Weekly eNews for

Jan 15, 2026

NEW THIS WEEK


MESSAGE FROM THE INTERIM RECTOR


I have always loved the season of Epiphany! The season begins with the story of the wise men, which we read on the Feast of the Epiphany itself. The light of a mysterious star leads the wise men to the place where Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are in Bethlehem. That led the wise men to Jesus. The theme of light weaves itself throughout the season -- the light of revelation of Christ to the Gentiles, which we celebrate during the Epiphany season. The season of Epiphany ends with the dramatic story of the Transfiguration of Jesus, where Jesus appears to Peter, James, and John on the top of a high mountain. He is transfigured before them, so that his face shines like the sun, and his clothes “become dazzling white.”


I think the image of light gives Epiphany its distinctive flavor, if you will.


Some consider Epiphany simply another stretch of Ordinary Time, like the Season of Pentecost. And I certainly see why. We use the green hangings for both seasons. But I believe that Epiphany is more than just another stretch of Ordinary Time, because it forms a “bridge,” if you will, between Advent and Christmas on the one hand, and the beginning of Lent. So come celebrate with us during the season of Epiphany! (And come to the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on Fat Tuesday, February 17th! More on that elsewhere in the parish news!)




GIVING THANKS

Since July, members of the Congregation have worked diligently to perform the steps as prescribed by the Diocese to publicly post an opening for a permanent Rector at St Monica’s. These steps included: a self study using the results of the Holy Cow Survey, preparation of a 25 page document called the Parish Profile which describes St Monica’s history, current status and needs going forward, a document called the OTM which answers 12 very deep questions about us as a Congregation, and a financial analysis to determine what we can offer the permanent rector in terms of compensation. All of this paperwork, with the exception of the compensation piece is in the hands of Canon Norman who will review and provide feedback. (The Compensation Committee is waiting for a few more 2026 pledges to be turned in so we can get a better handle on our 2026 budget). Once complete, we will post and seek volunteers to participate on the Search committee. This Search process will be discussed in more detail later.


Of utmost importance right now, is to extend our sincere gratitude to those who worked diligently over the last 6 months to put together this significant piece of work. We would also like to extend a huge thank you to Laura Stamper for all her hard work in providing support and research to the committees.


Profile Committee:

Dick Rumph (Lead), Margaret Holt, JoAnn Sarconi, Doug Ball, Ralph Pike and Jack Hufty


Communications Committee:

Heather Williamson (Lead), Marilynn Dessauer, Barbara Shea, and Ann Hoffman


Compensation Committee:

Ed Strong, Joe Master, and Scott McCurdy.


With deep respect and thanks,

Melanie Rose

Transition Team Project Lead




STEWARDSHIP

We now stand at $310,200 from 59 pledges. We still have time if anyone reading this can help us by making a pledge for 2026. You can do that by following the giving tab on the church website or using the pledge cards found at the back of the church. Again a huge thank you to all those who have supported this effort so far. Please address any questions to Ed Strong.




MENS BOOK GROUP

The Men's Book Group had its first meeting of the New Year on January 12. The group covered the Introduction to The Gnostic Gospels by Elaine Pacels. Without getting into the book itself, there were far reaching discussions prompted by the Introduction alone that kept the group thoroughly engaged. We will cover Chapter 1, at the next meeting, January 19 at 9:30AM in the church conference room. We are open to all men of St. Monica's. For more information, please contact Ed Strong.




2025 PLEDGE STATEMENTS

Pledge statements for 2025 will be sent by email between the end of January & beginning of February.


Please take a moment to check the email address listed for you in the church directory and make sure it is current. This will ensure you receive your statement without delay.


If you have any questions, please contact the church office.



CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED ON MONDAY JAN 19TH

In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the church office will be closed on Monday as we honor a life devoted to justice, compassion, and love of neighbor. We will reopen with regular hours on Tuesday. Thank you for your understanding, and we invite you to take time to reflect on the values that continue to guide our faith and community.

THINGS TO COME


LADIES & GENTS LUNCHEON – January 12th, 2026

We will be lunching at Goldies on February 9th. It is located at 5400 Taylor Rd. which is off of Pine Ridge Rd. It is near Naples Blvd. where Home Depot is. Thank you Linda 


For more information contact Linda Duffy (link is connected to the church directory, be sure to be logged in).


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.

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 (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.

JAN. ANNIVERSARIES

 1/1

James & Muriel Burkett   


1/30

David & Kathy Bronson 

JAN. BIRTHDAYS


1/12

Seb Cavallaro


1/14

Zannah Chalick


1/17

Bruce Allan


1/24

Morgan Plocharczyk


1/28

Bob Rossomando


1/31

Ruthann Turley


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 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.

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