, Jean Hite  or Kathy Schillreff for more information.

LADIES & GENTS SOCIAL LUNCH OUTING!

MONDAY JULY  13th


COME JOIN THE FUN AT JASON'S DELI!


Looking for a great way to start your week? Join your St. Monica's friends for food, fellowship, and plenty of conversation at our next Monday Social Lunch!


📅

Monday, July 13


📍

Jason's Deli

2700 Immokalee Road

Located near Blue Jelly and Sam's Club


Whether you're a longtime member or new to St. Monica's, this is a wonderful opportunity to relax, enjoy a delicious meal, and spend time getting to know fellow parishioners outside of church.


No agenda. No speeches. Just good food, good friends, and good company!


Bring a friend, bring your appetite, and come enjoy a fun afternoon of fellowship. We always have a great time, and there's always room for one more at the table.


We look forward to seeing you there!


BULLETIN BOARD

ACOLYTE FESTIVAL - August 22

Intergenerational and open to all, the 2026 Acolyte Festival invites acolytes, vergers, leaders, and volunteers with all levels of experience together on August 22, 2026, at the Cathedral. Through rotating workshops, a shared meal, and a closing service, we'll deepen our understanding of shared ministry at the altar and strengthen connections across our congregations.


The festival runs from 10 AM to 2 PM, with registration beginning at 9:30 AM. A light breakfast will be available before 10 AM, and a cookout lunch featuring hot dogs, hamburgers, and all the fixings will be provided.



MULTIPLE REGISTRATIONS: This form allows churches and families to register more than one individual at a time. To do so, simply click "yes" when prompted to register another individual.


VOLUNTEERS: There will be a need for volunteers to help with check-in, shepherding, assisting in workshops, floaters, and more at the event. If interested, please register below and select "volunteer" under "Age Range."



Whether you are a longtime acolyte, server, or verger, or are new to this ministry, all are invited to join in this special day of learning, celebration, and worship.


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.


SUPPORTING FOSTERING SUCCESS EVERY THURSDAY


When you visit Lake Park Diner in Founder Square on Thursdays, $1 will be donated to Fostering Success Naples as part of their giving initiative. This is a great opportunity for St. Monica’s to support one of the local organizations we also help.


Fostering Success is a nonprofit serving children and young adults in the foster care system here in Collier County. Their mission is to provide strategic education and enrichment opportunities that help foster youth reach their full potential. Programs include academic mentoring, scholarships, basic needs support like beds and diapers, and life skills training for young adults transitioning out of care.


Every dollar given through the Founder Square helps extend that mission. It’s another simple way to make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable children and families in our community.


     AT TWO DIFFERENT LOCATIONS

LOCATION 1

Founders Square

8856 Founders St  Naples

239.539.1559



LOCATION 2

Downtown Naples

944 7th Ave North  Naples

239.228.6351


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


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.

JULY ANNIVERSARIES

7/1

Fred & Lynn Swendeman


7/4

Dick & Linda Rumpf


7/7

Pat & Brenda Walsh


7/13

Jim & JoAnn Sarconi


7/29

Gary & Mary Gentzle

Hugh & Marge Gower

Bill & Pauline McCown


7/30

Paul & Nancy Nick

JULY BIRTHDAYS

7/2

Linda Duffy

Richard Pfeil


7/3

Bob Des Jardin


7/5

Rita Allan


7/6

Kathi Rabideau


7/9

Donna Cote

Joan Lazarus


7/10

Steve Corey

Barbara Shea


7/14

Jenny Wise

7/14

Jenny Wise


7/22

Nancy Beaupre


7/24

Pauline McCown

Scott McCurdy

Bob White


7/27

Theresa Kempf

Sharon Lapierre


7/29

Suzanne Bodley


7/31

Jack Hufty


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:  Rev. Sylvia R. Czarnetzky at 662.645.8887 or 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.